We weren't told that certain menu items weren't available until we began to order. It would've been nice to know prior to sitting down. I researched the menu and knew what I wanted. To find out it wasn't available until after I ordered drinks was disappointing.
Carla Xander
Excellent cocktails. One of very few places I can get excellent vegetal cocktails.
Anthony
It would have probably been 5 stars across the board if the kitchen served one of our entrees. The waitress and managers were super helpful and apologetic. We ordered 1 drink each, the plantains / tostones, a burger and jerk chicken. The app took 30-40 mins to get and the burger (which we ended up splitting) came out less than 1 minute after the app and the jerk chicken never even came out. The manager ended up comping us our drinks, but we are so disappointed it turned out this way. We were really impressed with the taste of what we did get. Not sure if we will return if the kitchen doesn't get it together. Kitchen aside, our waitress was 5 stars!
Talia
We love anchor! Especially Bianca and Brandon. They always make the whole experience better. Drinks are always 10/10.
Alex Jankowski
I’ve never experienced such disorganization at an upscale bar. The waiter was unfamiliar with the menu and even referred to us as his ‘guinea pigs’ when handing us our check. He removed his gloves to handle cash, then put them back on without washing his hands. Instead of focusing on customers, he used the same gloves to text on his phone. When we mentioned that a drink was too sweet, rather than replacing it, he squirted lime juice into it—accidentally hitting my girlfriend’s eye in the process—and laughed it off. The lack of professionalism and attention to basic hygiene was disappointing.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
Ray
Despite offering reservations in the “Bar” area. The bartender said “I know what it says online but we don't do that”. Despite this, they did find a table for us to sit at and were accommodating when our party unexpectedly grew.
Kevin Torres
This is my FAVORITE spot in Downtown. From the songs, to the drinks, to the FOOD. It’s so GOOD. Bianca is the GOAT. Super warm and inviting, I always feel welcome.
Try the sexy wings (yes that’s what they’re called lol) and the anchor mule. My go-to’s!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Carmen Roman
My husband and I recently visited Anchor Spa and had the pleasure of sitting at the bar with Bianca as our bartender. She was incredibly friendly and attentive, making us feel welcome from the moment we sat down. I wasn’t sure what to order, but Bianca quickly made thoughtful recommendations based on the spirits I enjoy, and each drink she suggested was spot-on! Her knowledge and enthusiasm really enhanced our experience, and we can’t wait to come back. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jerk Chicken Skewers, Two Way Maduros
Imani Habersham
As a new homeowner in CT my finance and I will never return back to this bar. This was actually our first night out since we moved here last year so we decided to go bar hoping and Anchor was our first stop. Walking into this establishment there was no hostess so we waited near the front door to be welcomed and told what to do which never happened. I walked to the bar and greeted the male bartender and asked where should we wait and he responded “behind the stanchions” but it was very dismissive. We did just that and about 5 minutes later a couple got up from the bar and that’s where we sat. It was on the side of the bar where there was a woman bartending and she displayed the worst service by far that I have ever experienced !! She rude from the beginning, she tossed my napkin in front of me, she also knocked over bar utensils in front of me and didn’t apologize and then 5 minutes later spilled water on me “accidentally” and again did not apologize. I saw her take several shots while behind the bars with “regular customers” however she was unable to socialize and remain professional !!!! I hope if anyone decides to try this place for the first time they have a better experience but for me the first impression is the one that matters the most and I refuse to spend my money with and establishment with customer service like this!
Service: 1
Stephanie
This place has really gone downhill, which is unfortunate because it used to be great. I visited with two others on a Sunday, right when they opened at 5 p.m., and we ended up waiting an hour for our food. When it finally came, my boyfriend's burger and fries were cold, my friend's rasta pasta was also cold, and my shrimp and grits were clumpy and way too salty. I asked for a burger instead, but after waiting another 30 minutes, I just told the waitress to forget it and asked for the check. After an hour and a half, all I had was a cocktail. The kitchen seemed completely off, with food coming out slowly for everyone. It was a really disappointing experience, and I wouldn't recommend this place based on how poorly things went.The only positive was our waitress who was super understanding about our complaints and was accommodating to our table.
Rudest bar tender I’ve ever came across. Totally in professional can’t believe she’s even hired. Embarrassing to the establishement and the owner especially. Came to the bar because it’s supposed to be diverse treated me with animosity and rudeness. Wouldn’t recommend this bar to a grandma. It’s 12am at night on a Saturday for reference.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Soweto Thomas
Anchor Spa is probably one of the best bars in New Haven. The energy is always good as soon as you walk in, drinks are craftfully made, and the food is delicious. The ambiance is always right.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Chicken Wings
Leonard Kendrick
Bianca was amazing, she makes amazing drinks and was extremely attentive. I’ll definitely be back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Shaquana Cobbs
My visits to Anchor Spa are an exceptional experience from start to finish. The vibrant Caribbean atmosphere sets the perfect backdrop for a night out, with colorful decor and lively music that immediately transports you to a tropical paradise.
One of the standout features each time I go is the bartender, Bianca. She is truly outstanding—personable, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable about the drink menu. Her cocktail creations are not only delicious but also beautifully crafted, showcasing her skills and passion for mixology.
I have to note that the happy hour Monday- Friday from 5-7 is a fantastic deal, offering a wide range of options that are both affordable and high-quality. From refreshing cocktails to tasty appetizers, it’s hard to go wrong! My go to drinks is the Jamaican breeze, it never disappoints!
Overall, Anchor Spa is a gem that combines great drinks, a fun atmosphere, and superb service. I am regular and proud to call this establishment my “home bar”!!!
Best bar in New Haven, with the best bartenders! Been coming here for years and will keep coming back. Best wings in the state and the drinks are always incredibly creative and well-made. And shout out to Bianca, who always makes the night special! And the best wing-man in town!
We weren't told that certain menu items weren't available until we began to order. It would've been nice to know prior to sitting down. I researched the menu and knew what I wanted. To find out it wasn't available until after I ordered drinks was disappointing.
Excellent cocktails. One of very few places I can get excellent vegetal cocktails.
It would have probably been 5 stars across the board if the kitchen served one of our entrees. The waitress and managers were super helpful and apologetic. We ordered 1 drink each, the plantains / tostones, a burger and jerk chicken. The app took 30-40 mins to get and the burger (which we ended up splitting) came out less than 1 minute after the app and the jerk chicken never even came out. The manager ended up comping us our drinks, but we are so disappointed it turned out this way. We were really impressed with the taste of what we did get. Not sure if we will return if the kitchen doesn't get it together. Kitchen aside, our waitress was 5 stars!
We love anchor! Especially Bianca and Brandon. They always make the whole experience better. Drinks are always 10/10.
I’ve never experienced such disorganization at an upscale bar. The waiter was unfamiliar with the menu and even referred to us as his ‘guinea pigs’ when handing us our check. He removed his gloves to handle cash, then put them back on without washing his hands. Instead of focusing on customers, he used the same gloves to text on his phone. When we mentioned that a drink was too sweet, rather than replacing it, he squirted lime juice into it—accidentally hitting my girlfriend’s eye in the process—and laughed it off. The lack of professionalism and attention to basic hygiene was disappointing.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
Despite offering reservations in the “Bar” area. The bartender said “I know what it says online but we don't do that”. Despite this, they did find a table for us to sit at and were accommodating when our party unexpectedly grew.
This is my FAVORITE spot in Downtown. From the songs, to the drinks, to the FOOD. It’s so GOOD. Bianca is the GOAT. Super warm and inviting, I always feel welcome.
Try the sexy wings (yes that’s what they’re called lol) and the anchor mule. My go-to’s!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My husband and I recently visited Anchor Spa and had the pleasure of sitting at the bar with Bianca as our bartender. She was incredibly friendly and attentive, making us feel welcome from the moment we sat down. I wasn’t sure what to order, but Bianca quickly made thoughtful recommendations based on the spirits I enjoy, and each drink she suggested was spot-on! Her knowledge and enthusiasm really enhanced our experience, and we can’t wait to come back. Highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jerk Chicken Skewers, Two Way Maduros
As a new homeowner in CT my finance and I will never return back to this bar. This was actually our first night out since we moved here last year so we decided to go bar hoping and Anchor was our first stop. Walking into this establishment there was no hostess so we waited near the front door to be welcomed and told what to do which never happened. I walked to the bar and greeted the male bartender and asked where should we wait and he responded “behind the stanchions” but it was very dismissive. We did just that and about 5 minutes later a couple got up from the bar and that’s where we sat. It was on the side of the bar where there was a woman bartending and she displayed the worst service by far that I have ever experienced !! She rude from the beginning, she tossed my napkin in front of me, she also knocked over bar utensils in front of me and didn’t apologize and then 5 minutes later spilled water on me “accidentally” and again did not apologize. I saw her take several shots while behind the bars with “regular customers” however she was unable to socialize and remain professional !!!! I hope if anyone decides to try this place for the first time they have a better experience but for me the first impression is the one that matters the most and I refuse to spend my money with and establishment with customer service like this!
Service: 1
This place has really gone downhill, which is unfortunate because it used to be great. I visited with two others on a Sunday, right when they opened at 5 p.m., and we ended up waiting an hour for our food. When it finally came, my boyfriend's burger and fries were cold, my friend's rasta pasta was also cold, and my shrimp and grits were clumpy and way too salty. I asked for a burger instead, but after waiting another 30 minutes, I just told the waitress to forget it and asked for the check. After an hour and a half, all I had was a cocktail. The kitchen seemed completely off, with food coming out slowly for everyone. It was a really disappointing experience, and I wouldn't recommend this place based on how poorly things went.The only positive was our waitress who was super understanding about our complaints and was accommodating to our table.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
Rudest bar tender I’ve ever came across. Totally in professional can’t believe she’s even hired. Embarrassing to the establishement and the owner especially. Came to the bar because it’s supposed to be diverse treated me with animosity and rudeness. Wouldn’t recommend this bar to a grandma. It’s 12am at night on a Saturday for reference.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Anchor Spa is probably one of the best bars in New Haven. The energy is always good as soon as you walk in, drinks are craftfully made, and the food is delicious. The ambiance is always right.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Chicken Wings
Bianca was amazing, she makes amazing drinks and was extremely attentive. I’ll definitely be back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
My visits to Anchor Spa are an exceptional experience from start to finish. The vibrant Caribbean atmosphere sets the perfect backdrop for a night out, with colorful decor and lively music that immediately transports you to a tropical paradise.
One of the standout features each time I go is the bartender, Bianca. She is truly outstanding—personable, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable about the drink menu. Her cocktail creations are not only delicious but also beautifully crafted, showcasing her skills and passion for mixology.
I have to note that the happy hour Monday- Friday from 5-7 is a fantastic deal, offering a wide range of options that are both affordable and high-quality. From refreshing cocktails to tasty appetizers, it’s hard to go wrong! My go to drinks is the Jamaican breeze, it never disappoints!
Overall, Anchor Spa is a gem that combines great drinks, a fun atmosphere, and superb service. I am regular and proud to call this establishment my “home bar”!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Jerk Chicken Fried Rice, Rum Punch Cocktail Kit, Spicy Chicken Wings
Best bar in New Haven, with the best bartenders! Been coming here for years and will keep coming back. Best wings in the state and the drinks are always incredibly creative and well-made. And shout out to Bianca, who always makes the night special! And the best wing-man in town!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Chicken Wings
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