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✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in
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The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn is another way to enjoy our culinary offerings. This distinct and separate dining outlet on premise features small plates, macros plates, select cheeses, special desserts and, of course, wine! Our award-winning wine program features numerous wines by the glass, a more extensive bottle list, a reserve list and a cruvinet system to offer yet more elegant wines by the glass. Full bar service is also available. This stunning space includes rich mahogany details and continues the expression of our museum-quality maritime art collection.
Hours
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 5:30–9 PM |
| Thursday | 5:30–9 PM |
| Friday | 5:30–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5:30–10 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 36 Main St, Essex, CT 06426
Phone: (860) 767-1776
Website: https://griswoldinn.com/food-wine/wine-bar-dining/
Menu Photos
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Book now at The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn in Essex, CT. Explore menu, see photos and read 121 reviews: “Staff are all amazing.
Reviews
Rebecca Clingenpeel
Wow! As a CT nativeI can’t believe I had never been here. Historic, charming, and delicious food with attentive service. We were a large group and everything was great. It’s nice to see all the old decorations as well. A must visit!
… moreColin C
Fine dining atmosphere and experience at the Library room with very Christmas feel along with carols. Celiac (gluten free friendly), dairy and egg dietary restrictions were accommodated, including dessert, which is uncommon.
Great service and food.
Thank you.
… moreGreat service and food.
Thank you.
Maysa
I brought my cousin from out of state who is a big foodie and they were very impressed! The menu options were a mix of comfort and elegance with a dash of creativity. The staff were extremely professional and very attentive – my water glass was filled frequently without me having to chase anyone down! Will definitely be coming again.
… moreJen B.
What an amazing experience to eat in the oldest continuously running restaurant since 1775, and only 6 owners … Truly authentic, the food is out of this world!! Potato pancakes, grilled Reuben, hamburgers, just phenomenal!
… moreArvydas Saffari
Dining at The Griswold Inn isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience wrapped in centuries of charm. From the flicker of candlelight to the low wooden beams and vintage maritime artwork, every inch of the place whispers history. You feel like you’re stepping back in time, but the food is anything but dated.
The menu leans into hearty New England fare, and it delivers. The pot roast is fork-tender and rich, the clam chowder is creamy and full of flavor (no skimping on the clams), and the baked scallops are fresh, buttery, and beautifully seasoned. And if you’re lucky enough to be there on a prime rib night—don’t miss it.
The staff is warm, attentive, and clearly proud to be part of such a beloved institution. It’s the kind of place where you’re encouraged to linger, sip a glass of wine or cider, and soak in the ambiance.
There’s something magical about dining here—it’s cozy, classy, and steeped in the kind of character you just can’t fake. The Griswold Inn restaurant is a rare gem that gets better with time. Five stars, easily.
… moreThe menu leans into hearty New England fare, and it delivers. The pot roast is fork-tender and rich, the clam chowder is creamy and full of flavor (no skimping on the clams), and the baked scallops are fresh, buttery, and beautifully seasoned. And if you’re lucky enough to be there on a prime rib night—don’t miss it.
The staff is warm, attentive, and clearly proud to be part of such a beloved institution. It’s the kind of place where you’re encouraged to linger, sip a glass of wine or cider, and soak in the ambiance.
There’s something magical about dining here—it’s cozy, classy, and steeped in the kind of character you just can’t fake. The Griswold Inn restaurant is a rare gem that gets better with time. Five stars, easily.
Chris Costello
I have stayed and dined at your historic establishment many times and had so many memorable and wonderful experiences. However ….
What a terrible unfortunate experience I had tonight.
This was the first time in my life that I actually felt unsafe and threatened in a restaurant. And management did absolutely nothing at all .
For the staff that was there tonight that cared , I thank you , specifically , Colleen and Rachel who were amazing , they can attest to the horrible events – patrons swearing at other patrons and threatening them to the point where people left .
I tried very respectfully many times to ask for things to quiet down slightly and unfortunately things did not improve and actually got worse . We as well as other patrons were sweared at and threatened. Time and time again .
I just wish things went differently for the evening.
Obviously I will Never be going back again and will
Never recommend this place as a trusted and safe establishment.
And I would ask ownership to evaluate their management – management is putting this historic landmark in harms way.
General Management decided to look the other way and in fact decided to reprimand me when I was the one trying to improve and resolve the situation for many patrons .
I feel extremely upset and unfairly treated – especially as I professionally tried to mitigate the escalating situation.
I want to end with a special thanks to Colleen and Rachel for acknowledging the uncomfortable situation and assisting the patrons who were impacted .
… moreWhat a terrible unfortunate experience I had tonight.
This was the first time in my life that I actually felt unsafe and threatened in a restaurant. And management did absolutely nothing at all .
For the staff that was there tonight that cared , I thank you , specifically , Colleen and Rachel who were amazing , they can attest to the horrible events – patrons swearing at other patrons and threatening them to the point where people left .
I tried very respectfully many times to ask for things to quiet down slightly and unfortunately things did not improve and actually got worse . We as well as other patrons were sweared at and threatened. Time and time again .
I just wish things went differently for the evening.
Obviously I will Never be going back again and will
Never recommend this place as a trusted and safe establishment.
And I would ask ownership to evaluate their management – management is putting this historic landmark in harms way.
General Management decided to look the other way and in fact decided to reprimand me when I was the one trying to improve and resolve the situation for many patrons .
I feel extremely upset and unfairly treated – especially as I professionally tried to mitigate the escalating situation.
I want to end with a special thanks to Colleen and Rachel for acknowledging the uncomfortable situation and assisting the patrons who were impacted .
Beth Grabowski
My three friends and I had a delightful Wednesday Women and Wine evening at the Gris this week. The delicious wine, warm grilled flatbread, crab cakes and chocolate cheesecake were outstanding and reasonably priced. Our server was helpful and attentive, as well as enjoyable to chat with. Such an enjoyable evening.
… moreDr arnold saslow
Absolutely fabulous place they have a great meal
Large menu
The restaurant itself dates back to the late 18th century
It is highly decorated in every type of nautical thing you can think of
The room is quite large, and therefore it is a bit noisy as the original design at his building was not meant to keep voices down
… moreLarge menu
The restaurant itself dates back to the late 18th century
It is highly decorated in every type of nautical thing you can think of
The room is quite large, and therefore it is a bit noisy as the original design at his building was not meant to keep voices down
Dave Sundlof
NO alcohol in my White Russian despite being expensive. Come on management.
Basics.
Clearly, you are cheating the customer.
Stop this practice.
My wife ordered wine which was a pour dictated by the same management as it was light…
… moreBasics.
Clearly, you are cheating the customer.
Stop this practice.
My wife ordered wine which was a pour dictated by the same management as it was light…
Lindsey Jeanne Taylor
Upon sharing several small plates with my companion, two glasses of wine and topping it off with 2 desserts, I must say it was one of best dinners I ever had.
… more