Downtown Mystic Nightlife

pictured above: Chapter One

While Mystic is well-known for its restaurant scene, it also has a surprising amount of nightlife, with an array of bars sprinkled between shops and eateries in historical downtown. Whether you’re looking for a low-key night with friends, live music, local taps, or the opportunity to tear up a dance floor, you will not be disappointed. Whatever your taste, there’s a spot for you in Downtown Mystic. After dinner, settle in at one of these bars, or plan to hop between a few; these local hangouts are all within walking distance.

Oyster Club

photo by IG @oysterclubct

Operated out of a historic clapboard building, Oyster Club was named to the 150 Best Bars in America in 2019. While they’re well known for their oysters (obviously) and other farm-and-sea-to-table fares, Oyster club also flaunts a nice selection of draft beers, 200 wines by the bottle, and unique cocktails that change with the season. Seasonally, climb the steps to the left of the restaurant up to the Treehouse, where you can enjoy some casual outdoor dining with peekaboo views of the Mystic River. Try some New England summer bites and drink specials.

Friday & Saturday: Open until 10pm
Must try: Fishers Island Lemonade & the Painkiller
Location: 13 Water Street

Friar Tuck’s

A go-to pub in the Mystic area for its classic English & Irish menu, outdoor patio space, and live music, Friar Tuck’s is located in the heart of Downtown, in the Factory Square building. Winner of CT Magazine’s readers’ choice award for Best New Restaurant in CT and Best Late Night Restaurant for 2018, stop in for the beer list & comfortable, friendly atmosphere.

Friday & Saturday: Open until 2am
Sunday – Thursday: Open until 1am
Must try: Fish n chips
Location: 15 Water Street

Engine Room

photo by IG @sugengli

Located east of the drawbridge, the Engine Room has a lofty drink list, with 16 craft beers on tap, the area’s largest bourbon selection, a full wine list, and unique, inventive cocktails. Set in a restored marine engine building, Engine Room finds a balance between trendy and comfortable. Start here for a burger, and stay for drinks. There’s sure to be a crowd.

Friday & Saturday: Open until 11pm
Must try: Boozy shakes
Location: 14 Holmes Street

Captain Daniel Packer Inne

photo by IG @nadadoueiry

Built in 1756, you won’t find a cozier spot with so much Old New England charm as the Daniel Packer Inne. Referred to as DPI by locals, this spot boasts a yummy pub menu, fireplace and live music every night of the week.

Friday & Saturday: Open until 2am
Must try: Espresso Martini & Spiked Mulled Cider
Location: 32 Water Street

Harp & Hound

photo by IG @andreyka

Off of Main Street near the drawbridge, the Harp serves as Mystic’s traditional Irish pub. While the early evening will be pretty quiet, the bar fills up nicely on live music nights with local bands. A cozy fireplace and friendly people, locals love this spot for the authentic pub ambiance and trivia.

Fridays and Saturdays: 1am
Must try: Guinness on tap & Shepherd’s pie
Location: 4 Pearl Street

Chapter One

photo by IG @chapteronemystic

With an expansive bar, and dining room that converts into a dance floor on nights there’s a DJ, Chapter One is a great late night spot all week long. Set in a prime location on Main Street just west of the drawbridge, this is the most lively late night scene downtown. Check out Monday night aka “Industry Night” at Chapter One.

Fridays and Saturdays: Open until 2am
Sundays thru Thursdays: Open until 1am
Must try: Complimentary bacon
Location: 32 W Main Street

About the Author
Mackensie duPont Crowley is a writer & content creator who grew up in Stonington. A graduate of Fairfield University, she now works in digital marketing. An advocate for healthy coastlines, she also volunteers on the board of the CT Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. You can find Mackensie’s writing here.