Market Place Tavern - Litchfield

We were two coworkers passing through Litchfield for work and found Market Place Tavern by chance. The building used to be a jail and you can still see some of the old cell doors inside. It gives the place a unique and cozy atmosphere that feels local but welcoming.

We sat at the bar and started with drinks. I had a bourbon cocktail that was smooth. She ordered a wine, rosé.

For food I had the everything bagel pretzel appetizer which came warm and perfectly seasoned with a creamy dipping sauce that was addictive. It was a bit overcooked with a hard bottom. She ordered the steak sandwich which came on a fresh roll with tender meat and crispy fries. We both left full and impressed.

The staff was friendly and attentive even though the place was busy.

We ate outside and it was wonderful. A few too many motorcycles driving by but that's not under their control. Food was very good. Portions were perfect. All of the staff were great. I'll go back.

Blah food, okay, nothing special. Overpriced for what it is.

Great food and appetizers. The sticky toffee pudding was so good. Would come again

During a recent visit to Torrington, I decided to look up the old prison converted into a halfway house where I had stayed from 2002 to 2003. I was surprised to discover that it had been shut down and was now operating as a restaurant and bakery, with the old prison cells being used as a display. Patrons seem to find it nostalgic to dine near these cells, (even hanging a skeleton from one of the cell doors…)
I find this trend deeply disturbing and upsetting. It appears that the restaurant owner is capitalizing on the novelty of its former use, without regard for the struggles and hardships faced by those who were once incarcerated there. The fact that people can now enjoy a meal in a space where others once suffered is, in my opinion, a travesty. The experiences of those who were formerly incarcerated are being trivialized, and their struggles and hardships are being exploited for the sake of entertainment. I find it deeply troubling that people can engage in convivial conversation and revelry in a space that holds such somber memories.
The staff however was pleasant and respectful allowing me to look around and explained some of the changes that were made and helped to recall memories I had lost over time of the place that is now a landmark for a transition in My Life.
I shed a few tears as I left the building but I think that could be equated to a final cleansing on that chapter of my life.
I know they don’t need my money, but I could not give any of it to this establishment

Yesterday was our second time in the restaurant and the food and our experience was even more memorable than our first time a few years back. This time we decided to sit in a booth at the bar area vs. at the dining room to celebrate my birthday. The design of the place is very cool with the old jail cells adjacent to the spacious and comfortable booths and huge chandeliers hanging from the ceiling above the bar. My husband ordered a special cocktail; I had a nice glass of Pinot Grigio. For my meal I ordered the Grilled Faroe Island Salmon served with luxurious sweet corn pudding, asparagus and heirloom tomato jam from the special menu. This dish was so exquisite and full of flavor, I really wish the Marketplace kept in on their regular menu. My husband ordered the Tempura Shrimp Bowl, that was also good and pleasing for the eye but the rice at the bottom could have used a bit of a sauce or dressing as it was a bit dry at the end. Overall, we had a five-star dining experience, with amazing food, great service, helpful waitresses and a very good bartender. The selection of gluten free food is incredible. We will definitely return very soon as this is our new favorite dining spot in Litchfield.

Mothers day brunch. Excellent. Served brunch and regular dinner menu.

I’ve had good experiences here in the past, but unfortunately, this visit missed the mark. The meatloaf I ordered was cold and undercooked in the middle, the veggie bowl was mostly cabbage and rice with no dressing at all, and a burger that was supposed to be medium-rare came out completely overcooked—more like a hockey puck. To their credit, the manager did take half off the bill, which I appreciated, but the food quality this time just wasn’t there. Hoping it was just an off night, but it was a disappointing visit overall.

First time going to Marketplace. Cool building! Restaurant is in the old town jail so the inside is all brick! Dinner was excellent. Delicious mussels, short rib dinner, butternut squash soup and fish and chips.
Our server Riley was very attentive and constantly checked that everything was OK. Live an hour plus away but will definitely be going back again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good food, good service, drinks and food served quickly. Alittle pricey.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

LOVE the chicken and waffles brunch

Very nice place with great food and great gluten free options.

Dietary restrictions: Good gluten free options!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Farmhouse Salad, Brussels Sprouts, Short Rib Focaccia

Very interesting historic restaurant. We had a good lunch experience, on a busy day.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Great food. Calamari was exceptional!
Liked beer selection and prices.
Great location as well

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tavern Burger

Great tavern! Warm environment, great smells, great service.

We got the calamari and the farmhouse salad, both of which we’re great! We also got a special that was gnocchi with shrift which was good, not great, but we enjoyed it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5