*Certain meat or seafood items may be cooked to order, per request. Thoroughly cooking meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs reduces the risk of food-borne illness. Dietary needs menu available upon request
The Griswold Inn Classics
The Griswold Inn Classics present simple, well prepared American cuisine, just the way it is meant to be. Our signature dishes and classic selections are available year-round in our art-filled Historic Dining rooms
Classic Starters and House-made Soups
Our Own Famous 1776 Brand ™ Sausage Sampler
$14.00
three sausage varieties, puff pastry, served with Dijon mustard
Potato Cakes
$13.00
served with sour cream and applesauce
Crispy Korean Barbeque Chicken
$14.00
with sriracha dipping sauce
Garden Salad
$10.00
mesclun greens, English cucumber, carrots, grape tomatoes, French Breakfast radish, croutons and our Original Garlic Asiago Dressing
Signature New England Clam Chowder
$11.00
French Onion Soup
$14.00
with croutons, melted Swiss and Provolone
Classic 'Gris' Entrées
Faroe Island Salmon*
$33.00
tomato-shallot compote, jasmine rice and peas, glazed sprouts
Baked Artichoke-Crusted Cod
$34.00
ragout of tomato, white bean and kale, crispy rice, avocado mousse
Boneless Short Ribs
$42.00
demi-glace, spinach, whipped potato
Trio of Filet Medallions*
$46.00
green onion and truffle potato croquettes, braised kale, shiitake mushrooms and port wine reduction
Signature Roasted Prime Rib of Beef*
(12 oz.) with baked potato, au jus, chef's vegetables, horseradish sauce, Market Price. Served Friday and Saturday evenings
Featured Seasonal Cuisine
Featured Seasonal Cuisine is prepared and created by Executive Chef Shaheed Toppin and his Culinary team. Chef Toppin is known for his seasonally-driven menus which showcase the finest products from the farms, orchards and waters of the Connecticut River Valley and New England shore
ragout of tomato, white bean and kale, crispy rice, avocado mousse
Main Dishes
Available After 5PM Daily
Faroe Island Salmon*
$33.00
tomato-shallot compote, jasmine rice and peas, glazed sprouts
Baked Artichoke-Crusted Cod
$34.00
ragout of tomato, white bean and kale, crispy rice, avocado mousse
Boneless Short Ribs
$42.00
demi-glace, spinach, whipped potato
Trio of Filet Medallions*
$46.00
green onion and truffle potato croquettes, braised kale, shiitake mushrooms and port wine reduction
Signature Roasted Prime Rib of Beef (12 oz.)*
with baked potato, au jus, chef's vegetables, horseradish sauce. Served Friday and Saturday evenings
Market Price
Buttermilk Fried Statler Chicken
$27.00
sautéed kale, white cheddar potato purée, sriracha tears
Blackened Pork Chop
$30.00
p roasted apple and fingerling potato hash, ginger-carrot purée, shaved fennel, and Granny Smith slaw, cider reduction
Sweet Stuff
House-Made Sticky Toffee Pudding
$9.50
with butterscotch sauce and freshly-whipped cream
Warm Apple Crostata
$9.00
with freshly-whipped cream and sea-salted caramel
Sea-Salted Chocolate Mousse Torte
$10.00
dark chocolate mousse layered with chocolate ganache, sea salt and caramel drizzle
*Thoroughly cooking meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs reduces the risk of food-borne illness. Dietary needs menu available upon request
Historic Dining
Named Connecticut's "Coziest Restaurant" – Food & Wine and Travel + Leisure magazines. "The most famous brunch in Connecticut can be found at The Griswold Inn." – The New York Times. Please note: We are currently offering a Hunt Brunch on Sunday from 11am – 1pm, featuring several a la carte brunch-style selections. Come Celebrate with Us!
In our historic dining rooms, Executive Chef Toppin prepares classic American cuisine to perfection in simple, but imaginative ways.
His menu showcases fresh seafood, aged beef, and the highest quality chops and poultry. After any meal, Chef Toppin's house-made desserts are a "must". Our historic dining rooms exude character, charm, and tradition, where one can be as comfortable in casual attire as in "black tie." We are open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. We have four historic dining rooms – the Essex/Ward Room, The Library, The Gun Room and our largest space, The Covered Bridge, which is accessible to those with disabilities.
In December diners enjoy a unique and festive culinary experience
Our Holiday Bill of Fare includes Seasonal Game Selections as well as Gris Classics and more "traditional" holiday favorites. There's something for everyone's palate! While served by costumed waitstaff the Royal Court Singers perform seasonal classics tableside! Though this experience may be enjoyed through the 30th, on December 1 only we have an added bonus: the Coast Guard Idlers, a spirited a cappella group of cadets, perform throughout the dining rooms and in our Tap Room. Our December 1 season "opener" has been a favorite tradition for the Idlers and the Gris for many, many years! Festive indeed!
One of the oldest continuously operated inns in the country, The Griswold Inn opened its doors for business in 1776 and has been catering to yachtsmen and overland travelers ever since. We are situated in the historic hamlet of Essex, nestled on the banks of the Connecticut River. Anyone familiar with Essex knows it as an extraordinary town and The Griswold Inn - a very special place. Although the Inn exudes the charm of days gone by, we are anything but dated. From our sophisticated cuisine, extensive wine offerings, comfortable accommodations, and modern amenities, The Griswold Inn offers the best of times.