A Visit to Off the Hook Bar and grille, 170 Ferry Blvd, Stratford, CT 06615(203) 690-1777

So today I had to go to "http://www.idine.com/details.htm?merchantId=116071Off The Hook Bar and Grill" located on 170 Ferry Boulevard in Stratford ct. I went there for a meeting with the owner, Andrew Testo. 
Andrew is a very colorful and interesting guy with a great sense of humor and hospitality. I walked into the place, and it was packed!!!!! On a monday night!!!!! great sign of a great restaurant!
I'm about to open the door and one of the staff members spotted me and opened the door for me and with a big smile says, Hi!!!! Welcome to "Off the hook!!! Are you having dinner?, meeting anyone????
I said, yes! An... Andrew (He said) LOL!
Immediately he directed me into the kitchen, and there he was, standing in his red jacket!
I actually felt kind of embarrassed to come and chat about his food among other things, on such a busy night! I thought I would be safe coming on a monday night!
However,, with a big smile he just said, Neil! You made it! Welcome to me home!!!!
We did a tour through the kitchen, Had the opportunity to meet the kitchen staff, really cool place. Simple and right to the point!
The place: a round building with a very New England light house on the top. 
With about 10 tables and a bar that sits about 14 people.
one interesting thing is that you can sit at the bar and see the pizzas being made right in front of you. 
"This is the Cheers of Stratford CT", a customer sitting next to me says to me. "I come here very often and i you can't beat the great service, great food and amazing prices". He is saying all this as he is savoring his $17.00 prime rib dinner that comes with a salad first, a great service of fries, ketchup, coleslaw and au-jus!

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I tried the steamers  which were perfectly cooked, The texture was buttery. and the broth!!!!! That broth with garlic, wine and herbs, Oh MY!m to deep the 2 large pieces of grilled bread that comes with the order!! My mouth still gets watery as i am writing this blog

Then of course I had to try one of my favorites! The good old lobster roll! This one in particular, for me is a hidden treasure. I did not want to ask the chef the secret for obvious reasons but I can tell you this much, The lobster meat has this delicious with a light and  perfect hint of wine in it i never tried that before in another lobster roll. 
Cole slaw and delicious crispy fries;. Simply great!

A perfectly mixed Gin Martini helped me go through all that food!!! LOL

The decor is simple but right to the point. High wooden black ceilings white walls  with pictures and t-shirs.  a partition dividing the bar and the dining room. A small flat screen and a painted blackboard tells you the daily specials.
The restaurant has an amazing patio (not open yet, but as soon as the weather breaks). This patio sits 40 people and it seems to me those tables will be filled the entire spring, summer and most likely fall.
The menu is simple but very effective. Shrimp cocktail, fried calamari, steamers and lobster rolls are in the mix with burgers, pizzas and prime rib.
Another cool thing???? The prices: very affordable.
Fish and chips $12.00, lobster roll $12.00, fried calamari $9.00. These prices are very reasonable, no wonder why this awesome place is full on a Monday night!!!!!!
So what's special for the spring and summer I ask Andrew?? He says out biggest things is going to be $0.50 clam shelfs and $1 oysters. But most of all you have to come and experience the atmosphere.

This is "a must try" So put it on your list!!!!

Happy customers!

Chef owner Andrew Testo sharing a martini with me. How fun!!!!