Dog Watch — knot so loud

Last month I blogged about my day in Stonington borough. Many local readers saw that I “forgot” a restaurant for the recommendation list… Dog Watch Cafe. Guess what? I intentionally left them off the list! Why’s that? Lemme tell you, Dog Watch Cafe is TOO good, they deserved their own post. When I moved to Connecticut in 2011, Dog Watch Cafe was one of the very first restaurants that I tried in New England. Dog Watch quickly became my go-to restaurant for many milestones and celebrations. It’s safe to say that Dog Watch is my favorite restaurant in the entire New England region.

I fell in love with their yachting bar atmosphere in Stonington. The restaurant sits right on the water right next to Dodson Boatyard. From inside of the restaurant, you have the harbor side views where you can watch boats come in and go out to the sea. It’s a very fun relaxing atmosphere. The menu has a variety from pasta, sandwiches, pizzas, salads and seafood. I think for those loyal readers, you know I will rave about the seafood section. Their lobster mac and cheese is DELICIOUS! I almost always order that or the cod-wich sandwich. You can’t go wrong with anything from their menu.

*The delicious lobster mac n cheese at DWC.*

It’s opened year-round but it’s more lively during summers. There is an outdoor tent set up in front of the restaurant where they sell their Good Dog apparel and merchandise. They also serve ice cream! For the dog lovers, you will love this. If you purchase their Good Dog apparel or merchandise - it contributes to Rosie’s Fund. Rosie’s Fund is in memory of the Dog Watch owners’ dog Rosie who was a Hurricane Katrina rescue pup. The chocolate lab Rosie used to greet guests out front of the restaurant but she crossed the rainbow bridge in 2018. I miss seeing Rosie on my way into the restaurant! Rosie’s Fund contributes to variety of causes or area of needs such as service dogs for veterans and people with special needs. They also contribute to aiding animals in shelters. In summary, if you buy one (or few!) of their items, it gives back to the animals!

If you walk out back towards to the water, you will end up at the Dog Pound. The Dog Pound is their outdoor bar on the patio during summer months. Most often, I would come to the restaurant and put myself on the wait list (they almost always have a wait list, but trust me it’s worth it!) then go to the Dog Pound for a drink or two. It’s so much fun to sit out there while enjoying the harbor views. There are corn holes games to play with. The harbor side views are amazing, especially the sunsets. Another option is to get a drink from Dog Pound and sit around the fire pit out front of the restaurant.

Imagine my excitement when they expanded by opening Dog Watch Mystic in 2016. It’s located in between Mystic and Stonington. The menu has more focus on BBQ food which is great for when I’m in the mood for some BBQ! The BBQ food is made fresh daily from their smokers. Dog Watch Mystic also has a great environment with a backyard atmosphere vibe. A large outdoor patio with an outdoor bar with many lawn games to play with. When you first get there, you can check out the menu then place your order at the pick up window (or sometimes a server will help you). The servers are always friendly and willing to help. Dog Watch Mystic also has on site catering service where they have event spaces available to rent out for private parties. There is a small dining room indoors with a fireplace too if you prefer a cozy atmosphere. They do off-site catering too which would be perfect for weddings or parties!

Dog Watch has a super friendly atmosphere at both locations. It’s so different but it’s still fun either way. It just bases on if you want a waterfront dining experience or a backyard fun dining experience. Their food and drinks are locally sourced. Dog Watch also has strong involvement with Stonington community which I love that about them. Be sure to sign up for their e-mail newsletter on the website - it’s fun to read. It tells you about their upcoming events or news.

Dog Watch Cafe 194 Water Street Stonington, CT (MENU)

Dog Watch Mystic 20 Old Stonington Road Stonington, CT (MENU)

This blog is not sponsored. All opinions in this blog are my own.