visited this spot passing through town, got drinks and dinner and hung out all night long! Sarah our server was absolutely fabulous and charming - she gave us the best recommendations. She truly made our experience so wonderful and she truly embodied the small town charm. Food and drinks were perfect! Can't wait to be back next time we are passing through! read more

6/25/22. The Ivoryton Tavern is a cute little, warm & welcoming dive bar in the Ivoryton section of Essex. It's a good, clean, honestly family friendly place. There was a couple with their pre-teen son seated at the table next to us at lunch today. I hadn't been here in a few years and, thankfully, little has changed in either the interior decor or menu choices. Just great pub grub in an eclectic, comfortable setting. I went with a "little burger" today (little meaning a full 1/2 pound of ground beef) with cheddar, bacon, and mushrooms after a bowl of their delicious chili. It was all just as I recalled, which was just fine with me. No reason to screw up a winning formula. I'll make a point of getting back here sooner than later. read more

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We were in the area while picking up a gift certificate and wanted to have a quick/non-fancy lunch. We took to Yelp and thought the Ivoryton Tavern would be a good choice. There is not a lot of parking and we did not realize that there was an event at the Ivoryton Playhouse that afternoon. But we got lucky and found a close spot, and got one of the last available tables. It's not a large place and I would think that it would fill up quickly before and after events at the Playhouse, since it's right across the street. I didn't want a huge meal so I opted for a crock of chili. What a great deal! It was a good size and came with a pile of tortilla chips. For only $4.50, it was a great lunch. My husband got a crispy chicken quesadilla which was enormous!! Jam packed and bulging with veggies and chicken. The sauce on top was tasty too. It was easily enough for 2-3 portions. He ate a good chunk of it but took some home and had that for dinner. We also shared some onion rings, which were very good. They're apparently known for their burgers, and we did see a few get ordered around us that day. I could not believe how large the tavern burgers were! I also couldn't believe people were able to finish them! I can't wait to go back and try some more items off the menu. So many things ordered around me looked amazing - from the burgers to the grilled cheese or BLT. They also had some festive seasonal drinks that I would love to go back and samlDefinitely give it a try if you're in the area and want a low key meal! read more

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I really wanted to like ivoryton tavern, but I have several issues. First, it's cash only, come on its almost 2023, no I don't want to pay 3.25 for your sketchy ATM. Second, they haven't updated their menu in their site. So now smaller portions at the same prices as before, bait and switch. Third, no homemade fries, for a place that is known for its burgers, come on let's get some homemade fries. I got the 1lb burger which was pretty good, but a tad dry. Coors light on draft was 4 bucks, which is pretty good nowadays. They have no parking but there is some public parking down the hill. To the owner, cash only is not a good way to do business. read more

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We wanted to quiet quaint place for a drink and some snacks. So we tried this place for the first time. This place is definitely a local bar and everyone seems to know each....sending out warm welcoming vibes. My husband ordered the house Cabernet and I ordered a Moscow Mule. The drinks were very tasty. We ordered the clam chowder which was excellent. We also shared a Tavern burger....so BIG and juicy. We would definitely come back here again. read more

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Tried it for the first time today. Atmosphere was cool, would have been better with some background noise. Felt a little awkward to talk. It was pretty busy for a Tuesday lunch and there was one server on. But she was super attentive. Always checking in on us and she was very quick. She clearly could handle herself. My brother and I both had burgers. They were HUGE! He, of course ate the whole thing but I couldn't even get through half. It was very good and really juicy. They were also kid friendly, had crayons and mats to color on. Overall- I do recommend and I would go again. read more

Ivoryton Tavern - Pubs Near Me - Ivoryton, Connecticut

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We are summer season locals to the area and stopped in at the Ivoryton Tavern for Dinner. I'm not going to elaborate on the food however, one word describes their menu, portions, quality and prices; FABULOUS This place is a must try for those who haven't frequented this eatery. read more

A friend recommended this tavern. She said her husband and his friends come here frequently for their burgers, so we gave it a try. We arrived around noon on a Saturday and there were very few people there. Menu was large will a full page of daily specials. I ordered clam chowder, which was loaded with clams, potatoes and celery. However, it arrived barely lukewarm and I asked for it to be reheated. My daughter wanted to try their beef stew. It was an enormous bowl loaded with beef, potatoes and vegetables and served with 2 slices of Italian bread. My husband and I both ordered burgers. Mine was known as "the monster" and they weren't kidding. It was loaded with sautéed mushrooms and and onions, Swiss cheese and bacon. I could only eat half. Burger was tender, despite being well done even though I chose medium when asked how I wanted it cooked. The burger lacked seasoning. My daughter chose a crispy chicken wrap that she enjoyed. As we dined several parties did come in for lunch and someone picked up a takeout order as well. They apparently do a good bar business here. Our waitress had her hands full once the restaurant started to fill up, but even when it was quiet in there she was neither attentive nor very personable. Prices were reasonable. An average lunch. read more

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Was very excited about most of the past reviews and ratings about food. The place is an older style restaurant across from Ivoryton playhouse and has no parking! Off street is minimal with a parking some distance away by library. The place is nautical themed is dark and rustic and pretty quaint for the area. Went for lunch ordered chicken tortilla soup with the small 1/4 pound burger. The soup had no flavor was basically chicken and broth that it seemed they threw some black beans in and added tortilla strips and cheese and called it a day. Burger was cooked perfectly, juicy / pink but had no taste or seasoning. The home made chips are fair. Other party had an Italian meatloaf sandwich with sauce / provolone / prosciutto and got meatball grinder with pepperoni . Service was friendly and genuine was prompt as it was somewhat busy full of locals. The place is small with limited space and tables and bar is small as well if you have to wait given the size i would try the other restaurant next door the blue hound cookery and tavern .. something like that .. also gets good reviews but will try in the future . read more

This is our "go to "local tavern. Grab a seat at the bar and have yourself a frosty one! At least that's the way we do it. This cozy rustic tavern serves incredible pub style food. The servers are always ready to take your order. We've tried several items from the menu and have never been disappointed but we come here for the burgers. They are all handmade and come in many sizes and varieties, and are among the best in the state. Great food and service, and bargain prices! read more

The food was so tasty. The service was friendly. Hodgepodge decor. Warm, cozy home town vibe. Defiantly a local spot...but with a welcoming spirit to new friends. We had: a REAL Reuben- pastrami (cut thin), sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, Swiss cheese served on fresh toasted rye w caraway seeds & I had a tuna melt w American cheese on grilled rye bread. The tuna was not wet, not too much mayo but there was something creamy about it I could not (what?) detect! The tuna was white, celery, & creamy.These sandwiches were HUGE. Served w French fries & onion rings, coleslaw & 1/2 sour pickles. The prices were very inexpensive as the portions were big & the quality/flavor of the food was very good. The burgers are suppose to be amazing. Our waitress was also the bartender but no matter- the service was friendly & the food came out quickly. There are a few TVs on, an intimate bar, low lighting. Unpretentious. Solid food. Minuscule bathrooms. Street parking next to The Ivoryton Playhouse. read more

Best hand made burger EVER!! Three sizes, 1/4, 1/2,1 lb. Juicy, excellent meat quality and coked perfectly. A new "Go To" burger place. Wonderful staff...friendly and attentive. A family affair run by ladies. read more

First time there, was very pleased, nice relaxed atmosphere. Service was very good, server was friendly, efficient, and the was served promptly. I ordered a Ruben, it was the best restaurant Ruben ever, usually I have been disappointed at other restaurants, for various reasons. Everyone who ordered was happy with their selection and the quality of their order. Thank read more

Great little place to stop. The food is great and the staff is very friendly. I got the baked cod dinner. My husband had the crispy chicken cutlet sandwich with a side of onion rings that could be a dinner itself. I have celiac disease and they very easily customized my meal for me. We will definitely return. read more

If your really hungry this is the place to go. Try to go early as it's gets very crowded later before the show. We went and had the prime rib and it was the best...Actually we had a large party and a lot had the prime rib and the rest were very happy with all of their choices. Service is good and plenty,plenty,food. Try also the hamburgers as their is 3 sizes. Try the small one as it's big. The big one is a meal for a week. Tavern is a gem in Ivoryton and we're lucky to have them along with the other restaurant in tow read more

A friend told me to stop for a burger, was in the area and stopped in. Place is pleasantly decorated and warm with friendly staff. The burger was the prize though. Cooked perfectly and went well with my Stella on draft! Other draft selection and drink specials looked good. Prices were better than most places I've been to recently. I will be back for another burger but think next time I will try one of the daily specials. My server/bartender told me they change daily! Never knew this little gem existed. read more

We always make this our eating hot spot when in the area. Besides the quaint atmosphere the food from burgers to prime ribs are excellent. Their Specials are as well incredible and very reasonably priced. We had an italian soup that didnt disappoint. Prime Rib w potato and broccoli w salad and bread for $22 We will be back next time we are near. read more

Ivoryton Tavern - We make it a point whenever we are in the area to make this an eating hot spot. Their specials are delicious and reasonable. Great specials - Pubs Near Me - Ivoryton, Connecticut

Was surprised at the incredible food this place served us. We were looking for a place to eat after a long day of fishing as we didn't want to offend customers or staff with our fishy shorts. The staff was awesome and the atmosphere was laid back. My new favorite tavern , we will be back.. read more

Best kept secret in the area for basic burgers and bar food. Surprisingly fresh salads as well. I generally grade based on like comparisons: so this is great in the category of dive bar food. Large large portions, while keeping consistently decent quality and fair prices. Especially nice since we are so close to the Ivoryton Playhouse and in a land of overpricing. No one is winning any prizes here for inventiveness, but rather solid predictable food in a divey local setting. read more

Great place to go before or after the shows. My GF and I enjoyed great burgers and beer before seeing Saturday night Fever yesterday. Very reasonable prices and large portions . We sat at the bar and the bar keep (Joe ) was very attentive, always making sure everything was ok. We got there early, had a great time and got out of there cheaper than I would never have thought . Great day on my staycation! read more

A wonderful piece of New England with too die for Burger's. This charming tavern had a good selection of tavern fare with some home cooked special's. The waitress was very nice and the service was good. Will be going back with our daughter. If your looking for a slice of New England and a Great Burger, give them a try. You won't be disappointed. read more

I went a couple of weekends ago with the other half.. She had a special "Fish & chips" it was good.. I had an omelett burger , which I did not finish . It also was very good. our service was good, and offered suggestions and told of of things they were out of. It is worth a trip for basic rustic food that is "Good"..very enjoyable experience.. A side note for the handicapped, older or vision impaired .. The building is 100+ years old.. the front stairs are very old, uneven and well worn wood. IMO not very safe.. Be advised and have a good time read more

I know the reviews are great here and maybe it was just an off night but we went in and were seated but no one came back for at least 20 minutes to take our drink orders. The whiskey sours had no whiskey and I couldn't even drink it since it was just all sour mix. The food was okay but nothing special and took a very long time to come out. read more

This place has been "ok" for years They have a change of quality of the food over the years. Different owners? If you have a wedge salad on your menu, have real dressing, take the extra step. Good atmosphere,food is hit or miss Enjoy coming in the winter more than summer Really need to step up your food quality I wouldn't write this if I didn't feel it would help Fried mozzarella sticks should be single layer not similar to a beer batter Just all around step it up ! read more

Had a terrible experience here right before Christmas. We sat at the bar. They had specialty drinks on the chalk board. Every drink we tried to order they were out of the liqueur. It took the bartender at least 20 minutes to acknowledge us the first time. If you are not a local then i guess you get ignored. After finally getting drinks we waited again for her to take our order. We waited forever for the food and when my hamburg came it was well done and burnt. After asking for a manager there was none and the owner i guess was on vacation. The girl who finally came over told us she would not lose sleep that we had bad service. Shame on the owner for leaving 2 immature girls in charge of a whole restaurant. read more

If your really hungry this is the place to go. Try to go early as it's gets very crowded later before the show. We went and had the prime rib and it was the best...Actually we had a large party and a lot had the prime rib and the rest were very happy with all of their choices. Service is good and plenty,plenty,food. Try also the hamburgers as their is 3 sizes. Try the small one as it's big. The big one is a meal for a week. Tavern is a gem in Ivoryton and we're lucky to have them along with the other restaurant in town. read more

The burgers are insane! Love love love. Totally affordable as well. Cute place with local charm, and servers/bartenders are great. I wish the bar would stock a hard apple cider, even just seasonally. Then it really would be perfect in my eyes. read more

Watch times for Ivoryton Plays (placed jammed) Large portions, ask waitress on sizes reasonable priced drinks Nice people, friendly local accent (used to be a bucket of blood years ago motorcycles) All the free popcorn you can eat (self serve). One at a time bathrooms (both clean male and female rooms). Great place to eat, food is large and price moderate to down right cheap. Watch the size of your meal, ask the waitress for size served. The medium burger is hugh, watch for the 1 pounder it is massive and you will look like a pig if you eat it all. Drinks are reasonably priced. If weekends, this is the place to eat before the play, go 2 hours early (6 PM), you can still find parking on the street or at the small park parking lot (save $5). Walk across the street for the play. So go early or after 7:30 PM when people start leaving for the play. The Buffalo wings come in 4 sizes, large is massive (you are a pig) and extra large forget about it (better have help 3 dips with salsa chips also). Large menu and make sure to check with the waitress for portion control. The salads are many and great appetizers are large. Enjoy. read more

I ordered a Vegetarian Salad which was HUGE and took most of it home. It was good. Service wasn't great at all and had to beg to have the waitress come over so we could pay. That took 30 minutes! Never came over in her own to see if we wanted the check. Never came back so we could pay and leave! Music was way to Loud and we couldn't hear ourselves talk. The food was great so that's why we were there. I'd still go back. I remember going here in the 70's and early 80's. It's come a long way!! read more

Cool location. Good service. Chicken cutlet had very little chicken. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're looking for more bread than chicken. I wouldn't get it again. read more

We go to the Ivoryton Pub 12 times a year. The food is absolutely fantastic. The portions are ridiculously generous. The consistency and quality of the food are always on the mark. I don't know how they put out such large portions at very reasonable prices. It is a must go to destination if you are looking for great food at very reasonable prices. read more

Thanks to my career choices, I have criss-crossed the country in pursuit of legal tender. Being a Bronx-born Italian, food is priority one after family. Concurrent to work, I've also pursued the best pizza, wings, burgers, and BBQ among other eats. My wife is an excellent cook, so when I hit the road for a meal, fancy eats are not usually on the map. Last week, my better half and I were feeling "burger". Being new to the CT Shoreline, the antenna is always up for "the best" of the area. Our new neighbors strongly endorsed The Ivoryton Tavern as burger nirvana, so destination known. The Tavern is located in a sleepy little hamlet surrounding the Ivoryton Playhouse. Atmosphere was friendly and decidedly pub & grub. Lots of wood, interesting signage, and an intimate room anchored by an adequate bar, a nice selection of music from the last three decades, and a nice selection of beers. Servers were attentive without being overbearing, informed of menu choices, and efficient. We let them know we were first timers, and were all about the burgers. Specialty burgers looked good, and build your own burger options were enough to keep you entertained thru multiple visits. We went with specialty burgers and were floored by the slabs of ground beef that arrived promptly. One pound of heart-stopping bliss! The BBQ burger had thick slices of bacon, a nice smoky sauce, and plenty of everything else I asked for (cheddar, grilled onions, L&T). Nestled in a sturdy kaiser roll, mine came perfectly medium as ordered. Mess factor was high, as it should be for any burger worth its sodium. My wife's was a little too done for her taste, but she should have ordered medium rare rather than medium. What we did not realize, being first timers, is that the burgers come in quarter, half and full pound options! We just ordered "the burger" and did not specify. The waitress admitted that since it was our first time, she didn't say anything. Not surprising to my tribe, I ate all of my burger. My wife's provided two meals. Owner Jim C. visited our table to welcome us and tout dinner and a show at the Tavern during the upcoming season. Seemed like a genuinely nice guy and we'll probably take him up on it. It currently sits in the top three burgers I've had in CT so far. Next time, I'll dial it back to the half pound version, and leave more room for dessert options, and time to walk off the grub post-meal. Ivoryton seems like a nice place to get a little exercise. If you're feeling burger, Ivoryton Tavern offers a top-notch casual atmosphere that delivers on your burger fix. read more

This place is probably one of the best kept secrets in the area, the best burgers that come in three sizes, Mini, Little & one called "The Tavern Burger" plus the Monster Burger. Our usual, two "Little Burgers" were cooked to perfection, from medium to well done along with regular fries and sweet potato fries. Good selection of beer on tap that changes with the seasons and a friendly staff make a out of place worth going out of your way for. read more