For posts on various restaurants that I visited, go here.
Verdictum:
A pleasant watering hole providing delicious food, appetizing drinks with pleasing hospitality and ambience taking you back to the 1700s. Do stop by if you are in Essex, Connecticut. This place will not disappoint you.
The afternoon after I had the cruise to Old Saybrook lighthouses in October, I popped into The Griswold Inn in Essex, Connecticut for my lunch. Listed as one of the unique restaurants in Connecticut, it had opened its doors in 1776. The uniqueness of this inn comes because of the fact that it has been one of the oldest continually operating inn and tavern.
This inn was originally founded by three brothers who named it after the local Griswold Family. Over the centuries it had been managed by only six families. It may be the oldest but it comes as modern as any restaurant of today.
The Griswold Inn is on the historic Main Street of the seaport town of Essex in Connecticut. The walls of the inn are covered with pictures and memorabilia from centuries and decades gone by showing us the progression from the Revolution times in the 1700s to the most modern maritime artifacts. It’s a treasure trove of information.
I was seated in their historic dining room, so I missed seeing their tap room or the wine bar. However, I did get a beautiful view of the entire inn from where I was seated. Notice the old fans still in function giving the much needed fresh air for those warm days.
The lantern was in particular very charming and very maritime.
I had Hot Buttered Rum and Butternut Squash Ravioli with a side of their warm House Chips topped with sour cream.
Other points of interest here are – The Griswold Inn Store – Goods and Curiosities across the street to the restaurant. You can get an eclectic mix of products there. As much as oldest we call it, the inn has come into the modern times with their Gris To Go option with curbside pickup.
Don’t miss all the notices across the inn taking us to years past, giving us a glimpse of the lives then, and also amusing us now.
I found this carriage standing outside the restaurant, colorful and cute.
After having a large meal, here is my verdict:
First Impressions:
- Ambience takes you back to 1700s and sets the mood and tone
- Menu is diversified enough for Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian palates.
- Seasonal varieties can be seen.
- Drinks menu also is unique to a tavern style bar.
- Reasonable and affordable price.
- Delicious food served per your choice; they would accommodate to your taste too.
Amelioration:
- For the sake of ambience, the lighting was too dark. Wish it was a bit more brighter
Verdictum:
A pleasant watering hole providing delicious food, appetizing drinks with pleasing hospitality and ambience taking you back to the 1700s. Do stop by if you are in Essex, Connecticut. This place will not disappoint you.
Galavant Reflections 