mrjohnmay OP t1_izz5sfm wrote
Reply to comment by OpelSmith in I'm from Michigan visiting a buddy who lives up in Hartford, and we're planning to do a night in New Haven. Any fun night life recommendos? by mrjohnmay
I plan to eat-a the pizza, so we're covered there.
Weird dives, spots with live music, vibey spots with mysterious people, etc.
What's your favorite spot, and why?
OpelSmith t1_izzasyh wrote
Here's are my personal things to do as a local on a night out:
Bars:
-Both wine bars on State st(Cave a Vin and August). They're warm, cozy places. They're both smaller though(especially August), so seats may be hard to find on a Friday night in winter
-The Canon. A newish neighborhood bar on Dwight st, definitely not part of the nightlight area. Aside from being a cozy little place, they've carved out an unusual niche as a vegan soccer bar(Arsenal represent)
-The Owl Shop. A bar, cigar shop, and cafe all in one. Managed to slide through a loophole in the law back in 2000s to be one of the few(if not only) bar left in the state you can smoke in. Definitely attracts an eccentric group of patrons. Definitely will go home absolutely reeking of ashtray on a weekend night
-Trinity. A big irish pub type of place. One of those bars where you don't feel awkward going in at 5pm to have a beer and bowl of stew to yourself.
-Cafe 9, best dive bar with live music. The other contenders are Three Sheets and Stella Blues. Three Sheets is fine, but I feel like less dive than they use to be. Stella Blues is okay, definitely a coke bar though, vibe is a bit seedier than Cafe 9
Restaurants:
-My actual favorite pizza in NHV is Brick Oven on Howe St. Wood fired pizza with a crust that is even thinner/crispier than the standard apizza style. They're hit or miss though, like 85% best pizza ever, 15% foul ball
-Of the big classic 3, skip Pepes. Go to Modern or Sally's.
-New Tibetan place on Chapel st that is so freakin good
-Do the local thing and grab a late night sandwich at Mamouns. Although now they close at 1am. They use to be either 2-3am 365 days a year. Legendary(Good Nature Market also exists if you need a 3am sandwich)
Fun stuff:
-Yale Cabaret. The Reparatory theater gets most of the attention, but I love the Cabaret. Such an intimate spot, you're right in front of the performers. They serve food and drink before the performance as well
-Barcade. It's exactly what it sounds like, so if you don't want to play arcade games and pinball, it's probably a pass
-Mediterranea. Hookah bar! Like 30 flavors to pick from, and they made pretty good food
-There is an axe throwing place I haven't been to, but i assume is interesting
this isn't a good list of all fun things in NHV, but basically where I would go for a date on a Friday night
brewski t1_j01qrvp wrote
Excellent list. Unfortunately, the axe throwing bar closed down last week.
I have to throw in my obligatory "Cafe Nine is not a dive bar" comment. It's safe and clean and serves $9 pints. Hands down my favorite music venue. Weeds Cafe is a dive, if you're looking for one.
Stezo45 t1_izzdfpu wrote
Saving thanks bro
mrjohnmay OP t1_izzcera wrote
Hell yeah, thank you so much
Dispatches547 t1_j01shlo wrote
This is pretty good list, the only things I'll add: Pepes and Sally's are better than Modern, and on one street with a great Italian dessert spot from 1915 (libbeys). These are walkable from downtown, as Modern is farther. Other bars with good vibes are Old Heidelberg, Rudy's. He mentioned Three Sheets which is a classic. I'll also add that Cafe 9 is great but demands a cover usually so if you're popping around and don't want to drop 10 bucks per person keep that in mind. The axe place closed. Barcade is not unique to new haven but pretty cool. I would add Ordinary as a cocktail bar, but get a reservation.
Bar is another famous pizza spot, has pool and brews their own beers, and transmogrifies into a dance spot in the back at night.
Have fun
6th__extinction t1_j068s8c wrote
Modern is way better, the other two sold out hard
Dispatches547 t1_j06fpnv wrote
Bzzt wrong. Sallys has gotten better since they sold anyway, I think that might show how frequently you partake
[deleted] t1_j02dfbf wrote
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ruiner9 t1_izz67uo wrote
Ooh if you’re looking for a good vibe with live music, check Cafe Nine on State St!
6th__extinction t1_izzii1k wrote
Vibey dive spot the Old Heidelberg
hanginglimbs t1_izzqxm2 wrote
Sounds like you may like Three Sheets
StuckBehindASkoolBus t1_j02dpba wrote
My favorite dive is New West Cafe. While not downtown it’s still in a nice part of New Haven and is a short uber to downtown. It could break up the night and be a good starting point b4 you head downtown.
PeteyWinkle t1_j0075zj wrote
My favorite dive is three sheets. Highly recommend. Along with cafe nine, stella blues also has live music most nights.
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