The Griswold Inn Menu (2025 Update)
Welcome to The Griswold Inn, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Essex, Connecticut. This historic venue offers a delightful menu that celebrates both local flavors and hearty classics. From crisp salads like the Spring Arugula with goat cheese, to innovative small plates such as the Trio of Potato Cakes, each dish is crafted with care and quality ingredients.
As you delve deeper into the menu, you’ll find classic entrees like the Artichoke Crusted Cod and the tender Boneless Short Ribs, each promising a memorable dining experience. The warm, inviting atmosphere complements exceptional service, making each visit not just a meal but a cherished occasion. Diners have expressed their love for the freshness of the dishes and the authentic ambiance, highlighting the Griswold's unique blend of history and comfort.
Visit us and indulge in a dining experience that proudly reflects the character of Essex and its rich culinary heritage.
FOOD - HUNT BRUNCH
Buttermilk Pancakes
maple butter, Applewood-smoked bacon, warm Vermont maple syrup
Gris Breakfast Bow
quinoa, poached eggs, spinach, tomato, sriracha, pickled onion and avocado
Shrimp and Goat Cheese-Jalapeno Grits
tomato, Andouille sausage, grilled sourdough
Irish Omelet
corned beef hash, cheddar, twin country sausage links and mini hash browns
Chef’s Quiche of the Day
Cornbread with maple butter
Bacon
Country Sausage
Hash Browns
FOOD - HUNT BRUNCH - SIDES
FOOD - GRIS-TO-GO - STARTERS & SMALL PLATES
Our Signature Clam Chowder
bowl
Boss’ Soup of the Day
Trio of Potato Cakes
with sour cream and applesauce
Our Own Famous 1776 Sausage Sampler
served with braised red cabbage, sauteed spinach and Revolutionary Ale mustard
Korean Barbecue Chicken
sriracha aioli
House-made Sea Salt Potato Chips
with Gorgonzola sauce
Cobb Salad
herb-grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, avocado, Applewood-smoked bacon, hard-boiled egg, grape tomatoes, blue cheese dressing
Gris Grain Bowl
quinoa, grape tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, pickled red onion, feta cheese, roasted red pepper vinaigrette
Mesclun Greens
with goat cheese, dried cranberries, honey pistachios, white balsamic vinaigrette
Garden Salad
mesclun greens, English cucumber, carrots, croutons and our original Garlic Asiago Dressing
Caesar Salad
romaine lettuce, Asiago cheese, house-made croutons, Caesar dressing
Spring Arugula
with goat cheese, gooseberries, honey-glazed almonds, citrus vinaigrette
Greens & Grains
tuscan kale, crispy farro, gorgonzola, English cucumber, heirloom grape tomato, Tzatziki
FOOD - GRIS-TO-GO - SALADS
FOOD - GRIS-TO-GO - ENTREES
Griswold Inn’s Signature Fish n’ Chips
potato-crusted cod, fried golden brown served with French fries, coleslaw, house-made tartar sauce
Fried Golden Shrimp
French fries, coleslaw, house-made tartar sauce
Steak Frites
Cajun grilled sirloin (6oz) with sauteed spinach, truffle fingerling potato, Gorgonzola fondue
Crispy Cheese Curds
fresno chili aioli, pickled shallots
Crab Fritters
charred-lemon aioli, sweet & spicy pepper relish,
Fried Green Tomato
house made ricotta, basil pesto, crumbled pancetta
FOOD - GRIS-TO-GO - LUNCH STARTERS
FOOD - GRIS-TO-GO - LUNCH SANDWICHES
Sriracha Fried Chicken Sandwich
butter pickles, coleslaw, sriracha aioli, brioche
Gris Meat & Potato
crispy potato cake, pulled short ribs, caramelized onion, pickled greens, gorgonzola crema
Faroe Island Salmon
toasted orzo, Kalamata tapenade, baby spinach, grape tomato, saffron beurre blanc
Artichoke Crusted Cod
ragout of tomato, white bean and kale, crispy rice, avocado mousse
FOOD - GRIS-TO-GO - LUNCH ENTREES
FOOD - GRIS-TO-GO - MAIN DISHES
Faroe Island Salmon
toasted orzo, Kalamata tapenade, baby spinach, grape tomato, saffron beurre blanc
Artichoke Crusted Cod
ragout of tomato, white bean and kale, crispy rice, avocado mousse
Boneless Short Ribs
demi-glace, spinach, whipped potato
Signature Roasted Prime Rib of Beef
(12 oz.) with baked potato, au jus, chef’s vegetables, horseradish sauce Served Friday and Saturday evenings.
Grilled Eye of NY Strip
crispy finger, garlic-braised kale, gorgonzola fondue
Cheese Tortellini
grape tomatoes, artichoke hearts, baby spinach, feta, basil pesto
Grilled Shrimp Nicoise
mesclun greens, pickled red onion, haricot verts, olives, heirloom tomato, egg, fingerling potato, roasted-red pepper vinaigrette
Buttermilk Fried Statler Chicken Breast
braised fennel and celeriac puree, pickled greens, curried cauliflower florets, and hot honey drizzle
Five-Spice Grilled Pork Chop
mango chutney, vegetable-black bean dirty rice
House-Made Sticky Toffee Pudding
with butterscotch sauce and freshly-whipped cream
Warm Apple Crostata
with freshly-whipped cream and sea-salted caramel
Sea-Salted Chocolate Mousse Torte
dark chocolate mousse layered with chocolate ganache, sea salt and caramel drizzle
FOOD - GRIS-TO-GO - SWEET STUFF
FOOD - Lunch - STARTERS
Our Signature Clam Chowder
New England style
Boss’ Soup of the Day
Trio of Potato Cakes
served with sour cream and applesauce
Our Own Famous 1776 Sausage Sampler
three sausage varieties wrapped in puff pastry served with Dijon mustard
Crispy Chicken
Korean BBQ sauce, sriracha dipping sauce
Warm House Chips
Gorgonzola drizzle, smoked sea salt, scallions,
Cobb Salad
herb-grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, avocado, Applewood smoked bacon, hard-boiled egg, grape tomatoes, and blue cheese dressing
Mesclun Greens with Goat Cheese
dried cranberries, honey pistachios and white balsamic vinaigrette
Caesar Salad
romaine lettuce, Asiago cheese, house-made croutons, and Caesar dressing,
Gris Grain Bowl
quinoa, grape tomatoes, avocado, English cucumber, pickled red onion, feta cheese, roasted red pepper vinaigrette
Garden Salad
mesclun greens, English cucumber, carrots, grape tomatoes, croutons and our original Garlic Asiago Dressing,
FOOD - Lunch - SALADS
FOOD - Lunch - Main Dishes
Griswold Inn’s Signature Fish n’ Chips
potato-crusted cod, fried golden brown served with French fries, coleslaw and house-made tartar sauce,
Chef’s Quiche of the Day
Your server will explain today’s selection.
Fried Golden Shrimp
French fries, cole slaw, house-made tartar sauce
Steak Frittes
Cajun grilled sirloin (6oz) with sauteed spinach, truffle fingerling potatoes, gorgonzola fondue
Faroe Island Salmon
toasted orzo, heirloom grape tomato, Kalamata tapenade, baby spinach
Grilled Shrimp Nicoise
mesclun greens, pickled red onion, haricot verts, olives, heirloom tomato, egg, fingerling potato, roasted red pepper vinaigrette
Cheese Tortellini
grape tomatoes, artichoke hearts, baby spinach, feta, basil pesto
Crispy Cheese Curds
Fresno chili aioli, pickled shallots
Crab Fritters
charred-lemon aioli, sweet and spicy pepper relish
Greens & Grains
Tuscan kale, crispy farro, gorgonzola, English cucumber, heirloom grape tomato, tzatziki
Fried Green Tomatoes
whipped ricotta, basil pesto, petite greens, crumbled pancetta
Spring Arugula
goat cheese, gooseberries, honey-glazed almonds, citrus vinaigrette
FOOD - Lunch - Starters and Salads
FOOD - Lunch - Sandwiches
Sriracha Fried Chicken Sandwich
butter pickles, coleslaw, sriracha aioli, brioche
Gris Meat & Potato
crispy potato cake, pulled short ribs, caramelized onion, pickled greens, gorgonzola crema
Our Signature Clam Chowder
Boss’ Soup of the Day
Our Own Famous 1776 Brand Sausage Sampler
three sausage varieties served with Dijon mustard
Crispy Korean Barbeque Chicken
with sriracha dipping sauce
Potato Cakes
served with sour cream and applesauce
Caesar Salad
romaine lettuce, Asiago cheese, house made croutons and Caesar dressing
Garden Salad
mesclun greens, English cucumber, carrots, grape tomatoes, French Breakfast radish, croutons and our Original Garlic Asiago Dressing
FOOD - Dinner - Classic Starters and House-made Soups
FOOD - Dinner - Classic ‘Gris’ Entrees
Faroe Island Salmon
toasted orzo, Kalamata tapenade, baby spinach, grape tomato
Artichoke Crusted Cod
ragout of tomato, white bean and kale, crispy rice, avocado mousse
Grilled Eye of NY Strip
crispy finger, garlic-braised kale, gorgonzola fondue
Boneless Short Ribs of Beef
demi-glace, spinach, whipped potato
Signature Roasted Prime Rib of Beef
with baked potato, au jus, chef’s vegetables, horseradish sauce, (12 oz.) Served Friday & Saturday evenings
Crispy Cheese Curds
fresno chili aioli, pickled shallots
Crab Fritters
charred-lemon aioli, sweet & spicy pepper relish
Fried Green Tomato
whipped ricotta, basil pesto, crumbled pancetta
Spring Arugula
with goat cheese, gooseberries, honey-glazed almonds, citrus vinaigrette
Greens & Grains
Tuscan kale, crispy farro, gorgonzola, English cucumber, heirloom grape tomato, tzatziki
FOOD - Dinner - Seasonal Starters and Salads
FOOD - Dinner - Seasonal Entrees
Cheese Tortellini
grape tomatoes, artichoke hearts, baby spinach, feta, basil pesto
Grilled Shrimp Nicoise
mesclun greens, pickled red onion, haricot verts, olives, heirloom tomato, egg, fingerling potato, roasted red pepper vinaigrette
Buttermilk Fried Statler Chicken Breast
braised fennel and celeriac puree, pickled greens, curried cauliflower florets, and hot honey drizzle
Five-Spice Grilled Pork Chop
mango chutney, vegetable-black bean dirty rice