7 Best Casual Restaurants in Essex

7 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Scotch Plains Tavern restaurant

1. Scotch Plains Tavern

4.3

Price: Moderate

• Pub • Essex

If you’re looking for an authentic tavern cuisine and rustic ambiance, Scotch Plains Tavern is the place to be. Located minutes from Essex Steam Train, Rt. 9, and I-95, guests can kick back with a drink and some wings in our newly renovated upstairs bar, redesigned in a modern vintage industrial style while maintaining the original bar from Oliver’s Tavern. The bar, retrofitted for additional space, was originally built in 1913 for a bar in Chicago where Al Capone is rumored to have regularly tipped a glass.

A photo of Surfridge Brewing Company restaurant

2. Surfridge Brewing Company

4.8

Exceptional(39)

Price: Moderate

• Pub • Centerbrook

Wood fired Artisanal pizza and brewpub. Cold and hot share plates, Neapolitan Pies, and chef driven cuisine. House brewed beers, wines, mixology. Large patio, family and dog friendly.

A photo of Luigi's Restaurant - Old Saybrook restaurant

3. Luigi's Restaurant - Old Saybrook

4.8

Exceptional(79)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Old Saybrook

Booked 10 times today

Coming Soon!

4. Penny Lane Pub

4.5

Awesome(321)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 12 times today

Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant is an English style pub located in Old Saybrook. The casual and friendly atmosphere on two stories offers plenty of options for diners. Whether you choose the entertaining and active downstairs or the quieter dining upstairs or even the patio when weather permits, the casual pub fare will win you over.Lunch choices at Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant include classic English pub favorites such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and a corned beef Reuben. Be sure to also visit Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant for live music on Friday nights. Heading to the Kate theater just walking distance down Main street? Make a reservation today!

A photo of Little Pub- Old Saybrook restaurant

5. Little Pub- Old Saybrook

4.6

Exceptional(128)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 11 times today

Great food, generous drinks, and a lively pub atmosphere you'll feel right at home in. A rustic neighborhood gathering place with a relentless focus on customer service, value, and fun.

6. Fresh Salt

4.6

Exceptional(1481)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Old Saybrook

Booked 26 times today

Fresh Salt is more than just a restaurant; it is a place to enjoy one another’s company and experience the breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound quietly intertwined with the Connecticut River. Utilizing the chef’s simple yet high quality approach, the fresh, seasonal local ingredients of Connecticut are transformed into beautifully inspired dishes. Our Local Food Commitment allows us to work with local farmers and artisans to ensure the quality of locally grown ingredients from the sea, land and soil. These fresh ingredients and vibrant tastes of Fresh Salt are available daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located right on the water means seriously fresh seafood and our menu definitely delivers. From the beloved Lobster Roll to the cherished Clam Chowder and so many more specialties, Fresh Salt dishes are guaranteed to please every palate. We offer indoor and outdoor dining, outdoor dining is based on a first come first serve basis, outdoor dining is non-reservable.

A photo of Chamard Vineyards, Farm Winery Bistro restaurant

7. Chamard Vineyards, Farm Winery Bistro

4.7

Exceptional(2431)

Price: Expensive

• French American • Clinton

Booked 17 times today

Established in 1983, Chamard Vineyards, is one of the Connecticut Wine Trails founding fathers. Tucked between the Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River, Chamard enjoys a unique marine micro-climate ideal for growing European Vinifera vines such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Pinot Noir. To produce “French Inspired Wines from the Connecticut Shoreline” has been Chamards mission from the start. As a farm, Chamard honors agriculture by partnering with fellow growers and producers to pair food with wine in celebration of Connecticut’s local gastronomy.

Best Casual Restaurants in Essex

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7 restaurants available nearby

1. Scotch Plains Tavern

2. Surfridge Brewing Company

3. Luigi's Restaurant - Old Saybrook

4. Penny Lane Pub

5. Little Pub- Old Saybrook

6. Fresh Salt

7. Chamard Vineyards, Farm Winery Bistro

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