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

The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn

4.9
4.9
90 Reviews
$30 and under
Wine Bar

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 3 times today
  • Charming
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for fine wines
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 90 people are saying

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 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

    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 is a charming spot known for its "outstanding food, service, and atmosphere." Guests praise the "great wine selections" and tapas-style menu, offering delightful small plates. The staff, especially Steve, receive accolades for being "attentive and knowledgeable." Perfect for a "relaxing evening."

90 Reviews

  1. Linda

    New York City6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    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?

  2. Tania VIP

    San Francisco9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    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?

  3. Pamela VIP

    Greater Boston19 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    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?

  4. 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?

  5. Jada VIP

    New York City19 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?

  6. 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?

  7. Lisa VIP

    New York City38 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 2, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Wine Bar is one of our favorite places. The menu varies from time and everything we try is great! We love the tapas which allow us to try and share several things. The spanish garlic shrimp, chorizo with red bliss potatoes and the amish chicken were all amazing. Of course the steak frites are always great and cooked perfectly! Steve and his team are amazing - working as a team and making every guest feel special. This is a very special place!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Tania VIP

    San Francisco9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on December 20, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another outstanding visit- thank you Steve & staff

    Is this helpful?

  9. Lisa

    New York City2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on December 19, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Festive and fun and delicious! Great food and ambience!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Wendy

    Wilmington2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on December 14, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great fun atmosphere, food, service. Would visit again if back in Essex

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Wine Bar & Bistro at The Griswold Inn is rated 4.9 stars by 90 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 3 times 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
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