Seriously. Anyone reading this. You can go do better than this nightmare. After spending a day at the Norwalk Aquarium with my girlfriend, we Googled some restaurants nearby, and came across Ancient Mariner. I saw that they had a "wild boar burrito" and had to try it. I have to admit that I'm a big of a Kitchen Nightmares junkie, so I judge a restaurant inside and out. First of all, it's a hideous decor. Really dark inside and uninviting. It's a damn Tuesday afternoon. How about some sunshine??? Lights are far too dim. Long story short: the wild boar burrito was disgusting and horrible rice. Everything was frozen, I can tell. My girlfriend got crab cakes that were cold in the middle and obviously microwaved. And the fried calamari was terrible too. Soggy, no seasoning. Probably frozen. And my burrito with a bit of rice was $20. Way too expensive. Look Ancient Mariner.... you're near the water. Get some fresh seafood and don't waste it on frozen crap. Horrible. Absolutely hated this place and the bartender was a bit nasty too. Big time pass. read more

My husband and I went recently on a Thursday evening for their trivia night- we sat at the bar with friends. We were enjoying the evening when a young man who works there interrupted our conversation- he only heard part of the story and he went face to face with my husband calling him a racist white suprematist. This young man was not a part of this conversation and missed the content which was detailing my husband's volunteer services in Manhattan - inside "the projects" in the early 90's. He was part of the Big Brothers organization and Ice Hockey in Harlem organization. My husband tried to keep his cool and offered several times to explain quietly to this employee what he missed but unfortunately this young man decided to get in my husband's face with name calling and threats which almost escalated physically. A female staff member grabbed him and took him to the back- all the while he was yelling and punching the air and kicking the hall walls. Eventually he came back and went behind the bar and started menacing my husband again- luckily I was able to get my husband to leave before this became violent as neither my husband or this employee was backing down. Completely unacceptable behavior from an employee. read more

Service slow but very nice which is why they got two stars. Food ranged from average to poor. Burger sent back twice. Ruben inedible. Winger over cooked. Salads were fine. A bar needs to know how to make bar food especially at a Ridgefield price point. You can do better locally. read more

I can't believe I haven't written a review for the ol' Mariner. They were old when I first showed up in Ridgefield, and that was 1990! Decades of service to a snobby white bread town speaks volumes in and of itself. I get why the overall rating isn't particularly good... this is Ridgefield, a town that has transformed over the past quarter century from an above average small town, to a prohibitive social bubble for the ultra wealthy. To restate that without mincing words: a lot of pretentious douchebags live here. So your burger isn't made from grass fed beef. So your sandwich comes with mayo and not aioli. So it's not decorated with Italian mosaic tile and antique chandeliers. Do we understand the concept of a local watering hole, people? Cheap drinks, serviceable bar food, unintimidating atmosphere, and a place that doesn't change just because the world around it does. There's nothing wrong with that. Don't you ever change, Mariner, you hear? Don't ever change... read more

I don't understand how this place, a "dive bar" by anyone's standards, has survived all these years. Ridgefield locals swear by this place. That's a sad commentary on the taste of Ridgefield locals. It is not the best burger in Ridgefield. It's certainly not the best seafood in Ridgefield. It's not the best bar scene in Ridgefield. It is, however, the best drink value in Ridgefield. Sure, I'd order a drink here, and have, from time to time. I wouldn't choose to eat there, after over the years enduring the over-rated burger, the unremarkable Reuben sandwich, and the oh-so-plain deli-style sandwiches. read more

This place is a dump at best, a stomach ache at worse. I think the main reason Ridgefield families like to go here is because it's actually reasonably priced. If only they would venture to Danbury they would fine much better food for the same price. On my first and last trip here both my daughter and I ordered the tuna burger, and both of us were fighting for the bathroom when we got home. Never again. read more

Dreary lighting with a mariner theme. Came in for apps and a pint, but was treated to inattentive bartender and rubber calamari with bottled marinara. The waitress helped herself to a large plate of food at the drink station while the bartender ignored my guest and I for twenty minutes. He must love the facebook. He topped it off by allowing me the privilege of signing my check with the pen that had been placed between his ear and hair gel all afternoon. Nevermind the dust on every surface that is not the bar or table top. A clock punching staff in a dead feeling environment, won't be back until I hear this ship has sailed. read more

I will say it as well: "BEST BURGERS IN TOWN"! By far. The best burgers in town. A compliment so nice, I had to say it twice. This is such a great place. This is a staple of Ridgefield. Some of my most fun memories going out to dinner with my Mom are at the Ancient Mariner. Its a very cozy dim place with a lot of "mariner" ambiance. A good bar crowd from 6-10. A good family atmosphere through the day. You will notice that it is a lot of families that come here. Its simple american fare. Burgers, steaks, fish, mozz sticks, nachos, etc. But not from these corporate cheeky restaurants. Overall very good food for the price. But seriously......TRY THE BURGERS. The best burgers in town. They have a Jesse Burger with melted swiss, mushrooms and sauteed onions....OMG - to die for. I come back to Ridgefield just for this burger. And sub the fries for the onion rings. So gooooooooood. Want a great meal with friends for a great price? Sail to the Ancient Mariner! Cheers! read more

Reading the reviews, I feel as though people are being extremely knit-picky. My family only started coming here when my dad's buddies would go to grab a drink a couple times a month. Two years later, we go as a family when we just want a quick burger. My dad always orders a black and tan, and the bartenders and waiters are always on it. I've enjoyed the muscles, burgers, Cali BLT, salads, fish and chips, you name it, I've had it. I have never been disappointed, it is genuine, good quality bar food. While people might complain its pricey, it is not. In Ridgefield it is along the same prices as the Little Pub and now the Hideaway. Tends to have a bit of an older crowd at the bar, but it's never stopped my girlfriends from grabbing a drink midweek. read more

Ryan Webber wants nothing more then to make sure all his customers are happy. He puts so much love and thought into all his plates. His inspiration really shows in his meals. If you're bit satisfied let him know and he will be more then happy to make whatever you want. Ancient mariner is known for their seafood and exceptional specials. You won't be disappointed! read more

All my pet peeves: 1. SLOW kitchen (even when not crowded) 2. Burger requested medium rare cooked to death and dry enough to choke on 3. Inattentive servers. After finishing our meal and waiting what seemed like forever it was obvious that nobody was going to take our dessert order...I had to flag someone down to get the check, then flag them down again later to take it! I would have sent my burger back but experience has taught me that takes as long or longer than the original order. My kids like coming here and my husband likes the English fish & chips with a Palm or I would never come here again. WAY too pricey for what it is. The menu has changed since I was there last but the disappointing food and service are the same. read more

Best burger and martini combo in the area. Truly a place where everyone knows your name... or at least learns it. Same crew every day. And for the less calorific meals - I highly recommend Queen Anne's Salad. read more

Great burgers, I always get the California when I go. The seafood is good too, but I rarely stray from the magnificent beef. The fishtanks make the place smell like a litterbox though, so i usually get takeout. read more

The Ancient Mariner - American Near Me - Ridgefield, Connecticut

I've lived in Ridgefield since the late '70's and the "Mariner" has always been the place to go. It's a town gem. I highly recommend it to anyone. read more

I was pleasantly surprised by what I thought would just be an average bar in an average strip mall. They've got good pub food (especially the wings), but they also have a full dinner menu with fish, steaks, etc. The bar is the main attraction, in my opinion, as I'm not usually one to order a $20+ entree or $10+ salad in a themed bar/restaurant in a strip mall, but I guess that's what one can expect to pay for food at "similar" restaurants in the area. They even had a respectable selection of bourbon, even being up in the frozen tundra, far from Bourbon Country down south. I did love that they had live music. Chip Andrus and his band were great, especially the virtuoso young keys player...that boy would fit right in on tour with one of our bands down here in Music City. In short, I won't hesitate to come back the next time I'm in the area. read more

Brad B has it exactly right. I have been eating hamburgers at Ancient Mariner since 1995, and I have NEVER had a bad one. Yesterday's burger plate was typical: perfectly done (which in my case is well done), piping hot, with delicious cole slaw that was as cold as the burger was hot. Add two Guiness Stouts, served by the buxom and lovely Jeanne, and what you have is utter bliss. The ONLY reason I didn't give it five stars is the ambiance. It's kinda grungy. But when that burger hits your mouth, you won't even know or care where you are. Get thee to Ancient Mariner and order a burger. read more

Really good food and great relaxed atmosphere. Good value. Home made potato chips and good selection of draft beers. It seems to cater to an older crowd. I had the lobster sandwich and I'm coming back. read more

The food is delicious, a step above traditional pub food. The fish sandwich was a little soggy, but the taste more than made up for it.

First the good. Wait staff is friendly and energetic. I had the pulled pork sandwich which was really excellent. Everyone else in my party was also more than satisfied with their dishes. The food is not gourmet but you need to remember that you come here for bar food and beers and I think they deliver on this. I have never tried the higher price entrees just because ordering a $28 entree in a dark bar that just feels wrong. The bad. Lighting. Having a restaurant as dark as the mariner makes me feel that they are hiding something (cleanliness). The price point is a hair off as well. Again, we are in a dark bar. Adding chicken to a salad will bring the price up to $20+. A $14 burger is also right on the cusp. I would come back for bar food and beers. read more

Although it's been a fixture in town since we moved here 30 odd years ago, we've not patronized in awhile due to several unwelcome experiences here. Well, today I found myself in urgent need of Cole Slaw (a longer story that may be shared at a letter opportunity). Anyway, the place is as remembered: a dark, gloomy and depressing bar scene. Bartender was prompt and helpful with my (rather unusual) request for only an "order of Cole slaw to-go please". Serving was generous and visually appealing but the taste turned out gastly! Reminiscent of moldy cheese. The place was not busy but obviously not compelled to make fresh Cole slaw today...or this week. We'll check back in another 30 years. read more

Came in on a Wednesday night, wasn't thrilled with the insides appearance, very old and dated, but not in a rustic way that makes it feel homie, also a weird wall in the middle of restaurant that separates the bar from the tables. Seems out of place. But other then that, i had a wonderful time. Sat at the bar although their were many different tables open, it was pretty quiet for the night. Bartender was a young guy, pretty quiet but had a certain charm to him, that me and my friend enjoyed. Although it was slow, he could of been more attentive, he was talking to who i am guessing were regulars alot down by the service area. It was pasta night, a specialty list that they do just on hump day. It was SOOOO good. Not what i expected in a place named for the old ocean, but whomever made these dishes were great. Fresh pasta, great veggies. Delicious. Wine was ok, but it rounded out the meal. This is my first yelp review but i just had to talk aobut how good the pasta was. read more

Great locals joint. Seems like a good place for a burger but the entire menu is actually very good, surprisingly good. Burgers are excellent as is the skirt steak salad. Good selection of beers as well. Good place to come with friends. read more

As always, the best burger and the best fries in Ridgefield. Burgers are big and juicy, fries are perfectly fried, never pale. Salad is always fresh.. My favorites are the Nick's Burger, fries, and Nachos with chili. Oh! And the best blue cheese dressing.. Comfortable combo of bar crowd and restaurant. Well set up for today's Covid requirements. Been going to the Mariner for 36 years now, it's our port in a storm and a sunny day. read more

The fried clams were over cooked and the fish and chips were too buttery. On top of it there were kids running around because their parent wouldn't mind them and the staff didn't say anything about it. Definitely not the place for a quiet meal. read more

What can I say. The food was not good. Way overpriced for the quality of the food. This is a local watering hole that should not serve food. $24 for 3 dry ribs, a sliver of chicken, and 2 shrimp paired with what tasted like instant rice. Service was slow. Never checked to see if we liked our food or wanted more drinks. The musky smell masks the ambiance that probably hasn't changed since the early 80s. I get that not everyone wants the pretentious restaurants that you find a lot of in Ridgefield, but there are still much better options than this. read more

It's pretty good. I almost always get the chicken arugula salad which is yummy. I hear the burgers are pretty good. They have some odd things on the menu like a Wild Boar Burrito -- when they don't have a chicken burrito. Who's going to order that? The boys get the open faced steak. Ask for the fries well done or they might be pale. Place is very cozy, I'll definitely give it that. If I hung out at bars, I might hang out here. read more

Super Great place to grab a bite a burger a fish sandwich nachos and great beer. Great place for couples families and groups went with my husband and two children (teens) for a quick bite on a Saturday night it was awesome everyone was very happy read more

I really wanted to like this place, their Facebook pics of weekly specials look pretty good sometimes, but it just didn't live up to expectation. To start with the decor, it is very dusty and dated looking, like a beach front tourist trap from the 1980s. We were torn between ordering from their laminated photocopy menu and running for the exit. Knowing that Little Pub would be very crowded, we decided to stay and take our chances. We ordered the nachos appetizer, which was absolutely smothered in greasy cheese. The tortilla chips seemed to be made in house, very hard and translucent with grease. This dish ended up being the highlight of our meal, the entrees were awful...old tasting ingredients, unbalanced flavors and combinations...not the sort of food most people would willing eat while sober. It seemed as though the chef just doesn't care at all what is leaving the kitchen. I was really thankful for the beer which will hopefully help stave off any food borne illnesses this meal could potentially cause. read more

It's a solid dive bar. Good late night appetizers. Quiet. Never too crowded. It's the best place in town if you want to avoid all of the big crowds and noisy mobs. Most important of all this place is NOT trendy or pretentious, a welcome rarity for this area. read more

I would give negative stars if possible. This place stinks..... I mean literally it smells bad. The place smells foul like mold on top of mold growing on mold. I would not eat there ever again if you paid me. The best thing that could ever happen to this place would be a fire and a total loss. Do yourself a favor eat someplace else where it does not smell like it has not been cleaned it in years. We haven't eaten there in years, last week we walked in and walked out BECAUSE OF THE AWFUL SMELL! read more

This is a place that has been around for a long long time. Comfort food - hamburgers, onion rings etc. A perfect spot to relax when you do not feel like cooking after working all day. Nicky who seems to act as bartender and waitress depending on the night is a joy - always a smile on her face and a very professional server. I do not understand the negative reviews - the Mariner does not purport to be haute cuisine. We always enjoy it. read more

The lobster roll was not worth it. Soggy bun, tasteless lobster, hefty amounts of watery mayo (gross), soggy lettuce, and high hopes were ruined. There was a good amount of lobster but WAY too much bun. Still willing to give this place a chance as it is walking distance to my apartment. Service was good, not too fussy patrons, and the beer was cold. Not loud which was nice (went at about 8pm on a Saturday). read more

Eat hereafter weekend after my 'friend' dragged me here promising this ace was better. Boy was he wrong! The burger was one of the worst I've had in Ridgefield. Incredibly dry and absolutely no flavor. We also ordered the nachos and there were some of thenworst I've ever had in town. The biggest thing this restruant need is a makeover, it's lost its appeal as being the local spot for the town drunks. My family and most of our friends refuse to eat here as it is generally considered one of the dirtiest restaurants in Rdgefield. read more

The Mariner's new Chef Tommy Stevens from season 9 of Hells Kitchen was the best addition to the restaurant. His take on food is wonderful and the changes to the menu are great. Seasonal menus are put out as well as daily specials. So far since Chef Tommy as been at the Mariner the food has improved greatly I always look forward to trying the new creations he comes up with. Oh, and try his Caribbean Jerk chicken wings. Awesome!!!! Thanks Chef Tommy for coming to Ridgefield, CT. read more

I guess it's the closest thing to a "normal" bar in Ridgefield. The service has been moody, and the food is overpriced/not so great (DO NOT order anything to go. It will be awful. Though, I had the *Capra Prosciutto flatbread* while at the bar once, and that was pretty good). However, they have beer. This is important to remember. read more

I've eaten here twice with a group of people. The food I had totally sucked. Had the Duck Quesadillas. Beyond terrible. The duck meat tasted like it was cooked several days ago and stored in the fridge for the last several days. It was in a tortilla with tasteless cheese and then the outside was slathered with bottled Hoison sauce. Sweet and sickening. Last time I ate here I had the chicken wings. Very greasy and cloyingly sweet. Ugh. I will never eat there again. My friend had a salad and while the greens looked fresh, the dressing was globby and looked like it came out of a can. Don't waste your money. It looks dirty in there too. read more

The Mariner is one of our favorites in town. The food is excellent! I've never had a bad meal here and I've had quite a few. It's a bit small but the atmosphere is relaxed and I can bring the kids. Highly recommended! read more

Great American sports bar and food. Wide selection of burgers and seafood. Lobster rolls are the best I've had other than Portmith, ME. The prime rib is to die for. Sides like their home made chips and potato salad, salads and buffalo wings are hot and the blue cheese dressing has real blue cheese. The Jessie burger has caramel onions and mushrooms and a healthy prime 1/2 lb Angus beef. Good selection of beers on tap but would have gotten 5 stars if they had some real craft beers. The atmosphere is friendly and the help is helpful for the most part. Some Sunday afternoons during the NFL games they also have a small live band playing 50s, 60, 70, 80s and 90s favorites. Yes, it is a local watering hole for town folk but you will find a good mix of blue and white collar people tha know how to laugh and joke together. read more

If you are looking for a casual but warm atmosphere with mostly good food and decent prices, this is it. Most restaurants in the area are more fancy (and/or stuffy). This is a good place to go for a burger and beers. Or to bring a noisy, bigger group. My Dad's favorite restaurant in town. read more

Fine place. Burgers are good, but there are a lot of better burger places in Ridgefield. Shrimp app was good, and when I asked for a philly cheesesteak with lots of gorgonzola rather than American they obliged. Nice waitstaff, but you can do better in Ridgefield. They are very accommodating for food allergies. read more