The Oldest Bar In Connecticut Has A Fascinating History
The Griswold Inn in Essex is one of the oldest continually operating inns and taverns in the nation. It opened its doors in 1776 for weary and thirsty travelers and is still serving visitors today. The local inn and watering hole was founded by three brothers and was named after the local Griswold family. It has only been under the care of six families over the centuries. The oldest bar in Connecticut has all of the charms of times past while still remaining a modern destination for food and spirits.
Discover the Griswold Inn on Main Street in the historic seaport town of Essex. In its earliest years, the inn housed the tradesman who built the first warship for the Revolution. The bar provided food and spirits to the visiting politicians and shipbuilding suppliers. It's one of the most fascinating historic places in Connecticut.
The early 1800s brought the innovation of steamboat travel to the area and by 1824, Essex was an important stop on the Connecticut River. The Griswold Inn served these travelers for decades. An extensive collection of historic maritime artifacts from this golden era is on display in the historic dining room.
As the Prohibition Era began, the Griswold Inn was known as a reliable destination for spirits. It was often raided, sometimes fined, and always back in business. The rum runners on the Connecticut River kept the bar well supplied.
The Great Depression had its effect on the inn but by the 1940s, the historic destination was revived by the establishment of yacht clubs and the influx of weekend travelers.
In the 1960s, I-95 had been completed and the surrounding waters of Essex were full of weekend boaters and the Griswold Inn began its expansion into surrounding buildings. The Inn has grown but still maintains its historic integrity as a gathering place for the community and has become one of the most famous restaurants in Connecticut.
The most well-known dining room at the inn is steeped in history. It was constructed from a disassembled New England covered bridge and features relics from the inn's early years.
As for the food, select from a wide variety of tried-and-true entrees featuring seafood, pasta, aged beef, chicken, and more. Entrees are simple creations featuring robust flavor in an imaginative way. As you eat a delicious meal surrounded by so much history from over the centuries, you will see why this is one of the most famous restaurants in Connecticut.
Enjoy a drink alongside a more casual menu in the Griswold Inn taproom, the oldest bar in Connecticut. The taproom is found in a former schoolhouse that was rolled down Main Street on logs and attached to the Inn in 1801. The award-winning bar features live music nightly.
Choose to indulge in burgers, fish n' chips, or sandwiches alongside house-made soups and chowders. The taproom menu is full of casual crave-worthy fare.
The wine bar at the Griswold Inn offers another option for diners. Sample a popular wine flight or choose your favorite by the glass from more than 50 varieties.
The menu is a creative indulgence of small plates from an innovative tapas menu. The unique desserts are particularly decadent and will tempt you into trying at least one.
For 243 years, the Griswold Inn has stood the test of time. The walls are rich with history. Awarded the title of "Best Bar In America" time and time again, this is one of the most historic places in Connecticut that is worthy of a visit.
Have you ever visited the oldest bar in Connecticut? Not quite as old as the Griswold Inn, this historic roadside stand has also captured the hearts of the locals.
Address: 36 Main St, Essex, CT 06426, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Oldest Bar In Connecticut
August 13, 2021
Melissa M.
What are some of the most famous restaurants in Connecticut?
Sometimes restaurants are famous for the buildings they occupy while others are best-known for a certain item on the menu which is the case for Ted’s Restaurant in Meriden. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant serves steamed hamburgers and people drive from all over New England to have one here. Famous for its seafood and the fact that it occupies a barge on the Saugatuck River that’s been converted into a restaurant, there’s nothing like the experience you’ll have while dining at The Black Duck Cafe. It’s even been featured on Gui Fieri’s show, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
What are some of the oldest places in Connecticut?
Connecticut is a state rich with hundreds of years of history so there are quite a few historic places. Among some of its oldest buildings are the 1639 Henry Whitford House in Guilford, the 1650 Winthrop Mill in New London, and the 1660 Thomas Lee House in East Lyme.
What are some of the most fascinating historical places in Connecticut?
The small towns of Connecticut have some of the most fascinating history in the state. Old Wethersfield was founded in 1634 and is home to more than 150 pre-Civil War homes as well as some that pre-date the Revolutionary War. The quaint town of Essex is also home to numerous historic buildings including houses, inns, churches, and even factories. If you enjoy learning the history of the Revolutionary War, a visit to Fort Griswold in Groton is a must. It’s the site of Connecticut’s largest battle during the Revolutionary War.
Address: 36 Main St, Essex, CT 06426, USA
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