The Griswold Inn

The Griswold is a beautiful historic inn. The rooms were lovely. We had a handicapped accessible room that was quite spacious, with a large bathroom and two comfortable chairs. Our traveling companions had a room with twin beds that was much smaller in all aspects, but still pretty. The rooms had ironing boards and hairdryers, but no television or coffee machine. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The army and dining areas were gorgeous, decorated with period pictures and posters. The food was fresh and delicious. The best part of our stay was the entertainment. A group sang Irish songs and sea shanties to a packed house of regulars. We had a ball
4 7 years ago (15-05-2018)

Essex is one of our favorite places in CT and the Griswold Inn is one of our all time favorite places to dine. There are plenty of comfort foods on the menu along with the tasty brown bread! The chicken pot pie is delicious! For me, it was strange to order something like that in a restaurant but the presentation and taste of the pot pie are exceptional! Cocktails and specials are updated with seasonal tastes - we had a champagne cocktail with rosemary and pomegranate - so good!! We like to make reservations here for dinner and start at the wine bar next door for a glass of wine and appetizers - we've also wrapped up dinner with dessert at the wine bar - either way, you can't go wrong! The wine bar has a very adventurous menu that is always changing and always to die for!
5 7 years ago (11-04-2018)

Absolutely amazing experience. Got the 1776 sausage sampler, the corned beef sandwich and the sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch. I only wish I had someone with me to share the experience. But in total, 2 pints of the revolutionary ale and all that amazingly incredible food came to just $42! The coolest part tho was allowing my inner nerd to geek out about having a pint in the same tap room that the likes of George Washington, Mark Twain and Albert Einstein did!!!
5 7 years ago (30-04-2018)

This, good people, is New England at its finest. No place in America can beat it around the holidays. I challenge you to give me an establishment that measures up - you're better off not trying, because you will fail. The Griswold Inn always wins. Welcome to "The Griz," as the locals call it. It is classy, fun, historical, and beautiful. Just steps from the Connecticut River Museum and other fine attractions within downtown Essex, this is easily the most potent nexus of Christmas spirit in the northeast region. The heart-warming capability of the fire-side live music is matched only by the delectable food and drink. This is the kind of place to which you bring a potential husband or wife; this is the sort of establishment you plan on visiting with your very best friends and closest family months prior to the greatest of holidays. This is the Griswold Inn. Let the magic of Christmas consume your soul and wrap it warmly in rich history and hot toddies as you laugh and sing with your loved ones and complete strangers alike!
5 7 years ago (16-12-2017)

Always a fun time. Very historic old building. Happy hours wonderful at the bar, listening to Ray and the piano, jazz band Sunday at the bar.
5 7 years ago (29-05-2018)