Location: Chester
Top Restaurants in Chester
Top Things to do in Chester
Most Popular Restaurants in Chester
Chester is a town in Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States. The population was 3,743 at the 2000 census. The town center is also defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as a census-designated place (CDP). The name is a transfer from Chester, in England.
Things to do in Chester
1. River Tavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 255 reviews
Reviewed By Anne M - West Simsbury, Ct
Dinner was amazing, we had both chicken and swordfish. The flavor was wonderful, both dishes tender and perfectly cooked. We started with the fresh bread which had a crunchy crust and tender interior. The main courses came out and they were delicious, best swordfish I have had in 10 years. A+++ food and service. We went on Monday night, not crowded.
2. Griswold Inn ~ Dining
Overall Ratings
4 based on 440 reviews
Located in the “storybook” village of Essex mere steps from the Connecticut River, this 1776 landmark offers three distinct dining experiences. “Historic Dining” is offered in four handsome rooms - The Covered Bridge, The Gun Room, The Library and The Essex Room – where a renowned maritime art collection fills the walls. The Inn’s New England heritage and connection with the sea is apparent in the classic seasonal cuisine offered; diners may enjoy a more contemporary culinary experience in the stunning wine bar featuring tapas-style dining and an extensive selection of wines by the glass; tavern fare is offered in the atmospheric, award-winning Tap Room where lively music rings out nightly. Patio dining is an option May through October, weather permitting. Lunch and dinner served daily, Hunt Breakfast on Sunday.
Reviewed By carriagehouse37 - Mystic, Connecticut
My wife and I chose the Griswold Inn to celebrate our 49th Anniversary. We went for lunch rather than dinner to enjoy the immediate surroundings of Essex, a quintessential New England town. The inn, itself, is fascinating; oldest continuously operating inn in the United States, dating back to 1776. My wife savored the soup of the day (Vegetable Beef) Italian half-sandwich w/ arugula, melted cheese, and Italian meat ($11.00). I ordered a special - Butternut Ravioli w/ feta and toasted nuts ($17.00). The Griswold Mud Pie w/ chocolate crust, topped with chocolate sauce and toasted almonds ($7.50)...DELICIOUS dessert to complement our meal. I wholeheartedly recommend the Griswold Inn; be sure to allow time to survey the historic architecture and decor. Located in Essex, Connecticut (Rt-9) just 15 minutes off I-95 (Exit 69)
3. Red House Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 107 reviews
Red House provides an array of food and drink that keeps customers wondering what is coming next. Whether it is seasonal menus, southern bbq, hot trends we keep are customers coming by keeping our ingredients fresh.
Reviewed By laursie10 - Essex, Connecticut
Okay--not a Mexican place and I'm sure el perfecto is not real Spanish. This place is perfect, though! Expected a fun place for a Bloody on Sunday afternoon with passable food. As it turns out, the food is super par, so much so that I'd recommend eating here when you are not distracted by the bottomless mimosas (which are generous and delicious). The moule frites are set apart from others by their meatiness and deliciously spicy broth; the pork wings in their sweet pepper glaze are again meaty and fall off the bone; the smoke and cheese pork sandwich is one of the most delicious I've ever eaten; the homemade green goddess dressing is scrumptious. Add to the fun drinks--including a yum bacon Bloody--the hip but not hipster classic rock vibe and the truly personable, witty staff, and Red House is just as I say: perfect.
4. Main Street Sweet Shoppe
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By ramblin-food-eater - Old Saybrook, Connecticut
The best ice cream shop in the area...tons of flavors and every option you could want. Shakes, blizzards, cones, candy, soda. Plenty of room to sit inside, or grab a bench outside on Main St.
Quicksand=caramel ice cream+caramel swirl+butterfinger chunks=best ice cream flavor ever created. "Moose Tracks" is one of the lamer options- they have everything. And they never mind when I pay for a 2 dollar order with a credit card (sorry). Great place, and they're open almost year round.
5. Two Wrasslin' Cats
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Reviewed By Stephanie C - Greenville, South Carolina, United States
Cute place, good Chai tea latte. Open minds. You can't miss it at a major intersection. Wish it was more of a gift shop. Only a few items and shirts for sale.
6. The Blue Hound Cookery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
cookery and taproom located in the center of Ivoryton across from the Ivoryton Playhouse. Casual dining for lunch dinner and late night. New taproom opened with ct craft beers.
Reviewed By MaureenM129 - Milford
Four old friends and planned to be in the area to attend Norma Terris Theater Wednesday matinee, so I poked around the Internet and found this charming little place. The menu looked so interesting, with cajun and creole options, and a large selection of unique salads, along with much more. We ended up getting two orders of fried green tomatoes and five varied salads, topped with either grilled shrimp, chicken, or flank steak. Dressing on the citrus salad I had was excellent, and my friends were equally pleased with their choices. The fried green tomatoes were the best I'd ever had, light and not greasy. Everything was so good, and the atmosphere was so hospitable that we just had to stay for coffee and desserts, and what desserts!!! We shared creme brulee, bananas foster, and brownie sundae - all very delicious. The pricing was reasonable and a good value, considering the quality of the cuisine offered. The owners couldn't have been more pleasant and welcoming! Wished we lived closer, but I personally will go back again when I'm out that way!
7. Hadlyme Country Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Hadlyme Country Market, since 1905. In 1905, Lee Luther Brockway moved his small country market to the heart of Hadlyme, Connecticut. In 2012, Lisa Bakoledis and Susan Raible Birch restored it to its original glory. Gather for food, friends & laughter!
Reviewed By ANNE R - New England
This is an upscale for sure! little country store to let you pick up necessities when you run out-and get some of the best pastries any morning--scones, Danish, maple twists w/pecans, cinnamon rolls....drool! very good coffee, good sandwiches later or buy some nice fresh tuna salad to take home to make your own sandwich....And always, friends from the neighborhood to meet and greet-----just the nicest place! You can sit on the little front porch or at the umbrella-ed tables outside-always pleasant!!
thumbrella-ed tables outside-always pleasa
8. Cooking Co
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Bernie O - Bondsville, Massachusetts
In the area to visit some of the attractions and asked the bartender at Goodspeed Opera House for luncheon suggestions. Recommended the Cooking Co and a visit there confirmed his choice. For either take out or eat-in, the choices are numerous. A travel buddy and I decided to share Orange Chipotle-Glazed Chicken, Salmon Cakes, and Fettucine Salad w/Gorgonzola, Basil & Walnuts. For dessert Caramel Peanut Butter Mousse. Just before we left the cashier area, we notices a salted Baguette. Of course our selections were heated to perfection and it made a great luncheon treat. We may have to visit the area again just for the food here.
9. Ivoryton Tavern Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 108 reviews
Reviewed By northernfells - Carlisle, United Kingdom
We stopped in the early evening for a meal, chose fish and chips, beautiful fresh fish. The beer was also great. The waitresses were really friendly and helpful. Great atmosphere.Thank you so much for your review
10. Whistle Stop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Cute little eatery with lots of interesting food choices. <br>We serve organic and farm fresh meals that are creative and nourishing to the soul!<br> Kid love the kids meals and we cater to vegetarians-vegans.<br>We go to the regional market ourselves to insure the products are the fresh and straight from the farm.<br>We have an extensive black board that features and describes healing teas that change with each season. <br>Each season we offer a class on Energetics of Food based on Traditional Chinese Medicine that will forever change the way you look at each meal!<br>Once a month we do a dinner for charity.<br>100% of the funds go to do clean potable water projects around the world and Hedy (the owner) travels to many of these locations with Rotary clubs.<br>If you are looking for decadent sweets our Cinnamon bun French toast or stuffed pancakes are amazing!<br>We would love to cook for you so I hope you will stop by on your next travels!<br>Peace and happy eating!
Reviewed By Andy B
If you like to mix up your meals from time to time, this place is for you. The regular fare is fine too, but you'll be missing out on some tasty treats. Much of the food is locally acquired and seasonal, so the menu changes....MoreThank you so much for your kind review. It is always a pleasure to cook and create fun food! So wonderful that you tried our Normandy Eggs Benedict! Again we appreciate your business and kind words. Hope to see you very soon, Hedy
