Business Details
10 Years
experience
Experience Exceptional Dining at Chapter One Food & Drink Guilford
Founded in 2016 by Daniel Van Kruiningen and Kenneth Fontaine, Chapter One Food & Drink Guilford began as a partnership rooted in friendship and a shared passion for exceptional cuisine. Our Mystic location, situated in the heart of downtown, quickly became a community staple by combining fresh seafood, dry-aged steaks, and vegan/gluten-free options with a vibrant atmosphere. In 2018, we expanded to Guilford, CT, bringing the same commitment to quality ingredients and memorable experiences. Our menus feature hand-crafted cocktails, daily specials, and locally sourced produce, reflecting our dedication to supporting regional suppliers.With two distinct venues offering private event spaces, live entertainment, and Happy Hour specials, we cater to diverse occasionsfrom casual gatherings to milestone celebrations. Our team prioritizes top-tier service, ensuring every guest enjoys a seamless blend of culinary excellence and welcoming ambiance. Whether dining in, ordering takeout, or hosting an event, we strive to make every visit a chapter worth remembering.
Services
Dining
Takeout
Delivery
Private Events
Happy Hour
Brunch
Online Ordering
Live Music
Catering
Gift Cards
Details
- Year established: 2016
Highlights and features
- We offer a diverse menu with locally sourced ingredients and dietary accommodations.
- Our team provides top-tier service in vibrant, welcoming atmospheres.
- We host private events in unique spaces in Mystic and Guilford.
- We feature daily Happy Hour specials and live entertainment options.
- We support local communities through partnerships with regional suppliers.
What people say
Fresh seafood
Attentive service
Vibrant atmosphere
Weekend brunch
Excellent cocktails
Services
Dining
Our New American menu features fresh seafood, dry-aged steaks, and vegan/gluten-free options, paired with hand-crafted cocktails. Guests enjoy vibrant atmospheres in Mystic and Guilford locations, with daily Happy Hour specials and live entertainment. Dietary accommodations available upon request.
Private Events
Host weddings, corporate events, or celebrations in our dedicated spaces. Mystic offers waterfront views, while Guilford features a charming outdoor area. Full-service planning includes customized menus, AV support, and event coordination for up to 200 guests.
Takeout
Order meals for pickup via our online system or phone. Menus mirror in-house offerings, including signature dishes like the Chapter One Burger and seafood entrees. Pre-order options available for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
Live Music
Enjoy acoustic duos, DJs, and local bands at both locations. Live performances occur nightly in Mystic and weekends in Guilford. The schedule includes jazz, rock, and pop genres, enhancing the dining experience with curated soundtracks.
Brunch
Weekend brunch menus blend breakfast and lunch items, featuring benedicts, stuffed French toast, and Bloody Mary bars. Served Sundays from 10 AM3 PM in Mystic and Guilford, with live music and family-friendly seating.
People
Daniel Van Kruiningen
Co-Owner
Co-founded Chapter One Food & Drink Guilford in 2016, leveraging culinary expertise and local partnerships to create vibrant dining experiences in Mystic and Guilford.
Kenneth Fontaine
Co-Owner
Co-created Chapter One Food & Drink Guilford with a focus on community engagement and sourcing ingredients from regional suppliers to enhance menu quality and sustainability.
Questions
What dietary options are available at Chapter One Food & Drink?
We offer vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly menu items. Our staff can accommodate special dietary needs with advance notice.
Do you host private events at both locations?
Yes, Mystic and Guilford locations feature private spaces for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations, with customized menus and planning support.
Are reservations required for weekend dining?
Reservations are recommended but not mandatory. Walk-ins are welcome, though weekend brunch and dinner hours may have waitlists.
What Happy Hour specials do you offer?
Daily Happy Hour includes discounted cocktails, beers on tap, and appetizer deals at both locations from 3–6 PM.
Can I order food online for pickup or delivery?
Yes, our website allows online ordering for takeout or delivery. Payment and menu options are available 24/7 via our digital platform.
