Pier 131

In late October Pier131 Owner Artan Ismaili reached out to us for PR/Marketing and Social Media help. These efforts resulted in numerous press mentions and articles. (See press page)

See Media Page for more

November 17, 2021

Contact: Jessica Ryan
203-913-6746
Jessicagryan@gimletmarketing.com 

For Immediate Release 

Pier 131 Opens along the newly renovated Shelton Riverfront

November 2021, Shelton CT - Nestled along the newly renovated Shelton Riverfront with stunning views of the Housatonic River and the historic Old Shelton Railroad Bridge, Pier131 is located in one of the most stunning spots in Fairfield County.

Although very much a neighborhood restaurant, this high energy gathering place and urban retreat is quickly becoming a popular destination attracting diners and photographers from all over Fairfield and New Haven Counties. The setting immediately draws you in and the food keeps you coming back. Pier 13 is the ultimate dining experience.

Located in a brand new 4300 square foot building, the main dining area while large and spacious has a cozy and intimate vibe with its rustic roughhewn wood covered walls juxtaposed by elegant deep red leather covered banquettes, and seats 100. Gas fireplaces line the far wall giving each seating area a warm and inviting tone that will certainly be welcome in the cooler months to come. The restaurant’s open dining and bar areas are well suited for corporate meetings and milestone celebrations.

The large, airy bar with expansive views of the river and the railroad bridge brings the outside in –  The setting is never the same, and changes with each sunset, rainstorm and snowfall. Diners get a front row seat to the change of seasons in this space that seats 54 very comfortably. Sports fans will be able cheer on their favorite team on one of the eight oversized televisions in the bar.
For those wanting to enjoy the fresh air, there is currently outdoor seating for 60 with expansions planned for 150. Gas heaters keep diners warm and comfortable.

Owner Artan Ismaili, who prior to Pier 131, owned the popular and successful Casanova in Shelton, and Pizzeria Mazzo Wine Bar in Danbury. Art, a Shelton native and lifelong resident and second generation restaurant owner, is happy to be back in Shelton and bringing foot traffic to the newly renovated Canal Street area.

At the helm of the kitchen is Executive Chef/Owner Louis Arias, who comes to us from Malibu Taco, The Sinclair, and Molto in Fairfield, and Boca in Westport. Chef brings his fan favorites to Pier 131 and offers up some exciting new introductions.

The menu might be described as upscale pub-fare, with fan favorites such as the Nashville Hot Chicken, Steak Sandwich and Smash Burger. Starters range from the Butter Crab Roll with sticky rice, Siracha aioli and clarified butter. General Tso’s Broccoli served over sticky rice is all of the pleasure with none of the guilt! Other favorites include Grilled Lamb Chops, Oven Roasted Wings, Steak Frites, Spicy Baby Bok Choy and Maple Honey Brussel Sprouts.

Because sometimes you want brunch even though it’s not Sunday… We have a full brunch menu that we offer daily from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. And come discover our Brunch Bottles which are available in 6 different varieties: Mimosa, Bellini, Mango Mimosa, Pineapple Mimosa, Strawberry Bellini, Champagne and Rosé.

Individual Pizzas, Fig, Margarita, Hot Oil and Buffalo are great to share or enjoy on one’s own, and sure to satisfy all pizza lovers.

Mussels in a Pot is offered 5 different ways – White, made with white wine, garlic, butter and cream. Red, is tomato-based with capers, basil and cherry peppers. Thai Style, has a base of coconut cream, curry, lime, ginger and lemongrass. New Orleans, has a chipotle base, with Cajun-roasted trinity corn. The Champagne Bisque features lobster, scallions, and a Champagne cream.

Salads and Rice Bowls a plenty for those wanting healthy options. Eat the rainbow with The Greek, marinated lamb, peaches, tomatoes, onions, spicy cucumbers, tzatziki and a feta vinaigrette. Big Sur, features chipotle-marinated shrimp, guac, feta, mango, roasted corn and a cilantro-lime vinaigrette. There’s a chicken, sliced steak and vegan option as well as Marinated Ahi Tuna and Seared Salmon Teriyaki. All options are available over super greens, brown rice or combine the two!

A solid well-executed Main Course menu with items such as Chicken 131, all-natural bone-in chicken served au jus with Yukon Gold potatoes and roasted vegetables, Salmon on the Pier, teriyaki-glazed with roasted Yukon Gold potato and baby bok choy, Pork Chops, pan-seared with cherry peppers and a brandied cream sauce, Lamb Chops grilled and served with broccoli and Yukon Gold potatoes, and a NY Strip Steak in a peppercorn sauce with broccoli and potatoes for those wanting something a little more upmarket.

A brand new Happy Hour menu has just been released - $9 appetizers include wings, mussels, calamari hot oil pizza, buffalo chicken pizza and $5 guac served with tortilla chips. Additionally, there will be select wine, beer and drinks available at just $5. Also newly launched is our all-day “Margarita Tuesday” at a very celebratory $5 price tag. Flavors include, peach, mango, strawberry, and Jalapeño.

About The Old Shelton Railroad Bridge:

The railroad and trestles were laid on the Shelton side of the Housatonic river sometime in 1888 immediately following the Industrial Revolution. Steam locomotives ran from New York to the area; a popular location for the many factories that relied on the river for their power. During the 1970s Shelton’s factories started to shutter and after many years of neglect, the downtown is seeing a revitalization once again with the old being renovated and developed as modern apartments. The train tracks are operational but only in the dark of night. Not exactly abandoned and not exactly in use, this old bridge and tracks makes a stunning subject for both the novice and the accomplished photographer. Food bloggers and Instagrammers have been known to photograph some of our items with the bridge in the backdrop!  

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