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

The Griswold Inn

4.5
4.5
912 Reviews
$31 to $50
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 28 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.
  • Neighbourhood
    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, Gender Neutral Restroom, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 912 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Middlesex

    Romantic

  • Middlesex

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Griswold Inn is a "lovely historical, nautical place" known for its "excellent food" and unique ambiance. Guests cherish its "fun atmosphere," attentive service, and delightful live music. The terrace is a summer favorite, and the Revolutionary Ale is a standout. Reservations are recommended for this charming New England gem.

912 Reviews
  1. Christine

    Greater Boston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    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.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Mike

    New York City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My wife and I sat in the main fireplace room and had a lovely evening. It was quite busy because it was Christmas week but it was wonderful. The caroling quartet was absolutely charming. We loved our dinner, too!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Mary

    Washington DC

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on December 19, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Griswold Inn is such a special place during the holidays. It was decorated beautifully, and the singers really made the evening very special. The service was excellent, and the food particularly good. I note that because the restaurant was definitely full, so clearly there was a lot going on in the kitchen. We come every year during the holidays, and will continue to follow this tradition. Of course we enjoy it at other times of the year as well. It is a great asset to our community. 

    Is this helpful?

  4. Joyce

    VIP

    San Francisco

    142 reviews

    5.0

    142 reviews

    Dined on December 19, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a wonderful time. Our food was amazing as well as the service. We loved the choir! It put us in the holiday spirit!

    1 person found this helpful

  5. Nick

    VIP

    New York City

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Friendly and responsive service to go along with a wonderful meal.As a Scotch driver, I would have liked more Scotch options to choose from.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Amanda

    Los Angeles

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on December 9, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We loved the festive ambiance! Plus we were lucky enough to experience the Christmas carolers that are there all December. The standout food item was definitely the warm housemade potato chips—those are a must!

    1 person found this helpful

  7. John

    Rhode Island

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Someone give this place a Michelin Star right now! Our experience at the Griswold Inn for dinner was so phenomenal, I needed to return for a second time in the same week. Everything was perfect from the service, to our drinks, and each course of food that came out. Dining here is an excellent choice for your next special occasion or date night. You won’t be disappointed. A reservation is definitely a must.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Lauren

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    122 reviews

    5.0

    122 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We loved the festive atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. Our server, Aiden, was wonderful and friendly. We knew the restaurant was busy and he had lots of tables to handle. He was great. I had the butternut squash soup and butternut squash ravioli (both delicious)! My husband had the prime rib and enjoyed it as well. It was a relaxing night out in a quaint historic setting.

    Is this helpful?

  9. ROBIN

    New York City

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2024

    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

    Is this helpful?

  10. Debi

    VIP

    Greater Boston

    19 reviews

    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2024

    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!!

    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 4.5 stars by 912 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 28 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
  • Neighbourhood
    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, Gender Neutral Restroom, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, 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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