Red Hen - Old Saybrook

While traveling with my boyfriend, we were looking for a nice spot for a date night in an area where options seemed limited. We initially sat in the restaurant... read more While traveling with my boyfriend, we were looking for a nice spot for a date night in an area where options seemed limited. We initially sat in the restaurant area, which was quite busy at 7:30, but became empty by 8:00. The drinks from the bar side of the restaurant were excellent. The service was friendly and attentive, and our food arrived incredibly quickly. I ordered the cacio e pepe without prosciutto and really enjoyed the addition of garlic, egg, and spinach, though it did have a bit too much pepper for my taste. After dinner, we spent a few hours at the bar, and our bartender was an absolute joy. She provided great recommendations for the area and generously let us sample various drinks. I would definitely return for the good food, amazing drinks, and excellent service.

Food Rating: 5/5. The ingredients are fresh and high-quality, perfectly cooked and served hot. We started with the Shell Bowl ($12), which features clams and/or... read more Food Rating: 5/5. The ingredients are fresh and high-quality, perfectly cooked and served hot. We started with the Shell Bowl ($12), which features clams and/or mussels in a stunning Chardonnay and garlic red sauce. It's tangy and richly flavored, so make sure to have some bread on hand to soak up that delicious sauce! It's a bit salty, making it ideal for sharing or enjoying slowly with a drink. For our second course, we had the Portuguese Fisherman's Stew ($29), packed with chorizo, potatoes, clams, mussels, cod, and shrimp in a spicy garlic red sauce. At first glance, it might seem similar to the Shell Bowl, but it's a completely different flavor experience that really fills you up and adds a kick! Don’t forget to save bread for this dish as well. My mom ordered the Crispy Salmon ($22), served on a bed of risotto with arugula. The fillet is flaky, rich, and crunchy—top-notch quality. It was a little under-seasoned, but just a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lemon made it perfect. For dessert, we tried the Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting ($14), which was thick and studded with nuts and carrots. The house-made whipped cream complemented the creamy frosting and the cake's richness beautifully. Simply wonderful! Atmosphere Rating: 5/5. The space is open yet intimate, and there's a bar area too. The decor is lovely, and the service is quick and exceptionally friendly! Uniqueness Rating: 5/5. I loved the new American cuisine and highly recommend all the seafood dishes. Value Rating: 4/5. It leans towards the pricier side, but you definitely get what you pay for. I deducted one point for the minor seasoning issues given the overall price.

The food at this restaurant is fantastic! I've been there three times, and each visit has been excellent. I dine out twice a week for work and have been to near... read more The food at this restaurant is fantastic! I've been there three times, and each visit has been excellent. I dine out twice a week for work and have been to nearly every place, but the Red Hen in Old Saybrook stands out as one of the best restaurants I've experienced.

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 a... read more 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... read more 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 :