The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn

Wow! As a CT nativeI can't believe I had never been here. Historic, charming, and delicious food with attentive service. We were a large group and everything was great. It's nice to see all the old decorations as well. A must visit!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fine dining atmosphere and experience at the Library room with very Christmas feel along with carols. Celiac (gluten free friendly), dairy and egg dietary restrictions were accommodated, including dessert, which is uncommon.
Great service and food.
Thank you.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Such a wonderful experience! The restaurant is cozy and quaint. Mary Ellen, our waitress, and our waiter were outstanding! They went above and beyond for us. The wine flights were plentiful and delicious. We shared many small plates and the food was great! The carolers came in and sang to us. A perfect date night!

I have stayed and dined at your historic establishment many times and had so many memorable and wonderful experiences. However ....

What a terrible unfortunate experience I had tonight.

This was the first time in my life that I actually felt unsafe and threatened in a restaurant. And management did absolutely nothing at all .
For the staff that was there tonight that cared , I thank you , specifically , Colleen and Rachel who were amazing , they can attest to the horrible events - patrons swearing at other patrons and threatening them to the point where people left .
I tried very respectfully many times to ask for things to quiet down slightly and unfortunately things did not improve and actually got worse . We as well as other patrons were sweared at and threatened. Time and time again .
I just wish things went differently for the evening.
Obviously I will Never be going back again and will
Never recommend this place as a trusted and safe establishment.
And I would ask ownership to evaluate their management - management is putting this historic landmark in harms way.
General Management decided to look the other way and in fact decided to reprimand me when I was the one trying to improve and resolve the situation for many patrons .
I feel extremely upset and unfairly treated - especially as I professionally tried to mitigate the escalating situation.

I want to end with a special thanks to Colleen and Rachel for acknowledging the uncomfortable situation and assisting the patrons who were impacted .

Upon sharing several small plates with my companion, two glasses of wine and topping it off with 2 desserts, I must say it was one of best dinners I ever had.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A jewel of a restaurant with wonderfully prepared food and a great host and bartender, Steve.

NO alcohol in my White Russian despite being expensive. Come on management.
Basics.
Clearly, you are cheating the customer.

Stop this practice.

My wife ordered wine which was a pour dictated by the same management as it was light…

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 1

Great place to share small plates and enjoy paired wine flights. Everything we had was delicious. And they are gluten free conscious as well. Would go back!

The food was absolutely delicious and the wine selections were amazing! The service was good, everyone was so nice and truly enjoyed being there and discussing the menu, which got the patrons excited ...my table even started chatting with the table next to us over how delicious the food and wine was!

Steve always makes our visit perfect! Great wine menu updates as well as menu changes for the fall are wonderful! Cheers!

This is the best dining experience at The Gris. The menu is wonderful and full of surprises. The space is cozy and warm. The staff is attentive but relaxed. And of course the wine is excellent.

Absolutely fabulous place they have a great meal
Large menu
The restaurant itself dates back to the late 18th century
It is highly decorated in every type of nautical thing you can think of
The room is quite large, and therefore it is a bit noisy as the original design at his building was not meant to keep voices down

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Essex & the Inn are gorgeous. The 3 of us were seated at a small table in the wine bar. Once we all ordered the wine flights & share plates of food, the table became too crowded. We lost a glass of wine that hit the floor after reaching for a small plate. Then a water glass went over also. We weren't drinking! Just ask for a larger table if you plan to order flights & food. Great ambience, good food, too small tables!

My three friends and I had a delightful Wednesday Women and Wine evening at the Gris this week. The delicious wine, warm grilled flatbread, crab cakes and chocolate cheesecake were outstanding and reasonably priced. Our server was helpful and attentive, as well as enjoyable to chat with. Such an enjoyable evening.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Had lunch here. Gorgeous restaurant, walls covered with interesting old things. Food was good and not too expensive. They have a kids menu.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5