Mattabesett Canoe Club

This restaurant on Connecticut River has been open for over a hundred years. Because of the mandated coranavirus closings, we are happy for all states allowing restaurants to reopen with outdoor seating. Friends of ours invited us to have dinner with them this Memorial Day weekend and we were glad to oblige. This is where we decided to eat after a fun drive in our friends convertible. Staff asked us to wear face masks only while walking around, not tabled, and if anyone didn't have one, they offered them for sale for two dollars each which would be added to the final tab. Our two friends agreed. Seating was spaced, and we were brought to the upper deck. Nice view. We ordered our drinks. For those of you who have read my reviews, I was happy to hear they had Myer's rum available and asked for one with club soda and lime. Our server came back to tell me they just ran out and so I picked the common Bacardi white, over the other CT bar favorite, Captain Morgan's spiced rum, as it's probably my last choice. Everyone else was fine. The drinks had a good pour. Drinks and food are only served at this time in disposable cups, plates and utensils, so everything is plastic. Our calamari appetizer to share was so small, we had to laugh and each picked three or four pieces out of the bowl. It tasted fine, but we eat this all the time and there is often so much we can bring some home, however high the quality. I waved at the server to order our meals as none of us had eaten yet and it was around four. Three ordered the fish and chips and I ordered the chicken quesadilla. Our friend who wanted to leave after the calamari dish serving, was glad to hear the server tell us the fish and chips cooked real fast. Still, it took awhile to get our food, but everyone was pleased with their dinners. The fish was haddock and my friends thought it was fresh. I had a taste and it was pleasing to me. I couldn't finish my quesadilla, so I brought a slice home which heated up nicely. I have to give the manager or owner credit for their bringing us an extra calamari with our dinners. We don't know if they overheard our commenting on how small the first dish was or not, but either way it was appreciated and the right call. Our friends were not charged for their face masks. I don't know if this was complimentary or an overlook. All in all, we understand our restaurants were brought to a sudden halt out of nowhere, have been working hard to stay open if possible, and are now renewing themselves with the high gear job of serving many patrons on premises again. I'm sure this restaurant and all others, large or small will return to their best status.

I recently threw my mother a surprise birthday party and the Canoe Club and they couldn't have done a better job. Aside from the professionalism of the staff and owner, the food was outstanding, and nothing beats the panoramic views. I highly recommend this spot for your next party or even for dinner upstairs on a clear evening. Thank you so much for everything, Patty. You guys nailed it! Photos by Beth Zink Photography.

My party was treated terribly. We made a reservation 2 weeks before, called one week before to confirm and they had no record of it. When our party arrived we were told we'd have to leave 2 hours after arriving. Multiple menu items were not available, multiple beverages were incorrectly made. Beer and white wine were warm, a cranberry soda was flat. The lime served with my tacos looked like it was cut yesterday, with browning and shriveling near the cut edges. (Photo included). We were given the lunch menu when we arrived at 5 pm. The table seated next to us at 6 received a different, larger menu. We also were told there were no specials, though the table next to us were told there were. Far, far overpriced given the poor quality of the food and the poor management.