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Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Essex

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6 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Brushmill by the Waterfall restaurant
1. The Brushmill by the Waterfall
4.5
Awesome(601)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Chester
Booked 9 times today
The Brushmill By The Waterfall is a restaurant and tavern featuring contemporary cuisine in an elegant setting overlooking a romantic waterfall on the Pattaconk Creek located in picturesque Chester, Connecticut.
A photo of Scotch Plains Tavern restaurant
2. Scotch Plains Tavern
4.4
Awesome(701)
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 The Essex restaurant
3. The Essex
4.8
Exceptional(1034)
Price: Expensive
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 6 times today
Set in the heart of downtown, across from the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, the “new” Essex will continue to offer the progressive, modern, approachable cuisine that has made it a top restaurant in the region. Whether it’s a pre-theater dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or a tasting menu for a special evening, guests can gather at The Essex to create memories with family and friends while enjoying excellent cuisine. The Essex menu showcases modern American cuisine that draws inspiration from the land, sea and deep heritage of the Connecticut River Valley, using the freshest locally sourced products available from farm and sea. All will inspire an ever-changing menu of progressive interpretations of timeless dishes. "Voted Best New Restaurant in New England" Yankee Magazine "Best Restaurants in Connecticut" CT Magazine "Not to be Missed" Town & Country Magazine"Rising Chef Star" CT Mag
A photo of Little Pub- Old Saybrook restaurant
4. Little Pub- Old Saybrook
4.6
Exceptional(138)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old Saybrook
Booked 5 times today
Great food, generous drinks, and a lively pub atmosphere you'll feel right at home in. A rustic neighborhood gathering place with a relentless focus on customer service, value, and fun.
A photo of Fresh Salt restaurant
5. Fresh Salt
4.6
Exceptional(1517)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Old Saybrook
Booked 14 times today
Fresh Salt is more than just a restaurant; it is a place to enjoy one another’s company and experience the breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound quietly intertwined with the Connecticut River. Utilizing the chef’s simple yet high quality approach, the fresh, seasonal local ingredients of Connecticut are transformed into beautifully inspired dishes. Our Local Food Commitment allows us to work with local farmers and artisans to ensure the quality of locally grown ingredients from the sea, land and soil. These fresh ingredients and vibrant tastes of Fresh Salt are available daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located right on the water means seriously fresh seafood and our menu definitely delivers. From the beloved Lobster Roll to the cherished Clam Chowder and so many more specialties, Fresh Salt dishes are guaranteed to please every palate. We offer indoor and outdoor dining, outdoor dining is based on a first come first serve basis, outdoor dining is non-reservable.
A photo of Chamard Vineyards, Farm Winery Bistro restaurant
6. Chamard Vineyards, Farm Winery Bistro
4.8
Exceptional(2450)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Clinton
Booked 2 times today
Established in 1983, Chamard Vineyards, is one of the Connecticut Wine Trails founding fathers. Tucked between the Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River, Chamard enjoys a unique marine micro-climate ideal for growing European Vinifera vines such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Pinot Noir. To produce “French Inspired Wines from the Connecticut Shoreline” has been Chamards mission from the start. As a farm, Chamard honors agriculture by partnering with fellow growers and producers to pair food with wine in celebration of Connecticut’s local gastronomy.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • C
    New York City •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We came for the Valentines special tasting menu. Normally I am not a fan of the bloated vdaypreset menu, however at $165 per person this over delivered and was truly special! 9 courses of excitement, attentive service, wonderful wine and an unpretentious atmosphere. The food, I mean this was the best meal we have ever had! The surprise winner of the night? “The Beet”. No words can even do justice to a simple roasted beet with a magical ride of adventure! And the best part? As they said, this is not a one off for the holiday, this is just like any other night at the restaurant with their tasting menu!
    More info
    The EssexPrice: Expensive• American• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.8
  • kimVIP
    New York City •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The restaurant is very nice inside with a rustic comfortable dining room and bar area. We were there for the special Valentine’s Day menu. The food was very good and well presented. Service was excellent. Would definitely return for regular lunch/dinner meal and would recommend to others.
    More info
    The Brushmill by the WaterfallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Chester
    •
    4.5
  • Reed
    New York City •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed an early VD dinner trying the halibut and beef Wellington. Both were excellent. He would have preferred the fish to be cooked a little longer, but that’s the only critique. We shared the hazelnut ice cream sundae named after the Ferraro Rocher candy. It came in a bowl that looked like a small bathtub! Too much deliciousness, but we succeeded in conquering the challenge!
    More info
    Fresh SaltPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.6
  • JudyVIP
    New York City •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 1 Feb 2025
    We are happy that we discovered the Little Pub. It’s cozy, with yummy food & nice people !
    More info
    Little Pub- Old SaybrookPrice: Moderate• American• Old Saybrook
    •
    4.6
  • Joseph
    New York City •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 14 Nov 2024
    Food and staff are Great! Will not disappoint...
    More info
    Scotch Plains TavernPrice: Moderate• Pub• Essex
    •
    4.4

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