One of the oldest continuously operated inns in the country, we opened our doors for business in 1776. Although the Inn exudes the charm of days gone by, we are anything but dated. From our sophisticated cuisine, extensive wine offerings, comfortable accommodations, and modern amenities, The Griswold Inn, located in the historic seaport village of Essex, Connecticut, offers the best of times.
Psychedelic '60's is a power trio that pays tribute to the ground-breaking musical super groups of the sixties. In our historic dining rooms, Executive Chef Toppin prepares classic American cuisine to perfection in simple, but imaginative ways. His menu showcases fresh seafood, aged beef, and the highest quality chops and poultry.
Psychedelic '60's is a power trio that pays tribute to the ground-breaking musical super groups of the sixties. In our historic dining rooms, Executive Chef Toppin prepares classic American cuisine to perfection in simple, but imaginative ways. His menu showcases fresh seafood, aged beef, and the highest quality chops and poultry.
Services
The Griswold Inn Store ~ Goods & Curiosities, features an eclectic mix of products inspired by the Inn and New England - from their Early American and maritime heritage to Connecticut lifestyle and entertaining today. The Store's displays and assorted collection of interesting goods are continually changing, promising a pleasant discovery with each visit.
The Griswold Inn is located near the foot of Main Street in Essex Village on the Connecticut River. Travel on Rte. 9 to Exit 3. At end of exit ramp take left - you will reach a light at a 4-way intersection. Take right and go straight for mile until you reach a stop sign. See below "From stop sign."
The Griswold Inn is defined by its uniqueness, and our guest rooms are no exception. We have 34 charming rooms, no two exactly alike, and we do offer first floor rooms as well as a fully ADA compliant accommodation.* Furnished with antiques, period reproductions and Leonard's Beds - yes, the same Leonard's that has supplied a bed or two to The White House - some have fireplaces, some have views of "village life" and some boast glimpses of water.
We are now offering outdoor dining, dine-in and Gris To Go with curbside pickup, all available from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm daily. For Indoor Dining we encourage you to make a reservation by phone, 860.767.1776, or online. Outdoor Dining is available on a first-come, first-served basis, although we do accept reservations for 7 or more.
We are currently offering Dine-In and Gris-To-Go with curbside pickup, all available from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm daily. For Indoor Dining we encourage you to make a reservation by phone, 860.767.1776, or online. We hope to see you soon! In the meantime. At this time we are offering the same menu throughout all of our Dining Rooms.
Reviews (21)
Carolyn K.
Jan 26, 2022
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An enjoyable atmosphere and delicious food. They offer a nice variety of dishes made with many locally sourced ingredients. We've never been disappointed. We highly recommend saving room for desert- the Sticky Pudding is amazing!
For a really fun experience plan your visit on a night they offer live entertainment- Sea Shanty music completes the experience.
For a really fun experience plan your visit on a night they offer live entertainment- Sea Shanty music completes the experience.
John Sponauer
Jan 25, 2022
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You can't go wrong with The Gris. Historic, delicious, fun, and an icon of the area. From Sea Shanty night to sitting by the fireplace, it's always memorable. Iconic New England. Very good food and drinks, too. The chicken pot pie is worth seeing, the chowder is awesome, and I love they have New England favorites like canned bread in the bread basket. If you want one restaurant to represent Connecticut, this is the one.
Melanie K.
Jan 20, 2022
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Such a cool and historic spot. The food is very good with something for everyone and the service is reliably solid. Great for a long lunch and even better for a fun dinner. The quality of the food matches the uniqueness of the inn's ambiance. If you're in Essex, don't miss this place. PS: and don't skip dessert!
David N.
Jan 03, 2022
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The atmosphere and story behind this place is reason enough to go there! They have a great draft selection of local and their Historic Ale that is worth the trip. Staffing is an issue due to what is going on but our waitress could not have been any nicer and more apologetic even though we stressed we were in no rush and enjoying ourselves. Only disappointment was the assuage sampler. I was hoping for 3 full sausage and an explanation of what each was. Instead, we got 6 breaded slices al la pigs in a tiny blanket.
Bill K.
Jan 01, 2022
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Went to visit a lifelong friend and his family who now live in Connecticut. The took us out for dinner and drinks at The Griswold Inn.
It was awesome! Quaint little town, great local shops, and the food, beverage, and service at The Griswold Inn were outstanding. From the venison, to the chicken pot pie, to the potato pancakes, all were so, so good. The wait staff was fast and friendly, as was the bar staff. And the live music was an extra special added bonus.
Make plans for a great night out in the town, all in one place!
It was awesome! Quaint little town, great local shops, and the food, beverage, and service at The Griswold Inn were outstanding. From the venison, to the chicken pot pie, to the potato pancakes, all were so, so good. The wait staff was fast and friendly, as was the bar staff. And the live music was an extra special added bonus.
Make plans for a great night out in the town, all in one place!
Kasia G.
Dec 19, 2021
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It was our first time to Essex and Griswold Inn during the holiday season. The town looks very charming and the Inn stands out as the quintessential New England Inn.
Beautiful outside and inside. Loads of charm and preserved history. Very friendly staff. Good drinks, good food, all in a great atmosphere. Kids menu is limited, some fried items were on the crispy side, though still tasty. We will be back.
Beautiful outside and inside. Loads of charm and preserved history. Very friendly staff. Good drinks, good food, all in a great atmosphere. Kids menu is limited, some fried items were on the crispy side, though still tasty. We will be back.
Alexis B.
Dec 15, 2021
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We went during the hour where the seats are first come first serve with no reservation. It was round 3/4 ish. They had the fireplace going and we sat next to it so it was very nice. You can also walk up and eat some popcorn, just grab a basket and you help yourself. I had a warm apple cider which was very good. We also had the steak cabata which was alright and the corned beef was good. Their house chips are the best, nice and crispy. Very homey and tavern atmosphere.
Wayne Smith
Dec 13, 2021
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Initial contact with table seating person could have been better. Being told there was a time limit for the table when we first sat down was not the way to start our experience. Other than that the wait staff and food were excellent. There was a special Christmas menu and the restaurant was festively decorated.
Molly F.
Dec 07, 2021
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The Griswold Inn is a historic landmark, when you step inside, you step back in time. You can stay in one of the cute rooms or stop by the enjoy a cocktail or meal in the restaurant. We do recommend making reservations in advanced because it is busy and does fill up quickly. If you don't, you can stop in the bar and enjoy a drink!
Marie B.
Dec 04, 2021
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The food is fresh, delicious and unique. The location, the property; take you back in time!! Been going here for 50 years, one of my favorite places in the world!
But, on a recent Friday night we were turned away due to lack of reservation and restricted seating due to Covid, which was fine. However, the next morning my friend tells me that his group of friends went dancing at The Griswold later the same evening. So live music and dancing are allowed but dinner guests are too risky?? It's the off season and the locals talk to each other. Be consistent, don't alienate your long term local
But, on a recent Friday night we were turned away due to lack of reservation and restricted seating due to Covid, which was fine. However, the next morning my friend tells me that his group of friends went dancing at The Griswold later the same evening. So live music and dancing are allowed but dinner guests are too risky?? It's the off season and the locals talk to each other. Be consistent, don't alienate your long term local
Emily Brandenberger
Dec 01, 2021
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I'm from the Philadelphia area and the "in-law" short trip for lunch was "The Griz". And, you know what... It was really really good! I was figuring we were walking into tourist/historic lunch. Oh, goodness no! Waitress was great. Menu was large enough to have a "do I want this? Or that?" And so you split it and ... We chose a Ruben and a Cobb Salad and both were on point. Drinks arrived on time and then food was paced accordingly. Have to say, I was surprised with the quality of food, the service, and the cleanliness and decor of the Gris. Absolutely 5stars.
Dee
Nov 14, 2021
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Tammy Gunn
Oct 16, 2021
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Aimee H.
Oct 11, 2021
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Leah R.
Sep 17, 2021
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My mother and I came here for lunch and were shocked at how well preserved the building was. It's truly historical and there is something to look at around every corner. It's very relaxing and cozy. The food was alright but the drinks are even better.
The customer service was above 5 stars. I will be coming back it was a great experience and time
The customer service was above 5 stars. I will be coming back it was a great experience and time
The Mid Life Traveler Lexie Lee
Sep 12, 2021
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We just dropped in for a lite meal and it was perfect because they have a small bites menu. I had the yummy quinoa bowl and my friend had sausage bites. He said they were good.. Kind of pricey for the portion size but it is an expensive town so to be expected. Heard they have live music on Fridays and Saturdays so we'll be back!!
Zack G.
Aug 24, 2021
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One of the oldest continuously operated inns in the country (opened for business in 1776), with a dining room that is decorated in an old fashion way.
Every Sunday the place has a buffet that they call "Hunt Breakfast".
In December the menu includes seasonal game selections, the waitstaff is costumed, and the Royal Court Singers perform seasonal classics table-side
I came for lunch and got the clam chowder and chicken tacos. Both were delicious. Complimentary bread and butter was tasty as well
Service was fast and waitress was friendly
9
Every Sunday the place has a buffet that they call "Hunt Breakfast".
In December the menu includes seasonal game selections, the waitstaff is costumed, and the Royal Court Singers perform seasonal classics table-side
I came for lunch and got the clam chowder and chicken tacos. Both were delicious. Complimentary bread and butter was tasty as well
Service was fast and waitress was friendly
9
Allison C.
Jul 02, 2021
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The Griswold Inn had been on our list of places to try for so long, and our visit exceeded our expectations. We sat outside and had our delicious appetizers, but after a long, hot day at the beach, we asked to move inside. The staff was very accommodating and re-assuring that it was no trouble at all, because we did feel bad making this request. We were seated in the library section of the restaurant where we met our amazing server, Daniel. He was very attentive and welcoming. All of our entrees were fantastic, and I have to say I was blown away by the white cheddar and potato purée that came
Gina M.
Dec 31, 2020
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Great food and service. A little sad during this pandemic not to see more people dining in, but it's for the best. We met for a belated Christmas dinner with family members we were unable to see during the holidays. The Griswold Inn is one of my very favorite restaurants. I spent my honeymoon here back in 1991. The staff do a wonderful job!
Giedre L.
Dec 28, 2020
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We had a nice lunch here, very interesting and historic place with solid food.
We came here on a fairly busy Sunday with a lunch reservation, the place was fairly full.
We started with a sidecar cocktail and it was excellent, and fairly priced.
Then we had the burger with fries and and roasted beet and arugula salad. The burger was good, cooked medium well, with a $3 up charge for fries. The salad was also good, mostly arugula with some bits of beets, pecans and Gorgonzola.
We finished off with the bread pudding, which was fairly good, but kind of a one note dessert, not very interesting
We came here on a fairly busy Sunday with a lunch reservation, the place was fairly full.
We started with a sidecar cocktail and it was excellent, and fairly priced.
Then we had the burger with fries and and roasted beet and arugula salad. The burger was good, cooked medium well, with a $3 up charge for fries. The salad was also good, mostly arugula with some bits of beets, pecans and Gorgonzola.
We finished off with the bread pudding, which was fairly good, but kind of a one note dessert, not very interesting
Vegas K.
Dec 25, 2019
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