Leslie’s guidebook to New Haven FUN!
Food scene
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
157 Wooster StVoted best Pizza in America!
This is a New Haven staple. TV screens play famous gangster movies while you dine:). Great roof deck and great food. Can get pricey quickly.
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Goodfellas Restaurant
702 State StThis is a New Haven staple. TV screens play famous gangster movies while you dine:). Great roof deck and great food. Can get pricey quickly.
Fun, great bar, great pizza. The place morphs into a club vibe as the night goes on. Their one and only salad is worth the trip - although their clam pizza (more like flatbread) might be my last meal request:)
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BAR
254 Crown StFun, great bar, great pizza. The place morphs into a club vibe as the night goes on. Their one and only salad is worth the trip - although their clam pizza (more like flatbread) might be my last meal request:)
If they don’t know you, they will sit you anyway:) The service is professional and the food is excellent. But don’t be surprised if a group is playing cards at a table. This is a neighborhood spot; tourists beware.
Portofino's Restaurant & Bar
937 State StIf they don’t know you, they will sit you anyway:) The service is professional and the food is excellent. But don’t be surprised if a group is playing cards at a table. This is a neighborhood spot; tourists beware.
Think Big Y but all Italian. And fab prepared food! It’s like Arthur Avenue in the Bronx in one building.
Liuzzi Gourmet Food Market
322 State StThink Big Y but all Italian. And fab prepared food! It’s like Arthur Avenue in the Bronx in one building.
Mezcal
14 Mechanic StWhen you have a Mexican food itch - but no surprises.
116 Crown
116 Crown StWorth the splurge. Chic urban cuisine beautifully prepared.
The Best croissants and fresh breads - a focus on German bread - coffees and small plates. A good breakfast/lunch spot. This baker supplies many places around town. And there is outside seating and big windows inside that give the place a great open vibe.
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G Cafe Bakery Ninth Square
141 Orange StThe Best croissants and fresh breads - a focus on German bread - coffees and small plates. A good breakfast/lunch spot. This baker supplies many places around town. And there is outside seating and big windows inside that give the place a great open vibe.
Best bagels ever! Their Lox of Love sandwich is killer! You must order ahead of time.
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Olmo
93 Whitney AveBest bagels ever! Their Lox of Love sandwich is killer! You must order ahead of time.
Nolo
687 State StreetAround the corner! Artisanal pizza and cocktails
Great people, great pizza and pasta and salads. Beer and wine only. You will think you are in a trattoria in Italy.
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Zeneli Pizzeria e cucina Napoletana
138 Wooster StGreat people, great pizza and pasta and salads. Beer and wine only. You will think you are in a trattoria in Italy.
Ice cream and cheese worth the indulgence. All products are from their farm.
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Arethusa Farm Dairy
1020 Chapel StIce cream and cheese worth the indulgence. All products are from their farm.
Casual chic on the water-worth the splurge and pure magic in the summer.
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Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill
100 S Water StCasual chic on the water-worth the splurge and pure magic in the summer.
Geronimo
271 Crown StGreat food, great bar! Can’t go wrong for chic Tex-mex
House of Naan Indian Kitchen and Bar
65 Howe StExcellent Indian food!
One of my favorite restaurants. It’s def worth the splurge! The food is inventive and the chef hunts down the best of the best ingredients.
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ZINC New Haven
964 Chapel StOne of my favorite restaurants. It’s def worth the splurge! The food is inventive and the chef hunts down the best of the best ingredients.
Pepe’s or Sally’s? Decide for yourself:) Pro Tip: their seasonal white fresh tomato pie is amazing.
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Sally's Apizza
237 Wooster StPepe’s or Sally’s? Decide for yourself:) Pro Tip: their seasonal white fresh tomato pie is amazing.
They claim to be home of the burger. Whatevs-DON’T ask for ketchup!
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Louis' Lunch
261 Crown StThey claim to be home of the burger. Whatevs-DON’T ask for ketchup!
September in Bangkok
754 State StThai done right
There are as many fans of Modern as there are for Pepe’s!
Their Veggie Bomb is the bomb!
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Modern Apizza
874 State StThere are as many fans of Modern as there are for Pepe’s!
Their Veggie Bomb is the bomb!
Lenny's Indian Head Inn
205 S Montowese StYes, a lobster roll - anytime!
Sushi!! And practically down the street:) I prefer to take out from there-the place itself has no vibe.
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Kumo Sushi Hibachi
7 Elm StSushi!! And practically down the street:) I prefer to take out from there-the place itself has no vibe.
Indian street food - walk down the alley behind the Apple store-it’s like a surprise. This is one of my fav spots.
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Sherkaan Indian Street Food
65 BroadwayIndian street food - walk down the alley behind the Apple store-it’s like a surprise. This is one of my fav spots.
Abate Restaurant
61 Wooster StIt’s been around a long time for a reason! Can’t go wrong.
Winner of Cupcake Wars on TV! A must go-to! The German chocolate cupcake is amazing! My fav is the one that looks like the Hostess cupcake from yore:)
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Sugar Bakery
424 Main StWinner of Cupcake Wars on TV! A must go-to! The German chocolate cupcake is amazing! My fav is the one that looks like the Hostess cupcake from yore:)
Choupette Crêperie & Cafè
24 Whitney AveGreat crepes! Just like being in France..Yum
Mecha Noodle Bar
116 Washington StAn Asian chain that does not disappoint!
Easy vibe and a robust menu of very nicely prepared offerings-it has something for everyone. And if you are into people watching, dining outdoors will give you the show.
South Bay Mediterranean Kitchen
228 College StreetEasy vibe and a robust menu of very nicely prepared offerings-it has something for everyone. And if you are into people watching, dining outdoors will give you the show.
Taste the beach life with a killer lobster roll and other shoreline favs. And the attached fish store is where we go now for scallops and to check out their catch of the day. The beach is directly across the street.
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Stowe's Seafood
347 Beach StTaste the beach life with a killer lobster roll and other shoreline favs. And the attached fish store is where we go now for scallops and to check out their catch of the day. The beach is directly across the street.
High George
9 High StRooftop dining on top of the new boutique hotel, The Blake. Worth a stop.
Koffee?
104 Audubon StWhere the locals hang and very close by.
Excellent food-old school European service. It’s right on Wooster St!
Pasta Eataliana Trattoria Napoletana
127 Wooster StExcellent food-old school European service. It’s right on Wooster St!
If Tony Soprano had a favorite restaurant, he would be in good company here. Literally around the corner. This is throw-back New Haven Italian style, and still thriving.
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Adriana's
771 Grand AveIf Tony Soprano had a favorite restaurant, he would be in good company here. Literally around the corner. This is throw-back New Haven Italian style, and still thriving.
This is Mecca for hard core vegetarians. I am a vegetarian and it’s not my fav. But I would be remiss not mentioning it because people come from out of town to go, and it’s been around for a long time for a reason.
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Claire's Corner Copia- dine in, take out, curbside pickup
1000 Chapel StThis is Mecca for hard core vegetarians. I am a vegetarian and it’s not my fav. But I would be remiss not mentioning it because people come from out of town to go, and it’s been around for a long time for a reason.
Hip local spot with an inventive menu and relaxed vibe. Chef got best new chef award. I’m there all the time!
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Tavern on State
969 State StHip local spot with an inventive menu and relaxed vibe. Chef got best new chef award. I’m there all the time!
August
3 Edwards StA teeny tiny place with exquisite bites.
This is about as local as local gets. Live music is coming back on Tuesdays - dogs allowed! It’s our version of the local pub like in Britain:)
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Christopher Martins Restaurant
860 State StThis is about as local as local gets. Live music is coming back on Tuesdays - dogs allowed! It’s our version of the local pub like in Britain:)
Fab lil’ coffee place with small bites in a great section of town with some shops and galleries. Owned by a Syrian artist! Worth a stop!
Pistachio Cafe
911 Whalley AvenueFab lil’ coffee place with small bites in a great section of town with some shops and galleries. Owned by a Syrian artist! Worth a stop!
Barcelona Wine Bar
155 Temple StChic spot with great tapas and bar!
Food Truck Paradise
351 Long Wharf DrFun food and good food!
No sushi, no Hibachi-but the most beautiful Japanese food I have had since being in Japan! My new fav spot.
Hachiroku Shokudo & Sake Bar
261 Orange StreetNo sushi, no Hibachi-but the most beautiful Japanese food I have had since being in Japan! My new fav spot.
Check out cityseed.org for locations. The closest and walkable to you is the Wooster Square Farmers Market! It’s great!
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CitySeed Wooster Square Farmers' Market
511 Chapel StCheck out cityseed.org for locations. The closest and walkable to you is the Wooster Square Farmers Market! It’s great!
My go-to Mexican. The outside looks a little cheesy - but once inside, it’s the real deal!
Viva Zapata
161 Park StMy go-to Mexican. The outside looks a little cheesy - but once inside, it’s the real deal!
Shopping
Where do the stylists of HBO go? Here! This hideaway is the bomb:) The best vintage!!!! Ask for Todd and tell her Leslie sent you:)
Fashionista Vintage & Variety
85 Willow StreetWhere do the stylists of HBO go? Here! This hideaway is the bomb:) The best vintage!!!! Ask for Todd and tell her Leslie sent you:)
Great Grocery Store - sort of like Whole Foods and in walking distance to The Bird’s Nest.
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Elm City Market
777 Chapel StGreat Grocery Store - sort of like Whole Foods and in walking distance to The Bird’s Nest.
Great bookstore with a great cafe that hosts a chic menu.
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Atticus Bookstore Cafe
1082 Chapel StGreat bookstore with a great cafe that hosts a chic menu.
Yale Center for British Art | Museum Shop
1080 Chapel StDon’t miss the gift shop!
Grey Matter Books
264 York StFor book hunters. And they have some great collector items!
Apple New Haven
65 BroadwayL.L.Bean
272 Elm StBluemercury
51 BroadwayIf you are vegan, kosher or just want organic choices - this excellent market is it. Upstairs has all organic health care.
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Edge of the Woods Market
379 Whalley AveIf you are vegan, kosher or just want organic choices - this excellent market is it. Upstairs has all organic health care.
Number One Fish Market
2239 State StExcellent seafood store!
The real deal and literally around the corner
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Lucibello's Italian Pastry Shop
935 Grand AveThe real deal and literally around the corner
Hull's Art Supply & Framing
1144 Chapel StGreat art store next to The Yale School of Art
The Wine Thief
378 Whitney AveChic liquor store
The Yale Bookstore
77 BroadwayDelMonico Hatter
47 Elm StHats! Just hats! Famous spot.
Raggs For Men and Women
1020 Chapel StExpensive but choice items
EBM Vintage
839 Chapel StNot sure why this says ‘clothing store’ since it’s so much more!
A variety store filled with 1970’s flashbacks and hippie-dom stuff. Lots of stuff. Have fun!
Group W Bench
1171 Chapel StA variety store filled with 1970’s flashbacks and hippie-dom stuff. Lots of stuff. Have fun!
Sightseeing
Lighthouse Point Park
2 Lighthouse Rd5 miles away, beach up!
One of the best state parks on the shoreline. A nature and bird sanctuary with wide beaches and dunes. If you are a bird watcher, look out for the snowy owl.
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Hammonasset Beach State Park
1288 Boston Post RdOne of the best state parks on the shoreline. A nature and bird sanctuary with wide beaches and dunes. If you are a bird watcher, look out for the snowy owl.
Thimble Islands Brewing Company
16 Business Park DrBrew!
Edgewood Park
Iphakethe yaseState yeSleeping Giant
200 Mount Carmel AvenueIYale University
Walk the campus. Better, wander around
Thimble Islands
4 Indian Point RdDon’t miss it. On the water tours - pirates and everything!
Edgerton Park
75 Cliff StA wonderful park with a greenhouse you can meander through.
Scoot & Paddle
28 Naugatuck AveLive the coastal life on the water one rental at a time:)
Mild to moderate hiking trails on a lake. Dog friendly. Beautiful.
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Lake Wintergreen
Mild to moderate hiking trails on a lake. Dog friendly. Beautiful.
A fascinating rare book and literary archive housed in a architecturally significant building. If you are a book worm, this place is for you!
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Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library
121 Wall StA fascinating rare book and literary archive housed in a architecturally significant building. If you are a book worm, this place is for you!
One of America’s few remaining membership libraries since 1826. Check it out! (Pun intended)
The Institute Library
847 Chapel StOne of America’s few remaining membership libraries since 1826. Check it out! (Pun intended)
If you have memories of PEZ candy and all those fab dispensers, this place is for you!
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PEZ Candy Inc
35 Prindle Hill RdIf you have memories of PEZ candy and all those fab dispensers, this place is for you!
Iphakethe yaseSilver Sands
1 Silver Sands PkwyExcellent beach! Just go!
Pets
Closest off leash dog park, and a Google search will find many more in the area!
Union Street Dog Park
59 Fair StClosest off leash dog park, and a Google search will find many more in the area!
Your dog can swim and hike and frolic with other dogs here. Just a few exits north on 95.
Youngs Pond
Your dog can swim and hike and frolic with other dogs here. Just a few exits north on 95.
Saint Ronan Dog Park
Saint Ronan StreetGreat albeit small-ish dog park on an exquisite street
Neighborhoods
Branford and the next two towns going north, known as The Shoreline, Guilford and Madison are dotted with beaches, shops, lobster shacks and fun! Take a drive!
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Branford
Branford and the next two towns going north, known as The Shoreline, Guilford and Madison are dotted with beaches, shops, lobster shacks and fun! Take a drive!
New Haven is America’s first planned city. And at one time hosted one of the largest Italian populations in the country. The Italian consulate flag still flies at the house on the corner of Court Street on the park. And Wooster Square was their hood. The park is loved by the community and celebrates the cherry blossoms with a festival every year.
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Wooster Square
New Haven is America’s first planned city. And at one time hosted one of the largest Italian populations in the country. The Italian consulate flag still flies at the house on the corner of Court Street on the park. And Wooster Square was their hood. The park is loved by the community and celebrates the cherry blossoms with a festival every year.
Entertainment
New Haven Symphony Orchestra
4 Hamilton StreetThe oldest symphonic hall in America and a magnificent experience.
College Street Music Hall
238 College StCheck the schedule - you never know who shows up!
Shubert Theater
247 College StBasically it’s Broadway in New Haven.
Always check their calendar. Amazing music swings by here on their way to gigs-and most musicians know this is the local hot spot for music. It’s teeny tiny!
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Cafe Nine
250 State StAlways check their calendar. Amazing music swings by here on their way to gigs-and most musicians know this is the local hot spot for music. It’s teeny tiny!
Yale Repertory Theatre
1120 Chapel StSee stars before they are stars
If you had a rich uncle, this place might be what his den looks like. Sit back and enjoy a cocktail and light bites.
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Ordinary
990 Chapel StIf you had a rich uncle, this place might be what his den looks like. Sit back and enjoy a cocktail and light bites.
Anchor Spa
272 College StHave a cocktail! Fun little spot!
See who is playing when you are visiting! Soooo worth the 🎼 trip!
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Westville Music Bowl
45 Yale AveSee who is playing when you are visiting! Soooo worth the 🎼 trip!
A place like no other- free books and cool jazz performances pop up from New Haven’s jazz collective. Sketchy hours so check ahead!
Never Ending Books
810 State StreetA place like no other- free books and cool jazz performances pop up from New Haven’s jazz collective. Sketchy hours so check ahead!
Izeluleko zedolobha
Ukuzulazula
Avoid Grand Avenue if possible when walking-it’s boring!
Our location is stellar and safe. But Grand Avenue is boring with nothing to look at! So when looking on MAPS for routes, do a work around— or at least you’ve been warned!
Ungaphuthelwa
Take a walk!
Walk through Yale and take in the architecture and landscape. And don’t miss Wooster square Park grab a pizza on Wooster Street - or walk down Court Street into town. There are many parks in New Haven with excellent trails.
Ungaphuthelwa
Hit a Museum
New Haven has many free museums. Check it out!