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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
94 Reviews
$30 and under
Wine Bar
36 Main St, Essex, CT 06426

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 1 time today

About this restaurant

  • Great for fine wines
  • Charming
  • Innovative
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
  • Neighborhood
    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, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Wine

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 94 people are saying

The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.9Service
  • 4.9Ambience
  • 4.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Connecticut

    Best Overall

  • Connecticut

    Best Service

  • Connecticut

    Best Ambiance

  • Connecticut

    Best Value

  • Connecticut

    Innovative

  • Connecticut

    Neighborhood gem

  • Connecticut

    Great for fine wines

  • Connecticut

    Romantic

  • Connecticut

    Good for special occasions

  • Middlesex

    Best Overall

  • Middlesex

    Best Food

  • Middlesex

    Best Service

  • Middlesex

    Best Ambiance

  • Middlesex

    Best Value

  • Middlesex

    Innovative

  • Middlesex

    Good for groups

  • Middlesex

    Hot spot

  • Middlesex

    Neighborhood gem

  • Middlesex

    Great for fine wines

  • Middlesex

    Romantic

  • Middlesex

    Good for special occasions

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn offers a "wonderful atmosphere" in downtown Essex. Guests rave about "impeccable service" led by Steve and team. With "exceptional wines" and a delightful, varied menu including tapas, it's a "very special place" that feels like home. Enjoy "refined and cozy" evenings here.

94 Reviews

  1. Deanne VIP

    San Diego7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful night - great food. We did the 3 pours very fun .

    Is this helpful?

  2. David

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wine bar never disappoints. Always a nice evening at the Wine Bar in beautiful downtown Essex.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Tania VIP

    San Francisco10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 16, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding customer service as always from Steve & team. Thank you!! Can’t wait for the new menu in early May.

    Is this helpful?

  4. MARVIN VIP

    New York City19 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 5, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great upscale value. The Bistro's ambiance, wine and food were very enjoyable.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Linda

    New York City6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    As always Steve makes the place feel like you’re at home! Always great food and the atmosphere wonderful! A gem in the heart of our little village! Thank you!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Tania VIP

    San Francisco10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another outstanding visit- wine, food, service and vibe all 5 stars. Thank you Steve & Wine Bar Staff!!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Pamela VIP

    Greater Boston19 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very quaint and comfortable. Exceptional wines. We shared a few small plates which all were good. The server was extremely attentive and pleasant. Lovely vibe. A must visit.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Vanessa VIP

    New York City5 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Awesome meal, beautiful restaurant and great service!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Jada VIP

    New York City21 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 27, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service is impeccable, ambiance is refined and cozy, menu is delicious!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Richard

    Greater Boston3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 14, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Absolutely fantastic! We will be back soon! First class staff.. and the food? All 10’s! Thanks for a wonderful evening! Cheers

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn is rated 4.9 stars by 94 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Connecticut
  4. Middlesex
  5. Essex

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
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
  • Neighborhood
    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, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Wine
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