15 Aug 2021

New Haven, CT

by | posted in: City Docs | 0

NEW HAVEN, CT

New Haven, CT, is home to Yale University and incredible pizza. While it might be most associated with those two things, this little city has so much to offer including a diverse food scene, lively bars and beautiful hikes. My friend Charlotte grew up in New Haven and also moved back for a bit after college. She and her brother helped to craft this guide. Happy traveling!

Travel Tip:
  • New Haven is a great walking or biking city because it’s so small, but you’ll need a car to get out towards some of the hikes in the area or the shoreline and Branford. If you can bring a car, it’s recommended. With that being said, there are plenty of rideshares in the city and they’ll take you from town to town without breaking the bank like it would in a big city!
One fun thing:
  • New Haven has a number of small theaters with big acts like the College Street Music Hall and the Shubert Theater. For example, comedians like Patton Oswalt and bands like Dispatch, play at the College Street Music Hall, and the Shubert Theater is basically mini Broadway, with plays like Rent, Hairspray, and acts like Stomp consistently holding shows there.
  • Study at Yale: the place to stay if you want to be dead center of the city and get a bit of the centuries-old mystique of the Ivy League school at the same time.
  • AirBnB: always a viable option.

  • East Rock Park: a hike to get the best views of the city and surrounding areas. Head to the park and make it to the top of East Rock to see stunning views of the city. You can climb the stairs, take some of the less used paths for more of a hiking challenge, or do some laps up and down on a bike if you’re feeling bold. Both on East Rock itself and throughout the park around the base, there are some beautiful trails along the Mill River.
  • Thimble Islands: little islands off the coast of Branford, about a 20-minute drive outside the city. They are a Connecticut landmark and on a warm day, taking a boat tour of the islands can be a perfect way to spend a day. Some of the little islands have little houses or lighthouses on them. 
  • Sleeping Giant State Park: a fifteen-minute drive from downtown to a beautiful state park. It can be a shorter hike or an all day adventure. If you’re in town in the fall, the foliage is fabulous.

Yale: the historic university that sits in the center of the city offers a range of historic sites, athletic events and culture. 

  • Sports: the Yale Whale, as it is affectionately called, is home to a variety of Division 1 NCAA programs. The Yale stadium, a little bit outside the city, hosts teams like Yale lacrosse and soccer. If you come in the Fall, you might even catch the historic Harvard Yale football game, but you’ll have to get your tickets far in advance.
  • Yale University Art Gallery: a free gallery downtown in the middle of Yale’s campus. The collection has historic art as well as more modern pieces. There’s something for everyone.
  • Tours: not just for the potential student. Yale offers tours of its gorgeous architecture and historic spots around campus. The student-led tours include a look into the Sterling Memorial Library, full of historic books and manuscripts.

Thimble Islands
Hertz Arena
Yale University

  • The Pantry: a New Haven favorite. It’s a sit-down diner with the most incredible pancakes. Show up early or be prepared to wait in a line that sometimes wraps around the corner. Their blueberry pancakes are a standout, but Charlotte’s favorite is the pesto eggs benedict with pancetta, grilled tomatoes, poached eggs and a pesto hollandaise sauce.
  • Olmo: the only homemade, handmade bagel shop in the city. Everything is delicious, especially the Everything bagels. There’s some seating inside, but it works well as a grab-and-go spot.
  • Atticus Bookstore and Cafe: a cute spot with a few tables for breakfast, brunch or lunch. The café serves good coffee, pastries and sandwiches. Before or after you dine, peruse the bookstore section of the café and find your next read! It’s located right in the middle of downtown, close to the Yale University Art Gallery.
The Pantry
  • Nica’s: home to arguably one of the best sandwiches in CT. The paninis are crispy, the pizzas are solid and the sandwiches are incredible.  Cute little tables line their outside space, but it’s also nice to get order to-go and head to a nearby park or downtown. It’s located right on Orange Street, a nice residential street that runs through the middle of New Haven. They also have market essentials if you want to cook for yourself.
  • Maison Mathis: a Belgian spot that’s right in the center of Yale’s campus. Its interior is bright and inviting. They have a variety of light options for lunch like salads, juices or smoothies. If you’re in the mood for something a bit heavier, try their Croque Madame. It’s in the Shops at Yale area where you’ll find a collection of shops, restaurants and Yale’s huge bookstore among other attractions.
  • Rubamba: a Colombian restaurant with delicious arepas. Try the Chancho Orange Cuban Style Pulled Pork Arepa that comes with rice, beans, guac, sour cream and fried plantains. Along with their storefront in the Shops at Yale area, they have a roaming food cart that pops up around Yale’s campus.
  • Mamouns: a fast-casual Middle Eastern spot with a cool atmosphere. They have a few locations in the neighboring states and one in Georgia. The falafel and shawarma are amazing.
  • Taco trucks down on Long Wharf: a casual option for delicious tacos. Every day, a bunch of taco trucks park down by Long Wharf which looks out on the commercial New Haven Harbor. Head down to Long Wharf Drive and scope out your options for tasty tacos.

  • Modern Apizza: while Pepe’s and Sally’s are the more famous pizza places in New Haven and are good, Modern is Charlotte and her family’s pick. They believe in its superiority. It’s great for takeout pizza or you can go and sit in the restaurant, but be prepared to wait. Try the Italian Bomb pizza.
  • Prime 16: a burger joint that has unique and funky burgers. Arrive hungry because not only do they have fantastic burgers, but their sweet potato fries are incredible and they have a large selection of draft and canned beers. You can build your own burger or order from their predesigned selection. Try the Honey Truffle with Swiss cheese, applewood bacon, fried onions, lettuce and tomatoes.
  • Au Chalet: fondue and raclette restaurant. It’s small and intimate with nice mood lighting. The cheese is rich and flavorful.
  • Zinc: a classic dinner spot with a diverse menu. There are Asian-inspired dishes, pasta dishes, paella and more. It’s hard to get all of those dishes right but Zinc does it well. They also have delicious desserts and specialty cocktails
  • Union League Cafe: a french-inspired formal spot for special occasions. This fancy spot is one of the nicest places in town to grab a bite.

Modern
  • Ashley’s Ice Cream: a classic, hole-in-the-wall local ice cream spot. It was founded in 1979 and has been awarded best ice cream shop in New Haven for 30 years in a row. They serve the classics and do them very well. Charlotte enjoys their sweet cream milkshake. 
  • Bar Pizza: exactly what it sounds like. Start your night with some classic New Haven pizza (it’s ranked right behind legends like Pepe’s, Modern, and Sally’s) and some beers. They brew their own beer! Then, go through the back of the restaurant to a full on nightclub that will have a live DJ and be packed until 2 or 3 in the morning.
  • Elm City Social: a more laid-back spot with delicious cocktails. Enjoy this extremely sleek bar downtown with mood lighting.
  • Crown Street: a street where you’ll find a bunch of bars to bounce between. Bar is on this street as well as Geronimo’s, a Mexican restaurant and bar, and a few other town favorites.
  • Mory’s: an old Yale watering hole. It’s a historic bar established in 1849. Go into the back bar and have a drink.