21 Best Bars near New Canaan

“We’d flown across the continent from Vancouver to New York, and drove up from Midtown to New Canaan to see something quieter. The moment we parked on Elm Street, it felt like the right destination. The name might belong to old horror movies, but the street was nothing but calm. My wife called it “cute” about a thousand times, and she wasn’t wrong.

We walked the shops, stepped in and out of small storefronts, and followed a narrow back alley when hunger finally caught up with us. That’s how we found Back End — tucked away, sunny, and exactly where it needed to be. The November air was cold, but the day had a clear sky that made everything feel sharp and clean.

Service was friendly and quick. The room had an easy rhythm — warm decor, high stools, tight tables. A space used well. Fun without being loud, relaxed without slowing down. Sometimes you stumble onto a place that matches your mood perfectly. This was one of those.

We shared tacos, Nonna's meatballs, and chicken dumplings. Every plate landed. Simple dishes done right, seasoned with confidence. Nothing heavy, nothing forced — the kind of food that keeps a conversation moving and a day on track.

Back End fit the afternoon. A hidden spot in a quiet town, found by accident on a long trip. The kind of place you remember because it met you exactly where you were.“

“Cherry Street East is a wonderful spot for classic American food. They serve generous portions that are hearty and satisfying, and every dish feels made with care. The flavors are spot on, making it the perfect place whether you’re hungry for a casual bite or a full meal. What stood out most was the owner—so kind and genuinely welcoming—that made the whole experience feel like visiting a friend’s home. A place I’ll definitely be coming back to again and again!“

“Really enjoyed our first time there. Can’t wait to come back and try more food!!!“

“We just hosted a big event at the Townhouse and it was amazing! Dana is a joy to work with, her team was professional, and the food delicious. My vendors loved working with them also!!“

“My husband can’t get enough of this place. Great vibe to socialize with friends. As well as make new ones. Alan knows how to make a killer cocktail.“

“Always a good time here. BJ & Keith have created a fun and friendly atmosphere here. Bartenders and Servers are always on point and provide the best service. Try a Carlarita…you won’t be disappointed“

“I’ve been wanting to try this restaurant for the longest time and finally got the chance—overall, it was a great experience!

• Crispy Calamari & Crispy Sushi Bite – a must-try! The sushi bite was so good I ordered two rounds.

• Sweet Potato Fries – always a a good idea.

• 12-Hour Short Ribs – 4/5; flavorful, but would’ve been perfect if a bit more tender.

• Steak Au Poivre – 4.5/5; cooked well, though the sauce leaned slightly on the bitter side.

• Steak Yakisoba – 4/5; satisfying and well-balanced.

• Black Gold Truffle Fried Rice – 4/5; rich, but had a slight bitter aftertaste.

• Desserts – great variety, and everything we tried was chef’s kiss.

Overall, a really enjoyable dining experience with standout appetizers and desserts. Would definitely come back to try more! ♡“

“Had a great time with the live bands and Karaoke, and the food it’s out of this world!! recommend this place 100%“

“THE BEST CLUB IN ALL OF CT !!!! it’s gorgeous inside ! all new & redone HUGE TV like over the top big plus multiple all over the main area, there is also a VIP bar area 2 different stages & tons of good drinks with great prices plus package deals on bottles ! best club to go to for events , birthday party’s , bachelorette party’s, even divorce parties! the girls are HOT 🥵 like super model hot & so is the staff“

“Great food! Stunning views and reasonably priced!!“

“First time in town. First place we went after checking into hotel. Great bar. Great bartender (Maggie?)!

Had a few beers. Watched some baseball. Good time!

Proper Guiness pours. Other good beers on draft. Decent liquor choices.“

“I discovered this taproom when roaming around Stamford. They have over 40 different taps where you can pour your own beers, wines, and even kombuchas. It’s self service like frozen yogurt and they have different glasses you can choose from depending on your choice. They also have glass cleaners at the taps too. This taproom has darts, shuffleboarding, and karaoke amongst things to do. Highly recommend“

“Stopped by this bar randomly last night before they closed and I'm glad I did. The owner, bartenders, and people at the bar are awesome and are welcoming with love. They have shuffleboard and great drinks. my experience was great. Give them a try❤️“

“Casey’s Tavern is a fantastic local favorite that absolutely deserves a five-star review! From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed by a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that feels both classic and inviting.

The food is excellent—simple, well-made, and full of flavor. From hearty comfort dishes to perfectly cooked bar favorites, everything is prepared with care and consistency. It’s the kind of place where every meal feels satisfying and dependable.

The drink selection is great as well, with cold beers and solid cocktails that pair perfectly with the laid-back tavern vibe.

What really makes Casey’s Tavern stand out is the service. The staff is genuinely friendly, attentive, and makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit.

If you’re looking for a comfortable neighborhood spot with great food, drinks, and atmosphere, Casey’s Tavern is a must-visit. Highly recommended!“

“Great food, atmosphere and waitstaff❤️“

“Hockey season is back and I’m back for all the food and drinks!

Elliot & Angel are so kind, super friendly and professional. I enjoy talking to them when they’re not super busy and they’re always serving amazing food and slinging awesome drinks (beers, cocktails and mocktails).

I enjoy their breakfast. Eggs are cooked to perfection. Their breakfast bowl I had was awesome. I don’t like my food touching so I asked for everything to be individually served. The tots were crispy, chili is awesome! Usually the breakfast bowl is all of the above layered in a bowl. Get it! You won’t be sorry.

The breakfast burrito is pretty hearty. It has eggs, cheese and potatoes wrapped in a flour tortilla. I’ve had their breakfast sandwich on a hard roll and it’s probably one of the best breakfast sandwich (egg, cheese, bacon) I’ve ever had.

For lunch and dinner they have many options since it’s a bar & grill. I personally love their chicken Caesar salad (you can get it in a wrap too). The chicken is so moist and seasoned to perfection and grilled nicely. My son practices here three times a week so he grabs dinner to eat in the car and he enjoys the kids menu options.

They’re located on the second floor of SoNo Ice House. Ambiance is a chill vibe with music loud enough to hear but you can still hear your friends during conversations. The tables are seated by the window so you can see your kid(s) play/practice. It’s clean. Has a full bar, full kitchen and booth seating as well. They also have a private party room for rent and they’ll cater it as well. So many great things to say about this establishment.“

“Yesterday was an amazing birthday for me as I spent it at Greer Southern Table‼️ Beautiful experience and I loved it🥰 I love how Greer goes around each table and greets her guest with full conversations. My favorite dish was the monkey bread and the chicken was nice and crispy. I hope she whip up that yam sauce we talked about for those egg rolls lol. The place is nice and oh for the ladies who love mirrors she has that right next to the bathroom for pics lol. Thanks for a great birthday brunch💜“

“Really great service and good food!“

“grew up there as a child above the bar I remember Jim and Ernie it will always be my hometown bar I used to break the boxes down for Ernie to pick up the trash early in the morning I think I was eight back then maybe nine for the history I could tell you“

“This place is a blast! Great food, great beers and drinks, awesome bands! It’s the place to be!“

“Surprisingly family-friendly for a bar! It’s our go to weekend hangout. There’s a whole separate area away from the main bar where you can let the kids loose (not literally… unless you’re into that). Tons of games: darts, table games, and enough fun to keep everyone entertained while you sip on a perfectly poured Guinness. The food? Ridiculously good. Wings and burgers hit the spot, and my husband swears by the Reuben-it’s basically his soulmate. Just don’t expect fine china here. Everything comes on paper plates, because the food’s too good to waste time on dishes. Bonus: the owners are the kind of people you’d want to have a beer with-friendly, down-to-earth, and clearly doing it right. Highly recommend if you want a place where the whole family can eat, play, and pretend it’s not a bar. 🍔🍺🎯“