Best Restaurants for Groups in Essex

11 restaurants available nearby

1. The Griswold Inn

4.5

Price: Expensive

• American • Essex

Booked 26 times today

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.

A photo of Surfridge Brewing Company restaurant

2. Surfridge Brewing Company

4.8

Exceptional(40)

Price: Moderate

• Pub • Centerbrook

Booked 5 times today

Wood fired Artisanal pizza and brewpub. Cold and hot share plates, Neapolitan Pies, and chef driven cuisine. House brewed beers, wines, mixology. Large patio, family and dog friendly.

3. Aspen Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1696)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Old Saybrook

Booked 17 times today

Aspen Restaurant Voted Best New Restaurant for 2009 by Connecticut Magazine. A premiere destination dining experience, serving contemporary american cuisine with global accents. Aspen Restaurant is Located on 2 main street in Old Saybrook,CT.

A photo of Scotch Plains Tavern restaurant

4. Scotch Plains Tavern

4.5

Awesome(703)

Price: Moderate

• Pub • Essex

If you’re looking for an authentic tavern cuisine and rustic ambiance, Scotch Plains Tavern is the place to be. Located minutes from Essex Steam Train, Rt. 9, and I-95, guests can kick back with a drink and some wings in our newly renovated upstairs bar, redesigned in a modern vintage industrial style while maintaining the original bar from Oliver’s Tavern. The bar, retrofitted for additional space, was originally built in 1913 for a bar in Chicago where Al Capone is rumored to have regularly tipped a glass.

5. Café Routier

4.8

Exceptional(2156)

Price: Moderate

• American • Westbrook

Booked 16 times today

Please go to www.caferoutier.com for all current menus and important postings!"Constantly evolving, Seasonally driven and Globally inspired menus"Cafe Routier, Bistro and Lounge, serving a three paneled menu format; Regional (a different region of the world every 8 weeks), Seasonal (locally sourced seasonal ingredients) and a specialty menu of classic Bistro fare. A 40 seat lounge serving 'small plates' and tapas adjoins the bar area. Ethos is important to us.Reservations made online are for our dining room only. Our lounge does not require reservations and works on a first come/first serve approach, so please do not make a reservation if your intent is to sit in the lounge!

A photo of Little Pub- Old Saybrook restaurant

6. Little Pub- Old Saybrook

4.5

Awesome(130)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 9 times today

Great food, generous drinks, and a lively pub atmosphere you'll feel right at home in. A rustic neighborhood gathering place with a relentless focus on customer service, value, and fun.

7. La Marea

4.8

Exceptional(1779)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Old Saybrook

Booked 17 times today

Savor the authentic tastes of Italy when you dine at La Marea. Located on the shoreline of CT in Old Saybrook, our family owned Italian restaurant prepares northern and southern Italian cuisine using a mix of the finest imports from Italy as well as fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Gluten Free and Vegetarian options are available. Enjoy your dining experience in either our dining room or be sure to reserve a seat at our conversational hi-top tables or at the bar in our lounge.Important: when making a reservation through OpenTable there is an option to make a reservation at a high top table in the bar area or standard table which is in the dining room. If the high top option does not pop up as an option for you then that means that there are NO High Top tables available at those times. If you would like to reserve bar seats please leave us a note or call us. See you soon! Take-out available

8. Liv's Oyster Bar

4.8

Exceptional(2685)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Old Saybrook

Booked 28 times today

Opening in 2006, Liv’s Oyster Bar and Restaurant quickly became a dining destination in Old Saybrook. Inspired by his daughter, Olivia, and years of experience in the restaurant industry, owner John Brescio set out with a desire to welcome the community to his family’s table.Dining at Liv’s, whether in the main room, at the bar, or on the patio, is an experience to be savored with friends and family long after summer on the shoreline has past.John Brescio also serves as Liv’s Executive Chef, creating simple, focused dishes with an emphasis on local ingredients, and the stunning seafood that the area provides. The menu at Liv’s changes with the seasons, bringing guests a true taste of the pristine environment. John works closely with Liv’s partners to make sure only the best produce is used, as he would serve nothing less to his family.Together with his exceptional staff, John welcomes you to the special experience he’s created at Liv’s Oyster Bar.

9. Penny Lane Pub

4.5

Awesome(327)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 13 times today

Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant is an English style pub located in Old Saybrook. The casual and friendly atmosphere on two stories offers plenty of options for diners. Whether you choose the entertaining and active downstairs or the quieter dining upstairs or even the patio when weather permits, the casual pub fare will win you over.Lunch choices at Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant include classic English pub favorites such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and a corned beef Reuben. Be sure to also visit Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant for live music on Friday nights. Heading to the Kate theater just walking distance down Main street? Make a reservation today!

10. Fresh Salt

4.6

Exceptional(1498)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Old Saybrook

Booked 56 times today

Fresh Salt is more than just a restaurant; it is a place to enjoy one another’s company and experience the breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound quietly intertwined with the Connecticut River. Utilizing the chef’s simple yet high quality approach, the fresh, seasonal local ingredients of Connecticut are transformed into beautifully inspired dishes. Our Local Food Commitment allows us to work with local farmers and artisans to ensure the quality of locally grown ingredients from the sea, land and soil. These fresh ingredients and vibrant tastes of Fresh Salt are available daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located right on the water means seriously fresh seafood and our menu definitely delivers. From the beloved Lobster Roll to the cherished Clam Chowder and so many more specialties, Fresh Salt dishes are guaranteed to please every palate. We offer indoor and outdoor dining, outdoor dining is based on a first come first serve basis, outdoor dining is non-reservable.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Christine
Greater Boston •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We had a great night at the Griswold Inn. Love the singers! Thank you for adding a gluten free dessert to the menu - it was delicious!! (You did not have one last year and I was disappointed.) We will be back again next year.
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The Griswold InnPrice: Expensive• American• Essex
•
4.5
M
Mary
New York City •16 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 16, 2024
Café Routier continues to be a special place for us to have dinner. Everything was delicious! Every dessert is delicious as well!
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Café RoutierPrice: Moderate• American• Westbrook
•
4.8
M
Meridith
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 15, 2024
Great place to eat before Essex Steam Train. Accommodating servers (we had many children). Good food/beer. We also were able to park at the brewery and leave our car there while taking the train. It was easy to get out following the train. Highly recommend!
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Surfridge Brewing CompanyPrice: Moderate• Pub• Centerbrook
•
4.8
M
megan
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 13, 2024
The best food and service! Wish there were some light live music playing :)
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Aspen RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Old Saybrook
•
4.6
J
Joseph
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 14, 2024
Food and staff are Great! Will not disappoint...
More info
Scotch Plains TavernPrice: Moderate• Pub• Essex
•
4.5

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Essex

Best Restaurants for Groups in Essex

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11 restaurants available nearby

1. The Griswold Inn

2. Surfridge Brewing Company

3. Aspen Restaurant

4. Scotch Plains Tavern

5. Café Routier

6. Little Pub- Old Saybrook

7. La Marea

8. Liv's Oyster Bar

9. Penny Lane Pub

10. Fresh Salt

See what locals rave about

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