Red Hen - Old Saybrook

While traveling with my boyfriend, we wanted a nice date night spot, in an area where options seem limited. We first sat at on the restaurant side, which was initially busy at 7:30, but was empty by 8:00. The drinks, provided by the side of the restaurant that was just a bar, were excellent. The service was friendly and attentive, and our food came SO quickly. I ordered the caccio e Pepe without prosciutto. I loved the addition of bits of garlic, egg, and spinach, but there was too much pepper for me. We hung out at the bar for a few hours after dinner, and our bartender was an absolute delight. She gave us recommendations for the area and was very generous with letting us sample drinks. I would definitely come back, for decent food and amazing drinks and service.

Overall 5/5): Step into this Main Street must try spot for a splash of seafood fare tasty enough to set your tastebuds ablaze with delight, a dash of alcohol properly paired to your dish, and a nibble of dessert to wrap up your shoreline excursion. Food 5/5): Fresh and quality ingredients, cooked to the right consistencies and came out hot. We ordered the Shell Bowl $12) which is clams and/or mussels set in a beautiful Chardonnay, garlic red sauce. Tangy and shellfishy in all the right ways, be sure to save some bread to sop up some sauce! A bit salty so this one is good to share or eat slowly with a drink. Second course Portuguese Fisherman's Stew $29) comes with chorizo, potato halves, clams, mussels, cod, and shrimp in a garlic, spicy red sauce. On first glance this may seem like another bowl of the shell bowl, but it is an entirely different flavor. Really fills you up and brings some heat to the party! Also save some bread for this one. My mom got the Crispy Salmon $22 23) that is dressed with arugula atop a bed of risotto. Flaky, fatty, and crunchy this fillet is premium. A little under salted, but a pinch of salt and squeeze of lemon pushes it over. Third course Carrot Cake w/ Cream Cheese Frosting $14) is thick and has bits of nuts and carrot. House whipped cream accents the creaminess of the frosting and richness of the cake itself. Wonderful! Atmosphere 5/5): Open but intimate. A bar area is available as well. Decor is nice and the service was quick and very friendly! Uniqueness 5/5): Loved the new American cuisine and would definitely recommend all the seafood dishes. Value 4/5): On the pricier side, but expect the quality you pay for. One point docked for the slight under/overseasoning for the price paid.

The food is is fantastic. I've been 3 times . Every time is been excellent . I am out dining 2x a week for work . Been almost everywhere . RED HEN IN OLD SAYBROOK is one of the best restaurants I've been to.

This place is an easy 5 star for the food but a 4. because if Covid times and dull atmosphere . Taking that into effect, the food was amazing! Fried artichoke appetizer was flavorful with a garlic aioli dipping sauce. Caesar salad was freshly made with a hint of sardines and homemade croutons. My GF got the crusted salmon which cooked to perfection with a tarragon, mustard cream sauce and I had the angus burger with fries which were hand cut. The place was pretty basic with decor but the food was on point and we will surely be back... definitely one of the better small restaurants in town!!!

This restaurant was amazing. We arrived at 5:15 and stayed until 8:40pm with incredible tapas choices and interesting conversations with the bartender Mary and patrons to follow. The tapas were so enjoyable with the unique selections even for vegetarians. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone. A must visit to the shoreline visitor and regular. Tell Mary we said hi :