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Hours
Mon
11:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Tue
11:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wed
11:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thu
11:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Fri
11:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sat
11:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.11:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
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Someone from this business manages this listing.
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CUISINES
American, Bar, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours, Drinks
features
Menu
Starters and Salads
Scared Ahi Tuna
crispy sushi rice, wasabi cream, sweet soy, spicy mayo, pickled ginger
US$24
Beet Salad
whipped goat cheese, arugula, red watercress, toasted almonds, lemon vinaigrette
US$17
Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
mixed greens, roasted red onions, kalamata olives, toasted pecans, zaatar, creamy tahini dressing
US$17
Sandwiches
Crispy Chicken Brioche
shredded lettuce, dill pickle mayo topping
US$18
Pork Carnitas Tacos
shredded pork, guacamole, lime crema, apple-pecan pico de gallo, pickled onions, house made corn tortilla and side garden salad with chipotle lime dressing
US$16
Prosciutto and Fresh Mozzarella Panini
roasted red peppers, basil pesto
Does this restaurant have live music
Details
About
Located in the “storybook” village of Essex mere steps from the Connecticut River, this 1776 landmark offers three distinct dining experiences. “Historic Dining” is offered in four handsome rooms - The Covered Bridge, The Gun Room, The Library and The Essex Room – where a renowned maritime art collection fills the walls. The Inn’s New England heritage and connection with the sea is apparent in the classic seasonal cuisine offered; diners may enjoy a more contemporary culinary experience in the stunning wine bar featuring tapas-style dining and an extensive selection of wines by the glass; tavern fare is offered in the atmospheric, award-winning Tap Room where lively music rings out nightly. Outdoor Dining is an option weather permitting. Heat lamps are available during the colder months. Lunch and dinner served daily, Hunt Brunch on Sunday.
CUISINES
American, Bar, Pub
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours, Drinks
FEATURES
Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Table Service, Live Music, Gift Cards Available
Contribute
4.0
582 reviews
Excellent
244
Very good
189
Average
71
Poor
48
Terrible
30
Jennifer
Vermont110 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
The Griswold Wine Bar has a lovely menu with interesting options. The service was attentive and the ambiance elegant. The wine bar is very different from the casual American Fare offered at Griswold Inns main restaurant. The wine bar was conducive to quiet conversation. The restaurant met our request for small plates to be made into a larger dinner portion size. Wine options are excellent.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
domenicovaler
Naugatuck85 contributions
Sep 2020 • none
This is a unique restaurant: lots of history here.
If you are into boats / shipping history, you will love this place!
Clean place, including tables, floors & bathrooms.
Saturday afternoon, a couple, with reservation:
Food: Quinoa salad with grilled chicken, scallops side, Arugula salad with salmon
Presentation of food: 5 stars
Quality of food: 5 stars
Portion size: 3 stars
Price vs portion size: 2 stars
This is a great place to eat if you are in the area,
but you either need to have a small appetite or plan on
ordering lots of items otherwise you will not leave full -
either way you go, it will be expensive!
It was hard to rate this place, as we loved the food, but were
disappointed that we left hungry compared to the $$ spent.
Conclusion: great choice, but not for everyone.
Written September 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jetaa83
568 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
Best restaurant in Essex. Arrive by boat or car! Easy, right on Main st. Essex. Beautiful, unbelievable historical antiques and paintings. Open since 1776. Food , staff, atmosphere and owners are all magnificent!!!
We eat there at least once a week. Very COVID-19 conscious! Extra clean. My favorite part is the waitstaff works together serving you as a team, which makes your experience even more special.
The specialty summer drinks are fabulous. My favorite is the liberty lemonade. But i like them all. You can have anything from salads, sandwiches to a salmon or steak dinner. We love the appetizers and unique desserts (we’ve tried them all and have never been disappointed)! The potato pancakes are yum! So are the empanadas. My go to is the salmon dinner. The owners are even selling a “Gris Strong” tshirt in which the profits go to their employees during these tough times. We dock our boat at the Essex dock or just drive down. Don’t forget to stop in at the Curiosity shop and Emmys on main across the street. If you have kids they will like walking down to the end of Main by the museum and feeding the ducks. You can have a quick or relaxing dining experience they will never rush you out. You can eat on the patio or inside. Oh they even have fabulous dinners to go if you have parents at home you don’t want to bring out in public yet due to the virus. I have never seen an employee without a mask. They clean the tables very throughly. They take your name and phone number in case they need to contact you re-COVID. This is a family owned Inn and they really care about you and their employees. It’s a safe place to dine out at during these crazy COVID times. Oh it’s also my go to for gift certificates. Everyone loves the Gris!!! Oh it’s also an Inn if you need a place to stay if you are just visiting the Connecticut Shoreline.
Written August 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Innkeeper1776
WOW, WOW, WOW!!! What an enthusiastic and thorough endorsement - we so appreciate you sharing this with potential visitors and greatly appreciate your patronage and support during this very challenging time! You ought to be a CT Shoreline Ambassador!!! :) Thanks so much for all!!!
With Gratitude,
The Paul Family
Written August 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mike_D90
Kensington124 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
We booked a table at the Griswold for our annual New Year’s Brunch with our family. Looking online it seemed like it would be a great place, it didn’t live up to the expectation. We were very disappointed with our experience considering the cost of the buffet.
When we arrived for our noon reservation we were kept waiting for about 15 minutes. We were finally seated at a high top table in the bar area that was obviously thrown together. It wasn’t even a full table, it was more like a bar extension because it was quite narrow. We asked whether there was another option since we could see other open tables, we learned later that they were for a large party that we would be sharing the room with. The host told us that he had nothing else but would move us to something better once it opened up; we saw many tables clear out but no one cleaned them and we were never offered anything else. Since we were sharing the bar room withal large group, we were also sharing the waiter so we did not receive very good service either.
The food was decent but limited in what was offered. We have come to expect a lot more to choose from when we go to brunch. Honestly, it was hard to find enough food to justify the cost of the buffet unless you just ate a lot of the same stuff. One each of the standard chicken, beef, fish entrees. No carving station, no pasta, only apple crisp and cookies for dessert.
Sadly we had high hopes for this experience, we left very disappointed. I guess we will have to keep looking for a place to enjoy brunch with our family.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan G
Suffield1 contribution
Jul 2021 • none
the fish and chips tasted frozen and overcooked, cold fries and terrible service we had to go find silverware. the sausage sampler tasted like hot dogs wrapped in tinned pastry. certainly will never return.
Written July 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DianeCL
117 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
We made reservations for three, and were seated at 11:30 once the dining room opened. One had a cucumber martini, which was fabulous, another had a wine spritzer, very good.
Two ordered their classic fish 'n chips, one ordered the turkey with bacon and avocado served with a salad.
The fish was good, potato coated and crispy. The fish was moist and fresh. We all loved the skinny fries, and the cole slaw was good.
But the sandwich with the turkey and bacon turned out to be SPICY HOT! Too much for one diner, we split the sandwich and each took fish.
I wish "hot" spice was a remote choice, and not part of the regular ingredients.
Service was good at first, but the server was overwhelmed with other customers so we had to sit with empty plates and wait to grab someone to show us the dessert menu.
It's a great place, and would have been a FIVE if it hadn't been for a few little things.
Written July 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beverly61
Glastonbury596 contributions
Aug 2020 • friends
A couple of tables right outside door, but across the street there are many tables with umbrellas- nice sunny day. Nice lunchtime menu. Loved turkey sandwich on ciabatta- yum, overpriced house wine only drawback
Written September 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bohica12
Suffield236 contributions
Jun 2021 • couples
I sure don’t know what the fuss is about this place? We had a late lunch on a hot muggy day. Upon arrival, a young lady sitting behind a desk never acknowledged we were there. A couple minutes later, a server emerged from the dining area to seat us. Throughout the entire experience, I kept thinking every one working here are like zombies. All very cold approach towards customers. I felt like they were doing us a favor. The meals were equally uninspired. A sandwich with chips was $17 and $3 more for fries. Plus, the fries were as cold as the staff.
Written June 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert S
Ridgefield97 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
We selected the Griswold Inn to meet friends halfway between us, selected because of outstanding past experiences. Not having dined here for a few years I was dissapointed. Service was, as in the past, excellent. Too bad the kitchen couldn't equal the service.
The clam chowder was was OK and while my Flat Iron steak and the other party's Short Ribs were barely acceptable. The Stuffed Shrimp and Garden Salad with shrimp added were not. The shrimp in either dish were soggy and in my opinion, not fresh and reeked. Despite my urging, neither person opted to send it back.
In the past the Griswold Inn was one of my favorite restaurants. Sorry to say it has now been moved far down the list.
Rated it average due to the service bringing up the score. Without that it would be poor.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Innkeeper1776
We are incredibly disheartened to learn of your disappointing experience at our establishment and are following up with those involved as this is written. Though we certainly don't like a guest to have a "less than" experience in any aspect - we strongly believe that one unhappy guest is one too many - we do appreciate you sharing this as we can get right on it and get back to putting our best forward in all aspects of the dining experience. We hope you will give us another try!
Respectfully,
The Paul Family
Written January 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pat R
Fishers205 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
Would have preferred to eat outside but weather was not good. We were there for lunch. Our 14 year old grandson had the steak on ciabatta sandwich and they let my husband have the kids fish and chips. He is not a big eater and perfect size for him. I had the small plate BBQ Chicken Tostadas. Two small tostadas but they were a perfect size for me for lunch. It is nice to get a normal portion meals rather than meals that are enough for 2 people or 2 meals.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sightsee721685
8 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Great service, attentive and efficient. Usually stop for lunch, always enjoyed the chowder. When guest visiting we made a point to bring them to The Gris. Last few times we have been disappointed in the chowder. It was always a favorite to start the lunch. We feel that a change in chefs or recipe has made it a watered down version of what we have enjoyed in the past.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Innkeeper1776
Griswold Greetings! We appreciate your loyal patronage and thank you for sharing your comments. We are sorry to hear that our chowder - for which we are known - did not seem to be the same as you have experienced in the past. Since clam chowder is one of our "signatures" we want to make sure that it is prepared consistently, according to our recipe, no matter who is making it. We shared your comments with our culinary team and hope that the next time you return you will enjoy the delicious chowder you remember!
Written March 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
nyackgirl47
New York City703 contributions
Nov 2021 • couples
We popped in for a quick bite in the Tap Room, when returning from a roadtrip to Cape Cod. The Gris had always been on my bucket list, so I was delighted to be able to dine in America’s oldest consecutively running restaurant (since 1776). It’s a great destination during the holiday season - warm, cozy and festive. They had a piano player playing showtunes and holiday carols. Sweet! We tried the sausage sampler (sausage en croute) and the fish and chips, which was excellent. Very fresh, thick cut cod, potato crusted and served with fries. Not a hint of greasiness. Lovely bar area as well. Service was friendly and efficient. We will definitely return to try dinner in the main dining room next time!!
Written November 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Innkeeper1776
Greetings from The Gris! Thanks so much for your visit - we're glad you were able to tick something off the bucket list and enjoyed the experience! There are so many dimensions to experience at our place - perhaps you'll also consider an overnight next time. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!
Written December 9, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Maryanne1021
Clinton16 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
A beautiful landmark with mediocre food. We came for brunch for many years the week before Thanksgiving and near Christmas for dinner to enjoy the Essex Steam Train Polar Express with our large family. Each year the food declined .
Written January 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jolam1950
Tiverton172 contributions
Dec 2022 • none
Decided to dine here after attending a show at Goodspeed Theatre. I ordered the Steak Frites $30, and hubs ordered a Cobb Salad $19. We felt the food was average and overpriced for the portions served. Atmosphere is pleasant, what you would expect in an old inn, dark wood with a nautical theme. Christmas carolers dressed in colonial garb serenaded diners. Service was good.
Written December 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Will018
75 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
We moved to the area a short while ago and finally had the opportunity to eat at the Griswold Inn. We were not disappointed: the ambience was inviting while the service and food were excellent. In particular I enjoyed the fish and chips, which had an excellent coating on the fish. Being there at lunch time gave us the opportunity to to see the Inn when it was not crowded, and we also had the chance to enjoy the river museum nearby.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Innkeeper1776
Greetings from The Gris! Well this is embarrassing. We overlooked your wonderful review until now!!! Our apology! We're delighted your first experience with us was a good one ad thank you for visiting! We hope you will be back for "more" now that you're in the area! Welcome!!!
Written March 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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