Old Lyme Inn

Wonderful Valentine’s brunch! The jazz musicians were fantastic, and the inn felt so cozy sitting by the fireplace. Our host was super friendly, though I’m sorry I didn’t catch her name. Adam made it especially good with his personable manner, interesting conversation, and great service. Can’t wait to go back. Thank you all. 🎶💝🎶

We’ve been here about four times this past year, and we love coming back. We always stop at the Side Door for a soothing jazz show, and Gianna makes every visit warm and kind. The service, food, ambiance, and music always make us feel welcome and looked after. It’s an experience like no other if you love delicious food, great music, and an unforgettable night. My boyfriend always finishes his meal wishing he’d had a second plate because it was so good. We’ll be back! TNT

We had a 3:30 reservation for eight for Thanksgiving dinner, and the table was ready on time. But no server came until 4:00 to pour ice water. Bread arrived soon after, cold, hard, crusty, and covered in dry crumbs; it was barely breakable and impossible to cut with a knife. At 4:15 the waitress took drink orders, then came back for starter and main course orders. The stuffed mushrooms some of us chose were stone cold. When I told her, she took them to be heated, and they came back hot. Five of us ordered turkey. The potatoes and gravy were cold, the turkey was cool, and the stuffing was dry, overcooked, and flavorless, with no clear idea what it was. The cranberry sauce looked pale and tasted odd. I told the waitress the food was cold, and it went back to the kitchen to be heated. Other family members had mediocre salmon and roasted beef tenderloin. The six-year-old had chicken tenders and fries, which are hard to mess up too badly. Since a starter came with the kids’ meal, I asked to substitute mac n cheese because I don’t know many six-year-olds who eat kale and cranberry salad with red onions. Desserts were good, but they’d run out of apple pie. The bill included a $5 mac n cheese charge that I hadn’t been told about. We didn’t leave until 6:30, making it three hours for dinner with slow service. The food was horrible for the outrageous price and experience: two turkey dinners were $88 for adults and $36 for a child. It felt like we got the end-of-day leftovers. I’ll call the manager, and I’ll never have Thanksgiving dinner at Old Lyme Inn again.

We had a nice stay and will probably return. My partner booked a room for my birthday and surprised me with reservations at the Side Door jazz club in the inn. The inn is beautiful and well maintained, and I enjoyed the music. Our server was very nice and took the raspberry cake off the bill, but it was hard and dry. We thought it had probably been made several days earlier, refrigerated, and dried out. I wouldn’t serve it to anyone at my house, so the refrigerated cake desserts need more attention. We drink decaf, and the restaurant’s coffee could be much better. The place itself is beautiful, in a stunning neighborhood.