Write-Up & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

Although autumn has officially arrived, temperatures in the 80’s extended summer’s reach this past weekend. I spent my “extended summer” the way I began the season, enjoying a restaurant in Niantic, Connecticut near Niantic Bay and Long Island Sound. In this case, a seafood shack called “Skippers”.

Skipper’s is a pleasant year round spot with indoor and outdoor seating – the latter is most likely seasonal – and a friendly staff. The food is good. Be sure to try the spicy relish available at the self-serve condiment corner. 

Be sure to try the spicy relish available at the self- serve condiment corner.

Using “cholesterol free” oil, fried is the focus for seafood dinners here, such as the Fisher Man’s Platter ($23.50 with whole clams/ $22.50 with strip clams) shrimp, scallops and fish, sea scallops ($19.99) calamari rings ($13.24) and Skipper’s House Special Fish & Chips ($12.99). “Hand battered every time”, they are all served with french fries and “homemade” coleslaw – curly fries or onion rings can be substituted for an extra $1.50. As well, they offer a fried chicken wing, thigh leg dinner ($11.99).

Under rolls, along with fried choices they also serve a “100 percent real lobster roll”- hot or cold ($13.99) , seafood salad ($4.99) or tuna salad ($5.35).

For those who like them, I do not, oysters are served seasonally.

Unlike menus where the heart sign indicates heart healthy, at Skipper’s it signifies top sellers such as the Fresh Fish Skipwich ($6.75). Other sandwiches are burgers made with sirloin meat, hot dogs, cheese dogs, chili dogs, grilled chicken breasts with lettuce & tomato and tuna melts – all moderately priced from a low of $2.49 for a hot dog to $7.99 for a double cheeseburger.

Grinders – yes grinders not subs, after all this is New England – include steak, chicken, and the gyro option made with a lamb and beef slices mixture in the range of $6.75 – $7.29.

They have: two “homemade” soups – All Beef Chili and New England Clam Chowder; a list of sides from whole clams, crab cakes, and clam fritters to fried mushrooms, curly or French fries and onion rings; salads; and Kid’s Meals for age 12 and under.

For dessert there are shakes with a malt option, rice pudding and hard cones or soft serve – however, I was told the soft serve ice cream had been shut down for the season.

Along much of Niantic’s Main Street a view of the water is slightly obstructed by a link fence bordering the railroad tracks. Nonetheless, the water is easily visible and makes for a nice panorama. On this day a sailboat regatta could be seen in the distance.

All and all, a pleasing way to wrap up the “extended summer” season.

167 Main Street, Niantic CT 06357; 860-739-3230 or visit http://www.SkippersSeafood.com.