8 Best Casual Restaurants in Essex

8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Scotch Plains Tavern restaurant

1. Scotch Plains Tavern

4.8

Exceptional(703)

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.

2. The Essex

4.8

Exceptional(1017)

Price: Expensive

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 17 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

3. Penny Lane Pub

4.4

Awesome(329)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 4 times today

Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant is an English style pub located in Old Saybrook. The casual and friendly atmosphere on two stories offers plenty of options for diners. Whether you choose the entertaining and active downstairs or the quieter dining upstairs or even the patio when weather permits, the casual pub fare will win you over.Lunch choices at Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant include classic English pub favorites such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie and a corned beef Reuben. Be sure to also visit Penny Lane Pub & Restaurant for live music on Friday nights. Heading to the Kate theater just walking distance down Main street? Make a reservation today!

A photo of Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s Edge restaurant

4. Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s Edge

4.6

Exceptional(866)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Westbrook

Booked 13 times today

Located on the expansive grounds of the Water’s Edge Resort and Spa sits a beautiful restaurant with magnificent ocean views, Dattilo Fine Italian, the jewel of the Connecticut shoreline. The cuisine is fresh, creative and bold, with flavors reminiscent of old-world Italy. A rich authentic menu pairs with our extensive wine list features wines from across the globe. In addition to the seasonal menu Dattilo also offers nightly dining specials and themed dinners. Each Sunday we end the weekend with one of the finest Brunches in Connecticut featuring carving, pasta, crepe, and omelet stations. The brunch theme changes each week offering a new variety of fare to experience.

A photo of Little Pub- Old Saybrook restaurant

5. Little Pub- Old Saybrook

4.5

Awesome(131)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 3 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 Luigi's Restaurant - Old Saybrook restaurant

6. Luigi's Restaurant - Old Saybrook

4.8

Exceptional(90)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Old Saybrook

Booked 3 times today

Coming Soon!

A photo of Rustica Ristorante - Chester restaurant

7. Rustica Ristorante - Chester

4.6

Exceptional(1309)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Chester

Booked 4 times today

Authentic Italian Food!!!UNDER THE STATE LAW DUE TO COVID-19, RUSTICA RISTORANTE HAS IMPLEMENTED HEALTHY AND SAFE PRECAUTIONS FOR OUR EMPLOYEES AND CUSTOMERS. OUR OUTDOOR SEATING ALLOWS YOU TO INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER SAFELY

8. Old Lyme Inn

4.6

Exceptional(669)

Price: Expensive

• American • Old Lyme

Booked 11 times today

The Old Lyme Inn’s restaurant and bar offers guests contemporary New England Fare in a casual yet elegant atmosphere. Our chef embraces the changing seasons and bounty of the Connecticut River Valley to offer creative menus that change weekly. Since it's opening in April 2012, the restaurant has quickly become a celebrated meeting place for visitors and locals alike. The inn boasts three different dining rooms, a grand eight seat bar and a fireplace adorned library. The Side Door Jazz Club offers shows every Friday and Saturday night and has been recognized by 'Down Beat' magazine as one of the best jazz venues in the world.Whether you're joining us for our famous 'Jazzy' brunch, cozying up with a friend at our afternoon tea or enjoying an elegant dinner before a show at the Side Door; we can't wait to exceed your expectations.

Best Casual Restaurants in Essex

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8 restaurants available nearby

1. Scotch Plains Tavern

2. The Essex

3. Penny Lane Pub

4. Dattilo Fine Italian at Water’s Edge

5. Little Pub- Old Saybrook

6. Luigi's Restaurant - Old Saybrook

7. Rustica Ristorante - Chester

8. Old Lyme Inn

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