Stumbled upon this gem of a place yesterday and was genuinely impressed from start to finish. The…read morefood was absolutely delicious -- the pretzel bites arrived hot and fresh, the meatloaf was hearty and comforting, and the green beans were cooked to absolute perfection. The shepherd's pie was another standout, cozy, flavorful, and wonderfully filling. And do not skip the bread pudding -- it was absolutely amazing and the perfect sweet finish to the meal. The only negative was our booth: right in front of the door, so every time it opened (and it was often), we got blasted with cold air. Next time we'll sit further in or upstairs. If you're running around Old Saybrook and need a quick, hearty meal, this is the place to be.

We made our first visit here several days ago, dropping in for a midday lunch on a pretty crowded…read moreSunday. With some good and some not-so good, we concluded that we aren't likely to return -- in spite of the really yummy tartar sauce (more on that in a moment). Penny Lane is a bit of an English Pub-style restaurant on two levels. We ate upstairs since the lower level was filled (steps, no elevator that we saw). Service was slow to nonexistent. It took us ten minutes to get recognized by a server who asked if we wanted something to drink and took another five minutes to get it. After we ordered we waited 25 minutes to get our food. We got no drink refills. Maybe service is better in the first floor? Ah, the food. Fish and Chips is essentially pub food, so that's what we got. The crust was light and buttery, quite good. The fish was utterly without any sort of flavor, as bland as could be imagined in your worst imagining. The tartar sauce was super good, but it just couldn't disguise the fact that the fish was tasteless. We also tried the poached egg and corned beef hash, which was ok though the hash was kind ... well, and of a hash, unremarkable at best. Conclusion: There was little that was appealing in our experience. Oh yeah, another ten minutes to get our bill... a long afternoon.

We recently had dinner here with our friend Mechelle and we loved the place…read more The ambiance was great right by the marina, overlooking the boats and the water. The restaurant is part of the Old Saybrook hotel and it has plenty of parking right in front. I got a delicious pork chop that was meaty and lean. My husband got the fish and chips and our friend, got the pasta dish. All very well made and nicely prepared. A good place to eat.

The patio is delightful when the heat isn't on full blast. It was a little too hot, but I liked the…read morepatio. Service was great. Food came out quick and was wonderful. Everything was perfectly seasoned and the wine list is more than adequate if that's your thing. I would absolutely come back.

I love the atmosphere food is decent I hate the fact that your kitchen closes like an hour before…read moreyou close. If your kitchen is going to close an hour before you close just say that's when you close.

This small tavern, located in a barn, was right along our 'avoid highways' route. The building is…read moreset back from the road with a large gravel parking lot. They have a good amount of outdoor seating to the right of the entrance. Inside is a small bar with about eight seats (didn't count) and several high tops. There is also a loft with more seating overhead. We walked up a few steps to enter the building from the parking lot. I'm not sure if the side entrance also has steps so if you have mobility needs, call ahead to check. We sat at the bar and as it was a hot day, I asked for a water before ordering a drink. The water was refilled several times during our visit without my needing to ask. I really appreciate that! The bartender seems to be the owner from the way he was talking and let us know they have live music two night a week plus some nights they offer a special menu like Prime rib night or dogs eat free night. Yes, besides the kids menu, they have a menu for your pup. The interior is very much a barn, with lots of fun, metal signs and train memorabilia all around. Two TV's were on in the front corners of the room so you may be able to watch your game (golf the day we went) but it's not really set up as a sports bar. There is one fair sized restroom for everyone that is clean and locks with a hook and eye latch. They have a good size drinks menu which includes a variety of cocktails, a selection of draft and bottled beers and wine. The bar has quite a collection of whiskeys and tequila's. A separate menu is available for their pub fare foods. The menu is very well crafted. Lots of chicken options, sandwiches and wraps, burgers, hotdogs and salads. My SO got the spicy chicken sandwich. When asked, our bartender let him know it was spicy, but not too spicy and they have hot sauce behind the bar if he wants more heat. Which of course he did. He enjoyed the sandwich; crispy chicken, tasty sauce, fresh veg and bread. Messy to hold, after using several napkins he finished it off w/his knife and fork. Table ware set on the bar after ordering is in small paper sacks. I went for a burger. The patty is quite large, cooked to order and juicy. Fresh veg on there, soft bread and tasty. I enjoyed this burger and it was large enough I almost couldn't finish it. I opted for a side salad (for an up charge) instead of fries. The salad is a good sized side, the veg were fresh and the dressing is on the side. I did try the fries that came with the chicken sandwich and those are really good fries. Fresh potato, crispy outside, fluffy inside, salted. Really good. This was an excellent stop. Chatted with some friendly locals and the barkeep. Had a beverage. Grabbed a tasty sandwich. We left stuffed and happy. What more could you ask.

Everything about The Otter Cove Restaurant was first rate! I was looking for a cozy New England…read moreeatery with great food, good service and nice ambiance and I found it here! Sat at the bar and ordered the fish tacos which were incredibly tasty with chocolate mousse cake for dessert, and several glasses of Pinot Grigio to complement the meal. The bartender Doc was great - besides being a gracious host, he and I had a nice rapport regarding establishments in New Orleans which is my home town. By all means, if you are in Old Saybrook, treat yourself to an evening at The Otter Cove Restaurant - you will not be disappointed! I intend to return soon.

Food was delicious, and the entire staff are incredibly friendly ,honest ,hard-working people. Love…read moreyou Doc , Lisa and Scott! Thank you for your wonderful service and food. I appreciate all of you.

The Essex isn't just a dinner reservation -- it's a full‑blown experience, and one that absolutely…read moreearns its reputation. Between the chef‑driven creativity, the polished service, and the modern‑meets‑New‑England ambiance, this spot delivers a level of dining that can consistently be raved about! From the moment you walk in, the energy feels elevated yet welcoming -- a balance many restaurants try for but few actually achieve. The NYC‑level quality without the rigidity, and honestly, that's exactly how it feels: refined, thoughtful, but never pretentious. The Chef's Tasting Menu is where The Essex truly flexes. With amuse, canapés, five courses, pre‑dessert, dessert, and mignardises, diners describe it as a sensory experience that avoids palate fatigue and showcases the kitchen's full range of technique and creativity The Essex. The menu changes daily, and the attention to detail is obvious in every course. Add‑ons like caviar and foie gras only elevate things further. Service is another standout. Warm, knowledgeable staff who guide you through the menu without hovering -- the kind of hospitality that makes a great meal feel effortless. The atmosphere blends upscale elegance with old New England charm, creating a setting that feels special without being stuffy. Whether you're here for the raw bar, the a la carte dinner, or the full tasting experience, The Essex consistently delivers on flavor, creativity, and execution. It's no surprise they've earned accolades like Best Restaurant in Middlesex County and Finalist for Best Chef Connecticut The Essex. A must‑visit for anyone who loves modern American cuisine done with passion, precision, and a whole lot of heart. Enjoy every bite

Dining at The Essex is a must if you want a special experience. We chose to sit at the counter, and…read moreI must say, that watching Chef Colt (owner as well), team work with such precision and teamwork was impressive and enjoyable. He and our waiter, Ryan, made it feel personal, welcoming, and first-class from start to finish." We had the Scallop and Shrimp Bisque, Duck Confit Dumplings, Wafu Bolognese, Beef Wellington and Ribeye Steak. This is a dining experience where you don't need to review each course! Each one was excellent. We topped it off with an amazing piece of cheesecake. Visit The Essex because it will feel like a performance as much as a dining experience. We will be back....... Congratulations on your ratings and reviews.

As with any ownership change, new staff and new (higher) prices…read more Some core menu items are still avail, pizza items made in the new oven seem to be a hit. Can't say I'd overwhelmingly recommend it anymore, but still decent.

My wife and I had dinner at The Hideaway tonight, and unfortunately it was not a good experience. I…read moreordered a burger that was extremely sloppy, with juice running everywhere and soaking some of my fries until they were soggy. My wife ordered the beer-battered chicken fingers, which looked more like oversized sweet-and-sour chicken from a Chinese takeout place. They were overly oily, and not at all what we expected. The food also took quite a while to arrive, even though the restaurant didn't seem particularly busy. To top it off, soda was $3.50 with no free refills, which feels excessive given the overall quality of the meal. Service wasn't bad, but we left very disappointed and won't be returning.

Who doesn't serve breakfast all day? I thought breakfast was by far the most profitable meal of…read morethe day and hence restaurants would never NOT serve breakfast. No matter, we were there before 11AM so we were served breakfast. The server we had was excellent she was a former employee of the Coffee Break which was the old restaurant in this location. The place is LOUD. The decor is new and refreshed. There is NO WHEEL CHAIR ACCESS (which surprised me as they just renovated the place. One would think the Town of Clinton would have required it.) I had the Breakfast Wrap with sausage and american cheese. It was good and filling. $7.00 (in May 2026) My companion had the Quinoa Omelette pictured 1/2 eaten ($14.75 in May 2026) which was good. The home fries had a little too much salt but were otherwise excellent. Personally when there is salt actually on the table, I always wonder why the cook just lightly dusts with salt as I can add more. We also ordered a fresh fruit cup which had grapes purple and green, strawberries, and a few hard pieces of honey dew melon. $6.50 (May 2026) In May 2026 the hours are 0700-1430 MON - SAT 0700-1200 SUN ****WARNING**** They stop servicing breakfast items at 11AM They do take credit cards BUT... They used to take it right at the table now, they don't which means you wait to pay. Bad move on the owner's part. There is plenty of free parking. I imagine there will be waits once the summer season gets going so plan to wait (maybe on the weekends)?

This place is amazing, the food so fresh and so good. The service very helpful and accommodating…read more The place is very modern and outside seating near river. Pictures of food will talk for themselves.

Amazing food specials. Great people very reasonably priced food. I stopped by there every time I'm…read morein town.

Had the pork chops with French Fries broccoli and apple sauce. Ate at the bar for faster service…read more Service was quick and efficient. The pork chops were huge and cooked to perfection. The French fries were delicious. Cost of the food was Only $19 This is a cash only business. Off street parking.

I'm a big wing fan and a big hot dog fan. The Wing Addicts recommend Jack Rabbits for wings, and a…read morerestaurant I love recommended them for hot dogs too. I recently planned an errand in the general Old Saybrook area so I could try both at Jack Rabbits. I had the vague impression that there may be more than one part to Jack Rabbits. I went to the part that's more of a bar. It was crowded. There was one table open, but I opted for one of the last seats at the bar. If Jack Rabbits isn't quite a dive bar, it's dive-bar-adjacent. There were clearly a lot of area regulars there. The bartenders were all friendly and helpful. They knew the names of a lot of customers. Always a good sign. The thing about trying both the hot dog and wing part of the menu when you're alone, you can't really do a deep dive into either part of the menu. And the depth of the menu, definitely warranted a deep dive. I'll return to try more of the menu with reinforcements next time. I ordered a New York style hot dog, which was served with a split and grilled Hummel as the base. The toppings included sweet pepper relish, mustard, bacon pieces, kraut and onions. There was a lot going on in a way that I enjoyed. The dog was well cooked. They had a number of specialty dogs I'd like to try. I also ordered 8 Sriracha Lime Cilantro wings, and ate four there and brought the rest home for my son. Good flavor. Good texture. Meaty wings at a goods price. My son liked them too. Wing Addicts had another good call. I'll definitely return. 4.5 Stars

We ordered a variety of 80 wings lastnight for a birthday. The boneless garlic parmesean cheese…read morewere aweful. Hardly had any sauce on them and dry. Like they were made in a hurry. We've always gone here for wings and very disappointing

Ambiance / views 11/10. One of the best hot lobster rolls in the area. Got lucky and ended up here…read moreon more of a chilly/ overcast day so it was nearly empty, quiet and enjoyed a great meal.

What a gem! For starters you take a little ferry over (no waiting). Sit outside even if it warm…read more Lots of shade. We each had the ceviche and its was awesome. So fresh! Katie was so attentive and polite. A perfect afternoon cocktail and great tunes! Enjoy!