Get Your Summer Vibes On With These Meals

When the temperatures rise, this mama craves refreshing cocktails and lighter meals served in an outdoor oasis. Though many spots will offer these things, only a handful do it well - rubbery chicken with water views just doesn’t cut it. Luckily, I’ve rounded up a list of restaurants where you can celebrate summer AND eat and drink tasty things!

In Connecticut

The Whelk, Westport, CT

The beachy, relaxed-but-hip vibes at The Whelk put guests in an automatic good mood. The room is airy and bright, done mostly in whites and tans, with a long bar spanning virtually the entire right side of the room. That entire bar side of the restaurant is also directly on the Saugatuck River; and the outdoor tables here have direct water views. It’s a fun, happening place and there’s even a “See and Be Seen” element going on at The Whelk.

When you come to the Whelk, come willing to try new things. The menu is made up of mostly shared plates and the focus is on fresh seafood and fresh veggies. There’s plenty on the menu for a picky eater, but Chef Bill Taibe and Chef Anthony Kostelis know how to push culinary envelopes; and they manage to always do so VERY successfully.

Advance reservations recommended, as this spot is super popular in the warmer weather.

Match Burger Lobster, Westport, CT

Match Burger Lobster is the casual follow up to Chef Matt Storch’s always packed but more “grown up” Match Restaurant in South Norwalk.

Here, Chef Storch offers his delicious Match Burger (served with bacon, cheddar dip and caramelized onions) alongside everyone’s summer favorite - lobster rolls! YUP, at Match Burger, you can have your cake and eat it too by ordering the Mini Combo (a Mini Match Burger with your choice of a Mini Lobster Roll or Fried Oyster Roll).

Like its menu, the ambiance at Match Burger Lobster is very summery, too. There’s more outdoor seating than indoor, and the restaurant’s nautically inspired outdoor patio is just across the street from those same water views of the Whelk that I mentioned above.

Match Burger Lobster is extremely kid friendly and reservations are not usually needed.

Knot Norm’s, Norwalk, CT

Located on an adorable, beachy stretch in East Norwalk right on the Long Island Sound, Knot Norm’s was made for summer. The space is small but bright, airy and nautical. The focus here is on fresh seafood, craft beer and craft cocktails.

Norm’s offers “Rolls” served on a toasted hot dog bun - Lobster Rolls, Norwalk's own Copps Island Oyster Rolls, Lump Crab rolls, as well as “Knot Rolls” - Salads, Steamers, Fish Tacos, Soups, Roasted Oysters, Rice Bowls. No matter what you pick, it will be very tasty and very summery.

After your meal, head one block over to Mr. Frosty’s ice cream stand for dessert.

Valencias, Norwalk, CT

Walking into Valencia Luncheria feels like you’re arriving on a tropical vacation. The space is bright and cheery and at practically every table, someone is drinking a fruity, refreshing juice or alcoholic beverage.

The Venezuelan Arepas and Empanadas served at Valencia are perfect warm weather foods. Valencia offers many varieties of both (as well as more Americanized foods like salads and chicken salad melts and even a Mexican burrito). I often get the Carlo Arepa (a fennel arepa with chicken, avocado and queso). No matter what you order, DOUSE IT in Valencia’s insanely delicious green sauce and thank me later.

In the warmer months, Valencia’s outdoor seating is a quite literal sandy beach set up in front of the restaurant!!

Southend The Backend, New Canaan, CT

Chef Nick Martschenko is the chef-owner at three restaurants in New Canaan and South End The Back End is his newest kid on the block. It’s a Mexican inspired restaurant that sits behind another of Chef Nick’s restaurants, South End Uncorked (one of my absolute favorite spots in CT).

On my visits so far to The Backend, I’ve sampled tacos, ceviches, and even an Ahi Tuna Cactus Salad. It’s all been perfectly refreshing. Next time, I gotta hit their killer looking drink list.

AND speaking of that drink list, the bar at The Backend reaches indoor AND outdoor customers thanks to it being flush up against a wall of retractable windows! Now THAT is Summer #MOOD.

In Westchester

Southern Table, Pleasantville, NY

Pleasantville’s Southern Table is one of our favorite spots in Westchester. I mean, how often can you find really good Southern inspired dishes in the Northeast?

The menu at Southern Table is perfect for the heat - it’s a Southern food spot, after all. Their signature fried chicken is otherworldly - get it as is or “Nashville Hot Chicken” style. And either way, bring your appetite. It’s a very large dish.

For seafood fans, I’ve also enjoy Southern Table’s Shrimp and Grits and its Crab Cake Sandwich. Another must order is the restaurant’s perfectly crisp Fried Green Tomatoes. I’m a sucker for their Iceberg Wedge, too.

And save room for dessert - they’re as gloriously tasty and heavy as the mains!

Pubstreet, Pleasantville, NY

Pubstreet calls itself an innovative seafood restaurant offering a balance of health and flavor. I call it “a really yummy spot.” This is Chef Mogan Anthony’s seafood focused venue and probably the most upscale of his restaurants. That said, Pubstreet is still friendly and welcoming. We’ve dined here both with and without our girls.

Start your meal with a trip through Pubstreet’s raw bar, paired with a refreshing cocktail. Then move onto their Fish Tacos or Maine Lobster Roll and Shoestring Fries. This is my kind of celebration of summer.

Taco Shack, Port Chester, NY

Taco Shack in Port Chester uses top of the line, locally sourced ingredients. The result is fresher, lighter, tastier Tacos, Enchiladas, Nachos and other Mexican treats.

I’m also super partial to Chef Luis Aguilera’s hand crafted cocktails. The drink program at Taco Shack is A++, as their cocktails and Aguas Frescas also use locally sourced, fresh ingredients.