Beloved Seasonal Haddam Waterfront Restaurant Closes For Good

HADDAM, CT — After 26-years, the owners of The Blue Oar Restaurant, which is located along the Connecticut River, have decided to close for good.

"After 26 years since opening the Blue Oar it is with a heavy heart and careful consideration we've decided to close," owners Jim and Jody Reilly said in a social media post. "There are many reasons for making this decision, most are out of our control. We would like to thank our amazing and loyal customers, friends and employees. For those that don't already know, we also own (for the past 18 years) Simon's Marketplace in Chester. Please come by and visit us in Chester and our seasonal outdoor cafe at Ballek's Garden Center in East Haddam (opening again soon)."

The eatery is located at 16 Snyder Road in Haddam. The news was met with much sadness from long-time patrons.

One person wrote on the eatery's Facebook page, "This is where my husband and I had our first date. I’m so sorry to hear this news. Thank you for all the fun over the years!"

Another person wrote, "End of an era. We will miss you terribly. Blue Oar was an oasis of calm. Loved the food, the view and the charm of it all. You will always have a treasured place among legendary eateries in Connecticut. Wish you all the best."

On its website, it says that The Blue Oar is "now closed."

The restaurant had previously advertised itself as "Food With a View." "Park your car, boat, or just your seat at the Blue Oar for a romantic date, a family outing, or a casual night out with friends!" the website states.

In 2020, the editors of New England.com wrote that The Blue Oar is "a seasonal riverside restaurant where diners can watch the sunset and catch a cool breeze off the water."

"More than anything else, notice how good this place makes you feel and how beautiful the river is as the moon rises over the hills on the opposite bank," New England.com wrote. (Read the full New England.com story on the eatery here).

The New York Times also profiled the prominent eatery, writing ""For a summertime meal with a Caribbean vibe, it's hard to do better than the Blue Oar." (Read the full New York Times profile here).