Tavern at GrayBarns
About This Spot
Tucked just off Norwalk’s well-trodden paths, the Tavern at GrayBarns offers a quietly refined escape where time slows and the simple luxury of thoughtful hospitality takes center stage. As you step through its doors on Perry Avenue, you're welcomed by an atmosphere that balances easy warmth with polished comfort — a place where the pace invites lingering conversations and the occasional clink of glasses punctuates a relaxed rhythm.
The surroundings artfully blend rustic charm with modern touches, creating a space that feels simultaneously like a cherished neighborhood hideaway and a place for special evenings. Whether settling into a cozy corner with friends or finding an intimate table for two, the tavern cultivates a feeling that’s both reassuring and subtly special.
Here, the menu is less about ticking boxes and more a curated journey through flavors that resonate with both tradition and a touch of creative spirit. Shared plates invite moments of discovery, from perfectly roasted oysters to tender, nuanced preparations like duck frites or the lively kick of spicy rigatoni. The culinary approach respects its ingredients, coaxing out layered tastes without overwhelming, while the bar program complements with thoughtfully crafted cocktails that balance familiar comforts and unexpected twists — like a subtly smoky Old Fashioned or a vibrant, spicy margarita.
This is the kind of place where attentive service feels personal without intrusion, where staff guide you not just through the dishes but the experience, enhancing an evening with genuine care and a sense of ease. The space and its offerings encourage you to settle in, to savor each course, and to connect — with your companions, the moment, and the quietly vibrant energy that hums just beneath the surface.
Behind the scenes, the Tavern’s team brings a steady, unpretentious passion that translates into consistent, thoughtful moments, whether it’s helping a guest pick the perfect wine pairing or sharing a laugh over a well-crafted dessert. It’s this rhythm — a blend of comfort, careful attention, and understated flair — that invites locals and newcomers alike to return, bringing curiosity for what’s next without ever feeling the need to rush.
What’s Available Here
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Outdoor seating
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Delivery
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Fireplace
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Great beer selection
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Great cocktails
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Great coffee
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Great dessert
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Great wine list
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Serves local specialty
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Solo dining
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Wheelchair-accessible toilet
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Alcohol
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Beer
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Cocktails
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Coffee
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Healthy options
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Small plates
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Spirits
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Vegetarian options
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Wine
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Brunch
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Dessert
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Seating
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Table service
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Bar on site
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Toilet
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Cosy
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Historic
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Romantic
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Trendy
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Upmarket
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Groups
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Reservations required
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Dinner reservations recommended
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Accepts reservations
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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High chairs
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Parking
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Valet parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | Closed | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | 05:00 PM - 09:30 PM | |
| Wednesday | 05:00 PM - 09:30 PM | |
| Thursday | Closed | |
| Friday | 12:00 PM - 02:15 PM , 05:00 PM - 09:30 PM | |
| Saturday | 12:00 PM - 02:15 PM , 04:30 PM - 09:30 PM | |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 02:15 PM , 04:30 PM - 08:00 PM |
Caroline 'CC' Cannon 29 Dec 2025
Phenomenal experience!!!!! From food to ambiance and drinks this place is a wonderful choice. Alexis is an incredible asset to the team and Coleman is an amazing manager!!
Winfred Mitchell 25 Nov 2025
Overall one of the best dining experiences ever! Kudos to the staff for making dining a desirable outing! The Brussels Sprouts and the Fried Oyster Mushroom are cooked and seasoned to perfection. The authentic Duck with Sautéed Spinach, 5 Stars! The ambiance and decor, 10 out of 10!
Sasha Cowan 13 Nov 2025
Tonight was our first time dining at the Tavern. Our server Kyle was knowledgeable about the menu, was able to answer questions and make good recommendations. It really sets the tone for the meal having someone who is personable and tentative. The food was spectacular. Overall a wonderful evening, we will definitely be returning and recommending this place to others.
Dylan Kennedy 09 Nov 2025
Such an amazing meal. The manager Coleman helped me find the perfect wine to pair with my dish. I ordered the ibericho pork chop and my wife got the chicken. We absolutely loved our meals. The desert was perfect as well which tied the whole meal together. I can’t wait to come back and explore the rest of the menu. I love finding restaurants close to home that can make a meal unforgettable. A must try if you haven’t been recently.
Kristi Conner 29 Oct 2025
Came here for Valentine’s Day dinner and we enjoyed our time immensely. The atmosphere was warm and romantic and homey (but if this were Martha Stewart’s home), and the food was delicious. Our server was attentive and kept us laughing the entire evening. Highly recommend for a date night spot or as a restaurant to bring anyone you want to impress.
Sholom Ellenberg 24 Oct 2025
Wow, what a great dinner. Thank you to the staff and the chef. Phenomenal! What a gorgeous place. Roast oysters with escargot butter :) update: I just went for the third time. This place never disappoints!
Kamol Uttarapas 19 Oct 2025
The restaurant is nice and cozy. Food was excellent. We ordered duck and bronzino for entree. Mushroom app and creme brulee for dessert. I will definitly come back here again, there are other dish I want to try. The have valet parking and self parking across the street. The service att he table was good but not at the host. The lady who walk us to the table not even say hi and have a look on her face. The location is a bit in the middle of no where. It wasn’t commercial area.
David Radulski 19 Sep 2025
An outstanding dining experience. Food and wine competes for best in Fairfield County. Staff are professionals from front to back. GrayBarns is a world-class experience at a great price point. A must-return for us now. Vibe is that of relaxed confidence. Mix of locals and visitors. No pretense. Kind of sophisticated rustic. Prevalent in Europe. Rare in States. Context: We love to cook and eat. We choose travel destinations for food. We spend summers nearby but haven’t been to GrayBarns for several years. Our mistake. Details: We ate at bar by choice. Bartender Andrew knew the menu inside-out and made excellent recommendations. Wine list is extremely well curated, pair seamlessly with food menu and great value for the quality. Nicely done, Gregory. Food: Pork chop the best I’ve ever eaten. Flavorful, tender and juicy. Iberico breed from Texas. Chef suggests slightly rare of medium. Trust him. Smoked carrot curls on plate complemented brilliantly. Miso cod let quality of the fish shine through the preparation. Hard to get right. Chef nailed it. We added a side of fried oyster mushrooms with our entrees and very glad we did. During almost every meal my wife and I can usually identify something we would do differently. Not the case at GrayBarns. The dinner was perfectly composed, prepared and presented. Timing was spot on. We were there on Tuesday night, so Sous Chef likely running the kitchen. If so, great job, Sous. For wine by the glass geeks: Gaston Chiquet Champagne as aperitif. Has the brioche nose that we prefer. Austrian pinot noir excellent pairing with pork chop. Burgundian depth and gentle tannins. This is going to become my daily drinker. Macon-villages with the cod superlative. We shared an Amaro digestivo to close. Ask Andrew for a recommendation as most of these are off-list. Something else GrayBarns gets right: valets were welcoming, professional, and polite. Set a good feel to start the evening.