Updated at: 05-10-2023 - By: John Lau

New Haven, CT is home to a vibrant bar scene, with a variety of options to suit any taste. From craft beer to cocktail lounges, there is something for everyone in this city.

These bars offer a range of atmospheres, from cozy and intimate to bustling and energetic. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, be sure to check out some of the best bars in New Haven, CT.

Top 15 Best Bars New Haven Ct

BAR

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BAR is a popular bar and dance club located in New Haven, CT. It has been a landmark in the city since 1991 and is known for its brick oven pizza, freshly brewed beer, and dancing.

According to Yelp, BAR is one of the best bars in New Haven, along with The Owl Shop, Ordinary, Firehouse 12, and others.

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 and is open until 1:00 am Sunday through Thursday and until 2:00 am on Friday and Saturday evenings.

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.

Ordinary

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

The bar serves charcuterie and cheese boards and offers creative cocktails. They have a curated array of intriguing libations and some of New Haven’s tastiest snacks to pair with them.

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

Customers can book a table through their website or through OpenTable.

Firehouse 12

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Firehouse 12 is a venue in New Haven, CT that serves as an intimate recording studio and concert venue for contemporary jazz.

It also has a full-service bar that specializes in classic cocktails, select wines, and rotating draught and featured beer selection.

The venue is located at 45 Crown Street in New Haven, CT. Firehouse 12 is known for its live music performances and is one of the best bars in New Haven.

Old Heidelberg

Old Heidelberg is a cocktail bar and restaurant located in New Haven, Connecticut. It opened in 1757, making it one of the oldest continuously operating taverns in the United States.

The restaurant serves German-inspired cuisine and has a selection of beers and cocktails.

The hours of operation are Monday-Wednesday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Thursday-Saturday from 4:00 pm to 12:00 am, and Sunday from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Old Heidelberg is located at 1151 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06511.

Gryphon’s Pub

Gryphon’s Pub is a bar located at 204 York St. in New Haven, Connecticut. It is known for being a hangout spot for Yale grad students. The bar has a membership program, and its fall hours are as follows:

– Monday: Closed

– Tuesday: 7-11pm

– Wednesday: 7-11pm

– Thursday: 7-11pm

– Friday: 7pm-12am

– Saturday: 7pm-12am

Gryphon’s Pub features tap beers and karaoke nights. The bar has bike parking and is wheelchair accessible. Additionally, Gryphon’s Pub hosts events, which can be found on their website.

Contois Tavern

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Contois Tavern is a neighborhood bar located in New Haven, Connecticut that has been around since 1934. It was founded by Walter E. Contois and is known for its inexpensive food and generous pours.

The bar serves beer and shots and has a low maintenance crowd. The cheeseburger is a popular item on the menu and is still priced at $6.

The bar is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 12 am and on Sunday and Monday from 11 am to 7 pm.

It is a cash-only establishment and does not have a phone. According to a review on TripAdvisor, Contois Tavern is a place for neighbors and gentlemen of good will.

Elm City Social

Elm City Social is a gastropub located in New Haven, CT. The restaurant is housed in a historic early 1900s building. Elm City Social serves New American bites and artisanal cocktails.

They have a rooftop patio and a tiki bar. The restaurant has been featured as a top Connecticut Magazine’s Best New Restaurant.

Elm City Social offers an Agave Lab, parties, classes, and gift cards. They are open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm. Reservations can be made through their website or OpenTable.

Te Amo Tequila Bar & Tacos

Te Amo Tequila Bar & Tacos is a Mexican restaurant and tequila bar located in downtown New Haven, CT. The restaurant features two bars, tequila cocktails, and a unique taco experience.

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

Reservations can be made by email in [email protected].

They also offer take-out ordering directly from their kitchen for pick-up using the ‘order online’ button on their website or the Toast TakeOut app on your phone.

Three Sheets

Three Sheets is a lively local bar located at 372 Elm Street in New Haven, Connecticut. It is known for its personal pizzas, sandwiches, craft beers, and cocktails.

The bar also features live music and has been described as “The Elm City’s Friendly Neighborhood Gastrodive” on its Instagram page.

Three Sheets is closed on Mondays and open from 4:00 pm to 1:00 am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. On Fridays, it is open from 4:00 pm to 2:00 am. Customers can also order food and beer to-go.

The Trinity Bar & Restaurant

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The Trinity Bar & Restaurant is a cozy pub in New Haven, Connecticut that serves Irish and American fare. The bar prides itself on bringing an authentic slice of Ireland to New Haven.

The menu features a variety of dishes, including Irish classics like shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash, as well as American favorites like burgers and wings.

The bar also has live music, flat-screen TVs, and outdoor seating. The Trinity Bar & Restaurant is located at 157 Orange St, New Haven, CT 06510.  Customers can also follow The Trinity Bar on Instagram to stay up-to-date on events and specials.

The Cask Republic

Cask Republic is a restaurant and bar located at 179 Crown St in New Haven, Connecticut. According to a Reddit post, the restaurant is permanently closed.

However, their Instagram page still appears to be active and features photos of their food and drinks. The restaurant served hand-crafted food with rare craft beer and spirits, and was known for its award-winning burger, cocktail, and pesto mac.

The restaurant had a good beer selection with a rotating list and dedicated warm lines. The menu featured American and bar food.

The Beer Collective

The Beer Collective was a craft beer bar located in New Haven, CT that permanently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was known for its array of craft beers and burgers. The bar had a great pub vibe and a nice selection of beers and nosh.

The Beer Collective was located at 130 Court Street in New Haven. The bar had a rating of 5 on Google reviews.

The Beer Collective had an Instagram account where they posted updates on their everyday service, beer dinners, special events, beer education seminars, and more.

The Playwright Irish Pub

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The Playwright Irish Pub has two locations, one in Hamden and one in New Haven, Connecticut. The New Haven location is now closed. The Hamden location opened in July 1999 and is described as New Haven County’s most authentic Irish pub and restaurant.

The Hamden location’s address is 1232 Whitney Ave, Hamden, CT 06517, and their phone number is (203) 287-2401.

The New Haven location’s address is 144 Temple St, New Haven, CT 06510, and their phone number is (203) 752-0450.

The Anchor Spa

The Anchor Spa is a bar and restaurant located at 272 College Street in New Haven, Connecticut. The bar offers craft cocktails and small plates in an intimate, antiques-filled space.

The food menu is available on their website. The bar has undergone renovations and is under new ownership.

The Anchor Spa was named after the Milford, Connecticut beach where it first opened during Prohibition, and in its halcyon days, it became a favorite watering hole for actors.

The Anchor Spa is open on Tuesdays from 5 pm to 12 am.