Southern coastal cuisine with New Orleans flair. The Blue Hound Cookery & Taproom brings southern inspired coastal cuisine with a touch of New Orleans to the shorline area. They pride themselves with a dedication to fresh, made from scratch, authentic dishes created from years of travel, living and cooking in the south. Many of their recipes have been passed down from generations Read more...

Cheese is our passion. Whether it’s imported cheeses from Europe or farm-made local and domestic cheeses you’re looking for, we’re confident you’ll find something you like at our shop. Inventory is always expanding so there are always new flavors to explore. Enjoy an espresso, latte or tea while you browse our other specialty foods like charcuterie, smoked salmon, handmade pastas, Read more...

Take the family on a two and a half hour narrated journey through the scenic Connecticut River Valley—named one of the “last great places on Earth” by the Nature Conservancy—aboard the only steam train and riverboat connection in the U.S.! Board the train at Essex station and ride to Deep River Landing, where the Mississippi-style riverboat Becky Thatcher is waiting to transport Read more...

The Ivoryton Tavern and Café is located in the Village of Ivoryton directly across from the Ivoryton Playhouse. We are a local restaurant and bar that is open 6 days a week serving our customers meals from Breakfast, lunch to Dinner.  Our menu is extensive and is composed of freshly made items like our award-winning hamburgers, soups, prime rib of Read more...

Olive Oyl’s is Celebrating our 25th Anniversary this year! Family owned and operated since 1991. Serving the best creative Chef prepared gourmet foods. Breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily. We’re well known for our fresh morning pastries , delicious breakfast sandwiches and Illy Coffee. Oversized creative lunch sandwiches, fresh healthy salads and soups. Scratch cookies and brownies. We have many Read more...

Located at the foot of Main Street in Essex, Privaters provides organic produce, groceries, provisions, and thin crust brick oven pizza for both the local and maritime community. Read more...

Savour brings the Charm of a French Bakery and Cafe to the heart of the CT River Valley. Located in Centerbrook, CT, we feature delicious desserts, sandwiches, salads & select daily entrees. We use only the freshest ingredients and skillfully handcraft all of our menu selections. We offer a warm and inviting atmosphere to sit and enjoy a bite, or Read more...

Enjoy authentic tavern cuisine, sports & entertainment, and a large selection of craft beers from local CT breweries. “Tavern Favorites” range from a selection of wood fired flat breads to higher-end steaks, chops and seafood entrees, including numerous gluten free and vegetarian items. Dine downstairs or enjoy a more casual dining experience upstairs in our bar. Live music, 14 widescreen TVs and Read more...

Sweet P’s is a family owned and operated ice cream parlor in the heart of charming Essex, CT. Established in 1989, Sweet P’s has been a favorite among regulars and tourists for over 30 years! Read more...

The historic Griswold Inn has been in continuous operation since 1776, providing comfortable beds, extraordinary meals and superb drink to seafarers and overland travelers. Situated in the heart of Essex village mere steps from the Connecticut River, The ‘Gris’ serves as a hub of community life. Its five distinct dining rooms collectively house one of the most important private maritime Read more...