The Dressing Room

Had an 8:30 reservation on ¹²⁄₂₉.
After ordering cocktails, we were told the kitchen closes at 9:00pm. We were urgently asked to place our order[s]. We asked to speak with a manager, and our waitress responded by telling us the manager and host left for the evening. We then asked to speak with the chef. About 5 minutes later another waitress attended to our table suggesting that the kitchen was closing in 5 minutes. When we inquired as to why the chef did not come out and speak with us, the waitress stormed off/​disappeared from the dining area. The bar tender then called across the dining room to inform us that the kitchen is closed and would not take our order[s]. This is certainly not the service expected at this price level… or for that matter, at a fast food restaurant. Terribly unprofessional! Meanwhile, the appetizers we were served were mediocre at best.

I had dinner here to celebrate my birthday and it was perfect. Great wine, great salads (use a spoon and a Millstone farm salad.) My son had the mac and cheese for an appetizer and another bowl for an entrée. (Even though the portion was small, it was very filling, and he actually asked if he could cancel the second dish when he finished the first. We kept the order, and between the three of us the second bowl was easily eaten.) The duck and the bass were also wonderful. An almond-​angel food cake slice, beautifully toasted and served with ice cream and «happy Birthday» written in chocolate sauce finished the meal. Friendly, gracious hostess and superb waitress — which is so unusual in this area. As my husband said, «we found our new favorite restaurant.» Can’t wait to go back.

Note: As a personal choice, I very rarely hand out 5 stars, but I would say this was a very solid 4.5.
High level overview:
The main dining room is «quaint», but I believe I spotted a potential backroom area for events/​overflow on our way out. The style is pure New England at it’s finest. This place is probably not the best for children of a young age although the food is kid friendly (tons of comfort dishes like fresh burgers, meatloaf, mac and cheese), but no kid would appreciate it. and no kid is worth the price when you could get lesser grade fair at a noisier chain at a lower price point. No my friends, this place is for «date night».
The back story:
My wife had been wanting to come here for a long time. Actually, she wanted to have her bridal shower here, but unfortunately it did not work out due to timing, price per plate, etc. So, after a little over 2 years, we finally made it here the evening of our 2^nd wedding anniversary (Fall; late October 2013). Also of note is that we celebrated our wedding the day after the notorious October snow storm of 2011, and spent last year eating out somewhere close to home because we just had a «visit» from Sandy.
Needless to say, expectations were extremely high for this event. I am happy to say that the entire experience from the reservation to the last bite of our pumpkin cheesecake desert was «spot on».
Fantastic table right by the fireplace, CHECK.
Fantastic service, CHECK.
Fantastic food, CHECK.
Fantastic experience, TRIPLE CHECK.
Nitty gritty:
Sat down and we were offered the choice of flat or sparkling water. Went flat and it was «high quality H2O». I imediately checked out the drink menu, and I went Sam Smith Nutty Brown Ale (LOVE Sam Smith «anything»), but as an FYI there were some really great local beers available too. Wife was indecisive, so she was offered a taste of rose and pinot grigio so she could decide. She went with the rose.
The menu is all farm to table fresh as has been well documented in other articles. Small plates, medium plates, and full blown plates available with correlating prices matching what you would expect to pay in Fairfield at a nice joint and slightly south of what you would pay for something comparable in «The City». You could say «the pricing was right».
We went with the the «Spoon salad” — a wonderful Fall dish with goat cheese, super fresh veggies and frisee. Also, enjoyed the beer sausage with whole grain mustard and toast, and the mac and cheese as our assortment of apps. Probably gained a few pounds, but totally worth it as they had all of the flavors you could want and more. Savory, sweet, and spice were all well balanced in every dish. We had the «mini» burgers for our entrée, which came accompanied with a fresh (homemade looking) tomato paste/​ketchup. For desert, we split the pumpkin cheesecake which was not too sweet or creamy but fully satisfying, accompanied with a modest cup of java for each of us. They even went ahead and wrote «Happy Anniversary» in chocolate on the dessert plate which was a wonderful touch.
We left with happy taste buds and full stomachs, having felt like this was truly a special night to remember.
Thank you to all of the crew present at the Dressing Room who made our dinner for Anniversary #2 such a wonderful experience!
P. S. We cannot wait to come back to have a nice cosy evening during a light snow fall, or during the warmer months when we can utilize the outside seating.

A meal with drinks at the bar with John pre-​show is always delightful. Last night we shared what we both agreed was the best pumpkin cheesecake ever! More light like a cross between mousse and cheesecake with a crust hinting of almonds — it was delicious with a side of their yummy whipped cream.

Nice environment. Decent food. Very small plates and expensive. Order a lot of food and expect big bill
or leave hungry. End of story.

This is my favorite restaurant in the area. They really do everything well and I’ve never had a bad meal. They pride themselves in a farm to table ethic and their dishes are wholesome and inspired. This is also a small plate restaurant so it’s expected that you order several courses, otherwise you might end up leaving a bit hungry. Last time I was here, among other things, I had a delicious trout dish and for desert a deconstructed s’more – which was the best s’more I’ve ever had.

I think Dressing Room might be under appreciated! I admit, I was drawn to the restaurant since it’s Paul Newman’s. It’s tucked around the corner of Westport Playhouse, and is very well decorated to match the farm fresh theme of the menu.
We had the ribs and the risotto. Both were delicious, and very fresh. Also, great wine list with some glasses I don’t always see (Syrah!).
Great service too– our waiter was very attentive and did not rush us at all. Worth the try– especially if right before a performance at the Playhouse!

You just have to go and you will be hooked! I fell in love with this restaurant before I walked in just standing in the parking lot. It’s a hidden little gem I said, the way it’s in a back corner. Walking inside is an immediate comforting feeling from the old rustic décor to the sincere service from the host.
The food portions were just perfect for two to share and be quite filling. I’m eager to go back and try more off their menu and possible experience the live music they have Friday nights!

Would definitely go back! Loved the food, service, and environment!

The food is fresher than this review (less than a day old)!
I had no idea what to expect when my local friend suggested this place — it was twice in the same week for him. When you drive up to this unassuming roadway it’s almost easy to miss. As you drive to the huge parking lot you will see a large red building which looks like a new barn. As you enter you small the wood under a high ceilings.
The service was spot on and the wine suggestion was a huge hit. Look out for the specials of the day. The burger was supposed to be the local special so I ordered that and also the ribs. I have never tasted such fresh and naturally flavored pork ribs anywhere. Usually you get the heavily salted and flooded with bbq sauce to hide the bland flavors of sub par meat but this was truly an experience!
If you’re a true farm to table fan then this is surely one of the best places in the area. I hope to return soon when it’s warm enough to sit outside.

I love this place.
The service is great each and every time I’ve been there. I love that the food is locally grown and organic. I love supporting restaurants that support the local community. It makes it so much easier to enjoy the food. Oh yea, and the food is great. Plus they always have a great selection of vegetables that are in season and prepared just right.

This is my 5^th trip to the Dressing Room in a year and the service continues to get progressively worse. We had a Saturday night reservation for 7:45 for the first weekend in March.
There was a large party in the back room that seemed to consume everyone’s attention. The tables in the front of the restaurant were merely just an after thought.
In addition to our table there were a few tables around us that were also ignored. The waitress seemed to disappear for at least 40 minute intervals.
I understand busy nights and we had plenty of patience, but unfortunately the food did not make up for it. The liver pâté appetizer was inedible with large chunks of liver that were not properly cleaned. Our entrees were just okay and served their purpose.
Just before ordering dessert we were asked to move over to a different table to accomodate a larger party that had just walked in. We obliged and were told dessert would be on the house. We were still charged for dessert and just wanted to leave at that point because getting an adjustment to the check would have taken forever.
Go somewhere else for better service at this price point!

Rustic, old barn ambiance with good, friendly service.
My guess is they change the menu seasonally. I found the choices rather limited but we were both happy with our entrees.
I had a mixed grain risotto dish — this was very creamy and pretty delicious, though too small of a bowl for me for an entrée.
Bf’s entrée was short ribs with swiss chard — the short ribs were tender and delicious and so were the vegetables. Again though, a very small portion.
I love the whole all natural, farm to table thing but feel the portions for the prices here were much too small for dinner. I heard they reduced their prices recently, but maybe reduced their portions too? However, it was quality over quantity, which is actually a very good thing and hard to find. I will return for their springtime menu… for lunch!

Love it.
While I do agree that the portion to price ratio is a bit of a burn when it comes to the food, I have to respect that the quality and ambiance set the standard and make the meal well worth the cost. In each careful presentation, the plates reflect something that is both familiar and innovative. In each delicious bite, the flavors are paired simply but thoughtfully. The Dressing Room kitchen turns out wonderfully balanced meals that suit all appetites and compliment the rustic class of the space. Well done!
And I just can’t resist the allure of old barn wood, crisp white tablecloths and that lingering scent of a fireplace nearby.
The cocktail menu shines. You would be wise to arrive a bit early to enjoy a drink at the bar — I love a Bee’s Knees or a Cuc and Soda.
Once seated and comfortable, take time with the menu — something is bound to catch your eye! I love sharing plates and am grateful for a husband and friends equally interested in trying as many things as possible. The «use a spoon» salad, brussel sprouts, mac and cheese, scallops, papparadelle and ribs are on our favorites list. But I’d be happy to order some tomato soup and the heritage pork just for me — because some days you don’t feel like sharing!
It suddenly seems absurd that I’ve never been here for brunch as it’s my most favorite meal. Hoping to remedy that very soon!

This was our first visit to The Dressing Room in more than a year. Although the format of the menu has changed to more of a gastropub style, we found a few old favs and some great new items. The dry rub ribs that we remembered as meaty bits of deliciousness were composed mostly of fat this time. A new delicious item on the menu was the Lobster and Mussels in a lobster broth, topped with excellent grilled garlic toast. The wings, also a good choice, were smokey and spicy. Eat-​with-​a-​spoon salad was excellent, just as we remembered from previous years. Dessert was a «miss» with an unimpressive (virtually flavorless) iron skillet apple pie paired with a tasty rosemary caramel ice cream.

The Dressing Room had been a long standing institution gracing the culinary landscape of Westport, CT. A brain child of actor Paul Newman and the pioneer of farm-​to-​table dining — chef Michel Nischan, it has been Westporters’ favorite «go-​to» place for many years.
What I love about The Dressing Room is that it offers great contemporary cuisine along with a healthy dose of good old-​fashioned American food. Not too many restaurants these days offer soul-​satisfying dishes like chicken and dumplings or meatloaf. Have you had Dressing Room’s meatloaf? It is fab!
While chef Michel Nischan is actively changing the way America thinks about sustainable products and local produce, Chef Jon Vaast has taken over the reins as the executive chef of Dressing Room. Chef Vaast clearly respects the tradition that The Dressing Room stands for, and has managed to showcase his own personality into the menu.

This place is incredible — I have tried various things off the menu over the last few years and have never been disappointed. I recommend the ribs & pork belly mac & cheese for dinner. The brunch is great too — all ingredients are very fresh and the chef really cares about his food. The service is decent.
For those complaining about the price, this is not a Chilis and is worth it for special occasions.

I love brunch. And The Dressing Room’s brunch did not disappoint.
The menu was rather limited however everything we tried was high quality, well prepared, and absolutely delicious. The space is charming and reminds me of a small countryside inn.
**Local Connecticut oysters served raw with lemon, cocktail sauce and mignonette sauce** These were some of the freshest oysters ever; smooth with no fishy taste whatsoever.
**Corn-​flake crusted French toast with fresh berries** French toast is a brunch staple for me and the DR’s was delightful. The corn-​flake crust added a nice crunch and the berries were really sweet and perfectly ripened.
** «Woozie’s Eggs Your Way» ** My friend ordered this fairly typical breakfast plate of two eggs, bacon, and a biscuit. Eggs and bacon were pretty standard however the biscuit was fluffy and buttery and came with some phenomenal fig jam.
The DR is a great spot to eat before or after a day of shopping in Westport.

Typical overpriced, overhyped Westport eatery. Big on style but not substance. Portions insultingly small for price, and bland. At half the price I would give it 4 stars.
Want locavore-​style food in Westport? Go to the superior LeFarm right across the street.

Bottled water distilled in house, that is the sort of theme you’re working with here — go local on steroids! It’s a perfect place for a glass or wine, appetizer, and even a meal just prior to a show at the Westport Country Playhouse. Not a secret by any means so reservations will be required much in advance if such a combination is to be made.
Creative cuisine with local ingredients in season. Lobster succotash was wonderful and many American recreations are tastefully well done, albeit a tad over priced for what they are. In par with the quality of food in the area though so no surprise to anyone who lives here in Westport.

It was fate that we were heading to Dressing Room. We made the reservation, but the day of none other than chef Michel Nischan was on the Today show making the restaurant’s signature meatloaf. It made me all the more excited, and I wasn’t disappointed.
Food:
Capitalizing on the new green and good for you craze, the Dressing Room is an organic restaurant that does the homegrown concept justice. Not hokey and not to expensive (just a bit pricey) with a dedication to local produce and conservative practices, I left telling myself I need to shop at the greenmarket more often if the food’s this good.
While perusing the large, and relatively obscure wine list, we decided on the «Use a spoon» salad and the diver scallop, that evening’s special app. Tthe scallops weren’t as large as we were expecting, and one was a bit undercooked, but the salad was totally impressive. Beans, carrots, celery, broccoli, peppers, cucumbers and goat cheese were all chopped into fine brunoise, and, like the name says, you use a spoon to eat it all. My dinning partner, no joke, said it was like «an orgy in my mouth.» The flavors all melded perfectly and if I hadn’t ordered an entrée I would have ordered another.
Having seen it earlier that day on TV, I naturally ordered the meatloaf because if Meredith liked it, it must be good. And it really was. The loaf was moist and flavorful (as I saw on the Today show, it’s made with veggies and bread baked inside). The mashed potatoes it was served with were delicious, but the most succulent part of the dish were the caramelized onions and sauce on top. I couldn’t get enough of it. My one gripe though, was the lack of veggies. The menu says it come with broccoli, but there were only about 5 sprigs on my plate, and small ones at that. I was craving some green, and I was a bit disappointed.
There was also a second special ordered: the farro risoto-​style with a half chicken on top. The farro was full bodied and cooked properly, but the chicken was tiny. I mean, squab-​sized. Teansy-​tiny, but still good. One downside though, was this huge plate it was served on: the plate dwarfed the food and really a poor choice in my mind. But, china aside, the food was still great.
And, not to be outdone, there was dessert. Although it was called an individual apple pie, it was the perfect size for both of us to share after we devoured everything else. We asked for it to be served with the cinnamon ice cream, and the two were delicious together, and I might have eaten most of it… The calories were worth it, trust me. Plus it’s organic, so it’s al the good kinda fat, right? Just go with me, lie to me, because it was too damn good to consider the repercussions.
Venue:
The Dressing Room really brings the «barn» out of Pottery Barn, but in the way their displays from the catalogues look comfortable and cozy. Lots of wood dresses down the white table cloths and makes the whole restaurant feel less formal. And with the Playhouse next door, the walls are covered with posters and playbills of old shows that were put on there.
The front half of the restaurant has tables for 2 to 4, while the back, larger dinning room has bigger tables and booths. The back room looked to seat about 70, while the front was smaller, probably 30 would be pushing it. There is also a bar area with stools where you can enjoy some of Paul Newman’s movies (he was one of the owners, if I didn’t make that clear).
The service was spot on, and it was the perfect atmosphere for a quite, snowy evening. If I were ever looking for a place to take some CT friends, Westport dinning wouldn’t be my first choice, it’s usually very expensive, but Dressing Room is worth it. I would recommend wines by the glass, as bottles of the organic stuff can be rather expensive, but everything else on the check was exactly what I paid for.