Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Essex

8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Scotch Plains Tavern restaurant

1. Scotch Plains Tavern

4.3

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(1002)

Price: Expensive

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 12 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. Café Routier

4.8

Exceptional(2147)

Price: Moderate

• American • Westbrook

Booked 18 times today

Please go to www.caferoutier.com for all current menus and important postings!"Constantly evolving, Seasonally driven and Globally inspired menus"Cafe Routier, Bistro and Lounge, serving a three paneled menu format; Regional (a different region of the world every 8 weeks), Seasonal (locally sourced seasonal ingredients) and a specialty menu of classic Bistro fare. A 40 seat lounge serving 'small plates' and tapas adjoins the bar area. Ethos is important to us.Reservations made online are for our dining room only. Our lounge does not require reservations and works on a first come/first serve approach, so please do not make a reservation if your intent is to sit in the lounge!

A photo of The Brushmill by the Waterfall restaurant

4. The Brushmill by the Waterfall

4.5

Awesome(553)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Chester

Booked 20 times today

The Brushmill By The Waterfall is a restaurant and tavern featuring contemporary cuisine in an elegant setting overlooking a romantic waterfall on the Pattaconk Creek located in picturesque Chester, Connecticut.

5. Penny Lane Pub

4.5

Awesome(321)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 12 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 Little Pub- Old Saybrook restaurant

6. Little Pub- Old Saybrook

4.6

Exceptional(128)

Price: Moderate

• American • Old Saybrook

Booked 10 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.

7. Fresh Salt

4.6

Exceptional(1481)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Old Saybrook

Booked 29 times today

Fresh Salt is more than just a restaurant; it is a place to enjoy one another’s company and experience the breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound quietly intertwined with the Connecticut River. Utilizing the chef’s simple yet high quality approach, the fresh, seasonal local ingredients of Connecticut are transformed into beautifully inspired dishes. Our Local Food Commitment allows us to work with local farmers and artisans to ensure the quality of locally grown ingredients from the sea, land and soil. These fresh ingredients and vibrant tastes of Fresh Salt are available daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located right on the water means seriously fresh seafood and our menu definitely delivers. From the beloved Lobster Roll to the cherished Clam Chowder and so many more specialties, Fresh Salt dishes are guaranteed to please every palate. We offer indoor and outdoor dining, outdoor dining is based on a first come first serve basis, outdoor dining is non-reservable.

A photo of Chamard Vineyards, Farm Winery Bistro restaurant

8. Chamard Vineyards, Farm Winery Bistro

4.7

Exceptional(2431)

Price: Expensive

• French American • Clinton

Booked 18 times today

Established in 1983, Chamard Vineyards, is one of the Connecticut Wine Trails founding fathers. Tucked between the Long Island Sound and the Connecticut River, Chamard enjoys a unique marine micro-climate ideal for growing European Vinifera vines such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Pinot Noir. To produce “French Inspired Wines from the Connecticut Shoreline” has been Chamards mission from the start. As a farm, Chamard honors agriculture by partnering with fellow growers and producers to pair food with wine in celebration of Connecticut’s local gastronomy.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Josephvip
New York City •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Had an excellent dinner at Brushmill at their latest “Burgers, Bourbon, and Brews” night. Both my wife and my burger were cooked to perfection and delicious. The fries put even McDonald’s to shame. If you enjoy Manhattans and old fashioned cocktails, they nailed those too. Service wise, couldn’t ask for better. Water was kept filled (with complimentary Fiji water), drinks never went empty without ordering a refill, and all the staff including the manager and owner were lovely to talk to.
More info
The Brushmill by the WaterfallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Chester
•
4.5
A
Andrea
Greater Boston •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food and service experience at The Essex is amazing. Always above and beyond. Bartender Dylan is the best! We love the entire experience!
More info
The EssexPrice: Expensive• American• Old Saybrook
•
4.8
B
Brenda
Montreal / Quebec •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Everyone was very happy with their meals. The noise level was low which we also appreciated
More info
Penny Lane PubPrice: Moderate• American• Old Saybrook
•
4.5
B
Bill
Greater Boston •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Good food, great service. New autumn menu has some real winners!
More info
Café RoutierPrice: Moderate• American• Westbrook
•
4.8
J
Joseph
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 14, 2024
Food and staff are Great! Will not disappoint...
More info
Scotch Plains TavernPrice: Moderate• Pub• Essex
•
4.3

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Essex

Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Essex

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8 restaurants available nearby

1. Scotch Plains Tavern

2. The Essex

3. Café Routier

4. The Brushmill by the Waterfall

5. Penny Lane Pub

6. Little Pub- Old Saybrook

7. Fresh Salt

8. Chamard Vineyards, Farm Winery Bistro

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable