Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Connecticut

Best Live Music Restaurants in Essex

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

7 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Griswold Inn restaurant
1. The Griswold Inn
4.5
Awesome(914)
Price: Expensive
• American • Essex
Booked 8 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 Surfridge Brewing Company restaurant
2. Surfridge Brewing Company
4.8
Exceptional(40)
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 Scotch Plains Tavern restaurant
3. Scotch Plains Tavern
4.6
Exceptional(703)
Price: Moderate
• Pub • Essex
If you’re looking for an authentic tavern cuisine and rustic ambiance, Scotch Plains Tavern is the place to be. Located minutes from Essex Steam Train, Rt. 9, and I-95, guests can kick back with a drink and some wings in our newly renovated upstairs bar, redesigned in a modern vintage industrial style while maintaining the original bar from Oliver’s Tavern. The bar, retrofitted for additional space, was originally built in 1913 for a bar in Chicago where Al Capone is rumored to have regularly tipped a glass.
A photo of Aspen Restaurant restaurant
4. Aspen Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1697)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Old Saybrook
Booked 6 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 Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s Edge restaurant
5. Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s Edge
4.6
Exceptional(867)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Westbrook
Booked 10 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 Penny Lane Pub restaurant
6. Penny Lane Pub
4.5
Awesome(328)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 5 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!
A photo of Old Lyme Inn restaurant
7. Old Lyme Inn
4.6
Exceptional(669)
Price: Expensive
• American • Old Lyme
Booked 5 times today
The Old Lyme Inn’s restaurant and bar offers guests contemporary New England Fare in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. Our chef embraces the changing seasons and bounty of the Connecticut River Valley to offer creative menus that change weekly. Since it's opening in April 2012, the restaurant has quickly become a celebrated meeting place for visitors and locals alike. The inn boasts three different dining rooms, a grand eight seat bar and a fireplace adorned library. The Side Door Jazz Club offers shows every Friday and Saturday night and has been recognized by 'Down Beat' magazine as one of the best jazz venues in the world.Whether you're joining us for our famous 'Jazzy' brunch, cozying up with a friend at our afternoon tea or enjoying an elegant dinner before a show at the Side Door; we can't wait to exceed your expectations.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • MarnaVIP
    New York City •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We have dined frequently at the Griswold Inn but last night was the first time we dined there with the strolling carolers. It was really quite special such a beautiful historic location to have a holiday meal with the people you love and a little bit of Christmas spirit! The short ribs, as always, were on point and delicious and I don't know you did something extra good to the mashed potatoes last night too! We also loved the oysters and the baked cod was so fresh and yummy.
    More info
    The Griswold InnPrice: Expensive• American• Essex
    •
    4.5
  • John
    Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Aspen Restaurant is a fine place to dine with beautiful ambience. The food is excellent and the service is great! Haley, our waitress was absolutely amazing and was very customer focused. I strongly recommend dining here.
    More info
    Aspen RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.6
  • SusanVIP
    Greater Boston •149 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 24, 2024
    Beautiful restaurant on the water. Decorated for Christmas. Food very good. Wait staff excellent. Highly recommend
    More info
    Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s EdgePrice: Expensive• Italian• Westbrook
    •
    4.6
  • Meridith
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 15, 2024
    Great place to eat before Essex Steam Train. Accommodating servers (we had many children). Good food/beer. We also were able to park at the brewery and leave our car there while taking the train. It was easy to get out following the train. Highly recommend!
    More info
    Surfridge Brewing CompanyPrice: Moderate• Pub• Centerbrook
    •
    4.8
  • Joseph
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 14, 2024
    Food and staff are Great! Will not disappoint...
    More info
    Scotch Plains TavernPrice: Moderate• Pub• Essex
    •
    4.6

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 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
OpenTable Logo