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themindlesschasm t1_j8tsfo8 wrote

Reply to comment by nickyfatboi in Always surprised at lack of day drinking options by nickyfatboi

Contois Tavern is an old neighborhood bar that opened in New Haven, Connecticut in 1934. It was founded by Walter E. Contois. Local rumor has it that the location in the Goatville section of the city had originally served as New Haven's first speakeasy during the Prohibition Era. Contois took over the bar after the repeal, and it's belonged to his family ever since. They still follow an old school code of ethics. There wasn't a sign outside the bar until 2013, there are no hours posted, there's no website, and there's no phone. Today, the bar is run by Walter's grandson Bill Contois and great grandson Bill Jr. Aside from the occasional brew, Contois Tavern is also known for the food. There's no actual written menu, but one thing they are known for is their cheeseburger; some argue it's even the best in the city. They also grill up steaks and chicken tender cutlets. The meat comes from the Meat House in Branford. Contois Tavern also have a seasonal rotation of homemade hearty soups, such as beef stew, clam chowder and pepperoni soup. Concerning the latter, some customers claim, "You'll never eat another soup!" They even make grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches. Just remember, everything is CASH ONLY. I recently visited Contois Tavern at lunch time after a long morning bike ride. This place has no business being in 2021; it was like stepping into a speakeasy from the 1940s. Besides me, there was a table of elderly Italian men eating cheeseburgers and debating issues. Bill Jr. was running the place on this day. I grabbed a seat at the bar and ordered a cheeseburger with sliced tomato and caramelized onions. It came served on a fresh poppyseed roll. It seemed so simple, but then I bit into it and it was so delicious!! It was so juicy and flavorful; no ketchup needed. I also asked if they had any of the pepperoni soup I heard great things about. Bill said, "Sorry, that's more of a late Autumn/early Winter soup." Oh well; just another reason to come back. I would easily rank Contois's burger as one of the Top 3 in the city (along with Louis' Lunch and Prime 16 Tap House + Burgers). I'll definitely be back!

By Matthew L on Restaurant Guru

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nickyfatboi OP t1_j8ttfzn wrote

Wow, that sounds amazing. Thank you for this! Can’t wait to try it. Still not sure what buddy was talking about regarding them accepting me, but I guess I’ll find out

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j54t t1_j8tx8dt wrote

They accept anyone. Just gotta act a little salty and make sure to bring cash and don't come with a big crowd. I've never been "not accepted" nor do I know anyone who has. Also don't ask for a menu. Instead say "you doing food tonight?" cause legit sometimes they're just in no food mode and if you're not a regular he won't do it. It's def a bit intimidating but once you come in and grab a drink and chill for a min people will warm up to you.

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eddie964 t1_j8u3eih wrote

Shouldn't be an issue anymore. For a long time, it was a cop bar, and they were pretty picky about who they let in. Women were not allowed. (The reasoning supposedly was that the cops would go there after work, and if their wives knew they were at Contois, they could be sure they weren't messing around.)

It was real low-key. There was no sign or neon lights. My brother moved into an apartment right across the street in the late 1990s, and he didn't believe me at first when I told him there was a bar there.

The first few times I went in, I'm pretty sure they were keeping thge door locked, and I probably wouldn't have set foot inside except my friend had a connection. Even so, if memory serves, everyone stopped talking and stared at me. The owner -- I believe the father of the current owner -- was reputedly an ex-Navy Seal, and he certainly looked the part. Things got friendier once he got to know you.

Things got a lot more relaxed under the current ownership. They put in a low-key sign 10 years or so ago. And to my knowledge, they welcome anyone, male or female, as long as they behave respectfully.

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justalilchili t1_j8uxkh7 wrote

Woman here, I went once with no problems so pretty sure it’s fine now. 😂 Their cook was out the day we went though, which I’m kind of bummed about after reading the other comments.

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Fun-Cockroach8339 t1_j8uzirx wrote

Cops definitely went there but it was more of a blue collar bar than strictly a “cop bar”: railroad, water company, fd, PD, UI, etc. It also has its share of local politicos drink there. The ownership is the same family and rumor is that it’s the oldest liquor license in the state with the same name.

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Ambartenen t1_j8uieen wrote

White men get preference. Then cops, firefighters and EMT, regardless of race.

I’ve never seen a black woman in there

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rueluella t1_j8wmqcc wrote

I’ve been there once! (Black woman) don’t think I’ll be going back again. 🥴

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Fun-Cockroach8339 t1_j8uzqtq wrote

This isn’t true, however the demographic of east rock is primarily white so that tends to be the clientele.

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brewski t1_j8w5xqh wrote

I don't doubt you, though I'm not sure there is a "preference" more than that's just who tends to frequent the place. East Rock is diverse on paper, but not always in practice. There was a reasonable amount of diversity there the last time I went, including black women. But that was at least a decade ago.

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RedditZhangHao t1_j8ty2ul wrote

Under prior ownership, the Contois Tavern existed and potentially was a speakeasy before the Contois family bought or reestablished the business in 1934.

Side topic tangent: Prohibition started in 1920 and ended in 1933. During the prohibition years, annual New Haven City Directories document my Irish immigrant family’s saloon operated as a purported “candy or confectionery store”.

Likely similar to Contois’ predecessor, our candy store never stopped operating. Alcohol regulators and police and city leaders of the day were absolutely paid off. Written family records also indicate many of them joined our relatives for complimentary dinners after Sunday church services. Supposed to have served good eats, and definitely cashed Winchester Repeating Arms and other factory workers’ pay checks.

Still there, multiple ownership changes later (520 Winchester Ave/Thompson St). Hope the OP finds some quality day time establishments, but suspect the currently-named Taurus B may not meet OP’s interests. /s

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brewski t1_j8w6k86 wrote

Cool. Kinda has a Contois vibe from the outside.

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