42 Best American Restaurants near Chester

“The food was amazing. Beautiful restaurant. The service was just a bit awkward. It was almost like they were annoyed we were there. Our initial server who took our order was very kind and attentive, but after him, the other two waitresses seemed put out and almost rushed us out. Hopefully it was just an off hand experience because other than that we loved the restaurant!“

“It's a Friday night and we're meeting up with some friends! One of them suggested Marker 37 for a variety of reasons and today, we're going to find out why! Here's how things went for me during my visit. Atmosphere/Appearance: Set right on the Connecticut River in Chester, CT connected to its own marina is this gem. Reservations are recommended especially in the summertime since THIS is the place where you wanna be. We were here in early April so things hadn't quite picked up, but at least the snow was gone and we didn't need to wear super heavy coats. The parking lot is massive so if it's busy you'll be walking for a minute before you get to the door. But once inside it's pretty modern, chill and relaxed. The decor isn't over-the-top. Everything is straight-edged and just... almost minimalistic. However, we sat in the patio area that was certainly heated so we could see the view of the water while the sun set. It was a wide-open setting and I'm very glad the restaurant didn't smash too many tables and chairs in there. Service: I can't remember who took care of us, but I don't remember having any issues throughout dinner. It was fairly slow so I didn't expect any hold-ups. Food/Drinks: I started off with an old-fashioned which was fine. Nothing crazy. Next up was a New England clam chowder which is perfectly seasoned and flavorful. Textures were good and so were the seasonings. Spot-on. For dinner I went with their Prime Rib! It came out perfectly medium-rare with a side of fingerling potatoes, grilled squash, au jus and horseradish sauce. It was good. Just... kinda not exciting. :-/ Maybe I should've gone the seafood route since we were on the water. But no matter. Value: Not too crazy here. It's a nice restaurant, but prices aren't out of control. You can totally come here to chill, have a drink and an app or a full-on family dinner and not be upset at the final bill. In conclusion I liked it here, just not enough to want to drive all the way out here again. Would I come back? Sure, if I were invited by friends and stuff, but I highly encourage you reading this to pay this place a visit and enjoy the views! Thank you for reading.“

“Honestly originally came here thinking it was a typical tavern. Left having one of the best food experiences I have ever had! The food was amazing and so perfectly prepared I have been back countless times since and am always recommending them to friends and family. Definitely need to fit in a date night here really soon!!!“

“I have been going here for at least 11 years. The food never disappoints. I love the daily specials and holiday special orders. Fresh and delicious. The bakery is excellent, the cookies are irresistible. Quaint gourmet sandwich, coffee, and gift shop in downtown Chester. Highly recommend, outdoor seating. Always friendly service.“

“Obsesssssed, our new favorite place. Short ribs melt in your mouth yummmm so good. Great attentive servive. Super friendly staff, I can go on and on about the positives!“

“Hungry after a few hours at Gillette Castle, we were looking for lunch/dinner. We had a wonderful experience at Pattaconk! Our waitress was friendly and attentive to my dietary needs (Celiac’s). We had a burger, quesadilla & Nashville chicken stripes. My burger had a gf bun & was delicious, husb & daughter loved the stripes & quesadilla. Restaurant had a nice, chill atmosphere, everyone enjoying drinks & food. We will be back when out in the area.“

“Absolutely outstanding! 5 star experience from start to finish! Our hostess was a gem! Very kind..Our server Peter was a professional.. made some wonderful suggestions on wine and appetizers! And one of the most important parts was the food! It’s a must try! Memories were made! Can’t wait to go back and enjoy a beautiful experience if they’ve gave 10 stars the Essex would get an 11 cheers“

“We had the most amazing meal sent to our hotel. Tuna crudo, crab salad, strip steak and zabaione; ( custard desert). It was delicious. If you can try his cooking“

“Very good dining experience. food, service and atmosphere get a big thumbs up 👍“

“Stopped by Ed's Place and had the Hot Chick Sandwich with a side of coleslaw both were absolutely delicious! The sandwich was flavorful and cooked perfectly, and the coleslaw was fresh and a great complement to the meal. The service was excellent, and the staff were friendly, personable, and made me feel welcome from the moment I walked in. Great food, great people, and a great experience. I’ll definitely be back!“

“This is a 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ restaurant for sure from the Food which was mouth watering to the service and atmosphere a fantastic place to eat! You won't find a better steak around. I can't say enough about how pleased I was tonight with everything . Hats off to Jack and Nancy I highly recommend it“

“Wow this place was amazing just walking into this restaurant the abaincs was amazing the ocean front view over looking the beach the heater I got a sword fish with fries this was by far the best ever meal I have had in forever the sword fish was nice nice and soft and melted in your mouth sauce was nice and rich and perfectly balanced fries were good and the customer service was immaculate I definitely recommended this place a bit pricey but worth it“

“The food was exceptional last night. My father had the sea scallops with the succotash and it was amazing! My mother had the grilled octopus and it too was fantastic. I had the swordfish special that was out of this world. The desserts were amazing too! The turtle cake, profiteroles and bourbon float were just the best ending to a great night celebrating my fathers 80th. We will return again!!“

“We ordered a few catering trays from Cafe Laurel for a family luncheon during a short stay in Killingworth. All we can say is WOW!!! From the friendly service during the entire process to the delicious food - absolutely everything was perfect! Hard to pick just one item to rave about as everything we ordered was top notch - from the salad to the lasagna, from the meatballs to the chicken parm. If you are ever in the area this place is a must for your food needs!!“

“Excellent!! Crab cake appetizer was the "best I've ever had" according to my son. There were four of us and all were very pleased. I've been twice and looking forward to going back. This restaurant is definitely the place to go when you want to take your time between courses and enjoy the food and people you are with. I like the 20% service charge(tip) added to bill. Keeps paying thoughtless as service is excellent. 5 stars on everything!“

“You will never leave hungry! All of their entrées are delicious and to die for. Portions are really overly big and the atmosphere is very cozy. This restaurant is in a real log cabin with a cozy fireplace during the Fall and Winter months. I give them five stars plus.“

“Wanted to take a second to share my opinion and experience at Donahue’s. I can’t say enough good about our experience. We were super impressed with the service, the food and the staff. What impressed me most was the owner. He was right there to help his staff and actually served us our meal. He was very kind and welcoming. I will definitely return and highly recommend this establishment. Thank you.“

“We were in the area last night- headed home from the casinos- and like to sing Karaoke. We stopped here and the people were so warm and welcoming. Also drinks were very reasonable. I’ll definately stop again next time I’m in the area. Only wish I lived closer. It’s a good atmosphere for any age group.,“

“My husband and I went to Aspen the other night for our wedding anniversary. We had our rehearsal dinner there 4 years ago and were blown away by the food.. well, once again, they nailed it! It was delicious!! Not only was the food good, but our waiter, Joe M (funny, same name as my husband 😅), was wonderful! We will definitely be back again!!“

“Amazing service from the moment I walked through the doors. I had a table of 7 booked for my birthday meal and couldn’t have wished for better service! Food was amazing as always and the atmosphere was great! 😊 Thank you little pub!“

“Birthday dinner. Everything was fantastic. Service impeccable. Our server lylia was awesome. Will definitely be coming back.“

“5 of us went for lunch yesterday, Haley & the kitchen knocked it out of the park. None of the other guys had ever been before,all said they'd be back. So laid back, not at all stuffy. Don't ever change.“

“We stopped in last minute before our Saturday night Goodspeed show and sat at the bar. The drinks were very well made and brought out promptly. We knew we did not have time for entrees and ordered the Eggplant Rollatini and Crab Cake special appetizers. They also were brought out promptly and were absolutely delicious and generous portions. We are looking forward to going back soon!

Follow up: We came back looking forward to another great meal. The drinks were still fantastic. We orders three appetizers and dessert. The Eggplant Rollatini which last time was fresh, delicious and generous this time felt like warmed over left overs and a smaller portion. The Brussels were good. The meatballs were good but felt like a small portion for $15. We were really bummed about the cheesecake for dessert, it was a very petite slice which we got to share and tasted like a frozen cheesecake maybe worth $6-8 but not $12. We might come back again but dialing back our expectations for the next visit.“

“Such great service but even more so, the chefs are incredible with their creativity and delivery of unique and delicious food. Liv's is an oasis away from home....they do so much to make dinner special every time. Thank you all.“

“Always loved this place. Food and service amazing! Always stop here on my way through town.“

“Server was great and accommodating. Food was great! Will definitely visit again!“

“Very nice tavern with pub fare and quite a variety on the menu. I had blackened chicken caesar salad and it was really good. I dont drink but there looks to be a large selection of beer and other drinks. Would be a good place to meet up with friends and get a drink.“

“Big Thank You to Alex who handled our reservation & table of 24. Great, friendly service & he juggled a lot so we really appreciated it. Food & drinks were very good. Our 1st time there - great atmosphere! Definitely check it out.“

“I had the bison burger with sweet potato fries. The dipping sauce for the fries was amazing. My server Jackie was great about never letting our glasses become empty and making sure to help out with my daughter’s allergies!“

“The atmosphere is a dive and diner, with a long bar and a row of small tables, with some outdoor seating. The service is measured by the fact that there may be two people running this place, with the talented chef pumping out excellent food to order. The frittatas are amazing, but the stand out dish is the clam hash. Two of us shared a frittata, clam hash, and an excellent fruit filled crepe and were stuffed for the rest of the day. This place is one of those gems to be discovered by travelers and frequented by locals.“

“Very Friendly Place. It has a small little local artist shop!“

“Joe makes the best Lemon Drop martini! 🍸🍋“

“Love, love the food and staff of this fabulous breakfast lunch restaurant!
Great specials. The sausage and biscuits best in CT.
The homemade muffins and breads out of this world! My favorite is the Cinnabon bread. Yum!
Outdoor seating if you have a dog with you.
Right on Main St, Deep River if you want to pop in one of the local stores after very nice unique !“

“The best place in Coastal Connecticut“

“The food is amazing. Highly recommend the firecracker calamari and the OC Salad. My stuffed lobster was perfect and I also really enjoyed the Chocolate Mousse Cake. This is a special place with a relaxing atmosphere and outstanding service. I highly recommend.“

“if you like biscuits and gravy then you will LOVE it at Rise and Shine. I used to live down south and its not even close. Even in New Orleans I could not find a place that even comes close to how good Rise and Shine does the biscuits and gravy. They also have an amazing Irish Benedict. Actually everyone I have brought there has loved whatever they get. Some of the lunch/breakfast specials are very different and delicious.“

“great food. great service. great atmosphere.“

“It was a pleasure working at The Gelston House this weekend! The staff were so accommodating and friendly! We highly recommend their event services and dining experience! 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“great beer selection and bar food is unique and creative“

“I celebrated my birthday at the Seal tonight. We haven't been in a while. I had the Short Rib Ravioli, Mom had the Serloin Steak, my wife had Tuna and our son a grilled cheese. Everything was delicious! Our server said she was new, but did a great job. We finished with warm Carmel apple pie! It was the perfect ending to a great night!“

“Food is awesome and the staff is great! Food is cooked fresh and worth the wait! Lori is amazing!! I highly recommend!!“

“We want to continue to improve your experience each and every day“