Best Fun Restaurants in Chester

15 restaurants available nearby

1. The Griswold Inn

4.5

Price: Expensive

• American • Essex

Booked 6 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 The Brushmill by the Waterfall restaurant

2. The Brushmill by the Waterfall

4.5

Awesome(573)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Chester

Booked 4 times today

The Brushmill By The Waterfall is a restaurant and tavern featuring contemporary cuisine in an elegant setting overlooking a romantic waterfall on the Pattaconk Creek located in picturesque Chester, Connecticut.

A photo of Surfridge Brewing Company restaurant

3. Surfridge Brewing Company

4.8

Exceptional(40)

Price: Moderate

• Pub • Centerbrook

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.

A photo of The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn restaurant

4. The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn

4.9

Exceptional(83)

Price: Moderate

• Wine Bar • Essex

Booked 1 time today

The Wine Bar at The Griswold Inn is an extraordinary space in which to enjoy a delicious experience in every respect. It features an innovative tapas menu, inspired "macro" plates, artisanal cheeses and handcrafted desserts. The menu changes periodically to take advantage of all that characterizes a particular season, though there are a few classics that remain on the menu throughout the year, like its very popular Grilled and Carved Bistro Steak, served with white truffle-laced pommes frites, arugula,and red wine jus. A consistent winner of Wine Spectator's prestigious Award of Excellence, it offers numerous wines by the glass, wine flights, and a more extensive bottle list. A full-service bar is also available. A creative and accomplished chef and a knowledgeable and attentive service staff complete the experience.

A photo of Rustica Ristorante - Chester restaurant

5. Rustica Ristorante - Chester

4.6

Exceptional(1308)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Chester

Booked 6 times today

Authentic Italian Food!!!UNDER THE STATE LAW DUE TO COVID-19, RUSTICA RISTORANTE HAS IMPLEMENTED HEALTHY AND SAFE PRECAUTIONS FOR OUR EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS. OUR OUTDOOR SEATING ALLOWS YOU TO INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER SAFELY

A photo of Scotch Plains Tavern restaurant

6. Scotch Plains Tavern

4.6

Exceptional(703)

Price: Moderate

• Pub • Essex

Scotch Plains Tavern is a fun spot with a rustic ambiance and a menu full of tavern cuisine. Reviews rave about the great atmosphere, excellent food, and entertaining bar. Customers love the variety of menu choices and good cocktails. Plus, the outdoor seating with fire pits is a hit. Whether you're there for a casual dinner or a special occasion, you'll definitely have a good time!

7. Fresh Salt

4.6

Exceptional(1498)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Old Saybrook

Booked 40 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.

8. The Essex

4.8

Exceptional(1014)

Price: Expensive

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 13 times today

Set in the heart of downtown, across from the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, the “new” Essex will continue to offer the progressive, modern, approachable cuisine that has made it a top restaurant in the region. Whether it’s a pre-theater dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or a tasting menu for a special evening, guests can gather at The Essex to create memories with family and friends while enjoying excellent cuisine. The Essex menu showcases modern American cuisine that draws inspiration from the land, sea and deep heritage of the Connecticut River Valley, using the freshest locally sourced products available from farm and sea. All will inspire an ever-changing menu of progressive interpretations of timeless dishes. "Voted Best New Restaurant in New England" Yankee Magazine "Best Restaurants in Connecticut" CT Magazine "Not to be Missed" Town & Country Magazine"Rising Chef Star" CT Mag

9. Old Lyme Inn

4.6

Exceptional(669)

Price: Expensive

• American • Old Lyme

Booked 1 time today

The Old Lyme Inn’s restaurant and bar offers guests contemporary New England Fare in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. Our chef embraces the changing seasons and bounty of the Connecticut River Valley to offer creative menus that change weekly. Since it's opening in April 2012, the restaurant has quickly become a celebrated meeting place for visitors and locals alike. The inn boasts three different dining rooms, a grand eight seat bar and a fireplace adorned library. The Side Door Jazz Club offers shows every Friday and Saturday night and has been recognized by 'Down Beat' magazine as one of the best jazz venues in the world.Whether you're joining us for our famous 'Jazzy' brunch, cozying up with a friend at our afternoon tea or enjoying an elegant dinner before a show at the Side Door; we can't wait to exceed your expectations.

A photo of Little Pub- Old Saybrook restaurant

10. Little Pub- Old Saybrook

4.5

Awesome(130)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 12 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.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
MarnaVIP
New York City •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We have dined frequently at the Griswold Inn but last night was the first time we dined there with the strolling carolers. It was really quite special such a beautiful historic location to have a holiday meal with the people you love and a little bit of Christmas spirit! The short ribs, as always, were on point and delicious and I don't know you did something extra good to the mashed potatoes last night too! We also loved the oysters and the baked cod was so fresh and yummy.
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The Griswold InnPrice: Expensive• American• Essex
•
4.5
A
Alexandra
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
My husband and I finally got out for a night and were looking for a unique experience with good food. This was exactly what we were looking for. The waterfall and covered bridge was beautiful. The ambiance was quaint and quiet. The waiter was friendly. And the butternut squash small plate was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten.
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The Brushmill by the WaterfallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Chester
•
4.5
L
Lisa
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 19, 2024
Festive and fun and delicious! Great food and ambience!
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The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold InnPrice: Moderate• Wine Bar• Essex
•
4.9
A
anne
Greater Boston •11 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 19, 2024
Great neighborhood restaurant. Food and service was excellent! If you are looking for a wonderful dining experience Rustica is the place!
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Rustica Ristorante - ChesterPrice: Moderate• Italian• Chester
•
4.6
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

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Best Fun Restaurants in Chester

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15 restaurants available nearby

1. The Griswold Inn

2. The Brushmill by the Waterfall

3. Surfridge Brewing Company

4. The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn

5. Rustica Ristorante - Chester

6. Scotch Plains Tavern

7. Fresh Salt

8. The Essex

9. Old Lyme Inn

10. Little Pub- Old Saybrook

See what locals rave about

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