Updated at: 04-10-2023 - By: John Lau

New Haven, Connecticut is a vibrant city with a diverse bar scene that caters to locals, students, and visitors alike. From classic pubs to trendy cocktail bars, there is something for everyone.

In this article, we will explore the best bars in New Haven, as voted by locals and visitors. Whether you’re looking for a casual spot for happy hour or a lively night out, this list has got you covered.

We’ll also highlight some of the unique features and specialties of each bar, so you can find the perfect spot to suit your mood and taste. So, let’s dive in and discover the best bars in New Haven, CT!

Top 17 Best Bars In New Haven Ct

BAR

Best Bars In New Haven Ct

BAR is a popular bar and nightclub located in New Haven, Connecticut. It is known for its craft beer and brick-oven pizza, as well as its dance floor.

BAR has been voted as one of the best bars in New Haven by locals.

In addition to BAR, some other highly rated bars in New Haven include Bar 254 Crown St., Geronimo Tequila Bar, Barcade, and Ordinary.

Elm City Social

Elm City Social is a gastropub located in New Haven, CT. It is housed in a historic early 1900s building and has been featured as a top Connecticut Magazine’s Best New Restaurant.

The restaurant serves New American bites and artisanal cocktails. Elm City Social has a menu that includes an Agave Lab, parties, classes, and gift cards.

The restaurant is open from Monday to Thursday from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm. Reservations can be made through their website or OpenTable. Elm City Social has a rooftop patio and a tiki bar.

Chacra Pisco Bar

Chacra Pisco Bar is a Peruvian restaurant located at 152 Temple St, New Haven, CT 06510. The restaurant celebrates the rich culinary diversity of Peru and offers an exciting exploration of Peruvian cuisine.

They serve authentic Peruvian dishes and drinks, including Pisco sours. The restaurant has a beautiful outdoor patio that is perfect for enjoying food and drinks.

They can be contacted at 203-714-1771.

Duffy’s Tavern

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Duffy’s Tavern is a neighborhood hangout serving Irish-accented pub grub. It is located at 241 Campbell Ave in West Haven, Connecticut.

– Duffy’s Tavern serves Irish-accented pub grub. You can view the menu on MenuPix or Restaurant Guru.

– Duffy’s Tavern has generally positive reviews on Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Restaurantji.

–  You can call Duffy’s Tavern at (203) 933-9721. They are closed now according to TripAdvisor.

80 Proof American Kitchen & Bar

80 Proof American Kitchen & Bar is an American restaurant and cocktail bar located in downtown New Haven, CT.

The restaurant serves modern twists on classic fare with a focus on shareable plates, elevated bar food, and approachable craft cocktails.

The menu is available on their website. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and open from 4 pm to 1 am on Tuesdays to Thursdays, from 4 pm to 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 12 pm to 1 am on Sundays.

They have a secluded outdoor dining area called “Proof on the Patio”. To book a party, customers can contact the restaurant through their website. Customers are required to hold a credit card when dining outside.

The restaurant has received positive reviews on Yelp. They also have an Instagram account where they post updates and promotions.

116 Crown

116 Crown is a trendy lounge located at 116 Crown St in New Haven, CT. The lounge serves creative cocktails, charcuterie, cheese, flatbreads, and more.

All syrups are house-made, and all juice is fresh-squeezed. The lounge offers cocktail classes and take-out options.

Reservations are required to enjoy guaranteed space, and they can be made online or by calling 203-777-3116.

744 West Bar & Grill

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744 West Bar & Grill is a restaurant located in West Haven, Connecticut. It serves modern American plates in a relaxed atmosphere with a lively bar area and an outdoor patio.

The restaurant is located at 744 Boston Post Road in West Haven. They offer a variety of menus, including lunch, dinner, and catering menus.

Some of the dishes they serve include boneless wings, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and seafood. The restaurant has generally good food, generous portions, and fair prices.

They are open from Monday to Thursday from 11:30 am to 1:00 am.

168 York St Cafe

168 York Street Cafe is a gay bar and American eatery located in New Haven, Connecticut. It is situated in a beautiful brownstone building near the intersection of York and Chapel Streets, close to the heart of Yale campus.

The cafe is one of the oldest and friendliest gay bars in Connecticut and is the only gay-owned and operated bar/restaurant in New Haven.

The kitchen is open five days a week, and diners and appetizers are served. The cafe is a CT Lottery Retailer.

Contact information:

– Address: 168 York Street, New Haven, CT 06510

– Phone number: (203) 789-1915

Olive and Oil

Olive and Oil is an Italian restaurant located in New Haven, Connecticut. The restaurant offers creative Italian cuisine, brick-oven pizza, and hand-pulled mozzarella in a brick-walled setting.

The restaurant has vintage decor and an urban flair, where old world meets new world. The restaurant is also an event venue with a customizable menu and a unique atmosphere, featuring a psychedelic pig on the wall and a brick oven on display.

Olives and Oil is open from Monday to Thursday from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm. The restaurant has a second location called Olives and Oil Pizzeria. Customers can book a table at Olives and Oil through OpenTable.

Te Amo Tequila

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Te Amo Tequila Bar & Tacos is a Mexican restaurant and tequila bar located in downtown New Haven, CT. They offer a laid-back atmosphere with two fully stocked bars, a dining room, and an open kitchen.

The restaurant serves dinner from 12 pm until midnight seven days a week. They have a dinner menu, cocktail menu, and happy hour menu.

Customers can make reservations by calling (203) 553-7914 or emailing [email protected]. In addition to dining in, Te Amo Tequila Bar & Tacos also offers takeout and delivery options for their gourmet tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and margaritas.

Geronimo

Geronimo Tequila Bar and Southwest Grill is a restaurant located at 271 Crown Street in New Haven, CT. It serves Southwestern cuisine and has a large selection of tequilas.

The restaurant has indoor and outdoor dining areas, indoor fireplaces, and private event spaces. It is open from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

Barcade

Barcade is an arcade bar located at 56 Orange Street in New Haven, Connecticut. It offers pub food and a variety of draft beers, and is known for its late hours.

The bar has a low-lit atmosphere and features classic arcade games. The menu includes appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and desserts.

Barcade is open daily from 12pm to 7pm for outdoor seating only.

The Trinity Bar & Restaurant

The Trinity Bar & Restaurant is located at 157 Orange St, New Haven, CT 06510. It serves Irish and American fare in a cozy pub setting with live music, flat-screen TVs, and outdoor seating.

The restaurant opened its doors in February 2015. The Trinity Bar prides itself on bringing an authentic slice of Ireland to New Haven.

They offer a variety of menus, including brunch, lunch, dinner, and late-night menus. The restaurant also has a craft beer selection and an outdoor patio.

Ordinary

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Ordinary is a cocktail bar located in New Haven, Connecticut. It is one of the oldest taverns in New Haven and was once the bar of the Hotel Taft.

The bar serves creative cocktails and offers a curated array of intriguing libations. In addition to drinks, Ordinary also serves charcuterie and cheese boards, as well as some of New Haven’s tastiest snacks.

The bar has happy hour specials from 5 pm to 7 pm daily. Ordinary is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but is open from 5 pm to 12 am on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

The restaurant can be contacted at (203) 907-0238 for takeout orders.

Ordinary has an Instagram account with over 9,000 followers, where they post photos and updates about the bar.

Archie Moore’s

Archie Moore’s is a chain American eatery with Coca-Cola-themed decor that serves chicken wings and other casual bites.

The restaurant is located in New Haven, CT, and is a historic neighborhood bar and restaurant in the heart of East Rock New Haven.

The menu features local food, cocktails, and local beer, and the kitchen closes at 12 am, but the bar is open until 1 am.

Archie Moore’s has multiple locations, and the original restaurant was established on Willow Street in 1898. The New Haven location is in a historic 100-year-old building that features indoor and outdoor seating.

Customers can purchase gift cards for the restaurant, and the restaurant has an active presence on Instagram and Facebook.

The Owl Shop

The Owl Shop is a tobacconist, cigar bar, and lounge located in New Haven, Connecticut. It was originally opened as a bookstore in 1934 by Joseph St. John, who came to America from Greece in 1925.

The shop offers a full line of Owl Shop pipes and cigar accessories such as humidors, cigar cases, lighters, and cutters. The lounge is fully stocked with a bar specializing in top-shelf libations.

The hours of operation are Mondays from 4 pm to 1 am, Tuesday through Thursday from 11 am to 1 am, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 2 am, and Sunday from 12 pm to 1 am.

Armada Brewing

Armada Brewing is a local brewery located in New Haven, Connecticut. They offer a variety of craft beers, local wine, cider, and spirit options.

The brewery has 12 draft lines of premium Armada beers. They also serve Zuppardi’s Apizzas, pretzels, and more. Armada Brewing is located at 190 River Street, New Haven, CT 06513.

They are open from Thursday to Friday, from 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm and 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, respectively. The brewery is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

Armada Brewing offers free on-site and street parking. According to a Connecticut Magazine article, Armada Brewing is a place where “beers and fantasy adventure collide”.