The Wharf Restaurant at Madison Beach Hotel Reimagined with NEW Crow's Nest Lounge

Warmer weather is right around the corner, and you may find yourself along the Connecticut shoreline this spring or summer looking for a romantic dinner or a fun night out with friends. With seaside communities ramping up for the busy season ahead, we were invited to check out the re-christening of The Crow’s Nest, the bar and lounge area found within The Wharf Restaurant at Madison Beach Hotel. 

The restaurant and bar have been mainstays at the hotel since the building was rebuilt in 2012, and new this season is the re-imagined lounge area dubbed The Crow’s Nest. We were able to get a sneak peek at the beautiful space ahead of its opening to the general public, and we can safely say that this will once again be a popular summer destination for both overnight guests and those passing through town for the day.

The re-designed space of The Crow’s Nest was an answer to a years-old dilemma: while the Madison Beach Hotel and the grounds it sits on are breathtaking and evoke a sense of intimacy, the dining room itself was, in contrast, quite large and “not very intimate.” 

General Manager John Mathers explains, “We realized what was missing was an intimate space, to have a bite, have a sip, communicate, talk with friends, and enjoy yourselves…the solution was The Crow’s Nest: an homage to the old Madison Beach Hotel. The old bar was called The Crow’s Nest, and here we are again in The Crow’s Nest.”

Walking into the space, the biggest difference you will notice right away if you are familiar with The Wharf is the addition of a new wall that was erected to designate the lounge from the restaurant’s general seating area. But don’t worry – the wall is adorned with windows, so while there is that added sense of intimacy, it is not by any means completely cut off from the restaurant. Regulars will still be able to recognize many of the features that make The Wharf such an inviting place, like its dark brown wood and richly plush navy seating.

Executive Chef Brian Warmingham was on the scene along with representatives from Madison Beach Hotel to welcome invited guests with a sampling of The Wharf’s appetizers off of its 2023 Spring Menu. Selections included Tuna Tartare, Oysters Rockefeller, and a larger-than-life Artisinal Charcuterie Board. Any one of these would be an excellent start to your meal, especially those oysters – we kept going back for more.

Whether you want to be seated in the general dining area for dinner, or you just want to grab a couple of drinks at The Crow’s Nest, The Wharf Restaurant is ready to welcome you this spring and summer. We in particular cannot wait to go back after the weather warms up and check out their outdoor seating, which overlooks Long Island Sound. We must point out, however, that we spotted plenty of overhead heaters up and down the patio, ready to keep you warm as you dine year-round.

The Wharf Restaurant will be open daily for the season beginning on Thursday, March 31. Advance reservations are available via OpenTable and are highly recommended.