Reviews for Gelston House in East Haddam, CT
It's a real shame. This place has a beautiful, historic location right on the water so you would expect to find class, elegance,... and tip top service. Unfortunately, all three were absent. Waters glasses were not refilled, the bathrooms were very untidybordering on gross, and the music was modern pop. When I'm in a grand old building next to a renowned musical venue, morebefitting music would have been expected. Most of the clientele that afternoon were 60+ and likely felt the same. I felt themusic was for the staff's preference rather than the guests. The food was well prepared and tasty which was just about the onlyhighlight of what was otherwise a very disappointing dining experience. Read more
What a great location to come and have dinner and watch the sunset. The service was great and our server ensured we were well... taken care of. I'll also note that management stopped by to check on how things were going which was appreciated. Theatmosphere is casual and inviting. One of the photos here shows a band they had just outside on the green for Music on theRiver. This is put on by the town and you can get a great seat up at the restaurant and watch the show. Ed Read more
Location is beautiful, especially in August. Went for a late lunch. Service was good. Waitress appropriately attentive. Food was... edible. Lobster was dry and definitely not worth $34. No attempt at being creative. Hot lobster with butter… not even a lemonwedge. I’ve lived in this area of Connecticut my whole life and I know this restaurant has always enjoyed a good reputation.At the end our meal we tried to pay with a gift card that had been given to us in 2005. The manager told us that they were underno contractual obligation to honor the gift card because it changed ownership in 2008. When we insisted she threaten to call thepolice and said why don’t you pay so I don’t have to make a scene? I know I should’ve use the gift card prior to 2022 butI had misplaced it with a couple of other gift cards and was waiting for a beautiful day to go have lunch. As I said earlier, itis a beautiful location. And while under Connecticut contractual law the new owner is probably not obligated to honor our giftcard, and a place that has a sign that says “since 1852” they should be able to honor a gift card from 2005! It’s stillcalled the Gelston House! Since I knew a scuffle with the local police would not solve knowing who is legally right or wrong Idecided to pay. I give this establishment one star for location. PS. I am a 56 year old local profession having a lunch outwith my husband of 27 years. The manager was not cordial or polite and yes, I am going to ask an attorney, but I politely saidthis as I was paying the bill with a credit card while holding a $100 gift card for the Gelston House Restaurant which waspurchased in 2005 for $100. An honorable new owner would have at least split the difference. Read more
The Gelston House is an excellent local stop to grab a bite to eat or go for a nice sit down dinner. It has a lovely view of the... Connecticut river and wonderful service. Overall it’s a lovely establishment where I plan to eat frequently. Read more
We hadn’t been to the Gelston House for some time and were delighted with our recent dinner. Food was delicious (Shrimp... Scampi and Short Rib Sandwich) and service was attentive and accommodating. Pretty spot as well and a great place to enjoysunset over the CT River. Read more
I've been here before and was never impressed with the food but back in the area so thought we'd try it again. The outdoor patio... is absolutely beautiful and overlooks the river and opera house. The good however is not good at all. I ordered the grilledcheese with short rib. I have no idea what type of cheese it was but it tasted horrible. It was not really grilled either. Don'tremember what hubby ate but he said it was okay. I so much want to like this place. It's close to home and has beautifulscenery. They need to get someone better in the kitchen. Read more
THIS WAS THE BEST!!! After s boat trip on the river, we spotted the Gelston House with a nice crowd of diners on an outdoors... veranda. It took only a few short minutes to get a table with a view of the sunshine in the river. I ordered the lobster rollsand they were the best I've ever had. They were buttery and tender...I could have eaten them all day long! I had a rum punchwith them as well and they were very good too. My partner had a BURGER ????. He did enjoy it too. I wish we could have stayedlonger, as it was a very pleasant experience. Next time we are in the area we will be sure to visit there again. Read more
We had an early dinner at the restaurant prior to attending a show. The location is great for anyone attending the Goodspped and... the atmosphere outside on the patio and inside the restaurant is nice. We were given a window table with a view of the water,swing bridge and theater. The wait staff was courteous and attentive. We ordered drinks, appetizers and dinners. We were pleasedwith everything we ordered and will eat there again. Read more