Copps Island Oyster Shack

- 638 Selbys Pond Rd, Stratford, CT 06615

Copps Island Oyster Shack is a distinctive and highly-regarded 'Seafood restaurant' located in Stratford, CT, representing the ultimate farm-to-table experience for New England shellfish. This establishment is not just a place to eat; it is the culinary face of a fourth-generation, family-owned shellfish farm, ensuring that the oysters and clams served are harvested daily from the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Long Island Sound and delivered directly to your plate. This commitment to freshness is the foundation of the entire dining experience.

The restaurant specializes in an extensive Raw Bar featuring its signature Copps Island Oysters and Clams, alongside fresh Shrimp. Beyond the raw offerings, the menu is a comprehensive showcase of local seafood favorites. Patrons can indulge in the Connecticut classic Hot Lobster Roll (available in a generous XL size), a traditional Cold Lobster Roll, or a whole steamed Lobster. The menu also includes creative Shellfish preparations like Copps Rocks, Copps Casino, and Clams Oreg. For those who prefer their seafood Fried, options include Fried Oysters, Fried Clams, and the prized Fried Belly Clam Special.

While the focus is firmly on the ocean, the menu thoughtfully includes options for all tastes, such as the Flat Burger, Chicken Sandwich, and a Kids' menu with Tenders & Fries and Grilled Cheese. This inclusion ensures the restaurant is 'Good for kids' and serves as a genuine, Family-friendly destination. Crucially, the dining is an outdoor experience, often situated near the water, creating a beautiful and casual setting that enhances the quality of the meal.

A significant operational detail noted by local patrons is the 'BYOB' policy, allowing guests to bring their own alcoholic beverages (Wine and Beer) to complement the fresh seafood, as the shack only sells non-alcoholic drinks. While popular items like the hot lobster rolls can involve a wait time, cold Raw Bar items are served quickly, allowing diners to enjoy fresh oysters while their main dishes are prepared.

The Copps Island Oyster Shack boasts a unique and memorable location that enhances its authentic seafood experience. Situated at the water's edge in Stratford, the restaurant provides a beautiful, scenic backdrop for a meal that truly feels connected to the Connecticut coastline.

Address: 638 Selbys Pond Rd, Stratford, CT 06615, USA

The specific location on Selbys Pond Road, often associated with a marina or boatyard, positions the shack as a genuine local 'hidden gem' that is well worth seeking out. Accessibility features cater directly to the needs of local visitors:

• Parking is made simple with a dedicated Free parking lot, ensuring guests can easily access the restaurant without the stress of searching for a space.
• The primary Dining options consist of Outdoor seating, with many patrons mentioning the picturesque picnic tables overlooking the marina—an ideal setting for enjoying fresh seafood on a sunny day.
• For comfort and convenience, the amenities include access to a Restroom, often located in the nearby building, and a Gender-neutral restroom.

The setting, with its waterfront views and casual setup, contributes significantly to the overall charm and experience of this local Stratford favorite.

The services at Copps Island Oyster Shack are tailored to its unique, casual, and seasonal waterfront setting, maximizing guest enjoyment and convenience.

• Flexible Dining Formats: The shack offers both traditional Dine-in service (utilizing the outdoor seating) and Takeout, allowing customers to enjoy their fresh seafood either on-site or at home.
• Comprehensive Meal Times: The operating hours and menu are structured to accommodate Lunch and Dinner service, ensuring fresh seafood is available throughout the day.
• Full Beverage Service (BYOB): While the restaurant sells non-alcoholic Drinks (Coke, Iced Tea, Saratoga Water), it has a known BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage) policy, which allows patrons to bring their preferred Beer or Wine to enjoy with their meal, significantly enhancing the dining value.
• Special Event Catering: Catering services are available, providing an excellent option for parties and events that require the freshest Connecticut seafood, including the possibility of a "Shuck Truck" for on-site events.
• Dessert and Kids' Options: The menu includes a simple Dessert (Ice Cream Sandwich) and a dedicated Kids' menu (Tenders & Fries, Grilled Cheese), ensuring satisfaction for all family members.
• Payment Methods: Transactions are streamlined by accepting both Debit cards and NFC mobile payments, providing quick and secure checkout.
• Live Shellfish Sales: A unique service is the ability to purchase bulk quantities of their fresh catch, including Live Lobster and Oysters By The PC (piece) or 50 Count, allowing customers to take home the freshest product directly from the source.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: The menu includes specific Dog Treats, indicating a welcoming policy toward pets in the outdoor seating area.

The core highlights of the Copps Island Oyster Shack distinguish it as a must-visit seafood destination in the Connecticut coastal community.

• Unmatched Freshness—Farm-to-Table: The most significant feature is its direct connection to the Copps Island Oyster farm, ensuring daily harvested, clean-tasting Oysters and Clams. This is as fresh as local seafood gets.
• Iconic New England Menu: The menu is a highlight, featuring the highly-praised Hot Lobster Roll on a buttery toasted bun, along with unique takes on Shellfish like Copps Rocks and Copps Casino, offering variety beyond the standard raw bar.
• Scenic Waterfront Atmosphere: The Outdoor seating, often described as having beautiful views overlooking the marina or water, creates a picturesque and genuinely New England dining experience that is a draw in itself.
• Cost-Saving BYOB Policy: The ability for guests to bring their own Alcohol (beer and wine) provides a significant value-add, allowing patrons to enjoy their preferred pairing without restaurant markups.
• Dual Raw and Cooked Service Speed: While hot, cooked items may involve a wait (45-60 minutes at peak times), the raw bar items (oysters, shrimp, clams) are served within minutes (around 10 minutes), providing a perfect appetizer while waiting.
• Family and Pet Inclusivity: The establishment is explicitly Good for kids, and the inclusion of Dog Treats on the menu highlights a pet-friendly approach to its outdoor, casual dining environment.
• Direct Shellfish Sales: The option to buy Oysters and Live Lobster in bulk directly from the shack is a unique feature, solidifying its role as a fresh seafood supplier, not just a restaurant.

As a specialty, seasonally-focused seafood shack, the best way to interact with Copps Island is often in person or through their online platforms, but the physical address remains the key identifier for this unique spot:

Address: 638 Selbys Pond Rd, Stratford, CT 06615, USA
Note: Specific public telephone contact for order placement is not widely published; patrons typically order directly on-site or check their official website/social media for the most current information.

Patrons should be aware that the address leads to a waterfront location, where the freshest seafood can be found. Information regarding specific phone numbers for direct ordering can be subject to change and may be best obtained via local search or on-site signage.

Copps Island Oyster Shack is the quintessential choice for Connecticut users who prioritize authenticity, quality, and a memorable dining environment. What makes it exceptionally worth choosing is the unparalleled freshness of the shellfish. By operating as the direct outlet for a fourth-generation, family-owned oyster farm, the restaurant provides a genuine "boat-to-table" experience that few others can match. When you order Oysters or Clams from the Raw Bar, you are guaranteed a product harvested that same day from the Long Island Sound.

The combination of the high-quality food, like their renowned Hot Lobster Roll, and the Scenic waterfront atmosphere at 638 Selbys Pond Rd creates a truly unique destination. Dining here is an event, complete with the pleasure of Outdoor seating and the casual, welcoming vibe of a seaside eatery. Furthermore, the valuable BYOB policy is a major financial benefit, allowing patrons to enjoy premium Alcohol pairings with their seafood at minimal cost, maximizing the value of the experience.

For those willing to embrace a casual, often busy, and sometimes slow-paced (for hot food) environment for the sake of superior freshness and a beautiful setting, Copps Island Oyster Shack is the only local choice. It is a genuine taste of coastal Connecticut, serving its own history and product with pride. The added convenience of the Free parking lot, family-friendly options, and raw shellfish sales to take home seal the deal for this authentic local gem.

Copps Island Oyster Shack

638 Selbys Pond Rd, Stratford, CT 06615, USA