Upscale place, prompt and attentive service, good ambience and subpar quality of the food ingredients for such place

So on my second visit to Tavern at GreyBarns I was very impressed with most of the food but was not with the attention to my drinks. I think I would have spent about $100 more if some one was checking on me at a regular interval. Every person in my party got a signature cocktail and they were all good (the group favorite was the Agua Fuego) and we would have had more but our waitress only came back sporadically. The biggest highlights of the meal were the Scallops and the Crab toast from the starters. Make sure when eating the scallops that you eat the chickpea-looking things; they are masa dumplings and bring an extra flavor that was super enjoyable. The entree highlights were the Duck and the Chicken; the truffle corn that came with the chicken was a true favorite. The biggest disappointment of the meal was the Cauliflower which was almost a joke at that price and the burrata was good but not particularly special compared to some of the other dishes we had. We also unanimously decided in our group that we could have passed on the Ends Meat Coppa snack because it wasn't special enough to warrant the price and the best part about it was the toasted bread (which was insanely good), not the actually charcuterie. It was certainly not terrible, just not the kind of starter that made me excited to explore more of the menu. The peach crisp dessert deserves high honorable mention. Great presentation of perfectly ripe peaches with a delicious crumble on top and a dollop of homemade vanilla ice-cream. Would get again 10 times out of 10. Snacks: Ends Meat Coppa $15 Appetizer: Seared Scallops $20 Crab Toast $22 Roasted Oysters $21 Burrata $15 Main: Roasted Cauliflower $24 Chicken $29 Duck Breast $35 Dessert: Peach Crisp $10 Wine: Conn Creek Cab $75 read more

As always, Chef Ben was spot on. Even in Covid, every dish was sublime. The roasted oysters with escargot butter was inspired, the winter squash perfection, and the swordfish and the shrimp and rice perfection. As a person who loathes carrot cake, imagine my surprise when my husband ordered the most delicious, moist cake of all time. No heavy cream cheese frosting here - just home made ice cream. We drove three hours and it was more than worth it!! read more

Highly recommend. Service was impeccable and food (and cocktails) were creative and perfectly executed. The bar is pretty lively as well. Beautiful scenery, right on a river. read more

MeriQuest Usa Matt Dawe and I MeriQuest USA have been both personally supportive and able to offer financial solutions that were greatly beneficial to me and were not available in any other venue. I give them the help guest recommendations both as a Lender and as financial advisers . Sandra Ross read more

What a huge disappointment. The restaurant is poorly run. We had a 7:30 reservation and we were not seated until 8:00. There were many tables backed up and people waiting to be seated in a timely fashion. I am NOT looking for something for free but, when you can't seat people buy the people not leaving their table a beverage or buy the people waiting a cocktail. It's not hard. The acoustics are terrible and after waiting for the 30 minutes we couldn't hear each other. I would have left no stars but then I couldn't post. We won't be back. read more

Third time dining at Tavern at GrayBarns and it was fabulous yet again. Food was divine- the spicy rigatoni is a must. The service was top notch and the ambiance was perfection especially for christmas dinner with my fiancé. Lovely all around! read more

Beautiful setting. Ambiance is casual elegance. Food is solid. Prices are high. Worthwhile for the occasional treat. Martha Stewart would approve. read more

Beautiful location and amazing food. Love the cocktails - especially Make it Snapea:) Definitely one of the top restaurants in the area. Perfect venue for a romantic night out or a nice dinner with friends. read more

First, the positive: beautiful setting and decor, great drinks. The harissa and honey olives (a side) were nice. Now, the meh: My wife and I both ordered the lobster spaghetti for $38, and we both found it very salty and "shlocky" (not fresh tasting, a bit mealy), the kind of dish I would be dissatisfied to receive at a diner for half the price. Small bits of lobster, that were killed by the salt. The pasta was apparently homemade, but was not the greatest, a bit hard (in a stale way, not in an al dente way). Maybe some of the other dishes were better, but this was our experience last night. Also, the waiter was not great. I was left feeling that, for an expensive restaurant (e.g., price of dishes, valet parking only, beautiful setting, etc.), they need to step up their food game. read more

I've been to this restaurant at least 7 times in the last year since moving nearby. We love it - wonderful food and service.

Just did takeout for our anniversary. Had a table outside reserved but it was raining. Switched to takeout. Bottom line- nothing good about experience. Ordered linguini w clams (on the online menu). Turns out that's not the actual menu, they don't make it and though they called to say they don't make it sometime after we ordered, we didn't get the call. They should have known when I called that the entree we ordered was not available-restaurant had been open for 30 minutes already. Unfortunately for us, We learned that one of us had no entree when we arrived to pick up the food-which, oh by the way, was leaving in someone else's car because they gave our order to someone else. How does that even happen? After running out the door when I gave the receptionist my name, she retrieved the order but Once we got home and unpacked our food, turns out 2 out of 3 items we ordered were not as advertised and frankly, not good. Tuna tartare with a cream sauce? Not as described on the menu. Grilled lobster with sea beans and poblano? That sure looked like French fries to me, WTF? To be fair, the heirloom tomatoes with burrata croquette was very good. Not worth going to or ordering from here (definitely would never order take out) , they are clearly 'winging it' with a team that is not on top of the details. read more

Such a beautiful place. Ambiance is amazing - very friendly, professional and attending staff. Food does not disappoints. Truly lovely place for a special occasion. read more

Exceptional food, service and ambience. Not one detail was left undiscovered to make the inside feel completely safe during these pandemic times. We had our wedding here in August during a pandemic and the week of a massive hurricane and the staff couldn't have been more accommodating, patience and hospitable. It was beyond anything we could have dreamed of. Highly recommend the Tavern, Mercantile and Bed & Breakfast - top notch! read more

Had a great evening at GrayBarns. The food and drinks are always great with incredible attention to detail. The interior dining is very well spaced out and feels very safe. The staff is extremely thoughtful and knowledgeable. Paul was our waiter and he guided us through the new menu which all looked incredible (making our decision quite difficult). Everything Paul recommended was spot on ! We opened with the roasted carrots and burrata which were both incredible. The roasted carrot appetizer feels like a must try for anyone visiting. Main course recommendations of spicy rigatoni and duck confit were both great. Paul rounded our the night with great choice of Chocolate Budino which may be the best dessert have ever had. Overall great food and even even better service ! Thank you ! read more

The meal was dreadful. Rice a Roni mixed with dog food. My husband had pasta that was uncooked. Add to this an unattentive waitstaff and you can only imagine how awful the experience. Just an awful evening. Beware. read more

I just want to say how terribly disappointed I am in the Tavern at Graybarns. I have been so many times before the onset of Covid-19 and found it a great place to dine. My husband and I spent an evening there three weeks ago and asked for outside dining. When we arrived we were told that we had to enter through the back garden area and couldn't come through the restaurant (you have to go through the restaurant to use the bathrooms???). We had to climb probably four or five stone steps without a hold rail at either side. With heels, not great. We were taken to an outside table that was positioned on soil. There was a gravel area but all of that was taken. With heels, again not great so we asked to be seated on their deck area. After a little bit of persuasion we finally got to sit there. We had a lovely evening. I had the Hamachi which was very nice. On our Daughter's birthday last week we reserved a table for the three of us on the deck. Again we were ushered in the back garden entrance. My daughter had a tight dress and heels so we thought this might be problematic, however we made it. I ordered the Hamachi again and it was so dry, I sent it back. I asked for another dish of the same. When it came, it was seared on the outside and completely raw and chilled on the inside. This was again sent back. We spoke with the manager and this was sort of resolved. In my opinion, the drinks should have been complimentary but instead he asked what he could do and it was at my suggestion that he buy us a drink each. Upon leaving, again we had to exit via the stone steps with no hold rails. Unfortunately my daughter fell forward and rolled over the last two steps. She has badly hurt her leg and her ankle and is in an air cast. After a few minutes the same manager came down and suggested an ambulance which we did not need. He then told my husband that he would need to fill out a health & safety form. At no time did he suggest we take our daughter inside until we all knew the extent of her injuries. There was no concern other than the form that needed to be submitted. All in all, I am extremely disappointed in the Tavern at Graybarns and its staff. Needless to say, I'll be giving it a body swerve for some time until they are equipped for diners during this difficult time. Mary read more

Great spot. Great food. Very interesting menu. The Duck was Amazing ! Very fun place. We try and go back as much as possible.

Our Ladies Who Lunch Book Club lunched here on Friday and it was wonderful. They sat us in the bar area with a beautifully decorated table. We all had various drinks and food. Would recommend the fried green tomatoes, lobster club, and the pasta dish with mushrooms. Our server was attentive and very helpful. We will be back!! read more

A beautiful place. They have done a great job renovating the place. Food is fabulous. It would be nice to sit outside in summer. Will be back. Only one thing, my car key was taken apart after valet parking guy returning it. read more

We could not make reservations but got an early walk-in table in the bar area. Did not try any small plates. Three drinks, 2 glasses of wine, 2 teas, 4 main courses, 2 desserts, 4 people about 350. Entrees priced OK (mostly under $30) except for beef dishes which are $47 and $55 (pay attention, the Cote de Boeuf is $55 per person, and is prepared for 2 people, so $110). Food was good, not very creative or interestingly seasoned but cooked well and flavorful. The sides which came with the entrees were not particularly good. Mixed cocktails seemed kind of watered down, couldn't really notice the alcohol. Noise level loud, got louder as evening went on and there were many patrons standing around the bar area. Desserts: much touted sticky toffee pudding was the tiniest dessert I have ever seen (not much bigger than an Oreo); apple tarte tatin was a large round of puff pastry (which could not be cut with a fork) topped with the most minimal whisper of apple slices imaginable. I don't think there was even half an apple in it. They should be ashamed of themselves for those desserts. It's a happening place so if that's what you like, by all means, go. I had a nice, rather plain dinner and am in no hurry to go back. read more

The noise level is a deal breaker. We arrived for an early reservation and were enchanted by the space and the way it has been entirely renovated. It's gorgeous. But, the ambience is no balance to the noise level. By the time we had our main courses we truly could not have a conversation across the table. And then, while we found the appetizers unique and tasty, the mains were only average... The place was packed. The bar was quite a scene. So, if you are not bothered by the noise... You will be at "the place to be." read more

This review is based on one dining experience on a Sunday night. The setting is wonderful; a really beautiful interior, if a bit loud. The service was friendly and adequate, if a bit harried due to the full house. However, the food was only so-so; the bill not so: very expensive for what was served. I had a Bronzini (at $38) which was dry and overcooked. The tab for three was $243 before tip. If you go, go for the interior, not the food. For reference: I eat at many of NYC's best restaurants and TGB matched them in price, but not in quality. Caveat emptor. read more

Really AMAZINGLY beautiful atmosphere. Very cozy. Very clean and sleek. Service was great. Cocktails and the wine we chose were what you should expect. Husband and I got the roasted oysters with uni butter, in which you could truly taste that amazing flavor of the ocean uni provides. So that's all that was excellent.... problems were the Brussels sprouts were still in the stalk, pretty for sure but difficult to navigate. BIGGEST problem was the Cote De' Beouf for 2 at $55/ person. There was way too much tenant running though the meat. The chimi churi had too much oil. We enjoyed our meal but at the end of the day for $270 before tip....... they should probably perfect their meal. read more

This place is outstanding. The atmosphere is exquisite. The service is exceptional and the Food is the BEST around! Highly recommended!

The rehabilitation of the old tavern has been completed with elegance. The dining area is beautiful with rustic hand chiseled beams offsetting the clean white walls and ceilings. The cozy fireplace at the end of the dining room gave the room and setting a glow of warmth. We started with an Old Fashion, properly made served over a large ice rock. For starters we had the baked oysters and secondly , squash appetizer. The oysters came in an over sized bowl filled with hot black rocks. The concept was interesting but a bit awkward size of bowl for the size of the table. The oysters were creamy, salty with a crust of pepperoni and bread crumbs. All were properly shucked and easily came out of their shells. The squash dish description on menu was lack luster and incorrect with pink peppercorns ( actually served with pomegranate seeds). The roasted paper thin squash could have been slightly more cooked and caramelized for deeper flavor. For entrees we had Halibut and steak. The halibut was properly cooked , moist and presented with a small pool of broth and some cherry tomatoes. I would have liked a vegetable along side. The steak was executed properly and served with a sauce with sliced green onions. Seasoning was needed for both. Service - more attention and training to menu knowledge is needed. Our waitress was training a new waiter during our dinner however they Both would benefit from training and tasting the menu items. read more

Pretentious. Attitude from everyone. Terrible food. Its not about the money its about feeling wonderful after a delicious meal. Didn't happen. TWICE. I was actually asked to wait for my table by the valet station outside in 40 degree weather. Adam Glazer needs to revamp the front and back staff at this restaurant. I will go elsewhere and so should you. read more

Well this was a tough one. First of all, they are brand new, so I will revisit after 8 weeks to see if any changes were made to be fair! The owners did a nice renovation, however I felt there was SO MUCH wasted space in the large entry. I really wish they had put the bar there, which would have reduced overall noise factor in the dining room and provided a waiting space for dinner , perhaps a guitarist and a few extra tables where the bar is now. Anyway......./ The dining room was spacious, yet in trying to max out the number of tables they sadly purchased very tiny tables which are not comfortable for most average sized people, drinks, water, bread and the platings. And if you want to share there's no room at all! So... things feel very squished and hence physically uncomfortable. They should put soundproofing in the ceilings. It is so loud I could not wait to leave (and I am young!) Staff needs training from a proper, seasoned waitstaffer. They are very sweet but inept. The food was good but I look forward to a larger menu when I return for my eight week visit!!! We have all been waiting for this and needed this back in the neighborhood. Hopefully, they can figure out the issues and make it great! It sure is pretty! read more

My favorite restaurant Everyone is so nice and and welcoming! The food is out of this world and the chefs creativity is one of a kind.

I'm amazed the rating isn't higher as I rate this as the best restaurant in the area. We love the rustic vibe, the servers are knowledgeable and don't mind giving an opinion and the food is incredible. read more

Went back it was excellent. All apps and entrees were delicious and cocktails are great too.

Lovely location. Beautifully renovated buildings. Interesting menu and beers on tap. However, grossly overpriced for mediocre cuisine, and service was atrocious... in fact, the final split bill was delivered where the 2 parts were greater than the whole bill (e.g., split $400 bill excl. tip between two couples, and what was returned were two $225 credit card slips, onto which we'd add tips). Not sure how I detected it... politely pointed out the error, which was corrected, accompanied by an insincere apology and an unbelievable explanation / excuse. Sad. read more

Excellent great experience wonderful ambiance, interesting menu, great service. The renovation of the old Silvermine Tavern is amazing absolutely beautiful no expense was spared great job. Diane our Server is attentive, knowledgeable on the menu very helpful an asset to GrayBarns! They offer small plates Don't MISS THE CLAM TOAST very tasty & delicious. The Poached Halibut with cherry tomatoes very creative & flavorful. Wine list is good. The restaurant is a little pricey but worth it I know you'll enjoy it. I plan on being a regular. read more

This is a beautiful restaurant with great food and (high) prices to match. The service is horrendous. We were seated 30 minutes after our reservation with no comment/apology, arugula salad was served accidentally without dressing, when they reset the table for the next course it was on top of many pieces of lettuce that had fallen on the table, waitress said she was leaving for the night (about 9:40 pm on a Saturday), maitre d came over told us he would keep a close eye on things from now on while the next course was sitting on our table getting cold without plates or silverware, next course we were given butter plates instead of dinner plates, then the original waitress reappeared to say good night just as the coffee came with no milk, next a surprise complimentary desert in addition to the desert we were splitting (why not just make the desert we were already splitting complimentary?) then car valet did not bring car close to door (in the rain) or have an umbrella so we a made run for it but he did not unlock all the doors...total tab for the two of us $225. read more

We went here for my wife's birthday and couldn't wait to leave the place honestly. It was so loud because all of the floors walls and ceiling are wood that you cannot hear yourself above all of the of the others at their tables screaming wanting to be heard. In addition, the service was very very slow and although I would say the food was good, and quite expensive, it was not worth the anguish that we had to go through to eat there. The waiter was very nice and even told my wife that he would comp her dessert if she still wanted it but she said she just wanted to leave which we did. Not going back! read more

Having been a big fan of GrayBarns we looked forward to our first visit back since the virus. Delighted by the addition of the covered porch and the perfectly divine sitting in the garden. They have done such a fabulous job with the gardens formality with a bucolic setting. With the Compice Pears as you enter I was continually enthralled as we were sitted. The best staff with the best service I expect an appropriate price tag however I expect delicious food as well. The Foie Gras was small but delicious, The Prime Rib had a flavor which left half on the plate, the Zucchini was okay but the real story was the Blackened Sea Bass. The presentation was breathtakingly beautiful but someone with two hands would be challenged however since my husband has only one from his stroke it was impossible. We were told the chef has refused to fillet it in the past and would not do it. We decided against desert as judging on the food so far it was obvious nothing good could be coming our way. So sorry for such a lovely effort but we did come for edible food from the kitchen. read more

BEWARE if you're interested in hosting an event at Tavern at GrayBarns. Last year I signed a contract for a minimum and a per person cost for a seasonal menu. It took me almost 2 months to get the contract (the process was so slow and ridiculous but I put it aside giving them the benefit of the doubt) and when I did, they increased the minimum. After we fought with them, they brought the minimum back to what was promised. A few months later, we were introduced to a new events coordinator who sent the updated seasonal menu - which was $35 more per person than what was promised. They fell back on the excuse of a "seasonal menu" and a "growing business" - let me tell you - this is NOT how you run a business. Needless to say, we canceled the event (and not because of the money, because of the pure lack of customer service we were provided). I felt totally taken advantage of and truly did not trust the team to host our event. Save yourself the hassle and find another venue for your events! read more

We pulled up to the beautiful New England spot nestled in a cozy neighborhood off the beaten path in Norwalk. Your car is professionally whisked away by patient and friendly valet. The decor inside is absolutely stunning (made me want to renovate my own home); rustic yet modern with beautiful shiplap walls and high ceilings - bright and airy! We ordered our drinks and the waiter somehow had difficulty with executing what I ordered and brought me something he thought I should have instead of what I wanted - Since I am typically a light drinker, I sent it back knowing it may be one of the only drinks I had that night. The attitude was quite pissy and not at all what I expected. When the waiter returned with the drink I actually asked for, it was delicious and we were able to "move on". For apps we ordered the crab toast, the oysters, gazpacho, and the burrata. I am lumping the order together here BECAUSE IT WAS ALL DEVINE!!!! The flavors were unique and exceptional - a dance on your palette. For entrees we ordered the duck, the halibut, a burger, and the pasta with clams. The duck was delicious - tender and cooked perfectly, the halibut was good but the paprika was overload, the burger was an amazing blend of love and meat - a perfect combo, and the pasta was fine - small portion (maybe 10-15 pieces of fusilli) and came cold. When I asked the waiter to please heat up or microwave or whatever (meaning - I wasn't mad at all but preferred it hot) he gave me some more of his attitude - YUK. Perhaps he shouldn't be in the front of the house :( He came back with it hot and it was quite yummy!!! We had delicious after dinner drinks that were unique and tasty and skipped on dessert as you can see we ordered a tremendous amount of food and literally finished everything! I would go back... read more

Oof this was rough. We were seated with our backs to the aisle and I lost count of how many elbows to the back I took from the staff as they passed. All to no acknowledgement. The worst part was the sommelier (maybe manager?), every time he dropped or removed an item from in front of me his stomach pressed into the back of my head and his suit jacket slapped the sides of my face. Such a lack of boundaries. I ordered the $50 rib eye and asked to split it with another guest at my table. Our waiter said that was no problem. When the food came- our steak came on one plate that was given to her and I was given no plate. I asked them to take it into the kitchen and split it to which suit jacket man said "oh no we don't do that". That's weird because every restaurant I've been to has no problem accommodating guests in such small ways. I asked to have a plate (to take my share of the steak) and was brought a small appetizer plate before receiving a dinner plate and us dividing the steak and side at the table ourselves as if we were at home. I was glad to be there with good company so we could laugh about the atrocities in hindsight but the bill was extremely high and the service was appalling from multiple staff members. This place needs an employee overhaul. read more

I really, really wanted to be blown away. I grew up going to brunches and special events here, and even swimming upstream in the silvermine river behind my grandmother's house. To be clear- I enjoyed Graybarns. But I can't say I loved it. Our reservation was for 2 people but we called to add 1. As I did so, I was told our 5:45 reservation could accommodate 3 but the table would be reclaimed at 7:30 for another reservation. I get it, but a high end restaurant should not be implying pressure to eat quickly... this was a sign of things to come. Beautiful remodel, it's a gorgeous place. Best view of the river is from the bar tables. Unfortunately those tables are only 6 feet from the bar, so with any crowd you'll have people hovering over your table the entire meal. Then, we took some time debating the appetizer menu. As we asked our waiter for app recommendations he mentioned that they require the entrees to be ordered at the same time as our apps...so no changing your mind once you've had your pallet engaged. Again, I get the strategy, but now I'm feeling like I'm at a turn and burn chain restaurant rather than fine dining. Also, there are no salads on the menu, another sign of them discouraging a slow paced meal. Food was good, not great We shared the crab toast and the tartare. Great flavor in both, but be forewarned that they both come with 3/4 inch thick grilled toast, so they are very filling. Scallops were great. Tried the burger because a burger on a menu like this one is usually great...especially for $20+. The burger and bun may have been great, but it came with tomato and lettuce underneath the patty, so the combination of burger juice and veggies meant the bottom of the bun just disintegrated. There is an "aioli" served on top that should be on the side as it is extremely tangy, and bordering on bitter or dill. It has strong enough flavor to overpower smoked cheddar, bacon and a burger. Last, the bacon is placed between the cheese and the burger patty, both of which ensure that the bacon will turn soggy before the first bite is taken. In short, food was good...but not great. In summary, it was a nice trip down memory lane and I'm ecstatic that the old place is back to some level of glory. Some suggestions for management: Unless the bar tables have a more casual bar menu, or some type of discount, figure out some crowd control for the patrons who are just getting a drink while waiting for a table- nobody wants to enjoy a $300 meal with someone's butt up against their table and a constant threat of their wine getting knocked over. Next, accept that you can not control how long people take to eat an expensive meal. Part of running a restaurant is managing your front end, not letting the front end manage the entire experience the restaurant delivers. In my case I was really put-off by this feeling of needing to turn our table. Last, consider a dress code regardless of how casual society has become. I saw tons of flannel, puffy vests, and even baseball caps or yoga pants. Keep in perspective that for some of your patrons this may be a significant event- a birthday, an anniversary, or something that they spent a year saving up for. Sitting next to someone who just threw on their comfies because this place isn't a big deal to them can belittle that event. Maybe because of the location management doesn't care about delivering that type of experience. I will try Graybarns again when I am back in town, but if I get the same Applebees type rushed feeling I will likely leave without ordering and go to one of Connecticut's wonderful hole in the wall restaurants that has possibly better food and where I can order what I want, when I want it. read more