+1 860-659-0409
J. Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood in Glastonbury, CT, masterfully blends the rustic charm of American steakhouse tradition with the sophisticated elegance of fine dining. Nestled at 185 Glastonbury Blvd, this restaurant offers an inviting atmosphere where guests can savor expertly prepared meals in a setting perfect for special occasions or an elevated night out.
The culinary focus here is unmistakable: wood-grilled steaks and fresh seafood prepared with an artisan’s touch. Among the standout dishes that continually delight diners is the Bone-in Ribeye "Cowboy Cut", an impressive 18-ounce steak grilled to perfection and bursting with smoky, savory flavors. The tactile pleasure of sinking a knife into the tender, juicy ribeye paired with crave-worthy sides like creamed corn with bacon or scalloped potatoes is truly unforgettable.
Seafood lovers will find themselves enchanted by the Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes accompanied by tropical salsa and remoulade, or the delicate Seared Georges Bank Sea Scallops served atop luscious lobster risotto. The Oysters Rockefeller bring a decadent mix of fresh oysters, creamed spinach, bacon, and shallots that explode with deep, layered flavors.
Start your meal with enticing appetizers like the Blue Cheese Potato Chips that combine crisp handcut chips with a rich blue cheese sauce, or the Pretzel Crusted Onion Rings served with a trio of dipping sauces—a crunchy, indulgent delight. Diners consistently praise the freshness and artistry in every plate, with many glowing reviews applauding the attentive, knowledgeable service that enhances the whole experience.
J. Gilbert’s is also a cocktail lover’s haven. Signature drinks such as the Smoked Old Fashioned, Espresso Martini, and the sparkling Blackberry Martini complement the meal beautifully, creating a full sensory journey from sip to bite.
End your evening on a sublime note with their homemade desserts, such as the irresistibly rich Chocolate Velvet Cake layered with chocolate mousse and ganache, or the perfectly creamy Vanilla Bean Crème Brulee with its crispy sugar crust tempered by fresh raspberries. The Carrot Cake, with its pecan praline filling and toasted coconut, offers a comforting yet sophisticated finish to the meal.
Patrons consistently describe their visits as more than just dining, calling it a memorable experience. Whether enjoying a tender filet mignon or the best crab cake they’ve ever had, guests leave feeling perfectly satisfied and eager to return. From the warm, welcoming atmosphere to the impeccable combination of robust wood-fired flavors and impeccable service, J. Gilbert’s Wood-Fired Steaks & Seafood is a true gem in Glastonbury’s culinary scene.
We had a great meal on Sunday night and service was excellent. We ordered oysters (very fresh), beef carpaccio ( recommended by the waiter) - absolutely delicious. For entrees we got mixed seafood and fillet mignon , both were cooked to perfection. Mixed seafood included a crab cake that was far the best I have had. J. Gilbert’s never disappoints. Highly recommend for special occasion or just dinner date
What stood out the most to me was the service. Our waiter was excellent and I will edit this once I remember his name. Everyone has had great food before but it’s rare, IMO, to have great food coupled with equal or superior service. As for the food, I opted for the “Cowboy Cut” ribeye and it most certainly did not disappoint. I opted for truffle butter, green beans with pecans and the mac & cheese. All dinner items were delicious and I would most certainly order them again and recommend them to others. For dessert, I opted for the crème brûlée and of course, it did not disappoint. I’ve never had a creme brûlée “boat” but that’s what you get here, trust me, it’s worth it. There were four of us dining, we all ordered the cowboy cut ribeye steak and there was no steak left on anyone’s plate. It’s the kind of steak where you may feel 18oz is too much, but your taste buds realize it’s probably not enough. The atmosphere, although appointed nicely, was “tight quarters” seating… I think maybe it’s considered “intimate seating” but at 5”10, 230lb, I didn’t need intimate seating, especially after a well enjoyed meal. But, it certainly doesn’t detract from my positive experience, just being honest about it. Overall, everything was fantastic and I recommend splurging if you’re in town or live here (I’m here for business).
Our Christmas pre fix dinner 2025 was fabulous from our first sip to our last bite. Server Jacqueline was very attentive and made our experience even better. But the real star is the food! Kudos to the chef and kitchen staff for a remarkable meal! Literally everything was prepared perfectly with quality ingredients. Never have I had a pork rib chop melt in my mouth and it was seasoned so perfectly with that subtle wood fired delishisness. It was like eating beef tenderloin! How do they do that?! It was Iberico pork and I can see why they call it the Wagyu of pork! We also enjoyed Crab cakes, crab bisque, scallops with lobster rissoto and a serving of creme brulee for two, although hubby would argue was for one. Too full for dessert, my layered carrot cake took the ride home with us along side of a hearty serving of augratin style cauliflower, green beans and the rest of my pork! Highly recommed this gem in Glastonbury. Well worth the 45 min drive for us. We'll be back soon!
We had a great experience there. As soon as we made it to the plaza, we went to the bookstore nearby, and enjoyed their establishment too while we waited for the time our reservation was getting close. Once we found a nearby parking spot, we entered the place and were very well greeted. And since out table was bot ready yet, we decided to wait by the bar to have some drinks. I had a "Smoked Old Fashion," that was amazing and delicious. After 30 mins we were lead to our table. Our waiter was really knowledgeable of the menu and the ingredients of the food. Their beef and selection is amazing. A d all their ingredients are fresh. They even churn their own butter. The entire decoration, music and ambiance makes it both family oriented and relaxing for couples, or as a single person. It was a really good experience. We will be back.
We had dinner here while visiting from Charlotte, NC. The food was delicious and our waiter, Zack was friendly and engaging. The scallops, scalloped potatoes, salmon, Mac n cheese, and creamed corn were so tasty. We highly recommend this restaurant for a date night. High quality establishment.
My 2nd time there and they did not really dissappoint except I would appreciate better appetizers. We got the fresh raw oysters which were not at all worth it. Very small oysters, not too tasty. We also got the calamari which was very well seasoned but lacks due to my prefrence of having calamari with a side of marinara that was not included and also the calamari being alittle on the cold side. The steaks we got made up for everything. Very good with the wood fire taste with a good proportion. I do wish they had a baked sweet potatoe side but I settled for the sweet potatoe fries. Note not all thier sides were not mentioned on the menue so make sure to ask for all the options. The waiter was great and knowledgeable about the menu, drinks so great job. I would realy say the place is a great experience but as I fronted the bill I will admit the place is abit over priced. Worth it, but definitely makes you think again about patronizing the establishment on a frequent repeat. I guess if you skip the appetizers and just get the meals with a bottle of wine will make out for a better budget than getting the mixed cocktails (2 each), 2 apps, and 2 meals to equal alittle over $300 with tip included. Easy parking, great atmosphere, friendly staff. They live up to thier rankings for steak its just the sides and apps that can improve but nevertheless solid enough except for the oysters. Its a steak place so stick to what they are known for.
The most amazing time. Our server, Corbin, was knowledgeable and over all amazing. So much so that we will be requesting him as our server the next time we visit. Lots of gluten free options and the wine pairings are divine! Highly suggest. We cannot wait to go back. Pro tip: make a reservation before hand!