Arthur N.
Yelp
Returning from a visit with relatives in Maine, my companion and I overnighted in Mystic, Connecticut. The next morning, after checking out of our hotel, we spent a few pleasant hours strolling about the Mystic Seaport Museum before paying a call at Noah's Restaurant in nearby Stonington. Highly recommended by a friend, we thought this would be the perfect spot to enjoy a casual light lunch before heading back to Pennsylvania.
Making its debut in 1979, Noah's has become something of a Stonington institution. Located on the corner of Church and Water Streets, the restaurant is domiciled in two adjoining storefronts, one given over to a convivial horseshoe-shaped bar, the other to a pleasant dining area. Homey & Comfortable are the words that best describe the scene; and I sense this the moment we cross the threshold and behold the profusion of meetings and greetings. It's quite apparent that the lunchtime crowd here is comprised almost entirely of locals - on this particular occasion, it appeared that we were the only out of towners in the house - which is usually a good sign.
Certain segments of the menu change on a daily basis. The day of our visit, for example, there were possibilities ranging from Turkey & Brie Sub to Grilled New York Strip Steak, Seafood Spaghetti, and Pan-Roasted Monkfish. Then, of course, there's also an assortment of Appetizers, Salads, House Made Noodles, Hamburgers & Sandwiches, and an interesting number of make-your-own Boro Bowls.
Of particular interest to us, however, was the section of the menu celebrating Oktoberfest. Included were such substantial entrées as Sauerbraten with spaetzle & braised red cabbage and House-Made Pork Schnitzel with vegetable & mashed potatoes... both of which we deemed a tad on the heavy side for a "casual light" lunch. We settled on the choice of Wurst(s). And, interestingly enough, we both decided on the Bratwurst, which was poached in beer and served with German potato salad, juniper apple kraut, and ramekin of zippy mustard. The dish came in two portion sizes... We both ordered the diminutive version.
The shared dessert - Blueberry Pie garnished with vanilla ice cream - was something of a mixed bag. I enjoyed the flavor and consistency of the pie, my companion did not. The real problem, however, was the crust, which was so hard and unyielding that it was almost impossible to cut, even with a knife.
Bottom Line: My companion and I really did enjoy Noah's laid-back, casual ambiance... but we were also in agreement that the food (at least what we sampled) could have been a good deal better.
