The Blue Hound Cookery & Taproom

Excellent, fresh, delicious food everytime you go! Reasonably priced and healthy dishes.

SOOO GOOOD!!! YUMMY!!! I have never had a meal that i didn’t like there, seriously! If you like southern cooking, this is the place for you.

Really wasn’t expecting jambalaya and gumbo in Essex county. So great to have stumbled in here! It reminds me of a quaint kitchen café but the flavors are bold, spicy and comforting. We had crab cakes, gumbo and jambalaya– they made the jambalaya gf by omitting the roux. Also, free refills for coffee! Though it is a bit out of the way for us, I recommend you stopping here while passing through this gorgeous area.

So sad. This is bike distance from my house and I had really hoped for a new joint to hang out at.
One star for great service.
One star for a decently tasty although not spicy jambalaya.
So, the above mentioned jambalaya (spelling?) was indeed savory and comforting, but it lacked any level of spicyness. I would not mind a toned down spice for CT tastes, but this erred on the «meatloaf and gravy» side of comfort. Too far.
I had an oyster Po-​boy. The bread. Oh god. The menu said Baguette and so I was looking forward to a crusty crisp French bread with soft center. Instead I got some level of Subway grinder crap. The fried oysters themselves were crispy but rather bland and not very oceany at all. Like they could have easily been a fried zucchini for flavor. Put all this on an overly sweet apple slaw.
Just shoot me, but don’t call this Cajun. Call it American fusion with a side of CT banality.

It’s been almost a year and I wonder how that’s possible! Shrimp and Grits rivaled anything I’ve had in Charleston/​Savannah. Love the new taproom– flights of beer (Lawson’s, Stubborn Beauty, Thimble Island, Outer Light, and much more). Be warned you can’t get the regular menu up in the taproom, so order your beer downstairs.

We had such high expectations based on previous reviews, and ratings. .. but our experience was less than satisfying.
The atmosphere is casual and comfortable in the lower portion of the building. Chalkboards provide details to specials for the day and during the week. Out of the gate our server, and service, was very good throughout the night, but the food was off.
We started with the Crab Cakes which were very good. Nice texture and very flavorful. The corn bread was good, but could have been a bit more moist and sweeter. Two of us had salad’s. .. the Hound salad, and the house. Both were well done with fresh greens, cheese and dressing. So far so good.
Then it was time for the main course. One of our friends had the Scallops, and her husband the Shrimp & Grits. They both said they were great. I thought the grits could have been a bit more creamy. .. My wife had the chicken and thought is was fair. The chicken was very dry and the sauce was the only saving grace to getting it moist enough to get it down. I had the Jambalaya. Now I know my Cajun and Creole pretty well, and this rendition was poor at best. First the sausage, chicken and shrimp were all over cooked. To the point of being rubbery and dry. The rice was also dry, and while it had some nice flavor it didn’t have that creole kick that a good down home Jambalaya should have. Maybe the chef was stretched too thin, or just doesn’t know how to make a good Louisiana Jambalaya.
Two out of four is fair, but two of them were pretty bad. Also missing from the menu is a staple of Chicken gumbo, and what would have set this place apart from the pretenders would be a nice Alligator gumbo.
Bottom line, the Blue Hound Cookery has promise but didn’t live up to the reviews, at least for this NOLA food junkie. We’ll give it one more shot and see if the chef just had a bad night.

Busy spot on a weekend, the Ivoryton Theatre is right across the street and the wait staff will cater to those customers. Not sure why this is so since we all pay the same price for our food. Food inconsistent, will depend on who is cooking. Overall, I’m a fan and have been there several times. Food is good, service is excellent.

The service was incredibly friendly, genuine, and competent. The food is southern-​inspired and well-​executed. Prices are quite reasonable and it’s an easy night out for a family.

Went there last night with my wife and two kids 5 and 3. Kids had grilled cheese and pasta and both finished them.
I had crab cake which was excellent and my wife had fried tomatoes which she said was excellent. I had creole seafood fra dialvo and wife had fried buttermilk chicken both were excellent. For dessert I had crème brûlée which was cold.

We thought it was very good. We had the fried green tomatoes, house salad, shrimp & cheese grits, & scallops in a cream truffle sauce.
I heard through my mechanic across the street that these folks moved «back to the Northeast from the Carolinas where they had a very successful creole restaurant». Not sure if this is the real story, but it’s the only reason I was willing to five them a shot since yankees never get cajun right.
The flavors were very good. The fried green tomatoes were as good as homemade I’ve eaten while living in the South, and the shrimp & grits were great. The service was very good and the staff was extremely friendly. My scallops were a little heavy on the truffle oil, and I had to use salt (which is why I deducted a star). I know this is knit picking, but a perfectly prepared dish should not need salt.
The place is small (an old converted diner), but they did a good job making the previously harsh atmosphere feel cozier. My mechanic also said they bought the whole building and will convert the upstairs, but once again, I am quoting my mechanic.
They only serve beer & wine, so do not go in expecting a nice mint julep to complement your meal (which didn’t bother me at all), but I did hope to see hush puppies as a appetizer or a crawfish etoufe dish.
Either way, we will be going back to try more off this menu. I highly recommend trying them out yourself.

Absolutely delicious from cornbread basket to dessert. Don’t let cajun/​creale billing deter you, the menu has great options and variety. Our group ordered fish n chips, a salmon fish and a scallop dish and a hearty mason Dixon salad with blackened salmon. Every dish was terrific. Think outside the box and try this place. It’s a quaint gem.

Found this restaurant on Unilocal,wow what a great gem. Tucked away in a quiet area, once I found I really enjoyed it. The seafood sweet potato chowder was unbelievable and the shrimp with the cheese grits was rich and unbelievable. If you are in the area go, you won’t be disappointed

First time. Wow! Fried chicken sandwich was great. Terrific service. Fast for lunch. Neat atmosphere.

Stopped in here before a play for a cocktail. Very nice place, wish we had time to grab a bite to eat. Menu looked good!
Very friendly and nice staff!
I’ll be back!

My boyfriend & I had a delicious Saturday night dinner at the Blue Hound and fully enjoyed our experience.
We started with crabcakes and fried green tomatoes (my first!), and both were excellent, with interesting nuances but not needlessly complicated. We followed our appetizers with a grilled caesar salad, and could’ve left the restaurant deliriously happy after just that! But I also thoroughly enjoyed my catfish entrée with the root vegetable purée — I wasn’t sold on the latter initially, but it was delightful and I pretty much licked the plate clean.
To top it off, the breadbasket contained cornbread, which we enjoyed because it wasn’t overly sweet, and we found a wine that was delicious and also priced fairly. Our server, Nate, was friendly, well informed, appropriately attentive, and easygoing. We’ll definitely go back.
My only suggested improvement is ambiance: The restaurant radiates a casual atmosphere, with plain wooden tables, no tablecloths, and no candles or any romantic décor. With the excellent quality of the food it could be a much more romantic date-​worthy place with only a few minor improvements.

Since my fiancé and I live in New London and Cromwell, we decided to meet halfway in the Ivoryton/​Deep River area, and we conveniently found «The Blue Hound» on Unilocal.And the summary of my review is that it is worth the 30 minute drive from both of our homes!
Located right off Rte 9, this humble little cookery offers down south comfort foods that are sure to please! The menu is a single page, double sided, with just enough options to choose from, but not enough to overwhelm you for days (I’m talking about you, Cheesecake Factory!).
Dinner started with complimentary corn brea d, which was toasted on the grill, quite savory and enough to piqué your appetite for dinner. We wanted to sample what a «grilled» Caesar salad tasted like (note, there was not any chicken in my description), and the slightly smokey-​flavored leaves of Romaine lightly covered in Caesar dressing were absolutely delightful. I would get that as a main course with Chicken next time!
My date had the jambalaya and devoured most of it, while i delighted in the buttermilk fried chicken with a creamy cheddar/​pancetta sauce, root vegetable purée (read: mixture of mashed/​puréed white/​sweet potatoes and turnips, so amazing!!!) with asparagus.
It was just enough food that we both had a small container of leftovers, we were satisfied without being disgustingly-​full, and left paying only $ 50 after tax&gratuity.
This is a wonderful spot for date night and close enough to Essex to go for a nice stroll after dinner.
5 stars hands-​down, we will be back!
Plus, we love the theme of all the hound dog décor! Cheers!

We truly wanted to like this place more than we actually did. you know. small independent restaurant with an interesting cuisine… lovely little New England town. Maybe the owners that some reviewers rave about weren’t around. Maybe they just had an off night. Each of us had a nice glass of wine and they brought over the cornbread. three small pieces for the two of us. as soon as we finished it. got whisked away… no asking if we wanted more. Wife had the mason Dixon salad which she described as «OK». I had a bowl of the sweet potato chowder… served lukewarm and really quite bland. The entrees are very large portions. Wife had the jambalaya… she said it was maybe a step above Zatarains… not nearly spicy enough. I had the buttermilk fried chicken… nice and tender but not memorably flavorful. Service was efficient and friendly. overall… a nice stop in the country… but nothing to write home about. we were hoping for more authenticity.

What more happy things can I say about the Blue Hound that hasn’t already been said?
Their menus change every so often, keeping things new and interesting. They (currently!) have a Farmer’s Market specials menu every Sunday with fresh local meats, cheeses and produce. You are guaranteed to find something you love here!
The owners, Matt and Tracy, are so incredibly friendly and warmhearted, you can really feel the southern hospitality!
They used to be BYOB but recently got their beer and wine license and what a great selection! Delicious wines and tasty beers on tap that pair perfectly with the down-​home cooking.
If you’re in the area, I highly recommend a visit, you’ll be glad you did!

I tried this new place for first time using take out at dinner.
I had a large cup of the sweet potato seafood chowder which was really good. Lots of fish (salmon I think) and scallops with a sweetness like lobster bisque.
As for my meal I tried the Voodoo Shrimp. I have never had the dish before anywhere and wish I had looked it up first. In any case it was sweet for my taste almost like a spicy teriyaki. The heat though was perfect.
I will definitely go back again and look forward to trying other dishes. The ambiance was super casual and staff nice. Looking forward to trying the gumbo.
The blueberry foster sounds awesome too.

We have been to the Blue Hound twice in the past couple of weeks. Both time were wonderful.
We have shared… the jalapeño poppers, the portobello salad, the buttermilk chicken and the salmon, and the jambalaya. All very good, fresh ingredients, homemade food. No frozen anything, the way it should be.
The service is great, the staff is friendly and knowable about the menu.
Blue Hound is a great little neighborhood restaurant. Give it a try, you will be pleasantly surprised.