Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New York / Tri-State Area
  4. Connecticut
  5. Essex
The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn, Essex, CT

The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn

4.6
4.6
51 Reviews
$30 and under
Wine Bar
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.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 1 time today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • 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
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Eric Bond
  • Private party contact
    Lauri Mackuck, Private Events Manager: (860) 767-1776
  • 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

What 51 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • New York / Tri-State Area

    Great for fine wines

  • Connecticut

    Great for fine wines

51 Reviews
  1. JulieS

    New York Area

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We shared several small plates and a cheese plate and everything was delicious and the perfect portions. I will be craving the shaved brussels salad. Bistro steak was cooked to order. Waitress was very knowledgeable and attentive.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Deedee

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Second time we have been there is 2 weeks. Love the atmosphere and the food. Service is good.

    The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold InnResponded on August 27, 2023

    Thank you so much for the great review! Hope to see you back soon!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Gayle

    New York Area

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect night. Loved everything about it. Can’t wait to go back.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Deedee

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love the variety. Can order an assortment of tapas. Wednesday is 1/2 of wine for women. Great good.

    The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold InnResponded on July 21, 2023

    Thank you for the great review! Hope to see you back soon!

    Is this helpful?

  5. JasonC

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Always pleasant. But prices make you think twice on going back.

    Is this helpful?

  6. sgermanmd

    New York Area

    35 reviews

    2.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall2food3service4ambience5
    The menu offered was not the menu online. Big differences. Very expensive for what was served. The cheese and fruit plate had 12 grapes, some sliced green apple (1/4 apple) some dried apricots, a handful of cashes, and 1oz of cheese. $8. My wife ordered 2, and got the same board, but with 2oz of cheese. Poor choice of fruit in the peak of summer fruit season. Strawberry shortcake had 2 pieces of wilted strawberries, and a grilled piece of shortcake. The tuna tartare was bland. Nibb salad was small and basic. The restaurant was beautiful, service was good. $90 for 2, with one glass of wine.

    Is this helpful?

  7. DaleN

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    AC was broken so it was hot. I have eaten at this establishment many times and the food and service are always very good. This last time though the price seems to have gone up to a point where it doesn't meet he value.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Judy

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience3
    The bar tender was exceptional. He made me a custom wine flight. We were celebrating an anniversary and he gave us sparkling wine to celebrate. The sausage pizza was good, but much too salty for our us. I thought it would be a bit more of an intimate atmosphere, but it was.

    Is this helpful?

  9. KarenW

    New York Area

    18 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience4
    I want to love this place because it is close by and the chef is clearly really good. But the service was spotty (slow and didn't bring one of our dishes at all) and the portions are tiny and not inexpensive. I would only recommend to a friend with those caveats. Maybe better to just sit at the bar and have a drink.

    Is this helpful?

  10. PamelaH

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and am ambiance like no other! The Wine Bar is elegant but casually relaxed.

    Is this helpful?

  11. DeeD

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and wonderful wine flight. Staff was friendly and helpful. Escargot and gnocchi where both fantastic. Highly recommended.

    Is this helpful?

  12. Bostonlocal

    Greater Boston

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place for an evening out! Love the food, the wine and the a atmosphere

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience! Highly recommend!!

    Is this helpful?

  14. PhilipM

    Washington DC

    29 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience. Great wine lists; attentive, knowledgeable and friendly staff.

    The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold InnResponded on February 28, 2023

    Thank you for joining us. We will see you next time.

    Is this helpful?

  15. CTdiner

    Greater Boston

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great- we ordered a variety of small and plates to share. It’s nice to have the option of wine flights or 3 oz pours of good wines. We’ll definitely go back!

    The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold InnResponded on February 28, 2023

    We love that you enjoyed our small plates. Come back for more wine!

    Is this helpful?

  16. MelissaF

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful wine flights! Excellent variety of micro and macro plates! Everything we ordered was absolutely scrumptious!!

    Is this helpful?

  17. Tabby018

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 11, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Really fun, great food and wine. Menu needs to be updated/changed more frequently.

    Is this helpful?

  18. Dalydouble

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on December 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our meal and wine pairings were amazing - to be serenaded by the lovely period singers with songs & entertainment was a bonus.

    Is this helpful?

  19. Gardenguy

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2022

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    Very nice evening. Ambiance and service was amazing.

    Is this helpful?

  20. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved our experience! We had family in from Europe and they were also impressed! Thank you!

    Is this helpful?

  21. MaxLover

    New York Area

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Nice atmosphere but food was mediocre.

    Is this helpful?

  22. CathleenC

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on December 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So much fun doing the wine flight tasting! The Cheese plate had all the accoutrements perfect pairing for our wine. And Our server Doreen was terrific! made us feel right at home!

    Is this helpful?

  23. FoodLover

    New York Area

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on November 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great cozy comfortable place with great food and excellent service.

    Is this helpful?

  24. TinaC

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service was excellent! Will definitely go back.

    Is this helpful?

  25. PeteO

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    great ambience and food was excellent. The soup was delicious, could have been warmer and a bit more in the serving. However, it was most delicious. Scallops were also delicious A place we would go again and often. Noisy though. There was a large crowd.

    Is this helpful?

  26. FoodLover

    New York Area

    30 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great spot with great food and atmosphere.

    Is this helpful?

  27. FriendsNightOut

    New York Area

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and wine experience! Thrilled that the wine bar is open again! We will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  28. DavidR

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 14, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Beautiful atmosphere, great service, good small plates and a decent wine selection.

    Is this helpful?

  29. SuzanneS

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Food was delicious. I had celeriac soup, followed by the flatbread with Brussels sprouts, bacon, goat cheese and hot honey. Both were delicious. I had the suggested rosé wine pairing with my flatbread - very good. My husband had the beet salad followed by the steak and truffle fries and loved it. I tasted the fries and they were great - perfectly seasoned. Husband not a wine lover so he was glad there was a full bar for cocktails. I would have rated 5 stars but I was seated facing outside and the storm windows were absolutely filthy. That sounds like I’m nit picking but it ruined what would’ve been a nice view down the hill to Essex Island.

    Is this helpful?

  30. Unique

    Nashville

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So glad the Wine bar has reopened. Bar service was excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  31. LindaJ

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect place to be on the Last day of Summer. Fun.

    Is this helpful?

  32. Christina

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had a great birthday dinner/date night out with my husband but I really recommend going with another couple if you want to try more off the small plates. It’s always a delicious experience if you go with people willing to share so you can try as much as possible. The service was also incredible. All around relaxing and delicious experience.

    Is this helpful?

  33. OpenT

    Western NC

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Acoustics are very bad. As soon as we walked in it was noticeable and got worse as the restaurant became busier.

    Is this helpful?

  34. LuLu

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everyone enjoyed their meal immensely! The flavors in both the soup and the salad were unique and savory. The ravioli also possessed uniquely paired flavors and was out of this world. I dream of the day I can return and try the cheese fondue! Overall a delicious and delightful experience!

    Is this helpful?

  35. DaveC

    Greater Boston

    69 reviews

    5.0

    69 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The bartender's knowledge of the wine offerings and menu was outstanding. Service was extremely friendly, yet efficient. The wines were wonderful, food was delicious. Would return again and again!

    Is this helpful?

  36. ValerieL

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Valentine’s Day

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Valentine’s Day dinner-table was ready, service was attentive and food was great. Tough to find a more charming spot; though a bit noisy (I wear hearing aids so I am particularly sensitive). Not objectionable, conversation was possible but whispers were not. Wine selection is impressive; I tried the recommended special (2015 Piazzo Barbaresco DOCG Piedmont). It was pricey but delicious. Our table of four ordered 5-6 small plates plus 2 starters; it was the perfect amount for us. We’ll definitely be back to visit this delightful place!

    2 people found this helpful

  38. Davinia

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 15, 2020

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    I generally love the Wine Bar at The Griswold Inn, but my dinner on Wednesday evening was not as good as usual. I had exactly the same meal there just before Christmas, and it was so good that I ordered exactly the same this week. Sadly, the arugula salad was under-dressed and consequently not as flavorful as it should have been, and the beef on goat-cheese polenta was tough and the serving size very small. I know it was a 'small plate', but the portion was tiny, with very few vegetables. But, as usual, the service was excellent, and the ambiance wonderful.

    Is this helpful?

  39. Nichole

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 11, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Already recommended to friends and coworkers. Lovely atmosphere. Friendly waitstaff. Fantastic foods. Will be coming back regularly.

    Is this helpful?

  40. RolfW

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 11, 2020

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Reception and seating were done quickly and efficiently. The Bar and Bistro was pleasantly full, which may explain why service was a bit slow. However, that was not a problem, because when the food arrived it was well-prepared and delicious. The six guests at the large table grew very animated as the evening wore on, which made it at times difficult to hear each other.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn is rated 4.6 stars by 51 OpenTable diners.

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

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
  • 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
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo