The Ancient Mariner

Ridgefield Prime has an excellent selection of meats, seafood, and prepared food!!! The entire…read morestaff is friendly, and very helpful!! I have never had any issues at all with anything that I have purchased there. It is a treasure in Ridgefield, especially for anyone who enjoys cooking and enjoying top quality foods!!!

Absolutely fantastic selection of meat cuts and seafood. Staff are very knowledgeable about the…read moreproducts and helpful / friendly. I'm from out of of town and certainly wish this butcher were near me!

We offer take-out catering or can provide the very best planning and staffing for events

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Bailey's Backyard

Can't believe I haven't been here...this is a great place in Ridgefield. Sat outside on a summer…read morenight and it was great. Service was very good and the vibe overall was laid back and enjoyable. Cocktails were very good (loved my old fashioned). We had a bunch of appetizers and everything was pretty good. Loved the grilled seafood appetizer that had an amazing sauce with it. The pea and strawberry salad was good but was overdressed, so it was a little soggy but the flavors were good. My main dish was the short rib tater tot appetizer which was not what I expected (it was four big tots with the short ribs mixed in) but it was still good. We all split a blueberry buckle for dessert and that was amazing. Will definitely go back!

Interesting multiple dining rooms with only 6-10 tables in each plus outdoor seating. Good music…read moreplay list ( well I thought so, as well as my guest) Staff is overtly friendly in a meaningful way. They seem to genuinely care! We shared the Kung Pao Brussels sprouts really good but thought they should be a bit more spicy. My guest had the Scallops Risotto and I think if should could have licked the plate clean she might have. I had a basic . I had a fettuccine piselli in a cream sauce which was very good. They have a great vibe and pleasant staff. I'd be back if I'm in the area

Black Bass

Braised Pork Shank

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Fish Tacos

Posa

3.8(153 reviews)

0.7 mi

FWIW this is a nice spot with decent food and nice vibe. As many reviewers have shared the price…read morepoint is on the premium side. Thats fine. Food is alright. We ordered the lobster risotto $48, special lamb risotto $65 (this is way overpriced with the one piece of lamb in the risotto tbh, a big turn down). Cavatelli and Spagatti are both fine nothing to write home about. My husband later said he's mentioned on opentable and with the server it's our anniversary but nothing was done, at all. Dessert was the highlight, the cheesecake con fichi is perfectly balance with a fresh touch of the figs. Drinks are okay. I think for $100 pp price point you have more better options in both Ridgefield and neighboring towns.

Rare for Ridgefield: a restaurant that feels actually worth the sky high prices. Posa has an…read moreextensive wine and drink list, fresh pasta, plentiful entree and appetizer options, and great service. The vibe indoors is low-lit and upscale.

Dining room

Zuppa di pesce

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Cappuccino

Tablao Wine Bar -Ridgefield

4.0(152 reviews)

The plates are fantastic, the atmosphere is awesome…read more My daughter had the filet special, I had the octopus plate and they were outstanding. I have never bruschetta this good. Come here, you won't be dissapointed.

Tablao is a gem off Main St in Ridgefield. We enjoyed an early spring dinner with excellent service…read moreon the patio. Their selection of tapas offers favorite standards like patatas brava and rather inventive creations like the surf & turf asparagus special or the tartare with quail egg. Presentation as well as taste are exquisite.

Seafood Paella.!!

Ribeye steak .!!

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Grilled shrimp one of the best tapas..!!

Barn Door Restaurant

4.2(342 reviews)

3.2 mi

My friend and I decided to grab a casual bite Friday evening after attending a local event. I have…read moreenjoyed many wonderful meals in the main dining room previously, but this time we decided to have a seat at the bar for a more casual experience. The bar seats were comfortable and we could easily talk with one another and the service was excellent! We ordered a mocktail with Ginger beer and citrus juices that was refreshing. We each had the watermelon, arugula, feta cheese, sliced almonds topped with burrata cheese salad and I can't say enough about how delicious and fresh tasting it is!!! In addition, the presentation was just beautiful! We also shared an order of seared sesame tuna over greens that was also excellent and beautifully presented. The owner came by to check on us, as he always does every time I have dined here. Between the lovely decor, comfortable seating, warm and friendly service and consistently delicious food, you just can't go wrong here. Given all of this, the pricing is quite reasonable! If you haven't experienced The Barn Door, I highly suggest a visit.

Food definitely tasty. Seating NOT the most comfortable. Service okay. Reasonably priced. Parking a…read morelittle tight. Would try again.

Main dining room

Filet of sole

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Dining room

Luc's Cafe & Restaurant

4.0(309 reviews)

What a great place, very prompt service followed by a great meal…read more The Croque Monsieur was spot on and very filling. The Les Moules were some of the best I've had. Don't pass this place by.

We finally tried Luc's after hearing so many great things and seeing how consistently busy it is…read more The food was decent, but the experience didn't quite match the hype for us. The escargot was flavorful and buttery, but no escargot fork was provided and there was no toast or bread served alongside it to soak up the garlic butter. My husband's mussels were plentiful and tasty, but likewise arrived without bread, which felt like a missed opportunity given the broth! The complimentary bread that eventually came to the table seemed underbaked, though the butter was delicious. My duck confit was well prepared and the tuna appetizer was enjoyable. The restaurant was packed and clearly has a loyal following, so our experience may not be representative of what others have had. Overall, a pleasant meal, but a few service and execution details kept it from being the experience we were expecting.

Goat cheese salad

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Inside

Brasserie Saint Germain

4.0(73 reviews)

An improvement on our last outing…read more We went late on a Friday The interior decor has been changed - it's an improvement on the weird stuff I saw before Bread/butter unlimited supply - complimentary Foie gras - small portion but delicious I had the steak/fries my wife had the mussels/fries Deserts were good and the wines by the glass great Couldn't have got better and cheaper than a night out where we live

Great food with generous portions at reasonable prices. Nice variety of wine by the glass. Very…read morefriendly and efficient service. Nice bistro decor.

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Dining and lounge area near the bar

Baja Cocina

4.2(64 reviews)

•$

Delicious!! The food is so fresh!! I love the chicken tacos…read more Great customer service, fantastic location and yummy!

We were walking around Ridgefield and needed something to eat. We've been there so many times that…read morewe've tried just about everything, except for Baja Cocina. You wouldn't expect downtown Ridgefield to have a taqueria amongst the upscale shops and math tutors, but guess what? Remember when Hilary was running for president and her opponent threatened there'd be taco trucks on every corner if she won? That wouldn't have bothered me one bit. I'm at a taqueria, I'm going to have some tacos! I ordered three: one with fried shrimp, one with mango and shrimp, and one with chorizo. (We went last week, so I forget the proper names. You'll see them on the menu.) The tortillas are the standard taco size, about 13 cm, so anyone can down a trio with room to spare, if you want an appetizer or dessert. They have table service, so pick a seat, grab or pour a soda or ask for a beer, and get ready. The kitchen is pretty quick, about as quick as eating three delicious tacos will take. The meats were fried or grilled to perfection. The sauces, fruits, and veggies are the perfect temperature and texture. A few Mexican hot sauce bottles are yours to use as you see fit, which this heat hound appreciates. My girlfriend's rice bowl looked great, too, so I'll assume this taqueria can do more than make some awesome tacos. They're space is a little cramped, being on the wrap-around first floor of a building with a staircase in the middle. It's an odd design, and not accessible, but you can blame whoever built this place decades ago. (Fortunately, I think you can get delivery, or a to-go order.) EV drivers take note: there are a whole row of level-2 chargers across the street next to CVS!

Sur taco 4/5 also great but the cheese was meh. Could get the same in a ziplock

Sur - Signature Tacos, El Jefe - Signature Tacos, I forget my third taco. My partner got the Build Your Own Rice Bowl.

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Gallo Ristorante

3.8(197 reviews)

0.3 mi

Dinner last night for eight…read more What I ate: Martini: Belvedere very good Apps: Calamari perhaps best I've had. Frying right, not oily or greasy. Very good a must order. Campo House salad fresh and crisp very good subbed Red Wine Vinegar for balsamic. Entree: spaghetti 'sciue sciue' a great simple and subtle pasta dish, cherry tomato and Parmigiano. Salmon, amazing, cooked perfectly. Flavorful, paired well with avocado. Dessert: sparse options, ordered an espresso and vanilla gelato and made my own affogato. Other strong orders from the table: Meatballs, pappardelle, Scialatielli, and bronzino. Nothing was amiss overall very solid dinner. Service: forgot to refill waters small sacrifice since food was great. Ambiance: lights need to be dimmed and background music added to punch up the overall experience.

Came here for drinks with a girlfriend and we sat at the bar. It was a packed Monday and the place…read moreis vibing. We ordered a bottle of house wine, share the oysters (super delicious!), capresse and calamari. It was a great time.

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Tequila Escape - Ridgefield

3.5(233 reviews)

0.0 mi

Great Food yummy octopus and partner had quesadillas, nice warm fireplace added to the ambiance and…read moregreat company! Our server Anastasia was wonderful.

Tried to consider my rating bell curve and keep this a 4/5 rating but there was nothing big enough…read moreto knock it from 5/5 5/5 ceasar salad much better than most I've had. Maybe the best ceaser salad ever. Appreciate the small cuttings of the lettuce. Maine lunch beer will always get 5/5 from me. Ahi tuna tacos were divine wish I ate them last. The Tostito ahi tuna was great as was the ice cream and whipped cream in the desert. Amy our server was so lovely and attentive despite a slamming Friday night. Oh seated right away. 4/5 the smores brownie was good not great a bit dry. Wife says I'm being overly critical. Probably. Margarita was very good. Salmon tacos also very good but really suffered in comparison to my ahi tuna tacos. Had I eaten them first they'd be 5/5

Buffalo Chicken Flautas and jalapeño cucumber margarita

Wild Caught Jumbo Shrimp over Cauliflower Mash + Jalapeño Infused Cucumber Margarita

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Wild Charred Octopus over Spanish Chorizo, baby potatoes, fennel, lemon olive oil

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15 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Mister Z.

10 years ago

Extremely Disappointed ! We reviewed several local menus online for a place to eat prior to going to a show last night at the Ridgefield Playhouse. The Ancient Mariner was one of them, and the name, online pictures and menu selections seemed as though it was an old school cozy bar / seafood restaurant and a perfect dinner stop for us. At first glance upon arrival.. the restaurant had all the appeal as seen in the online photos. We were happy to be greeted and seating rather quickly. Our table near the window was half booth on one side and half chairs on the opposite side. Unfortunately, the booth seat height does not quite work well with the chair table height, and was somewhat uncomfortable. We ordered drinks and the crab cake appetizers from the same person who had sat us, actually he seemed to be perhaps the, or one of the owners. (not 100% sure if he was, but he seemed to talk like he was) The drinks were tasty but on the weak side for alcohol, and the crab cakes were similar, tasty.. but weak on the amount of crab. Nothing at this point warranted a bad review, however what came next is why this review is being left. Everything went down hill fast when we saw the entree's we were served. My friend ordered seared Sea Scallops $22, and I ordered the 1st Mate's Platter $21. There is actually a review below from a different customer that states what was given to us perfectly, so I have it quoted here: "It seemed as though the chef just doesn't care at all what is leaving the kitchen." Not only was this true, but true for the staff as well. The 8 scallops on the Sea Scallop entree were each the size of a nickle... I am not even sure they were sea scallops.. perhaps bay scallops or something else. I know we were in Ridgefield which can be pricey compared to other parts of the state, but really? The plate looked so bland and boring, at least put the scallops in a casserole dish or something. $22 for what was received is ridiculous with just a baked potato. Salads are a la cart and the dish was not worth half that. I would expect to see that dish size as an early bird special for seniors at a diner for $9.95.. but they would probably get salad included. The biggest disappointment however was the 1st Mate's Platter. Everything was overcooked.. and by everything, I literally mean 2 shrimp.. 2 of the same nickle size scallops, and maybe 8 burnt clam strips crumbs / pieces. Nope, I am not exaggerating either. Not only was everything dry and over cooked, they were also bland, greasy and not very tasty. Even the fries were dry, tasteless and seemed old. What I thought was cocktail sauce ended up being ketchup, and the tartar sauce was the worst I have ever tasted. There was ketchup on the table.. perhaps it was meant to be cocktail sauce that someone forgot to add in some horse radish? When the 2 seafood dished first came to the table, Everyone including myself thought that we were given kid size menu items. We mentioned this to our waiter, who's attitude immediately shifted, who then walked away and didn't return for the rest of the visit. This is not acceptable behavior, and was indeed when I knew that a review must be written so that other potential customers do not end up having the same experience. The $21 1st Mate's Platter was so awful, we took a picture in hopes to share the ridiculousness... however, right now I don't see where I can do that here on yelp just yet. Just like the Sea Scallop platter... the size of this entree would only be worth $9.95 elsewhere in CT. The food and pricing is similar to what you would expect to see at a tourist trap restaurant near a beach somewhere beautiful (not in some plaza).. but even at that type of place you would at least want it cooked properly. Maybe the waiter wasn't an owner after all and just really didn't care, perhaps the cook as well, who knows it could have been a really off night, or running low on product... but I don't think so. One review leads me to believe that ownership has changed hands at some point recently, and may have contributed to such a difference in our dining expectations. If you are the owner of The Ancient Mariner and see this review... don't get mad at the customer review. Instead.. improve your dishes and/or adjust your pricing to reflect what is being served. In addition, anyone who is waiting tables (owner or not), should learn to recognize if a plate has not been made properly, as well as properly address customers concerns and not just walk away. Until I hear otherwise, I plan to stay away from that place, and would recommend anyone going to a show nearby to eat and drink elsewhere as well. This is by far my longest and most disappointing review I have ever written, and it is for a reason... until change happens, customers should beware. read more

John G.

9 years ago

After sharing my experience with a buddy, he advised me to create a Yelp account, and write a review in hopes it will help the restaurant, and see if I was the only one having what happened to me happen to someone else. (I'm not one to complain, I didn't ask for a refund on my food or something else, but this just has to been said and fixed) I ate here about a week and a half, two weeks ago. The food is expensive. (why would I have to pay extra for fries on an already expensive burger?) I opted for the Fish and Chips, and right off the bat thought it looked a little funky, but hey, to each it's own. I wish I had stuck with my gut. Because that is exactly what I ended up destroying that night. I only ate one piece before I pushed it to the side to finish my three pieces of lettuce side salad. That night, I got the worst food poisoning I could have ever imagined. I had to call out of work the next day, missing meetings. My wife wanted to take me to the hospital, but the chances of me leaving the toilet were just as good as the Jets or Browns (get it?) winning this years Superbowl. What stunned me more, when I had told my friends about what happened, they shared or knew someone who had similar experiences. The only positive about this whole fiasco, is that I lost the extra 5 pounds I've been wanting to drop all summer long. Beyond the food, the service was slow and forgetful, never came over to check on how the food was. The bar crowd was drunk, loud, and inappropriate. This was an experience that I will not forget, and one I will be sure to never have again. I've heard the burgers are good though. read more

Donny W.

11 years ago

This might be the biggest dump I've ever step foot in the food wasn't even worthy of me sitting on there chairs that they found at the local dump or goodwill. I was forced to eat here because it was late and I prayed for the check so I could rush to mcdonalds which makes this place look like Ruth Chris steakhouse. Half the workers there are heroin addicts that I went to high school with. If you wanna see the local bum he'll be at the end of the depressing bar every night hitting on the 15 year old bartender. The nachos had unmelted cheese on it with about 7 total chips...I felt like I was late to a shitty Super Bowl party. The place smells like something that came out of my ass after a wedding weekend. It must have been the shitty burger that came out of the microwave That I needed a water hose to swallow. I Hope this place falls apart or the cops in Ridgefield stay productive and shut this down before more people end up at the funeral home across the street. read more

Jarl B.

12 years ago

The Mariner Manufacurers Mediocre Meals The "Ancient" mariner is a resturaunt that simply never was, less you consider a stygian ambiance and an equally as uncleanly experience that of an "ancient" appeal. In essence, one is not eating, rather deglutiting whatever quixotic meal is conjured up back there in hopes that your inibility to see 3 inches beyond your face renders you incapable of understanding exactly what the hell is going on. Like Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rhime of the Ancient Mariner", the meals are distasteful and are honestly not worth your time. It should also be noted that the Mariner is open until some ungodly hour in the morning. To the daring few who feel compelled to dine at such a location beyond midnight ought to seriously reconsider what life choices landed them in such a fiasco. - Balgruuf signing off read more

Michael A.

10 years ago

I love this place. It's incredibly cozy, and I'm so happy they were able to fix the ventilation problem. This restaurant is simply a town restaurant. You walk in, almost sure to recognize someone or reconnect with old friends. The burgers are the best in town. While everything else on the menu is good too. The service is great. I definitely have my personal favorites for waitresses, while some waiters smell like they just hot boxed the car, and likewise have forgotten to bring a check. I do think restaurants opening up in a close proximity to the Ancient Mariner is a benefit for this place. As not one restaurant has seemed to really make an impact on this town like the Ancient Mariner has. Nor has one not had to close down. I'll continue to come back, as it really is one of my favorite places in town. read more

Gina W.

1 year ago

Tried the restaurant under its new ownership on Monday and had a fantastic experience! The Swiss mushroom onion burger was juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The Crispy Salmon Sushi was another standout - fresh, well-seasoned, and with just the right crunch. And the desserts? Absolutely incredible. DO NOT pass up the Churro with Dulce De Leche! The service was great, and the new owner personally made sure we were happy and well taken care of, which made the experience even better. I'm already looking forward to going back to try more from their seafood-inspired menu! read more

Laura S.

1 year ago

The sesame tuna is delicious as is the sea bass with champagne beurre blanc finish. Ancient's french fries are thinly cut and are cooked crispy and light. They have a variety of burgers that hit the sweet spot. Need some greens, try the tasty brussel spouts baked with apple cider reduction, bacon. Their staff which is led by Michele are always friendly and courteous. This all happens in the casual setting of an interior ship. Family and children friendly. read more

Alan B.

14 years ago

This place is just OK. A recurring theme in Ridgefield I'm afraid. The food is Ok, not great and the place is so dark and dreary. The service was good and the prices are OK, but there are places in town where you can get a better dining experience for the same price. read more

Jen W.

14 years ago

Food is pretty good comparing to other fast food restaurants in town, The new chef is doing a great job, nachos are excellent.

JC S.

12 years ago

Have zero interest in returning to a restaurant infested with cockroaches, where is the health dept ??!!!!

Vasya M.

14 years ago

Good food, the new chef is doing a great job, but the place needs some major cleaning.

David B.

13 years ago

Place loaded with loud drunks avoid if you want to have a conversation over dinner

Chelsee H.

15 years ago

Disgusting place with horrible people working there!

Steve J.

7 years ago

Very disappointed. The food was terrible

Ken B.

15 years ago

Best fish & chips around!

The Ancient Mariner - tradamerican - Updated October 2026

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This place has THE BEST NACHOS I've had in CT. I could devour the entire order by myself but I'm…read morealways forced to share, unfortunately. Very cute and friendly vibe in your local town pub! They don't seem to deliver anymore which prevents me from being lazy on a Saturday night but it is worth the trip, regardless.

Had a great dinner here the other night. I think it's a solid spot for cocktails and dinner or…read morelight eats. I absolutely loved the potato skins and Mac n cheese! The staff was nice everything came out quick. Also the space is huge so many seating options and a large bar as well. They also have a nice patio.

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Nice little spot right on the water. A little bit of a walk from main drag but indoor/ outdoor…read morevenue with great sunset views. Went with a couple of friends and service was great. Enjoyed salads, poke nachos, and scallops. Decent quality and really enjoyed the scallops out of all. Recommend

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Great restaurants are all about the team running them. Good food you expect. What you remember is…read morehow you were treated, and BIB owns that. Great team, great food, and from the first visit they start treating you like you've been coming for years. I do want to be careful about recommending the bar, since we like our seats and would prefer to keep them. So let me be clear: the bar is nothing special, avoid it, go sit somewhere else. Very much worth the visit.

Unfortunately, our experience was a bit disappointing. We started with the fried calamari, which…read morewasn't very crispy and was quite chewy. The shrimp tacos were also underwhelming and could have used much more seasoning and flavor. On a positive note, the fries were very good and probably the highlight of the meal! Overall, the food just didn't live up to our expectations. Nothing was terrible, but the meal as a whole was pretty underwhelming.

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Great casual seafood spot right on the water! We tried the lobster roll dinner, soft shell crab…read moresandwich, and clam strips: all were delicious. They also have a separate ice cream window, which is perfect for dessert. Definitely a fun summer stop in Norwalk with waterfront seating.

I am giving over tens the four stars because of the fabulous view they have behind the building…read more The food gets two stars nothing spectacular regular every day shrimp fries, etc. the coleslaw they gave us was disgusting and possibly very old. I will go back again, but not to eat.

One Twenty Three Restaurant & Bar

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Place is "old school", family run, nothing fancy but GREAT food at a fair price. Went on a busy…read moreSaturday night, but they still got our food out a good timing. Always has customers even for an early 5ish dinner. Incredibly surprised how stable the food always tastes spot-on. Got the escargot in a cream sauce(not the usual garlic butter) but still was delightful. I've got a salmon dish looked perfect the way she said she wanted it over spinach and some sort of potato cake. Large portion which we took half home. Creamy angel hair pasta. Which came out creamy and piping hot. Large enough that my wife had "can I have some more" portion and still had some to take home. The staff is incredibly friendly and seems they really enjoy what they do even when it looks crazy busy. Look forward to going there again in a few days for some other steak or meat dishes

This is the only restaurant I eat at because no matter what you have it's fantastic…read more I just had the figs stuff with the Gorgonzola mousse wrapped in prosciutto with a honey sauce (?) delicious. The homemade bread is incredible. That comes with an unbelievable herb butter. Had the lamb it was incredible. It was like an orgasm in your mouth The best thing about this place is the owners son always knows exactly who everyone is and friendly and welcoming like he knew you his whole life

Lenny's Italian Seafood & Steakhouse

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We hosted my son's baptism lunch here and had such a wonderful experience. The private event room…read morewas perfect for our group--it's so nice to have a dedicated space where everyone can relax and celebrate together. The service was incredibly friendly and attentive, and the food was absolutely delicious. The steaks are truly some of the best in the area, and everything our guests ordered came out great with generous portions. They were also very flexible in helping us set a menu that worked well for our group, which made planning the event so much easier. It's clear this is a family-operated business that really cares about the experience they provide. We're so lucky to have a place like this in the North Stamford area. Highly recommend for both special events and a great steak dinner!

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