What a pleasure! Stumbled upon Charter Oak. Interior was quirky and fresh while staying true to the building. Atmosphere was chill and cozy. Servers were lovely. And most importantly, the food was amazing. Had options from every course and everything was extremely well done. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cerina Savino
My new favorite restaurant on the shoreline!
From the very first bite, Charter Oak Tavern delivered an exceptional dining experience. The chef is clearly extremely talented.
Everything tasted incredibly fresh, with flavors that were clean, vivid, and beautifully defined.
I was thoroughly impressed and every dish reflected thoughtful execution and incredible flavor. The bacon-wrapped dates were a fantastic start, followed by the salmon appetizer, which was truly out of this world. The soup was comforting and perfectly balanced.
The mushroom bolognese completely blew me away, as I’m definitely a meat eater. The depth of flavor was exceptional. The Cacio e Pepe was incredible. The scallops were cooked to absolute perfection.
Dessert was just as memorable. The staff-recommended butter cake and it totally lived up to the hype 🤤and the chocolate torte was simply divine.
A special shout-out to the staff! Especially Skip the bartender-he was warm, welcoming, and made the most incredible recommendations. Truly a joy to be around and the perfect finishing touch to an already outstanding evening. I can’t wait to return!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alleah Friedrichs
Wow. Heard it was good but didn’t expect it to be truly fantastic. Each dish delivered flavor, uniqueness and much thought put into it. The chef is undoubtedly talented. Highlights were the salmon belly appetizer with everything seasoning (I know), the mushroom bolognese, scallops and good lord the butter cake. I wouldn’t have ordered a cake but our server Chip (top notch service) said it was a staff favorite so who am I to not try? Dayummmn. I will return here as often as possible. This restaurant now takes my number one spot for the entire shoreline.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Donna Nucci
Great vibes - Stew the bartender was amazing- food was delicious- will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Douglas Gingrave
Charter Oak Tavern in Westbrook has quickly become one of those places you just want to keep coming back to. The food is outstanding, the kind of cooking that makes you slow down and savor every bite. The chef is an absolute magician in the kitchen, turning familiar ingredients into dishes that feel both comforting and exciting.
The atmosphere and decor are fun, warm, and cozy, with a playful vibe that still manages to feel relaxed and welcoming. It is the sort of room where you immediately feel at ease, whether you are at a table or up at the bar. The bartender/waiter is one of the nicest people you could hope to have taking care of you – genuinely friendly, attentive, and a pleasure to talk with.
There is something special about seeing a chef in a Hartford Whalers hat at a place called Charter Oak Tavern. It brings back memories of the good old days in the South End of Hartford and ties right into Connecticut history and the lore of the Charter Oak. For anyone who loves great food, warm hospitality, and a little nostalgic Connecticut charm, Charter Oak Tavern is a true gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jim Savage
Chef owned, strong kitchen. Casual and relaxed professional service. Can’t wait to go back.
Nancy Meinke
What a nice evening out. The Manhattan was over the top, Dungeness crab pasta, out of this world and southern butter cake put the meal over the top. Can’t wait to go back. Alex, our waiter really complimented our night.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
David Manzo
Had everything I enjoy in a small restaurant- excellent service - interesting menu - calm atmosphere. Went there on the recommendation of a friend. Each of the four of us had different entrees - fish/pasta/meat. All were excellent and well prepared. Portions were generous. We shared a couple desserts which were made at the restaurant. Will return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Suzanne Kolb
I have been to the Charter oak Tavern multiple times and I’ve only had exceptional meals each and every time. The meals not only are delicious, they are beautifully plated and the staff is exceptional. In my opinion, I do not find it expensive. You have multiple entrées choices in the $20s and I don’t believe there is anything more than $32-$34 on the menu. The portions are also very generous. It is our favorite dining spot on the shoreline.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
joan fisler
The goat cheese and fig tart has me dreaming of going back!
I LOVED my experience here 💕 A HUGE SHOUT OUT to SKIP at the bar! He is absolutely FANTASTIC! He is gracious, kind, polite, engaging, helpful, witty, talented & efficient. The building is a modest historic brick bldg right in the center of Westbrook. Very classically appointed decor. It’s not a large establishment which I prefer - the L bar is a perfect size - about 8 seats. And they likely have around 8-9 tables. (They have a small back dining room that I didn’t get a look at). They have a great wine, beer & cocktail list. A nice rounded selection of starters & entrees. And a few delectable deserts to pick from (MUST.GET.THE.WARM.KY.BUTTER.CAKE. Holy crap - Absolutely AMAZEBALLS). I ordered 2 starters: the Hamachi - which was DELISH! It was a really interesting fusion of a bunch of flavors - plus the hamachi was melt in your mouth! I also got the short rib croquettes which were very good but too heavy for a summer dish for me personally. I think a nice glass of red wine & those during the cooler Autumn or winter months would be great imho. I will DEFINITELY be returning on a regular basis. RECOMMENDED!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Cole Palmer
We went several months ago before they had a liquor license and again the other day. This visit was wonderful. The service from the wife of the chef was very warm and attentive. Rick the bartender was friendly. We had the flatbread and tomato Provençal appetizers and the cacio e pepe and the organic chicken. All were completely top notch. Just about the best food anywhere in the area.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Angelique Craney
Rarely have I been so immediately impressed with a new restaurant experience. I was a regular at Gramercy Tavern and Union Square Cafe in Manhattan so this is not a throw away line.
We tasted nearly all of the appetizers bc we couldn't select one or two and ate tapas style. Each one was better than the next. Next time we MIGHT try a main course, but wow, simply fabulous. And I know I won't be able to get a seat now! RESERVATIONS A MUST. It is an intimate, beautifully curated space.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Adam
I'm not big on Italian cuisine. I know, how dare me. However, I'd come back again because the Cacio E Pepe was BUSSIN'.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Tyler Gordon
First time visiting the Charter Oak Tavern, and we were blown away. Fantastic food combined with a comfortable, cozy ambiance. Highly recommend, the chef is incredibly talented.
What a pleasure! Stumbled upon Charter Oak. Interior was quirky and fresh while staying true to the building. Atmosphere was chill and cozy. Servers were lovely. And most importantly, the food was amazing. Had options from every course and everything was extremely well done. Highly recommend.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My new favorite restaurant on the shoreline!
From the very first bite, Charter Oak Tavern delivered an exceptional dining experience. The chef is clearly extremely talented.
Everything tasted incredibly fresh, with flavors that were clean, vivid, and beautifully defined.
I was thoroughly impressed and every dish reflected thoughtful execution and incredible flavor.
The bacon-wrapped dates were a fantastic start, followed by the salmon appetizer, which was truly out of this world. The soup was comforting and perfectly balanced.
The mushroom bolognese completely blew me away, as I’m definitely a meat eater. The depth of flavor was exceptional. The Cacio e Pepe was incredible. The scallops were cooked to absolute perfection.
Dessert was just as memorable. The staff-recommended butter cake and it totally lived up to the hype 🤤and the chocolate torte was simply divine.
A special shout-out to the staff! Especially Skip the bartender-he was warm, welcoming, and made the most incredible recommendations. Truly a joy to be around and the perfect finishing touch to an already outstanding evening. I can’t wait to return!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wow. Heard it was good but didn’t expect it to be truly fantastic. Each dish delivered flavor, uniqueness and much thought put into it. The chef is undoubtedly talented. Highlights were the salmon belly appetizer with everything seasoning (I know), the mushroom bolognese, scallops and good lord the butter cake. I wouldn’t have ordered a cake but our server Chip (top notch service) said it was a staff favorite so who am I to not try? Dayummmn. I will return here as often as possible. This restaurant now takes my number one spot for the entire shoreline.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great vibes - Stew the bartender was amazing- food was delicious- will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Charter Oak Tavern in Westbrook has quickly become one of those places you just want to keep coming back to. The food is outstanding, the kind of cooking that makes you slow down and savor every bite. The chef is an absolute magician in the kitchen, turning familiar ingredients into dishes that feel both comforting and exciting.
The atmosphere and decor are fun, warm, and cozy, with a playful vibe that still manages to feel relaxed and welcoming. It is the sort of room where you immediately feel at ease, whether you are at a table or up at the bar. The bartender/waiter is one of the nicest people you could hope to have taking care of you – genuinely friendly, attentive, and a pleasure to talk with.
There is something special about seeing a chef in a Hartford Whalers hat at a place called Charter Oak Tavern. It brings back memories of the good old days in the South End of Hartford and ties right into Connecticut history and the lore of the Charter Oak. For anyone who loves great food, warm hospitality, and a little nostalgic Connecticut charm, Charter Oak Tavern is a true gem.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chef owned, strong kitchen. Casual and relaxed professional service. Can’t wait to go back.
What a nice evening out. The Manhattan was over the top, Dungeness crab pasta, out of this world and southern butter cake put the meal over the top. Can’t wait to go back. Alex, our waiter really complimented our night.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Had everything I enjoy in a small restaurant- excellent service - interesting menu - calm atmosphere. Went there on the recommendation of a friend. Each of the four of us had different entrees - fish/pasta/meat. All were excellent and well prepared. Portions were generous. We shared a couple desserts which were made at the restaurant. Will return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I have been to the Charter oak Tavern multiple times and I’ve only had exceptional meals each and every time. The meals not only are delicious, they are beautifully plated and the staff is exceptional. In my opinion, I do not find it expensive. You have multiple entrées choices in the $20s and I don’t believe there is anything more than $32-$34 on the menu. The portions are also very generous. It is our favorite dining spot on the shoreline.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The goat cheese and fig tart has me dreaming of going back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I LOVED my experience here 💕
A HUGE SHOUT OUT to SKIP at the bar!
He is absolutely FANTASTIC! He is gracious, kind, polite, engaging, helpful, witty, talented & efficient.
The building is a modest historic brick bldg right in the center of Westbrook. Very classically appointed decor. It’s not a large establishment which I prefer - the L bar is a perfect size - about 8 seats. And they likely have around 8-9 tables. (They have a small back dining room that I didn’t get a look at). They have a great wine, beer & cocktail list. A nice rounded selection of starters & entrees. And a few delectable deserts to pick from (MUST.GET.THE.WARM.KY.BUTTER.CAKE. Holy crap - Absolutely AMAZEBALLS).
I ordered 2 starters: the Hamachi - which was DELISH! It was a really interesting fusion of a bunch of flavors - plus the hamachi was melt in your mouth!
I also got the short rib croquettes which were very good but too heavy for a summer dish for me personally. I think a nice glass of red wine & those during the cooler Autumn or winter months would be great imho.
I will DEFINITELY be returning on a regular basis. RECOMMENDED!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
We went several months ago before they had a liquor license and again the other day. This visit was wonderful. The service from the wife of the chef was very warm and attentive. Rick the bartender was friendly. We had the flatbread and tomato Provençal appetizers and the cacio e pepe and the organic chicken. All were completely top notch. Just about the best food anywhere in the area.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rarely have I been so immediately impressed with a new restaurant experience. I was a regular at Gramercy Tavern and Union Square Cafe in Manhattan so this is not a throw away line.
We tasted nearly all of the appetizers bc we couldn't select one or two and ate tapas style. Each one was better than the next. Next time we MIGHT try a main course, but wow, simply fabulous. And I know I won't be able to get a seat now! RESERVATIONS A MUST. It is an intimate, beautifully curated space.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I'm not big on Italian cuisine. I know, how dare me. However, I'd come back again because the Cacio E Pepe was BUSSIN'.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
First time visiting the Charter Oak Tavern, and we were blown away. Fantastic food combined with a comfortable, cozy ambiance. Highly recommend, the chef is incredibly talented.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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