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Griswold Inn Named Coziest in Connecticut by ‘Food and Wine’

1960s Betty Draper’s new husband, Henry Francis, suggested that the couple have a quiet weekend without her children at the Griswold Inn in Essex, but the fictional TV couple from Mad Men are by far the first or last to be enticed by the comfortable and intimate atmosphere of the inn.

Now, Food and Wine magazine has named The Gris the Coziest Restaurant in Connecticut. According to the magazine’s definition of cozy, “It’s more than just physical comfort and warmth; it’s that holiday-time feeling of friendliness, familiarity, and relaxation.”

When describing the Griswold Inn, known as the oldest continuously running inn in the country, the Food and Wine refers to the decor, including the antique collection of maritime art.

“The dark, wood-paneled dining room sports New England nautical themes to great effect; there are black and white photos, too, and whole walls of bookshelves in the dining room. Of course, there’s a fireplace: the perfect backdrop for a dark ale and a lobster roll, with a side of creamy carrot soup.”

When the accolade was posted to the inn’s Facebook page, among the 900-plus comments on the post were congratulations from patrons who frequent the inn when on holidays, and from a band of locals who enjoy the warm and familiar atmosphere. So far, the posting has had more than 125 Facebook shares.