BJ Ryan’s EAST — Restaurant in Norwalk

I absolutely adore everything about EAST and its thoughtful, tasteful remodel. From the start, it’s clear that great care was taken to honor the legacy of the old Partners Cafe—an East Norwalk neighborhood staple for decades—while breathing new life into the space. The way they’ve modernized and refreshed the atmosphere without losing that cozy, corner-bar charm is truly inspiring and, in my opinion, spot-on.

The exterior sets the tone right away, with adorable outdoor seating creatively sectioned off from the sidewalk using sea-faring dock rope—a clever and charming nod to the neighborhood’s harborfront vibe, even though the water is a couple blocks away. Inside, the space is light, airy, and full of modern energy—hip, but not pretentious or overly trendy. The design strikes a perfect balance between elevated and approachable, making it feel like the kind of neighborhood spot “where everybody knows your name,” without sacrificing quality or comfort.

The cocktail menu is so much fun—full of creative twists on classics and playful new options. I love trying a different one every time we visit! Whether we’re hanging out on the bar side or dining in the restaurant area, the vibe is always welcoming, with a clear sense of community (regulars and all—just like the movies!).

What really sets EAST apart for me is its versatility. I love coming here with my husband for a date night, with girlfriends for cocktails and catching up, and—perhaps most especially - with my kids! The restaurant is incredibly family-friendly, and my kids genuinely love the food. The menu has something for everyone, from comforting American staples to unexpected and delightful twists (like mashed potato pizza!). Everything we’ve tried has been delicious, and it’s clear the menu is crafted with care and intention.

And finally, the staff—always friendly, warm, and attentive—really help make the place feel like home. By the time we leave, it feels like we’re all part of the same crew. That old-school neighborhood spirit is alive and well at EAST, and it’s becoming increasingly rare to find.

My only complaint? I wish I lived closer! EAST has earned a permanent spot in our family’s rotation, and I can’t imagine anyone striking a better balance for this beloved...

Went recently with my wife for the first time, and pretty quickly realized it won’t be our last. Friendly greetings as we walked in and it carried on from there. Ordered cocktails and apps to start. My martini was cold, balanced, and refreshing with just the right amount of vermouth for my liking. My wife loved her lemonade cocktail as well. Started with the clams casino and calamari. Both seasoned and cooked perfectly. Will definitely order again. We then shared the pork chop martini, which was suggested to us. Gotta say, I’m really glad we did. It was one of the best pork chops I’ve ever had. We decided to drink our dessert, once we saw the bourbon selection on the back bar. Many allocated bottles that I rarely see around town. Service was on point, and a few different people came to check on us, but never felt like we were interrupted or bothered. Excellent experience from beginning to end. Would give more...

BJ Ryan's East proved to be a delightful hangout spot for me. The barmaid's warm and welcoming demeanor made my time there truly enjoyable and comfortable. When I ordered an "Old Fashioned," I was pleasantly surprised by the exceptional quality. It's worth noting that many other places I've tried simply don't compare. The bartender demonstrated her expertise by first inquiring about my preferences and then crafting the perfect blend, complete with the right touch of an orange slice and a marinated cherry.

To top it off, the fried calamari arrived promptly, and it was delicious, served in a generous portion. Although I didn't have the opportunity to enjoy dinner during this visit, I'm eagerly looking forward to returning with my wife and kids. This charming establishment has certainly left a positive impression, and I can't wait to experience more of what BJ Ryan's East...