Aw man.. after hearing so much about this place I finally went last night. I really didn't know what to expect and I was kinda nervous because I'm a really picky eater. With my visit, I did not have to wait a long time and was seated immediately. I came at around 4pm, just before the "dinner rush." My meal started off with chips and salsa which we devoured. Next was an appetizer -- nachos with ground beef, cheese, and refried beans. They were sooooo good, kinda like "healthy nachos" and not greasy at all like a lot of other Mexican places. I was very happy with them. Next came my entree -- pepper seared filet medallions with paprika mashed potatoes. Again, I devoured this and left a completely empty plate, which is kinda rare for me. It was such a great meal. I then got dessert, sopapillas, and they were good, but nothing special. Just an average dessert that I'd definitely have again. Everyone else at my table got the fried ice cream and thought it was heavenly, so maybe I'll get that next time. The restaurant itself had such a nice atmosphere -- very photogenic and pretty and historical all wrapped into one. The waitress and the host were both very friendly so I gave a very good tip. I will definitely be coming back here. It's a two hour drive from NYC well worth it. read more

REPOSTING SINCE MY ORIGINAL ONE IS MISSING!!!???? If you are looking for overpriced, cold, MICROWAVED FOOD THIS IS YOUR PLACE! Came here with a family friend and so embarrassed. Appetizer arrived cold. We asked that it be heated up. Waitress returns in 90 seconds with the app....still cold. We told her that since they are clearly using a mircowave to please make sure that it is heated up longer than 10 seconds. She returns with the item again. Lukewarm is being kind. We gave up! Ordered Coor's. She comes back after awhile...they don't have any?? OK...order drinks. WEAK at best. Dinner arrives. Dare I tell you all....MICROWAVE FOOD!! And all of it was cold except for the rice. This is not the same place since it was sold. What a waste of $100. NEVER AGAIN. I suggest you go to other "mexican" restaurants on the shoreline instead. Can't be any worse. read more

Please do not listen to these negative nellies on here! Went to Cuckoo's Nest for the first time last night. What a treat!!! The nachos were like heaven in nacho form. The salad? Fantastic. I had the cajun chicken with penne pasta and it was like an explosion of happiness in my mouth. Oh, and can we talk about the fried ice cream?! AMAZING. Can't even tell you how great the food is! Not only is the food fantastic, but the restaurant itself is stunning. The place has history. It's an old barn with antiques everywhere you look. This place has a great feel to it. You feel like you've stepped back in time while enjoying your meal. Fun, family-friendly atmosphere. If you're in Old Saybrook, and are looking for a great restaurant, go to Cuckoo's Nest. You will NOT regret it. read more

Excellent atmosphere! This restaurant is at the top of our list for restaurants in this area. We stopped in while on family vacation and were so pleasantly surprised by what is inside this big old building! There are all kinds of antiques and really neat decorations through out the restaurant. Not your typical Mexican place. Our food was delicious and the service was excellent. We sat outside in a colorful courtyard that made us feel like we were in the tropics! I would recommend the grilled Mahi tacos, delicious! My husband had Street tacos which he raved about. Apparently they are celebrating 40 years in business, so our nachos and fried ice cream were 40% off! I can see why this business has been around so long, quality food and great service! We will be back' read more

This place is not just Mexican which is why I think some people get turned off. They have Tex-Mex, authentic Mexican, and Cajun/Creole all on one menu. For me this is great! There is something for everyone. But for all those world travelers with expertise in authentic food from all the different regions in Mexico, this may not be your cup of tea. The staff is very friendly, especially the bartender who is very knowledgeable about tequila, he even has some kind of tequila certificate. I can definitely see why this place wins awards. In a world of cookie cutter Mexican restaurants, you won't find another one like this. Being in business for forty years shows that the people who don't like this place are not the majority. I'll be back, regularly! read more

Great place! Leave your comparisons at the door and just take in what this restaurant has to offer! The menu is a mix of Tex-Mex, Mexican and Cajun/Creole. The atmosphere is so unique and fun! The waitress steered us towards the dinner specials and they were amazing! The Tacos Pastor were grilled and seasoned wonderfully. Our margaritas were not overly sweet as many are. If you are looking for a cookie cutter Mexican restaurant, keep looking. You won't find another place like this around. I think the people writing negative reviews here are looking more for the chain Mexican restaurant experience. Very fun and unique experience. We will definitely be back! read more

Very average and bland mexican-american food. The house margarita (a supposed staple?) is inconsistent in taste and never impressive (n=15). The atmosphere is a funky and fun tavern feel, and the servers are nice and prompt. The bar area is puzzlingly small relative to overall size of the place. Overall, the food is very average, and I would rank it below all other Connecticut "Margaritas" restaurants- a reference most CT residents will find useful. Cinco de Mayo was a very fun experience with a live mariachi band, but we had to send back a botched margarita pitcher. I typically avoid this place unless visiting a friend that lives a few blocks away. read more

I came to the Cuckoo's Nest with some friends to catch up after a semester in school. We started with some margaritas that were not served in the traditional bird bath glasses you get a chain restaurants. These were very tasty, not too sweet. Between all of us we ordered a variety of Mexican dishes and some of the specials. The Mexican food was not completely authentic, but hey, we are in CT not Mexico. We were generally pleased with everything. The waitress was pleasant. Just looking around you could see that a good time was being had by many that night in this restaurant. read more

Had dinner here with some family and friends last night. Glad we didn't listen to the negative reviews! This is such a fun place! The decor is not typical of a Mexican restaurant, it is so different that it is fun to just look around. The salsa and chips were fresh and we were told made on premises. Our dinners were wonderful. The Mexican food was tasty, maybe not authentic but good anyway! Cant forget the margaritas! Definitly not the typical overly sweet mix of a chain! We will recommend this place to everyone. Can't wait till the weather is nice to sit out on their patio! read more

I have to say, the negative reviews I'm reading don't come close to describing ANY experience my family and I have ever had at The Cuckoos Nest! Friendly,hardworking staff have always (over 25 years frequenting this local favorite!) made us feel welcome and well-attended. Sizzling fajitas are a favorite dish, and the Cajun and creole specials are delicious -- blackened whitefish is my favorite! The guacamole is fresh and perfectly spiced, the endless chips and salsa are so good we order for take-out to bring to parties! Rock on Cuckoo's Nest! read more

This place is really nice inside. I love the atmosphere....but the food is a different story. I drive by often and finally decided to try it out. Ordered a chicken quesadilla. The quesadilla was so small for the price. It was the worst quesadilla I have ever had. It had no spice to it at all, just plain chicken with the other fixings, hardly any flavor. I was quite disappointed as I was looking forward to this being awesome. I will not go back. Also, the wait was extremely long for such a small order. Taco Bell is even better. read more

So many tacos to choose from!! i go for fried codfish regularly and always right on. When I saw Jack fruit Tacos on the specials menu, I had to give them a try. Jack fruit is a delicacy from southeast Asia that when prepared right, resembles pulled pork taste and texture. I've read (on-line) about this product and was excited to give it a try and judge for myself. The dish was wonderful! 3 tacos with avocado and cotija cheese with wild rice and plantains. I would definitely order this again. At $17 it was a real bargain. read more

What unique atmosphere! I had the Cajun Prime Rib and it was excellent. My wife had the Fish Tacos and she said they were the best in the area. The drinks were equally great. The servings were well proportioned. I don't know where NY T. and Kris F. were but they were not at the Cuckoos nest in Old Saybrook, Conn. This is a great restaurant at good prices. we will definitely be having many more dinners there. We are going again for the Sunday Brunch and I expect it will be just as good as the dinner was. read more

You know, it's really something when you go to a restaurant for several years and they are consistently good every time! Any kitchen can have an off day, but we haven't hit one yet in a long, long run!! The food is always tasty, juicy, spicy goodness and the service has never ever been anything but sincere and spot on!! Plus, they have a special gluten-free menu and the chef is always so accommodating to my special dietary needs! Bravo, CN! Please keep up the good work so we can keep frequenting! read more

This past Saturday (8/27/16),I was at Cuckoo's Nest. I ordered a cup of chili. That was the best chili I have ever had in my life!!! The fish tacos and the key lime pie were also to die for. I bought buffalo wings and 2 bowls of chili for my brother and sister-in-law. They loved every morsel. My server, I believe her name is Alyssa, was a very nice young lady and did an excellent job. I told her I will be coming back with my family. Cuckoo's Nest - YOU'RE AWESOME!!!! Kim Medley East Hartford read more

Great Restaurant! The staff was very attentive and the food was delicious! This is not your typical Mexican Restaurant though. They have other food choices besides Mexican. There is Tex-Mex, Cajun, and American food. The atmosphere is very unique and fun! We had Enchiladas which were pretty standard with rice and beans, and Sous Vide Chicken which was amazing! Definitely try this! Our service was good, a nice local high school student. We will be back to enjoy the outdoor patio on a nicer day! read more

Try the pork belly grain bowl; it was the best meal ive had in a long time. My wife had a Lobster Paella made with risotto. Both items were on the specials menu. We were sitting by the kitchen door so every 5 minutes a platter of sizzling fajitas went by. Weve had them before and theyre fabulous as well. House margaritas are the best! one is enough so two is just right. read more

I've been here before having lived in the area for 20plus years I've never been impressed and tonight was no different. I had nachos but they had American cheese on them. Not just any American cheese but cheap kraft singles American cheese. read more

My family loves Cuckoos Nest. Every birthday dinner has been spent here for years! Personally I love the Cajun Penne with Pasta, my husband loves the Mahi. Food has always been consistent, chips and salsa are to die for! Fresh and spicy! read more