50 Best Bars near Meriden

“I recommended 100% friendly environment, I bring my daughter and she always feels really comfortable. The food is amazing breakfast and lunch. I love how they make the tostones(plantains) it’s one of my favorite things to eat.“

“I'm hosting open mic night at Mr Bentley's don't let this weather stop you come do your thing today Saturday August 18th Mz fancy entertainment 🎤“

“Just moved to Wallingford and wanted to find a local bar nearby. Didn't realize Wallingford bars close at 11 on Sundays so someone told us about this place! My bf and I loved it!! Bartender Jordan was super nice, very attentive and fun!! Drink prices were great too! I was extra excited that it was karaoke night!!! Exactly what I was looking for!! Guess I found my new regular spot to hangout Sunday nights!!“

“It’s a cheap local dive lives up to what you would need from a watering hole. Inexpensive drinks, not pretentious, mainly plastic cups, good people. First time, walked in and had a small chat with a patron before the night was done. Plus, unlike some other aptly named Irish pubs, they do have Guinness *cough obrians*. Decent draft list too for a small local. Didn’t play, but seems like a good setup for darts too. I might not take a date or the wife for low key dinner and drinks, but after work or a friend for a cheap blow off steam evening? Absolutely.“

“EXCELLENT PLACE , THERE FOOD IS GREAT N PRICE IS VERY RESONABLE. YOU GOTTA TRY THERE SEA FOOD PLATTER & THERE WINGS EXC. NICE COZY PLACE , N ATMOSPHERE IS GREAT AS WELL. COME ON DOWN YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT !!“

“Our food and service were outstanding. We came in from out of town and loved everything we ordered. We will definitely be back k next time we visit our son.“

“Just had my birthday there for 6 plus hours with family and friends everyone was amazing! I couldn’t ask for a better place to host an event“

“I went to Smoke and Muddle for Music Bingo roughly two years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since! What started as a fun night out has turned into my go to spot. I’m there at least once a week, sometimes twice.

The atmosphere truly feels like home. The bartenders Robin, Hope, Crystal, and Andy are all amazing and attentive. They’re friendly, welcoming, and always make sure you’re taken care of. You can tell they genuinely enjoy what they do, and it shows in the service.

Robin has done a fantastic job owning and running this place. She’s built an incredible team and created such a great environment. The food and drink menu is awesome with plenty of options, and everything I’ve tried has been great.

Over time, what started as great service turned into genuine friendships with the staff and Robin. That kind of connection is rare, and it’s what truly sets this place apart. If you’re looking for fun events, amazing drinks, delicious food, and a spot that feels like home the moment you walk in — this is it. I can’t recommend it enough!“

“We had a wonderful small family reunion in a private room last night! Staff was courteous, joyful and perfectly attentive! Very refreshing. Food was excellent and reasonably priced. Highly recommend!“

“Best metal bar in all of CT.“

“Great food experience! Haven't been here in years. I wasn't sure if COVID had changed things. Just the prices. My brother and I had burgers and beer. He ate dessert too. Burgers cooked as request. Pleasant and low key server. Perfect Saturday night supper. Not cheap eats anymore but moderately priced night out for two.“

“I just read a story about these people went to eat and witness something was so totally wrong . A trooper came into this restaurant and was refused service. All these was based on the owners feelings about the law enforcement. These men and women put thier life’s on the line to protect everyone including you Mr. Owner. This puts a bad taste in my mouth about the owner , not the restaurant. This owner has good people working for him and they do make good food. However I will never go to this restaurant ever again. All this happened two hours after the Bristol’s policeman was killed on duty.“

“my show went awesome , and the other two bands had a great show too (EGG! and The Forest Room).“

“First time going to Stryker’s - came to see the fabulous duo/ band- had a wonderful meal with fabulous service- honestly not a place I would have normally gone to but everything was wonderful and we will definitely be back- great food, amazing service and fun night of music and really good food“

“One of my favorite spots , been going there for 35 years . Everyone that works there is amazing . Love the Owner Todd , and miss Lenny“

“Amazing food. Chef mike is OUTSTANDING.“

“I made a reservation here on a Saturday for a date night with my wife and we had a great time. The atmosphere was cool. The service and food were all very good. (We had Cuban Sliders, Calamari and loaded plantain nachos). It was nice to have a unique restaurant experience for a change. It’s the type of place that everyone in the area should do at least once.“

“I have gone here a couple of times now just looking for somewhere laid back to shoot a few games of pool. They have a coin op table, Bartender (I think her name is Rachel?) is wonderful and makes great drinks. Locals/Regulars vibe for sure, but very welcoming.“

“My first time dining experience was excellent! Food was delicious, waitstaff very attentive and friendly. Me and my daughter loved the atmosphere and we were lucky to come in while live Polish band was playing. Such a fun place with great food. Must try is definitely German chocolate cake😋 We will be back soon for sure!“

“I love this place. The only attitude here is a good one. Safe and relaxed is the vibe. Friendly folks and lots of karaoke and open mic.“

“Great bar, attentive service, pub grub menus with excellent wings. Make your own pasta dishes, pizza and entrees to round it out. Just open three months but a welcome addition to the area.“

“My favorite stomping ground. I love the home, family, Cheers feeling I get every time I walk in. It’s truly a place where you feel comfortable and everyone knows your name.“

“They have the best sour cream and onion chips“

“First time here, but I was very impressed by the food and service. I'm trying to eat a more plant-based diet and the veggie quesadilla was not only delicious, but extremely satisfying and filling. One of a few places that actually have blue cheese stuffed olives for martinis! Will definitely stay here again!“

“The only thing here is that they denied me a drink one time i walked in and i still had 10 mins before last call and the perseon saod we dont just serve anyone off the street at this time... I was so upset. I will never forget that. The owner must think he is better than the people who keep him in business if thats the way he treats us. Its us that keep him in business he should remind his bartenders that as well. Food is great but always wOut of wings..... Come on thats the go to food for the bar. But besides that the bartenders are nice and the bar is clean cheaper than Ledgends and some other bars.“

“Great dive bar.Lunch with a view.“

“My Family and I went there for the first time to see Anthem Road (great band) but will definitely make this Bar one of our Go to places. Great food. Great service. Great atmosphere. Very friendly people that work there“

“Crystal is the best in the world and if you don't like her I don't know what to tell you.“

“Always an enjoyable meal and great atmosphere. staff is friendly and attentive.“

“Hands down best lunch I've ever had !! I celebrated my 60th birthday with my bff today ! I can't wait to go back... service: impeccable food: Outstanding cocktails: super fun and delicious ! This restaurant is not just a 10... is above and beyond !! Thank you Sabrina for a wonderful afternoon in your beautifully decorated restaurant. You and your husband have a winner in my book ❤️“

“Tonight we had dinner in the party room for a wedding celebration (for friends) and it was a GREAT experience. I've been here before but to see how kind, helpful and attentive the staff was- it was so wonderful! They even helped a bit with detail while we decorated and continuously congratulated the new bride and groom. Thank you all for a wonderful experience and the gifts you bestowed upon them as well. I will continue spread the word at how amazing you all are!“

“Una Chimba 🎉 el verdadero jangueooo!!!“

“Love the ciders every time I come here. And dog friendly too! Def my favorite ciders!!“

“Amazing food and friendly staff!“

“Good food, nice staff and clean facilities! Never had anything bad from there“

“Cannot thank the staff, especially Debbie, Cheryl, and Christine for their amazing efforts in coordinating a dinner at Gaetano's following a funeral for our treasured family member. We could not have been more pleased with the accommodations, the food, and especially the service. We received many positive compliments from our family and friends. We could not have picked a better spot to gather. We are so grateful for the comfortable, supportive and positive experience we had during such a difficult time we were all going through.“

“Best pizza in the area……Friendly atmosphere.“

“Just had a big grill an bang bang chicken absolutely delicious give it a try“

“Last week my family and i had dinner at Flair which is one of our favorite restaurants and Hector the owner told us his family bought Fratellis. We said we would come in this week snd try out the new restaurant. We had told Hector the we loved clams casino and he remembered and even though they were not on the menu he brought some to us from Flair. They were excellent. We also had the best chicken dish ever which was called chicken fratellis. It was very obvious that Hector and his family bent over backwards to ensure our experience was amazing and.......it was. We highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants to have a fabulous meal and feel that you are appreciated. Thank again“

“Karaoke Saturday nights, I go with my mom and have a blast every time. Great vibe, lots of talent and everyone cheers each other on, unlike other places where I’ve almost been slapped for being good.“

“Sooo freaking good! One of my favorite espresso martinis“

“It's a medium size hall with a bar room attached. It has a smoking room for when it's cold. It has a two stall restroom for both men and women. A kitchen they use. The price is reasonable. It is a great spot for parties or celebrations of life.“

“Best Italian restaurant in the area I come all the way from Florida to go there Make sure you ask for Francesca for a waitress the best Thank you Francesca for a great experience“

“Love it. Super attentive staff without being annoying. Great guacamole and salsa. Blackened haddock with pineapple and grilled vegetables was excellent.“

“Good food and great service“

“Great family atmosphere. Also good for meeting with friends for drinks and pizza. Super cozy.“

“Great experience hosting a party at the Pavilion today! Beautiful location, excellent food & service.“

“My wife, son, and I decided to try out Bella’s Ristorante for our first time this evening for dinner. It was absolutely an excellent experience with outstanding food. We started out with the calamari appetizer with marinara sauce. The calamari was very fresh and done to perfection. We also tried out their pasta fagioli soup. It was homemade and tasted just like Grandma used to make it! I asked the owner if the chef could prepare Shrimp Scampi. It was a very generous portion, and I told the owner that it was the best that I ever had. The broth was delicious! My wife absolutely enjoyed her chicken piccata. She was very pleased with the tenderness of the chicken and how it was prepared. My son ordered the “Chicken and Shrimp” special. He related that it was excellent. To finish our meal, we had tiramisu which we all really enjoyed.
This was our first time eating at Bella’s, and we all really enjoyed our meals. The food and service are exceptional. I highly recommend this restaurant.
Jeff Fournier“

“I love it there, but some of the recent changes I’m unhappy with. For example, no more lotto or Keno, no more being able to hang out with the awesome workers after their shift.“

“Great food, friendly servers“