I recall in the 1960's and 70's traveling in New England with my parents, who adored all things colonial, including inns and restaurants they would return to with some frequency. While these have fallen out of fashion and their numbers have winnowed over the years, some of the best examples have survived and thrived. The Griswold Inn is one of the best of these examples. The food, while really quite good, is not outstanding. However, for me the uber-traditional dining room's ambiance more than makes up for the slightly less-than-top-notch meal. Time, thankfully, has stood still in the room, with a vaulted ceiling and lined with illuminated prints of the steamships that used to ply the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. The effect is almost other-worldly, and is a welcome alternative to the atmosphere found in more current but self-consciously designed and overly-curated spaces. Can't wait to come back.
Joe
Beautiful room; the peach & goat cheese flatbread was excellent and plentiful; both entrees were very good and the carrot cake that we shared was tasty and unique; the wait staff was very young but they should learn
Virginia
Old, historic Inn and restaurant. Food was delicious. Many choices on the menu. Great service. Look forward to enjoying another stay there .
Linda
Such a great historic vibe, as this is an inn and restaurant that was popular in the steamship era and somehow survived. Food is good, with creative touches, and drinks had a nice selection without being over priced. Not stuffy. Casual attire was fine.
Neal
Food and service were excellent. We were crammed into a very tight place when this was not necessary. At these prices, I don't expect to be so uncomfortable. The person who seated us made a comment - he was aware of how tight the seating was. Yet the dining area was only about 20% occupied. Disappointing.
Ron
We requested, in advance, the library room but did not know until we checked in that it wasn't open for service, at that time. Place was not overly busy and would have posed no problems to servers. It's a highly popular section so why keep it closed so often??
Robert
The food was good but I expected it to be better for the cost charged. I had a simple daily special 6 oz filet with mash potatoes, asparagus and gravity ($44) a little bit over the top. Nothing was really special about it. Also the noise level after we received our entrees went up by a factor of 10 between tables with large groups and the live music piped into our room. The wait attendant had to apologize several times for our main course not arriving as expected, too. It was a Saturday evening with a 500 person wedding outside put on by the inn and no parking was available unless you were part of the wedding.
Nancy
Outside in the garden. Couldn't be better out there and I hope you keep it open this summer into the fall. Last year it seemed like it was never opened and I was disappointed. Our server was great as well as the food. Compliments to all, and we will be back soon.
Richard
Our friends ordered a sausage appetizer which was outstanding My husband and I had the Philly cheesesteak sandwich. The meat was dry and overcooked. Our friend had the French dip and the meat was overcooked . Love the ambience of that historic building. Waitress was pleasant.
Mary
The moment we walked in the door the staff was extremely welcoming. Servers were excellent. Food was great. Atmosphere was just what you would expect from a historic Inn. We will be back
On Saturday, I had lunch at the Griswold Inn for the second time—but it was my first time dining inside.
The Griswold Inn has been operating continuously since June 1776, a month before the United States declared independence. The place feels like a museum, filled with artwork and historical artifacts. The walls are completely covered with pictures, and the dining area has very little natural light coming through the windows. It gave me the feeling of being in a basement, where you can’t quite tell if it’s day or night.
The food prices were comparable to most restaurants in the area.
What sets the Griswold Inn apart from many other historic inns in the state is its prime location—it’s right in the heart of a beautiful, waterfront town. Essex is charming and pedestrian-friendly, with a Main Street lined with well-preserved historic homes and shops, all on level ground.
Essex is a wonderful destination for a day trip.
Paul
Great nautical setting in historical Essex. Fantastic food, ambience and service makes the Griswold Inn a great place to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy great food with the company of your family or friends
Jim
You can't beat the ambiance. It's like eating in a museum. We always try to stop here if we are in the area.
lynne
Beautiful historic Inn and Tavern. Delicious food in a unique setting. Located in quaint Essex. Enjoyed lunch on a Saturday and will return to experience dinner.
Patrick
Although the Gris was quite busy last night , and there was a bit of a wait for our dinners - we didn't mind waiting - good to see them prosper!!! The meals were all very good -our server was great , everyone was polite and respectful. Definitely one of our favorite restaurants to frequent! Thank you Griswold Inn for doing a great service!!
I recall in the 1960's and 70's traveling in New England with my parents, who adored all things colonial, including inns and restaurants they would return to with some frequency. While these have fallen out of fashion and their numbers have winnowed over the years, some of the best examples have survived and thrived. The Griswold Inn is one of the best of these examples. The food, while really quite good, is not outstanding. However, for me the uber-traditional dining room's ambiance more than makes up for the slightly less-than-top-notch meal. Time, thankfully, has stood still in the room, with a vaulted ceiling and lined with illuminated prints of the steamships that used to ply the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound. The effect is almost other-worldly, and is a welcome alternative to the atmosphere found in more current but self-consciously designed and overly-curated spaces. Can't wait to come back.
Beautiful room; the peach & goat cheese flatbread was excellent and plentiful; both entrees were very good and the carrot cake that we shared was tasty and unique; the wait staff was very young but they should learn
Old, historic Inn and restaurant. Food was delicious. Many choices on the menu. Great service. Look forward to enjoying another stay there .
Such a great historic vibe, as this is an inn and restaurant that was popular in the steamship era and somehow survived. Food is good, with creative touches, and drinks had a nice selection without being over priced. Not stuffy. Casual attire was fine.
Food and service were excellent. We were crammed into a very tight place when this was not necessary. At these prices, I don't expect to be so uncomfortable. The person who seated us made a comment - he was aware of how tight the seating was. Yet the dining area was only about 20% occupied. Disappointing.
We requested, in advance, the library room but did not know until we checked in that it wasn't open for service, at that time. Place was not overly busy and would have posed no problems to servers. It's a highly popular section so why keep it closed so often??
The food was good but I expected it to be better for the cost charged. I had a simple daily special 6 oz filet with mash potatoes, asparagus and gravity ($44) a little bit over the top. Nothing was really special about it. Also the noise level after we received our entrees went up by a factor of 10 between tables with large groups and the live music piped into our room. The wait attendant had to apologize several times for our main course not arriving as expected, too. It was a Saturday evening with a 500 person wedding outside put on by the inn and no parking was available unless you were part of the wedding.
Outside in the garden. Couldn't be better out there and I hope you keep it open this summer into the fall. Last year it seemed like it was never opened and I was disappointed. Our server was great as well as the food. Compliments to all, and we will be back soon.
Our friends ordered a sausage appetizer which was outstanding My husband and I had the Philly cheesesteak sandwich. The meat was dry and overcooked. Our friend had the French dip and the meat was overcooked . Love the ambience of that historic building. Waitress was pleasant.
The moment we walked in the door the staff was extremely welcoming. Servers were excellent. Food was great. Atmosphere was just what you would expect from a historic Inn. We will be back
Restaurantji Recommends
On Saturday, I had lunch at the Griswold Inn for the second time—but it was my first time dining inside.
The Griswold Inn has been operating continuously since June 1776, a month before the United States declared independence. The place feels like a museum, filled with artwork and historical artifacts. The walls are completely covered with pictures, and the dining area has very little natural light coming through the windows. It gave me the feeling of being in a basement, where you can’t quite tell if it’s day or night.
The food prices were comparable to most restaurants in the area.
What sets the Griswold Inn apart from many other historic inns in the state is its prime location—it’s right in the heart of a beautiful, waterfront town. Essex is charming and pedestrian-friendly, with a Main Street lined with well-preserved historic homes and shops, all on level ground.
Essex is a wonderful destination for a day trip.
Great nautical setting in historical Essex. Fantastic food, ambience and service makes the Griswold Inn a great place to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy great food with the company of your family or friends
You can't beat the ambiance. It's like eating in a museum. We always try to stop here if we are in the area.
Beautiful historic Inn and Tavern. Delicious food in a unique setting. Located in quaint Essex. Enjoyed lunch on a Saturday and will return to experience dinner.
Although the Gris was quite busy last night , and there was a bit of a wait for our dinners - we didn't mind waiting - good to see them prosper!!! The meals were all very good -our server was great , everyone was polite and respectful. Definitely one of our favorite restaurants to frequent! Thank you Griswold Inn for doing a great service!!
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