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Best Restaurants with Great Beer in Essex

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17 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of The Griswold Inn restaurant
1. The Griswold Inn
4.9
Exceptional(949)
Price: Expensive
• American • Essex
Booked 4 times today
The Griswold Inn is an inn and restaurant located in the historic seaport village of Essex. The Gris, as it is affectionately known, has been in continous operation since 1776.`Currently we are offering dine in, dine out, and Gris To Go! Inside, guests may enjoy dining in historic, art-filled rooms which exude character, charm and tradition. Seating for the alfresco experience is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with the exception of larger parties of 7 or more which may be made by calling 860.767.1776. The Inn boasts a wine list consistently recognized by Wine Spectator with the prestigious Award of Excellence; Food & Wine and Travel + Leisure have recently recognized the Inn's restaurant as "Connecticut's coziest" and it is included in Patricia Schulz's "1000 Places to See Before You Die". The Griswold Inn is also the recipient of Connecticut's Highest Award for Hospitality. The best of old and new meet here.
A photo of The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn restaurant
2. The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn
5.0
Exceptional(100)
Price: Moderate
• Wine Bar • Essex
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.
A photo of Surfridge Brewing Company restaurant
3. Surfridge Brewing Company
4.4
Awesome(52)
Price: Moderate
• Pub • Centerbrook
Booked 3 times today
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 Aspen Restaurant restaurant
4. Aspen Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1742)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Old Saybrook
Booked 13 times today
Aspen Restaurant Voted Best New Restaurant for 2009 by Connecticut Magazine. A premiere destination dining experience, serving contemporary american cuisine with global accents. Aspen Restaurant is Located on 2 main street in Old Saybrook,CT.
A photo of The Essex restaurant
5. The Essex
4.9
Exceptional(1068)
Price: Expensive
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 5 times today
Set in the heart of downtown, across from the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, the “new” Essex will continue to offer the progressive, modern, approachable cuisine that has made it a top restaurant in the region. Whether it’s a pre-theater dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or a tasting menu for a special evening, guests can gather at The Essex to create memories with family and friends while enjoying excellent cuisine. The Essex menu showcases modern American cuisine that draws inspiration from the land, sea and deep heritage of the Connecticut River Valley, using the freshest locally sourced products available from farm and sea. All will inspire an ever-changing menu of progressive interpretations of timeless dishes. "Voted Best New Restaurant in New England" Yankee Magazine "Best Restaurants in Connecticut" CT Magazine "Not to be Missed" Town & Country Magazine"Rising Chef Star" CT Mag
A photo of The Brushmill by the Waterfall restaurant
6. The Brushmill by the Waterfall
4.4
Awesome(659)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Chester
Booked 1 time today
The Brushmill By The Waterfall is a restaurant and tavern featuring contemporary cuisine in an elegant setting overlooking a romantic waterfall on the Pattaconk Creek located in picturesque Chester, Connecticut.
A photo of Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s Edge restaurant
7. Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s Edge
4.4
Awesome(901)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Westbrook
Booked 14 times today
Located on the expansive grounds of the Water’s Edge Resort and Spa sits a beautiful restaurant with magnificent ocean views, Dattilo Fine Italian, the jewel of the Connecticut shoreline. The cuisine is fresh, creative and bold, with flavors reminiscent of old-world Italy. A rich authentic menu pairs with our extensive wine list features wines from across the globe. In addition to the seasonal menu Dattilo also offers nightly dining specials and themed dinners. Each Sunday we end the weekend with one of the finest Brunches in Connecticut featuring carving, pasta, crepe, and omelet stations. The brunch theme changes each week offering a new variety of fare to experience.
A photo of Liv's Oyster Bar restaurant
8. Liv's Oyster Bar
4.8
Exceptional(2733)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Old Saybrook
Booked 14 times today
Opening in 2006, Liv’s Oyster Bar and Restaurant quickly became a dining destination in Old Saybrook. Inspired by his daughter, Olivia, and years of experience in the restaurant industry, owner John Brescio set out with a desire to welcome the community to his family’s table.Dining at Liv’s, whether in the main room, at the bar, or on the patio, is an experience to be savored with friends and family long after summer on the shoreline has past.John Brescio also serves as Liv’s Executive Chef, creating simple, focused dishes with an emphasis on local ingredients, and the stunning seafood that the area provides. The menu at Liv’s changes with the seasons, bringing guests a true taste of the pristine environment. John works closely with Liv’s partners to make sure only the best produce is used, as he would serve nothing less to his family.Together with his exceptional staff, John welcomes you to the special experience he’s created at Liv’s Oyster Bar.
A photo of Café Routier restaurant
9. Café Routier
4.8
Exceptional(2196)
Price: Expensive
• American • Westbrook
Booked 16 times today
Please go to www.caferoutier.com for all current menus and important postings!"Constantly evolving, Seasonally driven and Globally inspired menus"Cafe Routier, Bistro and Lounge, serving a three paneled menu format; Regional (a different region of the world every 8 weeks), Seasonal (locally sourced seasonal ingredients) and a specialty menu of classic Bistro fare. A 40 seat lounge serving 'small plates' and tapas adjoins the bar area. Ethos is important to us.Reservations made online are for our dining room only. Our lounge does not require reservations and works on a first come/first serve approach, so please do not make a reservation if your intent is to sit in the lounge!
A photo of Penny Lane Pub restaurant
10. Penny Lane Pub
4.5
Awesome(359)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 7 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!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • SaraVIP
    New York City •30 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Lovely spot, with an amazingly yummy and creative menu, fabulous service and ambiance. And you can shop afterwards! What more does one need?
    More info
    Aspen RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.8
  • William
    New York City •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The tasting menu was a wonderful, elegant culinary journey. We enjoyed sitting at the counter and observing the talented kitchen crew at the height of service. Had a chance to chat with Colt, the chef and owner. All in all a memorable and delicious experience.
    More info
    The EssexPrice: Expensive• American• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.9
  • Paul
    Houston •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 12, 2025
    Great nautical setting in historical Essex. Fantastic food, ambience and service makes the Griswold Inn a great place to celebrate special occasions or simply enjoy great food with the company of your family or friends
    More info
    The Griswold InnPrice: Expensive• American• Essex
    •
    4.9
  • TaniaVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 11, 2025
    Fabulous new summer menu & love the new wines. We will be back for sure!!! Thank you Steve & Essex Wine Bar team for the outstanding service - first class all the way, as always!!
    More info
    The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold InnPrice: Moderate• Wine Bar• Essex
    •
    5
  • pete
    Connecticut •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on May 30, 2025
    Surfridge Brewing Company is "THE BEST". The brewpub is located in an old industrial facility that has a ton of charm. The food and brew is top notch. They have regular specials ( which change with the seasons ) which are consistently outstanding. The Management team and Waitstaff are super friendly and engaging. We love coming here !!!! I highly recommend checking them out.
    More info
    Surfridge Brewing CompanyPrice: Moderate• Pub• Centerbrook
    •
    4.4

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