Ocean Pizza!

After we finished our train ride in Essex, we drove over to our hotel, a Marriott Springhill Suites in Waterford Connecticut.  Then it was time for dinner… My first 2 choice were both located in the adjacent city of New London…

This was our view of New London Connecticut as we neared the center of town.  The city is a seaport and port of entry.  Given its name, it’s location at the mouth of the Thames River fits perfectly.  In the early 1800s it was one of the world’s 3 busiest whaling ports.  While New London’s population is only about 27,000, the Norwich-New London metropolitan area has a population of around 275,000.

Notes:

·         Famous Patriot Nathan Hale was from New London.

·         Playwright extraordinaire Eugene O’Neill was born here.

·         War hero, patriot and former Senator, John McCain was also born here…

Based on my inadequate research, my first choice for our evening meal was Captain Scott’s Lobster Dock down by the marina and across from the Amtrak route up and down the northeast coast.  The problems were that the place was packed with a long line waiting to place their orders, the weather was quite iffy and dining was outdoors at picnic tables…not the environment that we really wanted for dinner.  

Notes:

·         New London is the home of the United States Coast Guard Academy.

·         The Coast Guard Station New London and New London Harbor is the home port for the Coast Guard Cutter Chinook as well as the Coast Guard’s tall ship, Eagle.  Learn more about the USCG Eagle at  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USCGC_Eagle_(WIX-327) 

 Since my first choice didn’t work out too well and since Laurie wanted…really wanted…lobster, she wasn’t too encouraged when I told her that our second choice for dinner was Ocean Pizza.  She was somewhat mollified and hopeful when I pointed out that the lower sign started out with “Lobster Rolls, Best Fish in N.E.” and “Fresh Clams”.  So I crossed my fingers, found a place to park on the street and in we went!

The formal name of Ocean Pizza is Ocean Pizza and Seafood House.  Since I’d done my pre-trip research, I felt hopeful that they would fulfill my bride’s ‘lobster’ wishes.

This is definitely a local joint…really a large diner in many ways.  A Chicago equivalent would be the local Greek operated restaurants.  As you can see from my photos, it truly is a popular place!  Most diners were regulars, of that there was no doubt.  Also, many if not most of the servers, appeared to have been with Ocean Pizza for a number of years.

Laurie ordered a cup of Clam Chowder to accompany her dinner.  It was above average, but not among the best that we’ve ever had.

Did I mention that Ocean Pizza is also apparently operated by a Greek family?  How else could you explain the several Greek Specialties on the menu?  They even offer Athenian Squid as an appetizer… I saw one of my favorite Greek style starters, this cup of Greek Lemon Rice soup.  It was quite nice and very filling, but I prefer a little more lemon in mine. (A Chicago thing?)

For my entrée, I went for the Fried Clam Strips with French Fries and Coleslaw. ($13.50) What a huge stack of clam strips!  I’ve never seen so many in one order… They were very nice and I ‘managed’ to finish them despite the size of the pile!

This is what Laurie wanted for her first dinner on the New England coast…  This pile of goodness on a bun is Ocean Pizza’s version of a Lobster Roll! ($19.99) 

It was far and away the biggest lobster roll with the most generous pile of lobster that Laurie had on the trip…and for that matter…ever!  She managed to finish every bit of that excellent stack of lobster…except for one bite that hit the floor.  She was upset about the loss too!  A couple sitting across from us commented that they come to New England all the time and that this lobster roll was the biggest they’d ever seen! Also, Laurie couldn't touch either of her sides. She was just way too full of that delicious 'Lobster Roll'! 

Needless to say, we were too full after the soup and our piles of seafood for any dessert.  It’s too bad that Ocean Pizza is so far from where we live.  I’d actually like to give their pizza a try too!

Ocean Pizza Restaurant and Seafood House is family owned and has been in business since 1962…56 years!  They offer pizza, Greek and Italian cuisine, seafood, steak, burgers and much more.  Ocean Pizza is open daily for lunch and dinner.  They are located at 88 Ocean Avenue in New London Connecticut.  Phone: 860-443-0870.  Their website and extensive menu is found at: http://www.oceanpizzarestaurant.com/.

Just click on any of the photos to enlarge them…

Thanks for stopping by to see what was for dinner!

Take Care, Big Daddy Dave