10 Best Cocktail Bars in New Haven

“I feel like a lot of people don’t know that there really is an embarrassment of riches of restaurants in New Haven County. If you love good food all you have to do is look around here. Dad is the one who made the reservation at Fair Haven Oyster Club (I’m pretty sure you must make a reservation, the spot is small and if the weather is bad the only seating is the bar and a row of two tops behind the bar). I looked up the menu and it looked pretty SPECTACULAR. Reminder: I don’t eat beef, pork or poultry. Lots of times my choices are somewhat limited when we dine out, not at Fair Haven. WOW. Now, if you don’t eat seafood I’m pretty sure you’re out of luck. I don’t think there was anything vegetarian, let alone vegan. Note: Dad reserved “in the bar” on Resy. Turns out that is stools AT the bar. “Dining room” is the two tops that are right behind the bar. So choose wisely. Outdoor seating I think is weather dependent and we got the most spectacular evening last night. We arrived very early for our reservation because we were out and about anyway and it worked out because they sat us out on the deck overlooking the water and the boats. Hands Down now of the very best settings I have ever dined in (and I have dined all over this country and world). Weather was perfection, beautiful blue sky, big, fluffy clouds;s tide was going out, water was crystal clear; across the Quinnipiac River you could see old homes and an old church; off in the distance I could see the cars and trucks on 91. I LOVED THAT. I was a little worried when they gave us tiny water glasses. I drink water. Plenty of it. But they kept those little glasses full. Which is no mean feat when the place just got progressively busier and also, keeping water glasses filled is a common “weak point” when I eat out. The service here was ON POINT. While Dad was griping about the QR code menu I ordered a Hendrick’s and Tonic. Just because they looked like their cocktail game was strong. FYI, most places make terrible, undrinkable gin and tonics. Not Fair Haven Oyster Club! They served me the perfect G&T, even in the correct highball glass (!!) with super fizzy tonic water (!!!). That G&T set the tone for the rest of the meal…knocked directly out of the park. The menu is broken into Raw (they have an impressive oyster selection and caviar service, if that’s your thing), soups and salads, small plates and large plates. My plan was to eat my way through salads and small plates. I did order Scallop Crudo (olive oil, lemon, salt, herbs) and Tuna Crudo (over foie gras mousse on a brioche cracker) for the table. But then I ate them… Dad ordered Gildas to share (tiny skewers of anchovies, piparra peppers, castelvetrano olives & Mahon cheese). Super fun bar type snack. Things I ate: Fair Haven Clam Chowder. Which really tasted like a very good escarole (it was actually kelp) soup with clams. Baby Butter Lettuces (w/fried oysters, green goddess, bonito). This is EVERYTHING a salad should be. Delicious, filling, fresh, UMAMI. The fried oysters make it a legit meal. Heirloom Tomatoes (w/bottarga): beautiful, delicious tomatoes served in the most Umami-forward way possible. Uni Toast (w/ white shoyu, sesame & chive). I eat A LOT of Uni. Because I eat A LOT of Omakase and Kaiseki in NYC. So, for me? There are better ways to savor Uni. But, again! UMAMI BOMB. And I am always here for the Umami. Mom and Dad ordered the Grilled Black Cod (over cucumber & snap pea salad w/ kelp ponzu & shiso). SNAPS to them for stretching outside their culinary comfort zones after I explained o them that Black Cod is one of the most delicious fish out there and ponzu us right up their alley! This dish is just glorious: Perfectly grilled fish adrift in a sea of incredibly fresh and delicious vegetables. The snap of those snap peas was perfection. For dessert we ordered Vanilla Bean Cheesecake with honey fennel pollen & wild fennel. I. LOVE. Fennel and will eat it in any form. This really did not taste of fennel. But! This was one of the best cheesecakes I’ve ever h“

“Excellent inventive dishes“

“The pizza is delicious!!! The manager Siobhan is absolutely incredible. Louisa at the bar is a sweetheart.“

“Very intimate setting. The wait staff were very friendly. My wife and I were celebrating our anniversary and the manager came over to congratulate us as well as give us a complimentary toast.“

“Love it !! Unique experience“

“Very tasty. First time here and definitely want to come back.“

“Excellent from appetizers to desserts.“

“Drinks were good. Food was delicious. Great atmosphere.“

“Love the atmosphere and location on the River. 2nd weekend went for brunch. Still no Lobster Benedict, last week got the breakfast pizza, it was outstanding. Got breakfast sliders today, a little disappointing. Karaoke Wednesdays are fun, they tolerated my awful singing.(Maybe that's why the sliders weren't good lol). Going back next Saturday for one more try.“

“Delicious food, eclectic atmosphere, staff are attentive, entertaining, and friendly. Definitely a staple. ✅“