The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn

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.

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!

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

The Bartender at the Wine Bar was great. Friendly and prompt service. We enjoyed the dinner.

Fabulous new summer menu & love the new wines. We will be back for sure!!! Thank you Steve & Essex Wine Bar team for the outstanding service - first class all the way, as always!!

Great place for and light fare. They have a wonderful cheese board and a variety of lighter fare ( small plates to share). I enjoy the wine flights.

Excellent place for some wine and food. Cozy and warm environment. Alexis, my server, was superb. Very helpful choosing my beverage to pair with my food.

Everything was perfect, as always! Ambiance, food and service all spot on! It was especially nice to get to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Wine Bar!

What an amazing experience to eat in the oldest continuously running restaurant since 1775, and only 6 owners ... Truly authentic, the food is out of this world!! Potato pancakes, grilled Reuben, hamburgers, just phenomenal!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Dining at The Griswold Inn isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience wrapped in centuries of charm. From the flicker of candlelight to the low wooden beams and vintage maritime artwork, every inch of the place whispers history. You feel like you’re stepping back in time, but the food is anything but dated.

The menu leans into hearty New England fare, and it delivers. The pot roast is fork-tender and rich, the clam chowder is creamy and full of flavor (no skimping on the clams), and the baked scallops are fresh, buttery, and beautifully seasoned. And if you’re lucky enough to be there on a prime rib night—don’t miss it.

The staff is warm, attentive, and clearly proud to be part of such a beloved institution. It’s the kind of place where you’re encouraged to linger, sip a glass of wine or cider, and soak in the ambiance.

There’s something magical about dining here—it’s cozy, classy, and steeped in the kind of character you just can’t fake. The Griswold Inn restaurant is a rare gem that gets better with time. Five stars, easily.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Scrumptious meal, comprised of baked cod and butternut squash ravioli.

Vegetarian options: Two vegetarian options

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I brought my cousin from out of state who is a big foodie and they were very impressed! The menu options were a mix of comfort and elegance with a dash of creativity. The staff were extremely professional and very attentive - my water glass was filled frequently without me having to chase anyone down! Will definitely be coming again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5