Best Restaurants with Bar Seating in Essex, Connecticut

Lovely Happy Hour in the bar; great drink prices and nice selection of nibbles for a lite meal.

Another awesome dining experience at JGilberts. Our waitperson (Amanda) is the best. Started the evening off with Smoked Old-Fashion cocktails and Onion Ring appetizer. The entrees (8oz Filet, BBQ Ribs) were cooked to perfection. Finished the evening with the 24 Layer Chocolate Cake. Great night. Great food.

The Essex is a wonderful experience from start to finish. The team at the Essex are kind and you can truly feel their commitment though class food without making it intimidating. Wine and drink selection is varied and so enjoyable. The menu is thoughtful, creative and really has the finest ingredients. We can’t wait to return! Thank you.

Great spot, diverse menu. Needed to have the Entree sides selection explained a few times. Seafood casserole, excellent. Filet mignon excellent. California Cab Sav by the glass, pretty reasonable price. Christian our waiter, 5 star. The rest of the staff superbly attentive. We will return.

The food was fantastic! The mac and cheese with truffles was incredibly tasty. I had the calamari as an appetizer; it was a bit overcooked but had a really nice flavor. The rigatoni with vodka sauce was outstanding. I would definitely return as a customer!