The Griswold Inn is nestled near the coast of the Connecticut River in the charming seaport town of Essex, Connecticut (formerly the town of Saybrook). Voted one of the best bars in the state, it is known for its unique colonial and maritime ambiance, live entertainment and New England style menu. It is a must visit when you are in the area!
History
The Griswold Inn (known locally as “The Gris”) is a patchwork tavern and inn that has its roots in the American Revolution (I refer to it as “patchwork” because it is comprised of structures built at different times and in some cases, different locations). The beginnings of the tavern are in 1775, when local resident Sala Griswold purchased the land on which the property now stands. In early 1776, Griswold opened the tavern near the riverside docks to serve local shipbuilders and residents alike.
Also in 1776, the Connecticut General Assembly employed local resident Uriah Hayden to construct a warship for the Continental Navy. The arrival of sailors, carpenters and ship fitters to the coastal village to build the warship Oliver Cromwell sparked the business of Sala Griswold’s tavern.
The main structure of the Griswold Inn was built in 1776 and today serves as the hotel lobby and some of the dining rooms. The Inn’s largest and most historic dining room, known as the Covered Bridge Dining Room, is actually made from a covered bridge that was brought south from New Hampshire in the 19th century.
Perhaps the most beautiful and interesting room of the Griswold Inn is the Tap Room. Originally built in 1735 as a schoolhouse (the first in the colony), it was moved in 1801 to the site and added to the original three-story building. Its original ceiling, made of a unique blend of crushed clamshell and horsehair plaster, is in remarkably good shape. Additionally, while the hefty 1854 bar truly brings the room together, the most unique piece in the Tap Room is an evergreen tree that sits atop a cast iron stove in the center of the room, which is applicably decorated year-round (note the Patriotic theme during our visit around the Fourth of July).
Near the tap room is my favorite corner of the Griswold Inn: the Gun Room. The Gun Room is so named because of the incredible collection of firearms (ranging from the 15th to 18th centuries) that are displayed there. A particular piece on display evokes the patriotic fervor of the American Revolution. One of the taverns Revolutionary War-era muskets was found to have contained a secret note hidden in its barrel. The ancient note reads:
“My dear son Jared, I send you this my gun, do not handle it in fun, but with it make ye British run, join ye ranks of ye Washington, and when our independence is won, we will take a drink of gold old rum.”
John Francis Putnam, July 7, 1776
Beyond the gun room is one of my favorites: the Library Room. With its rich red walls, nautical pictures and paintings, and full bookcases, it instantly creates a comfortable atmosphere. This room is often a favorite of locals and visitors alike!
Today, the historic Griswold Inn continues to serve fine food and drinks to locals and travelers alike. The Inn boasts 34 unique rooms (no two alike), furnished with antiques and no televisions (classical music is played in the room though).
Interesting Facts
- The Griswold Inn’s Tap Room is known for its signature old-fashioned popcorn machine, which offer delicious and fresh popcorn to patrons.
- Live entertainment is offered every night (as an ode to the maritime and shipbuilding town, sea chanteys are often performed).
- The Covered Bridge Dining Room is nearly completed covered in maritime artwork of sailing and steam ships (this includes the ceiling!).
- A “Hunt Breakfast” (buffet style) is offered on Sunday mornings, which follows the old tradition of when gentlemen of old would complete a morning of hunting and fishing, then return to the household for a hearty country breakfast. This tradition at the Griswold Inn began in 1814 when an invading British force occupied the Griswold Inn during the War of 1812.
- The world’s first operational submarine used in warfare, Bushnell’s Turtle, was built in Essex, Connecticut in 1776.
Our Visit & Recommendations
Our summer visit to the seaport village of Essex, Connecticut was centered around stopping at the famous Griswold Inn. Located at 36 Main Street, the Griswold Inn is within walking distance of numerous boutique shops and the relaxing Connecticut River waterfront.
We requested to be seated in the Tap Room since we were just visiting for drinks and appetizers. Immediately upon entering the colonial tap room you are greeted with a warm and welcoming ambiance. The aged walls are lined with nautical artwork and the dark wood accents and low lighting create a perfect maritime tavern vibe.
We tried their signature clam chowder and the Inn’s Revolutionary Ale- an English Pale Ale that is privately brewed for the Griswold Inn. The chowder was very good and the ale crisp and drinkable- great for buying a round.
I would recommend taking time to walk about the various dining rooms to see the Revolutionary War-era decor, sailing and steam ship artwork, and unique architecture of the Inn. The staff is extremely friendly and was helpful answering questions.
After our stop at the Griswold Inn we walked across the street to the Griswold Inn Store: Goods and Curiosities. This gift shop sells a variety of items related to the tavern (including beer glasses, magnets, postcards, etc.), books on the American Revolution, and other “goods and curiosities.”
If you are looking for a good post-meal dessert, head over to the nearby award-winning store: Truffle Shots (open until 6pm). There you can buy shot glasses filled with delicious chocolatey truffles, with various flavors.
For more local history, head over to the nearby riverfront and visit the Connecticut River Museum, which celebrates the maritime history of the Connecticut River Valley. They even have a full-scale replica of David Bushnell’s submarine, the Turtle (which was the first submarine ever used in warfare). Outside the museum there are historical markers that explain the British raid on Essex and the Connecticut River Valley in April 1814, during the War of 1812 (it is placed near the approximate landing location of the British expeditionary force).
To end your day, enjoy an evening coffee as you admire the stunning view and watch the boats glide up and down the peaceful Connecticut River.