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The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn, Essex, CT

The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn

4.9
4.9
83 Reviews
$30 and under
Wine Bar

Make a booking

2 people
20:30
Booked 1 time today
  • Neighbourhood gem
  • Great for fine wines
  • Charming
The Wine Bar at The Griswold Inn is an extraordinary space in which to enjoy a delicious experience in every respect. It features an innovative tapas menu, inspired "macro" plates, artisanal cheeses and handcrafted desserts. The menu changes periodically to take advantage of all that characterizes a particular season, though there are a few classics that remain on the menu throughout the year, like its very popular Grilled and Carved Bistro Steak, served with white truffle-laced pommes frites, arugula,
and red wine jus. A consistent winner of Wine Spectator's prestigious Award of Excellence, it offers numerous wines by the glass, wine flights, and a more extensive bottle list. A full-service bar is also available. A creative and accomplished chef and a knowledgeable and attentive service staff complete the experience.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Wine Bar, Tapas / Small Plates
  • Hours of Operation
    Wed, Thu 5:30 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (860) 767-1776
  • Website
    http://griswoldinn.com/food-wine/wine-bar-dining/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Eric Bond
  • Location
    36 Main St, Essex, CT 06426
  • Area
    Essex
  • Cross Street
    1 Ferry Street
  • Parking details
    There are two parking lots located off of Ferry Street directly across the street from the Wine Bar. There is also street parking. All is free!
  • Additional
    Bar Dining, Gluten-free Options

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 83 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

  • Connecticut

    Best Service

  • Connecticut

    Best Ambience

  • Connecticut

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Connecticut

    Great for fine wines

  • Middlesex

    Best Overall

  • Middlesex

    Best Food

  • Middlesex

    Best Service

  • Middlesex

    Best Ambience

  • Middlesex

    Best Value

  • Middlesex

    Innovative

  • Middlesex

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Middlesex

    Great for fine wines

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn offers an "elegant, comfortable, and welcoming" atmosphere with "delicious, fresh and inventive" cuisine. Guests rave about the "exceptional" service led by bartender Steve, making each visit memorable. With a "great menu" and "amazing experience," this cozy Connecticut gem is highly recommended.

83 Reviews

  1. Tania

    VIP

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 20 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another outstanding visit- thank you Steve & staff

    Is this helpful?

  2. Lisa

    New York City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 19 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Festive and fun and delicious! Great food and ambience!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Wendy

    Wilmington

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 14 December 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great fun atmosphere, food, service. Would visit again if back in Essex

    Is this helpful?

  4. Lisa

    VIP

    New York City

    36 reviews

    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on 24 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another wonderful dinner at the Wine Bar! It is such a cozy spot. Love the tapas. Chicken cacciatore, autumn salad and flatbread were great. The upside apple cake was amazing.

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    New York City

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on 20 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Food, wine, service was excellent. Highly recommend this little gem in Connecticut. I’m local and always love this place.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Tania

    VIP

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 16 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another terrific evening at the wine bar - thank you Steve & team!!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Linda

    New York City

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 16 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Thank you to Steve for another fabulous evening at the Wine bar and for making Matt’s birthday special!
    The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold InnResponded on 16 November 2024
    Thank you so much Linda! Always a pleasure having you and Matt. Have a great Thanksgiving

    Is this helpful?

  8. Linda

    New York City

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 14 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fabulous as always! No one better than Steve! Thank you as always!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Scott

    VIP

    New York City

    29 reviews

    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on 14 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The bartender was very helpful and knowledgeable. We had a wonderful experience sitting at the bar. Food and wine were enjoyable.
    The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold InnResponded on 16 November 2024
    Thank you so much for the stellar review Scott! Glad you enjoyed-hope to see you back soon!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Lisa

    VIP

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 10 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I celebrated my birthday here. The bartender Stephen is very knowledgeable and gracious. The service was attentive and enthusiastic. The food was delicious, fresh and inventive. So we’re the drinks. And the atmosphere is elegant, comfortable, and welcoming.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn is rated 4.9 stars by 83 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
20:30
Booked 1 time today
Google Map for The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn

36 Main St, Essex, CT 06426

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    1 Ferry Street
  • Area
    Essex
  • Hours of Operation
    Wed, Thu 5:30 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Wine Bar, Tapas / Small Plates
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    There are two parking lots located off of Ferry Street directly across the street from the Wine Bar. There is also street parking. All is free!
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Eric Bond
  • Additional
    Bar Dining, Gluten-free Options
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