The Griswold Inn - Essex, Connecticut

Bob R.

Had our anniversary luncheon there this afternoon.
The food we had was great ,my wife enjoyed the fresh made fish and chips and I enjoyed my French Dip!
The service was very good, we sat in bar area as the place was packed, even the bartender came over to ask if we wanted anything and she helped take my plate away after I finished.
The server recommended the truffle dessert which was excellent!

Lisa L.

My husband and I had a wonderful visit and overnight stay at The Griswold Inn. The room was spacious but cozy, clean and super comfortable. The staff were attentive, friendly and made us feel welcome. We enjoyed the night at the Tavern singing sea chanteys and a delicious dinner, and breakfast the next morning was delightful before we enjoyed strolling the shops. Looking forward to making this an annual getaway!

Nancy B.

Two out of four dinners were just okay. The specials of the evening were very good!

Noisy crowd. Tables very close together and hard to hear guests at my table.

Waitress must have been new; wasn’t sure what starch came with specials. Couldn’t answer Simple questions which should have been known.

Their Fish entrees, salmon and cod were dry. Especially salmon.

Won’t return…….

Islandtime11

My husband and I stayed Friday to Sunday at this historic gem. We thoroughly enjoyed our delicious Tap Room meal, followed by dancing and singing with the locals to the Psychedelic 60s band in the bar area. We splurged on a superior suite with a king bed. It was over the chocolate store across the street from The Griswold Inn. It was very spacious with ample seating, a large bathroom with a stall shower, views of the square/Griswold Inn as well as a small side view of the water from the bathroom window. No TV, but it wasn't missed. The cool, quiet, dark room was perfect for us Brooklynites! The continental breakfast included filled us up until lunch both days. Every staff member we encountered seemed genuinely happy to serve/help us. Without a doubt, we'd recommend The Griswold Inn as well as stay here again.

Escape67309158017

We had a terrible experience at "the Gris." My family was traveling in Connecticut from Hawaii and made a special trip to the Gris to hear the sea shanties on a Monday evening. I specifically told the Gris the purpose of our trip and that I was traveling with my two small children when I made the reservations. They told me there would be no problem attending the shanties and suggested a suite room to accommodate the little ones. We arrived to find no bed made up for my young children despite paying extra to have the "suite" room to accommodate them. The room was also not on site. Rather is was across the road located above another business up a steep set of outdoor stairs very reminiscent of an airbnb. This would be impossible to navigate with suitcases or any walking impediment. It was very difficult for us with our children. |We travelled to the Gris specifically to hear the shanties on Monday nights. This was told to the Gris when we made our reservations. They told us to make a 7:45 reservation in the dining room which we did. We arrived to find ourselves seated as far as possible from the tavern, unable to hear, unable to see. I expressed my disappointment to the management after our stay, and was met with no concern at all. For a single night we paid about $450.00. This is highway robbery for the product and customer service provided.

Sue B.

We spent the evening at the Tap Room for dinner and the entertainment. We really enjoyed ourselves. One thing I didn’t know was that in the winter the server gives you the Game menu. Food I don’t eat. I asked if they had other food options and was told I needed to request the Tap menu. We were very pleased with that food selection and had an enjoyable evening.

Mike R.

A long list of observations… booked a suite. I know its an historic building but the room (furniture) is one of the most uncomfortable I’ve ever experienced… heat was blasting the last night with no maintenance man to fix it… (moving to another room was not desired … I didn’t want to pack and unpack again (and why should I ?)restaurant is is just ok… service is friendly enough but very unpolished… steaks arrive without knives … bread without butter etc… but my biggest complaint is this: I booked the place for the live music but as someone staying at the hotel you can’t book a table in the band room… these spaces seem to go to the locals… all said it’s just an average place that could be very nice if it just got out of it’s own way

Dorothy K. P.

I’m very sorry I have to share this review. We used to love this restaurant even if it took 50 min to get there. The food was fresh, creative, seasonal and tasty…
We went last week, after a long brake, what a disappointment!
We felt like we are in a low quality diner, with a very mediocre food, and high prices. Didn’t like my drink, pear martini, tasted like pear juice with some alcohol and sprite. The beets salad was uneatable , and cod smelled when it was served. The waiter was really nice and she was trying very hard to make is happier.
We have such wonderful memories from this place, we are heartbroken.