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December at The Gris - oh so festive! - The Griswold Inn, Essex, CT

The Griswold Inn

4.4
4.4
904 Reviews
$31 to $50
American

Make a booking

2 people
11:00 pm
Booked 15 times today
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighbourhood gem
The Griswold Inn is an inn and restaurant located in the historic seaport village of Essex. The Gris, as it is affectionately known, has been in continous operation since 1776.

`Currently we are offering dine in, dine out, and Gris To Go! Inside, guests may enjoy dining in historic, art-filled rooms which exude character, charm and tradition. Seating for the alfresco experience is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with the exception of larger parties of 7 or more which may be made by calling 860.767.1776.

The Inn boasts a wine list consistently recognized by Wine Spectator with the prestigious Award of Excellence; Food & Wine and Travel + Leisure have recently recognized the Inn's restaurant as "Connecticut's coziest" and it is included in Patricia Schulz's "1000 Places to See Before You Die". The Griswold Inn is also the recipient of Connecticut's Highest Award for Hospitality. The best of old and new meet here.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu 11:30 am–8:45 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–9:15 pm Sun 11:00 am–7:45 pm
  • Phone number
    (860) 767-1776
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Shaheed Toppin
  • Catering
    DECEMBER is a wonderful time to experience The Griswold Inn! With our “halls” fully decked, the “Rockwellian vibe” is in the air. The month-long celebration features a Holiday Bill of Fare with game selections as well as Gris Classics. Each evening, while served by costumed wait staff, The Royal Court Singers perform seasonal classics table-side.
  • Private party facilities
    The Griswold Inn, is ideal for many types of private events, from small gatherings and business meetings, to large parties. Each of our rooms is a unique space, showcasing our celebrated art collection, and our proud history. Contact Claudia Odekerken, our Private Events Manager to plan your next event!catering@griswoldinn.com t.860-767-1776.
  • Area
    Essex
  • Cross Street
    Ferry St
  • Parking details
    Free street parking and in the Inn's private lots.
  • Entertainment
    Live music nightly with a varied musical menu. View the entertainment calendar on the Inn's website.
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 904 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Middlesex

    Hot spot

  • Middlesex

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Middlesex

    Romantic

  • Middlesex

    Good for special occasions

  • Middlesex

    Lively

  • Middlesex

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Griswold Inn, a historic gem, offers an "awesome choice" for dining with its charming New England ambiance and delightful staff. Guests rave about its "great food" and "fun atmosphere," highlighting the clam chowder and fried shrimp. While some service inconsistencies are noted, the inn remains a beloved spot for memorable experiences.

904 Reviews
  1. ROBIN

    New York City

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    I made reservations in advance for lunch for the taproom. I did not know that it was first come first serve there so they sat us right by the men’s room. I asked them to please not sit me by the bathroom so they moved us into the other room and sat next to the ladies room. I guess when you make reservations at the Griswold Inn, they put you by the bathroom It Was very smelly sitting there and finally a table opened up that was away from the bathroom and I asked them if I could sit there and they responded. It was for another reservation. Eventually they did move us. I guess if you make reservations there they put you by the bathroom , probably won’t go back there again

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  2. Debi

    Greater Boston

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    ALWAYS a delightful dining experience!! The food is delectable, the staff is attentive and friendly, and the ambiance is unparalleled!!

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  3. Mickeyd

    New York City

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Avery was an attentive waitress and a pleasant individual. She helped make the experience more enjoyable. The clam chowder is an excellent appetizer, the roast beef expertly prepared. This is one of our favorite restaurants.

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  4. Adare

    New York City

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 17 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We had a lovely family dinner here before the Polar Express. The NICEST waiter, quick service, good food, wonderful live music (Sunday night, he was so talented and kind to our kids) and an awesome table.

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  5. Joseph

    Atlantic City

    21 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on 16 November 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 2
    1 very loud 2. Service was very 3 had request bread three times 4. Found out their bread is B&G brown bread. That is sad coming from a place like that 5. Food was very good

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  6. Douglas

    Orlando

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 16 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food and Band was excellent, atmosphere was so very unique

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  7. Tina

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 3 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, great service, conserned staff checking to make sure everything was good, nice ambiance.

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  8. Scott

    New York City

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 2 November 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food is amazing and the energy is even better! What an amazing place for a night out. Service is always top notch. I note to first timers- Some of the tables may slant, so watch your food and drinks! Overall though, it is always a memorable and enjoyable experience at “The Gris”!

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  9. Mark

    Milwaukee

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 23 October 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very unique and historic local. Excellent salad and starter courses. The boneless beef ribs were more like a beef roast than rib meat, but tasty and filling.

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  10. Michael

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 22 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a fantastic time, as usual! Staff is wonderful, the food was soooo tasty. We’ve never had a bad meal there. The management is on hand and happy to help. Very accommodating! Can’t say enough good things, that’s why we keep going back!!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Griswold Inn offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (860) 767-1776.

The Griswold Inn is rated 4.4 stars by 904 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
11:00 pm
Booked 15 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Griswold Inn

36 Main St, Essex, CT 06426

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Ferry St
  • Area
    Essex
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Thu 11:30 am–8:45 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–9:15 pm Sun 11:00 am–7:45 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Free street parking and in the Inn's private lots.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Shaheed Toppin
  • Entertainment
    Live music nightly with a varied musical menu. View the entertainment calendar on the Inn's website.
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (860) 767-1776
  • Catering
    DECEMBER is a wonderful time to experience The Griswold Inn! With our “halls” fully decked, the “Rockwellian vibe” is in the air. The month-long celebration features a Holiday Bill of Fare with game selections as well as Gris Classics. Each evening, while served by costumed wait staff, The Royal Court Singers perform seasonal classics table-side.
  • Private party facilities
    The Griswold Inn, is ideal for many types of private events, from small gatherings and business meetings, to large parties. Each of our rooms is a unique space, showcasing our celebrated art collection, and our proud history. Contact Claudia Odekerken, our Private Events Manager to plan your next event!catering@griswoldinn.com t.860-767-1776.
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