Rooted in Family, Lucas Local Combines Land and Sea Fare with Genuine Hospitality

Published January 29th 2018

Neighborhood Seafood Tavern Makes Its Mark on Newtown, CT

 
January 26, 2018, Newtown, CT:  A seasoned restaurateur of 30 years, Vincent Cappelletti opened his neighborhood oyster bar and wood-fired cookery in July of 2017 with sheer passion, the help of friends and family (we’re talkin’ hard labor), and with the tenacity that only true restaurateurs possess. Lucas Local is named after his son and the local CT coastline and farms that fuel his vibrant seafood and comfort food menu.
 
Lucas Local makes its raw bar, open wood-fired kitchen, and craft bar and gathering place at home in the charming town of Newtown, Connecticut. This rustic seafood tavern with reclaimed wooden slats underfoot from nearby 100-year old tobacco farms, and an uncovered original stone fireplace, a remnant from the property’s 17-century-old home, sets the tone for this homey and social food and drink locale.
 
“We brought the space back to its original luster and added our own design elements to drive home the restaurant’s nautical and countryside concept, “says Vince of the archaic boat anchor, hanging oars, moss wall, antique bicycle, and wood furnishings throughout, “We truly made it our own – a place we ourselves would enjoy hanging out in.”
 
Taking center stage is the smoky sweet aroma of the wood-fired grill set ablaze by natural hardwoods including oak and hickory. Out of the fire comes such customer faves as: Chourico and Rhode Island little neck clams with late harvest tomatoes and oregano flowers; Fire Kissed Octopus with house-made hummus, wood-fired eggplant, crispy chickpeas, and lemon oil; Grilled Monkfish, white beans, charred fennel, in a saffron broth: and Prime NY Strip with hand-cut fries and aioli.  Traditional New England fare shows up in the form of icy raw bar oysters and clams, Connecticut or New England style lobster rolls, crispy fish and chips, Atlantic cod with minted pea risotto, and perfectly roasted Long Island duck breast.  On the veg side, Lucas Local is grilling their Romaine for the ultimate Caesar salad, and pasta makes an appearance as a garlicky linguini and clam sauce.
 
  
The intimate bar setting is a Sunday Brunch destination, complete with Sarah’s house-tacular Bloody Mary creations. Or pop in for Happy Hour (4-6PM) and enjoy a Nautical Gin Negroni made with Aperol and orange bitters, a Perfect Storm rum punch for 2, or the Captains Cure shaken with Litchfield bourbon, beet juice, honey and bitters, topped with lemon foam. Rotating craft beers and an accessible wine list round out the beverage program.
 
Digits and such:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday/Wednesday: 4-10PM
Thursday/Friday: 12-10PM
Saturday: 5-10PM
Sunday: 11-4 Brunch only
Happy Hour - Tuesday-Friday 4-7PM
 
48 S Main Street, Newtown CT 06470
203-491-2992
www.lucaslocalct.com