Stonington Commission Approves Plan For Fish Fry Restaurant

STONINGTON, CT — The Planning and Zoning Commission has unanimously approved plans for Mystic Fish Camp, a takeout-focused seafood restaurant.

The approval at the Jan. 21 meeting came with stipulations, such as addressing any concerns from town departments and consulting with the town planner to have a separate trash receptacle.

The application involves converting existing retail space into retail restaurant space for Mystic Fish Camp. The property is located at 4 E. Main St., the former location of Mystical Toys, which closed in 2021.

The applicant was seeking a permit change for the 2,402-square-foot space for the new use along with "associated minor renovations," according to a letter from William Sweeney, who was representing the restaurant. Sweeney said at a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting that it would not be a full-service restaurant but a small eatery focusing on takeout and counter service.

Proposed renovations would focus on the building's interior creating the necessary space for a kitchen, cooler, storage, bathrooms, and seating for eight. The site will include four parking spaces.

"Mystic Fish Camp is envisioned as a family-friendly restaurant focusing on sustainable local seafood prepared onsite and served primarily to go," according to town documents. "Traditionally 'fish camps' were set up where fishing boats came ashore as rudimentary waterside kitchens where fishermen could cook what they caught. The Applicant wishes to honor that connection to the fishing community by providing a market for local sustainable fish especially invasive species and non-regulated species that fishermen are legally allowed to catch."

The offerings will be primarily fried seafood with a rotating focus on species like sea robin, dogfish, and scup, along with fries, onion rings, and other sides.

In its first year, the restaurant plans to be open noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, expanding to daily hours in its second year.