Drift — Restaurant in Essex

I had several issues with the restaurant. The biggest one was that nowhere on their website or menu or before/during our dinner was it disclosed that an auto gratuity charge would take place for parties of 6 or more. We were told at the end once the bill was brought out, which then I called to ask about and we were told that the auto gratuity is up to the discretion of the server. My family and I were speaking primarily in Spanish, and it felt as if we were being profiled which is extremely discriminatory. The second issue is that underneath our table was COVERED in cobwebs and dead bugs. I understand that this is likely due to outdoor seating, but a restaurant should at least ensure the cleanliness where they will be seating a party ESPECIALLY if it is outside. The third issue was the service. Our waiter checked on us one singular time after our food was brought out, and we had to flag him down for the check. My final issue was the food. My wife ordered the cold lobster roll which came with an insane amount of minced bell pepper. Lobster rolls traditionally come with celery, not bell pepper, and nowhere on the menu did it state that. My grandmother ordered the pork schnitzel which almost 1/4 of the entire piece of pork was straight up fat. It was extremely disappointing and unappetizing. I definitely will not be coming back here, and will recommend against this poorly run restaurant. Please do better. According to CT state law, you are required to disclose an automatic gratuity charge. I’m also sure that the health department would like it if you guys cleaned your tables and the surrounding areas from nasty cobwebs and dead bugs. Thanks. P.S. the picture of the cobwebs on the table was taken AFTER I used my napkin to clear 90% of the cobwebs in front of me. The rest is what remained which is...

Hidden gem Open Year Round at Dauntless Marina in downtown Essex across Essex Island! WINTER Happy Hour Tue, Wed, Thu 4-6 —$5 smash burger, fish chips, beer! See picture for whole menu! Reserve the heated IGLOOs on the deck 6-9 people fun for friends or families with kids!!! Great variety of food for the entire family! smash burgers, chicken sandwich, fish tacos, crab cakes, rib eye steak, Lobster roll, mussels, variety of salads! love the soy ginger dressing! the chorizo Fondito appetizer is out of this world! the FUNKY drinks are sooo fun! Bong water ( mezcal), lavender (vodka drink), maple campfire old fashion with a toasted marshmallow, pumpkin bourbon smash apple cider margarita etc……. the beer and wine selection fabulous too! big groups ok, in the dining room we have had up to 15 people in a party and i think 12 on the deck. you can sit at the bar or they have tables for two too! handicap ramp, large restroom for wheelchair!

weekly specials, different menus winter and summer! you can do to-go food for your Boat or home! the staff is spectacular! the owners are great!

they have a LAND, AIR and SEA challenge that my nephew tried. 30 minutes to eat a burger, chicken, crab cake and 3 things of fries! he ALMOST did it!!! you get a T-Shirt! I'm sure he'll try again!! haha! it was fun fir the family to cheer him in! speaking of fries they have regular, old bay or salt and vinegar!!! After lunch or dinner visit Main St —Essex for unique shops, chocolate, Icecream, coffee, ducky shop, fun toy shop, trinkets, clothes, or go to the Connecticut River Museum! There are benches along the river to sit relax watch the ducks swim by, osprey and bald eagles fishing! It is Relaxing...

Went here based on a Find Me Gluten Free review from July 2025 stating they had dedicated gf fryer and could adjust for gf off the menu. This is not accurate. I was told by my server that their gf options were the fish tacos done seared or grilled, or they had gf buns. This is not gf friendly, this is bare minimum effort. I ended up having the average shrimp cocktail and their watermelon refresher (husband was not impressed with it, it was watermelon with barely a few grains of salt, olive oil, lime wedge, and sprouts on top). I pulled crackers out of my purse to eat because I was STARVING at the end. Really disappointing, the atmosphere was just so-so, the drinks were wonderful. Unless the menu changes there's no reason to go back. Avoid if you need gluten free. And honestly, if restaurants can't make more of an effort to provide options for gluten free patrons beyond the nasty dry gf buns and 1 other singular option, you need to do an overhaul on your menu. Gluten intolerance and celiac allergies are rising, you're losing out on...