About Nana's Mystic
Nana’s Mystic pairs a bakery’s attention to dough with a kitchen that leans into bold, comforting flavors.
Sourdough shows up in pizzas and loaves, donuts are fried to order, and breakfast sandwiches balance soft buns with crispy hash browns.
Service is repeatedly described as warm and personable, and the compact interior with outdoor waterfront seating creates a casual, community-minded atmosphere where people linger for coffee and a plate.
Reviews emphasize consistent bakes and a welcoming, nostalgic room.
Value is solid for shareable pies and grinders.
Location & Contact
- Address32 Williams Ave, Mystic, CT 06355
- Websitehttps://nanasct.com
- Phone(860) 980-3375
- Links Get directions
What to Expect
The menu centers on bakery craft: sourdough crusts for pizza and house loaves, freshly fried donuts in rotating flavors like chocolate, lemon sugar and miso caramel, and substantial breakfast sandwiches that use light Italian rolls or buttery brioche.
Other favorites include rotisserie chicken dinners, vegan margherita with cashew ricotta, risotto and rice balls, cinnamon buns, and specialty coffees such as tiramisu and rose pistachio matcha—many reviewers praise the balance of freshness and thoughtful seasoning.
Hashtag Breakfast Fact's
Breakfast on the Farm
For many in Connecticut, breakfast has deep roots in farm life. Traditionally, a farmer's morning meal was hearty and robust, often featuring eggs, fresh milk, and homemade bread. This practice was not just about sustenance but also about community and family bonding. Farmers would gather around the table to share stories and plan their day. Today, agritourism has revived this connection, allowing visitors to experience a taste of authentic farm breakfasts, thus keeping alive the traditions that have nourished generations.
Menu Highlights
From the Community
On Mystic’s small waterfront strip, Nana’s Mystic has quietly built a reputation as part bakery, part neighborhood kitchen, and part third space.
The bakery side is prominent: reviewers note sourdough loaves and a distinctive sourdough pizza crust that stays crisp if reheated, while the kitchen leans into approachable, creative plates and breakfast staples.
Donuts are a recurring highlight because they’re made fresh to order and arrive light and slightly chewy; one reviewer summed it up: "Donuts are done to order, so they are always fresh!" — ed Cory.
Breakfast sandwiches draw praise for texture and balance: Emily Baer called the hashbrown breakfast sandwich “perfection,” citing a light Italian roll, perfectly cooked egg and a crisp, flavorful hash brown.
Pizza offerings range from classic margherita to inventive options like birria pizza with a thinner crust and dipping broth.
Vegetarians and vegans find standouts too, such as a vegan margarita with notable cashew ricotta.
Sides and pastries get nearly as much attention: cinnamon buns, risotto and rice balls, and experimental donuts like cacio show the menu’s playful edge.
Service and staff friendliness are consistent throughlines; Joshua Neuman captures the sentiment, saying Nana’s has “the best bread in Mystic” and serves as a welcoming community spot.
For anyone wanting bakery craft paired with a small but ambitious kitchen, Nana’s Mystic reads as a reliably flavorful stop in town.
Why Locals Love It
Customer Reviews
"I have been coming to Nana’s since they opened. Great selection of creative dishes, especially the vegetarian options. They have the best bread in Mystic and will slice it for you. Their rotisserie chicken dinner is a great value. The Team Members are some of the most personable service people in the area. Mystic has several hospitable dining establishments, but Nana’s is the only one that also fills the role of a “Third Space”."
"Great service and great menu. The caprese salad was truly a delightful culinary experience. The fresh ingredients were perfectly combined, offering a wonderful medley of flavors. Its vibrant presentation was visually appealing, making it even more enjoyable."
"I am so glad I heard about this place from social media and popped on over while we were visiting Mystic. It was delicious. The rose pistachio matcha latte was so creamy and not overly sweet. You could honestly pick any breakfast sandwich and be satisfied, but I absolutely loved the hash brown one. The doughnuts are also a must because they fry them fresh to order!!! We will definitely be coming back."
Hashtag Breakfast Fact's
Sweet Breakfast Treats
Sweet breakfast treats have carved out a special place in the hearts of many Connecticut residents. From fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup to warm cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven, these indulgent options bring joy to the morning routine. Maple syrup, in particular, has a significant role in local breakfast culture, reflecting the state’s rich history of maple sugaring. These sweet delights aren't just breakfast; they are a celebration of local ingredients and the simple pleasure of enjoying a delicious start to the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the pizza at Nana’s sourdough-based?
Yes. Multiple reviewers describe the crust as sourdough, noting a noticeable sourdough flavor and a crisp undercarriage that stays enjoyable, especially if you warm slices on a rack to keep them crisp.
What are the donuts like and when are they best?
Donuts are fried to order and many reviewers say they’re light, airy and slightly chewy. Flavors mentioned include chocolate, lemon sugar, miso caramel and a savory cacio donut—eat them hot for the best texture.
How crunchy is the hash brown in the breakfast sandwich?
The hash brown is described as homemade and fried to order, usually very crispy and flavorful so it gives a satisfying contrast to soft eggs and a light roll in the sandwich.
Do they serve specialty coffee drinks worth trying?
Yes. Reviewers call out drinks like a tiramisu latte, a rose pistachio matcha latte and a summer berry hojicha for balanced sweetness and distinct flavors—these are regular highlights for coffee fans.
Are there vegan or plant-based pizza options?
Yes. Reviewers enjoyed a vegan margarita pizza with cashew ricotta, showing the kitchen can make plant-forward pizzas that still feel rich and satisfying.
Is the rotisserie chicken popular and is it a good value?
Several reviewers recommend the rotisserie chicken; it’s called a great value and a worthwhile order when you want a heartier meal from the bakery-kitchen side of the menu.
Does Nana’s sell sandwich breads and other bakery loaves?
Yes. Reviewers mention high-quality bread and loaves that can be sliced to order; the bakery side is an important part of the operation, from focaccia to sourdough rolls.
Can I get pizza by the slice?
Yes. Multiple guests noted buying by-the-slice pizza, with options like white and regular cheese slices that are substantial enough for a casual meal.
Are the fries and sides consistently good?
Sides get mixed notes: some reviewers enjoyed fries and rice or risotto balls, while at least one reviewer thought the fries were just okay. Many guests recommend the rice balls and risotto appetizers as standouts.
Is breakfast messy or kid-friendly?
Breakfast is tasty and often messy, according to reviewers—bring wipes. Kid-friendly choices exist like French toast sticks, donuts and breakfast sandwiches, but parents should plan for sticky hands and enthusiastic bites.
Breakfast: A Cultural Shift
Breakfast has evolved from a simple morning meal to a cherished ritual. In colonial Connecticut, breakfast was often a modest affair, with porridge or bread paired with cider. However, the 19th century saw a dramatic change, as affluent Americans began to embrace lavish breakfasts similar to the full English style. This shift reflected broader cultural aspirations, where breakfast transformed from a quick refueling into a moment of leisure and indulgence, setting the stage for the elaborate brunches we enjoy today.
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Connecticut's Premier Pizza Destinations
Current location in red, 8 nearest in blue, all others in gray
Nana's Mystic
Pioneers and Their Morning Meals
Imagine the early settlers in Connecticut, rising with the sun to prepare a hearty breakfast after a long night’s rest. For these pioneers, meals like cornmeal mush or simple bread were staples, providing the energy needed for a day of hard labor. Cider was often the beverage of choice, reflecting both available resources and local agriculture. This practical approach to breakfast highlights how the meal was deeply tied to survival and the rhythms of farm life in the 18th century, emphasizing sustenance over luxury.
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As Connecticut entered the industrial age in the late 19th century, breakfast began to adapt to the changing landscape. Workers needed quick and energizing meals to fuel their long hours. This led to the rise of convenient options like muffins and toast, often slathered with butter or jam. The introduction of processed foods also changed breakfast dynamics, allowing people to enjoy new flavors and shorter preparation times. This period marked a shift towards breakfast as a meal that needed to fit into busy lifestyles, paving the way for the convenience-oriented breakfasts of today.
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