*2.5 Stars* My husband and I frequently drive from Washington, DC to Massachusetts to visit family. Usually, we pack enough snacks to last us until we arrive in time for dinner. On our most recent trip, due to extenuating circumstances, we drove from Charlottesville to Worcester, adding on additional 2 hours to our trip. Thus we found ourselves starving and unable to fathom waiting until 9 pm for dinner. We grabbed our phones and researched nearby restaurants with decent reviews. Rory's in Darien, CT popped up, and we were honestly so starving that we quickly scanned the reviews, and pulled off the highway. Rory's is like stepping into a different world. As soon as we got out of the car, we spotted several sexagenarians with pink pants and the starchiest popped collars I've ever seen (and I live in the land of Brooks Brothers); we knew we were in for a cultural treat. Rory's was packed with preppy 50 and 60 something's catching with each other. It's part bar, part restaurant. We snagged the last table and were confronted with a pretty standard menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches. This was fine, as a basic salad can often be delicious. I ordered the side Caesar salad and chili and my husband ordered a chicken and mozzarella sandwich. Unfortunately the salad came out drenched in dressing. The 10 dollar chili was served in a small bowl normally used for French onion soup and came with a side of Tostitos. Quite honestly, the chili tasted very much like Wendy's chili, with the same digestive results. My husband's sandwich was rather bland. The food wasn't inedible, but the prices were exorbitant for the quality of food. Rory's seems like the perfect local hang out, but if you are traveling and looking for a decent (and relatively affordable) food option, I would advise you to look elsewhere. read more

Eh. I'm only even giving 2 stars because the rude waitress gave me the unlimited lemons for my water that I asked for. The dining room was EMPTY and the bitchy server made my friend and I cramp into a 2 seater against the wall. I got the onion soup which was mediocre at best, and my crab cake sandwich was tasteless as were the fries that came with it. If you're looking for a good lunch spot, this place is worth driving by and continuing your search. read more

Excellent comfort food. Very warm & homey. Casey dining area - best for small groups. Can be tough to get s table on weekends. Good salads, chicken dishes, etc. read more

As a newbie to the Darien/Rowayton area I have been soliciting restaurant recommendations from locals. Someone suggested Rory's and said they had the best burgers EVER. In the name of science I felt compelled to test the validity of this statement. I went to Rory's with 5 others. We collectively tried the pasta, the shepherd's pie, the steak, the knockwurst, and of course the cheeseburger. So it turns out this was one of the best burger experiences I can recall-- no small feat in light of the fact that the bar was set very high. The atmosphere is casual and fun. You can tell this is the type of place that has a large crowd of regulars, but as a first timer the service was still outstanding and friendly. Hooray! I'm a fan :) read more

Good clam chowder, but not as good as Donovan's. Also Ordered chicken wings specially tossed in barbecue and hot sauce, and boy, was that fall-off-the-bone, finger-lickin good! The place is slightly dressy, this being Darien and all. But the overall ambience is great. Will go back again. read more

WOW! I started going to Rory's 15 years ago, but stopped going when we got tired of hanging with the 'Early Bird Special' crowd. Just started coming in again when the owners of The Blue Lemon (one of our faves!) bought it. SUCH A GREAT TIME! They kept the same menu (something very rare in this industry) to please the regulars, but the specials are always Bryan's very inventive dishes. I recommend the Salmon with pesto (I think it was on special) or the Tuna tartar with avocado and wonton chips. The bartender Allison was attentive and made you feel at home, introducing us to other regulars, whom we struck up great conversations with. If you had given up on Rory's, give them another try! What a great neighborhood bar! read more

Excellent local pub for a drink/beer and live music or for dinner and lunch...I have had all of them here and they have all been very good. read more

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I went to Rory's with some friends for dinner. It's a tiny little place with good food and friendly people. The New England clam chowder was delicious. Dinner was good, all of us finished our plates. It is reasonably priced with predictable fare. We went on a Monday, so the bar was kind of quiet, but I have a feeling it gets pretty packed. Good place to watch a game. read more

I was in Darien on a visit. This was my first time in Connecticut. I usually do not review restaurants after only one visit but Rory's impressed me. It was a cute little place with a very New England feel to it, which coming from the south was great. We got there a tad early, 6:30-ish so tables were available. So we did not order drinks at the bar. It seems like a cozy spot to wait for a table. We were handed menus and requested waters. The waitress spieled off the specials. All of which sounded delicious. The other diners in my party seem to be regulars and gave some praise to certain menu items. It was a tough choice. I split, meaning I was allowed a few spoonfuls after seeing how delicious it was, the clam chowder with my significant other. To be fair, I am not a chowder connoisseur and do not pretend to be. However, I do know fresh seafood being from Florida. The chowder was spectacular. I will refuse the stuff northern transplants try to pass off as chowder down here. It was great with lots of chopped calms and great flavor. I am still thinking about it a week later. We were torn for entrees so we each ordered our own but split them. I got the crab cake sandwich. He got the lobster ravioli. First, I love an english muffin and I love that they serve their crab cake on a buttery toasty one. It was perfect. The cheese was melted to perfection and the tomato was tasty. I liked the nice side salad with a good amount of blue cheese and dressing was served alongside. For once, fries were the up charge. Big props to them for that. The salad was fresh and plentiful. The lobster ravioli was good. The pasta was thin enough and there was good lobster flavor. I felt the sauce was a little pedestrian. It was light and good, appropriate to elevate the ravioli but still was sort of predictable and slightly bland in the effort to be light. More white wine in it would make it exceptional. As an Italian girl, I do know ravioli and the pasta itself was more than adequate. The other two in the party got the thanksgiving sandwich and a snapper special. The thanksgiving seemed to be an old standby and hit the spot. It looked great. The snapper was gorgeous over a huge bed of Cesar salad. So much it got boxed up. It did look over dressed and it was said out loud it was. The waitress was a great about filling the water glasses of the men but not the ladies. Maybe because the entire dinning room filled up and we were close to the neighboring table. That is a more rare thing in the south and is one of the things I dislike about dining in the city. I guess I wasn't expecting it in the suburbs. Honestly, it did make it seem more homey and fit a place like Rory's. I am just not as used to it. Overall, If I visit darien again I will want to go to Rory's. read more

The food is uneven. The shepards pie was adequate. The smoked turkey sandwich as another writer mentioned was excellent. The service is friendly. The Cosmopolitan tasted harsh. It could have been inexpensive vodka, too much sours or no orange liqueur. To me a cocktail is an indulgence and you really want them to get it right. This one missed the mark. The noise level in this place was really bad. The night I visited a couple brought in five children and let them sit unsupervised while they sat a few tables away. This is not McDonalds. The wait staff or the management should have stepped in so that other diners might have an enjoyable dinner experience. read more

This place has pretty good food I went with the turkey club which was a safe bet. Run Thanksgiving they had a great Thanksgiving special which was an open turkey sandwich that was really good. My one big complaint and the reason I'm giving it three stars is the dining room is very divey and small. You tend to be shoulder to shoulder with the people next to you and it's very cramped and uncomfortable so it's just not the kind of place that we like to go despite it being really close to home. read more

What a gem. The clam chowder and burgers are amazing. The atmosphere is great I love this place and can't say enough about the food and service. Delicious read more

The Lobster Bisque is excellent. I travel for business and Rory's has become my default instead of the hotel restaurant. Have not had a bad meal yet. Staff is friendly and courteous. read more

Occasional customer for over 20 years. usually decent. Tonight I ordered the "special" clams casino appetizer and a sandwich. There was no one in the dining room. Wait-wait-wait-. When I asked about it,after, they were quick to point out only 17.5 min had elapsed... a snobbish "everything takes 20 min." reply was all I got. Excuse me, are you opening the clams to order? Obviously the staff is too lazy to look. I will never go there again. They berated me and then I revealed that I am a chef and teach classes at a few different venues. Did not stay to care for their response. Pitiful. read more

Was there last night for wine dinner. Waited an hour and a half to get bread that we had to ask for. Service very poor. Appetizer and main course were good dessert disappointing. No need to go back read more

Have been coming to Rory's for years. Sometimes just for drinks but often to dine. It has a cozy warm atmosphere. They really pack you in but doesn't feel that way. Their menu is full of simple good food and if you want something a little fancier there are always fresh specials. If you haven't tried it you owe it to yourself. It is on my regular restaurant rotation and a go to when I want a great burger. Enjoy read more

Two must haves - clam chowder (make sure to add some sherry!) and the Meggin sandwich. Clam chowder is one of the best I've had as it's truly hearty. The Meggin is a thanksgiving sandwich - turkey, stuffing cranberry sauce and gravy between the bread if your choice. You can't go wrong with a trip to Rory's. Definitely a favorite of mine. read more

Went here for lunch and ordered the popcorn shrimp to start and the NY Steak Sandwich as my entrée. The waitress was very quick and attentive. The food was just alright, a little bland - nothing special. I was still full by the end of the meal though. read more

This is a good dive! The food is consistently very good, the prices are average, and the atmosphere is crowded fun. The bar is always active. This is an adult restaurant and not the right place for young kids. read more

I have been going to Rory's for many years. Rory's is our favorite restaurant in the area. Everyone is welcomed in this "warm and friendly cabin". The burgers are the best available, the chowder is delicious, the specials are always superb and the service is ultra-friendly. Great menu items include: Debbie's chicken, fried zuch, chili con queso, the Meggin, steaks, crab cakes and incredible lobster bisque. Rory's is our "go to place". And a great place to take friends. Rory's never disappoints. Highly recommend, as long as you don't take my table! read more

Good pub and good pub fare. Been around forever. TINY. Burgers, steaks, salads...Booze...

Greatest lunch spot in Fairfield County! The fish n chips were crisp, fresh & juicy! My Dad had the Meggin.. Basically a Thanksgiving sandwich on Brioche bun. If you are in The Darien area it is a must! read more

We were traveling home from a visit with family in New England and stopped at Rory's for dinner on a Wednesday eve. We usually try to find a local dimer, but our choice on the way up was disappointing, so we tried a little more mainstream restaurant/pub. This is definitely s local place to go. Both the bar and dining room were full of dimers and drinkers. I would give it 4 stars, but the prices seemed skewed high for the food we ordered and the portions served. The service was warm and inviting, but the small dining room was packed tightly. We had a 4 top table kind of in the middle of the room, but had little to because of the large party on one side and the couple on the other side. We ordered the fried zucchini ($9.99,)as an appetizer to share. It was hot and crispy served with grated cheese a wedge of lemon and Dijon mustard. Tasty, but the breading fell off as soon as you cut a piece because the zucchini was sliced thin instead of grated and seasoned. There was an extensive menu of soups, salads, entrees and sandwiches, most at $10 and up. The entrees were more expensive beginning at $15 and ranging to over $25. More than I'm used to spending at a pub. But the clientele (mostly 60+ in ave) didn't seem to mind. I ordered Meggiin sandwich ($11.99) - turkey dinner on a baguette. It was delicious and substantial, but the sweet potato fries were burnt and dried out. Husband ordered a burger with blue cheese ($11.99) which was cooked well and tasty. His fries looked good. Daughter ordered a bowl of clam chowder, which was hearty full of clams (5.99). Son had a ham club ($10.50) which was substantial, but not $10.50 worth of meat, cheese and bread. Our waitress was very warm and caring - she could tell we were local. She was attentive and helpful without being overbearing. Again, the three stars is mostly about the price than the food, but I might look for a more upscale Diner when passing through next time. read more

Longtime Rory's fan here. The small, charming space is warmed by friendly locals and an attentive waitstaff. There are several dishes that I'd recommend, but my absolute favorites are the New England Clam Chowder (best I've ever tasted) and the French Connection (thinly sliced roast beef smothered in onions and melted Swiss cheese atop a grinder roll with a side of au jus for dipping). Oh, and the accompanying fries are equally amazing. Pro tip: Add a splash of the provided sherry to the clam chowder. Mind blowing. read more

The hanger steak on the ceasar salad was yummy. Friendly wait staff who gave good guidance between several offerings. Small space which meant a wait in the cozy bar. read more

Best clam chowder. Small , intimate and relaxed l,we always enjoy our meals here. If you have to wait, it's worth it. The bar is often crowded with regulars who always seem to be having a good time. Stop I. If you haven't. read more

Best clam chowder in New England. Great burger as well. My wife and I love this place. Always good service and a great drink. Perfect for a nice low key dinner. read more

Been there many times, food always good. For lunch, get there early. It's small and fills up fast!

Delicious Reuben and French fries! Everything was made fresh. You could tell it is a locals favorite. My family and I all wished we had a Rory's near our home. read more

Don't find authentic places like this anymore. Agree with Andrew C. (below) - a great classic neighborhood place with really great food, and a filled bar all afternoon. A place where "everyone knows your name," or you can be as anonymous as you want. Smiles abound. Love it. Only drawback is lack of parking at lunchtime. read more

Have been to Rory's 3-4 times now and have to say I'm a fan. The actual dining area is very tiny so there can be a wait, but if you can belly up to the bar the time will pass quickly. There are definitely a lot of regulars (some like their "soda" a bit too much) but that's part of the charm of the place. I've had the steak sandwich, the burger, and a chicken dish. Will always recommend the burgers from now on because they are that good -- not because anything else failed to live up to expectations. I think you could probably take a family there most nights, but I'd try to be there early if so -- otherwise, probably not so kid-friendly. Also, parking can be difficult, but you can go across the street if necessary (although if you have to do this it's surely going to be a wait) read more

Had the best pumpkin pie here. The owner makes all the desserts fresh and you can really taste that they are homemade. Food quality is great and service is excellent. You may have to wait a little longer for your food, but it's only because everything is made to order and in my opinion it's worth the wait. read more

Always enjoyed this spot. It's a great business lunch spot and always a fun dinner destination. Food is a bit eclectic, very good on most visits, kitchen deliveries can be infrequent with first diner being served several minutes earlier than the last at times. Specials are always interesting, pricing a bit tall with bar tabs a little taller. But it has character. The restaurant is basically a little hut, I think my garden shed is larger. And the interior fits like an old fotomat booth. There is no privacy at all and I'm not sure how the wait staff makes deliveries without dumping half the food on patrons. LOL Not a great place for kids, but our son usually finds something he likes from their decent grill. Nice atmosphere, but if you like quiet intimacy, probably not the spot to grab a bite during the dinner rush. It's comfortably cozy and quieter in after hours. read more

Nice cozy place with very friendly staff. Everything on the menu looked good, but I got the club sandwich--highly recommend it. Also, lobster bisque soup was fantastic. read more

amazing home style cooking , courteous staff and cozy vibe, highly recommended Big portion of food all fresh ingredients Very delicious chocolate mousse cake read more

Great local spot I like to hit when I am in CT. Great chowder/mussels... I tried the beet salad. It was a little too drenched in dressing imo. Very good service. Great bar too. read more

I was really disappointed! My sons wings were mediocre and my own dinner was a let down too. I had the peremech. It wasn't worth the calories : ( We also had fries and they were clearly made from frozen ones! Maybe I should have tried the chowder. I'm sorry to give it a bad review because it's such a tiny, little place! I thought it would be special given the other reviews. I can not in good conscience recommend it. read more

Overall very nice...service a little slow..but that happens at times...food was decent. Will be back.

I would be nice if they had accurate business hours on their website and if they had a message when you call instead of eternal ringing.

This place is good if you are looking for high quality food with a great atmosphere and accompanying wine. Amazing, fresh sweet potato fries; a must have! Our go to dish is the "Debbie's chicken" This dish makes your taste buds swell with a tangy zest from the lemon and black pepper notes. Pairing this dish with a sauvignon blanc greatly enhanced the flavors of the whole meal. Over all a great experience, the only knock we had was there was not a wide selection of beers on tap. read more