Loved this intimate, 'secret', experience that Conspiracy has to offer! The decor, the lighting, music, is all exceptional. I love the speakeasy vibe that they have very much achieved! Bartenders were great, it was so busy but they handled the rush very well (we barely waited for our drinks to come out, I was impressed!) I ordered the Devil (2024) drink and was very impressed. I will need to revisit for their updated menu this year! read more

I can't recommend this place enough. If I could give it a 6th star, I would. This not only met what I was looking for, but went above and beyond. The staff is always pleasant, the drink menu is perpetually (seasonally) changing. I've been coming here for years, the first time I came the menu was a deck of beautifully illustrated Tarot cards. This time around the menu was an illustrated picture book. And get this... the book had for codes to videos that created a "vibe" for the drink. The atmosphere here is a 6/5 stars, the staff is a 5/5, and the drinks are a 5/5. I love coming to this spot and make a point to stop by when in CT. Cheeseboard was also delicious. The mix of artisan cheese with honey is amazing, then throw in a salted cracker and some grapes with dried meats.... Phenomenal experience. read more

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Only had time for a drink before grabbing dinner close by. It was our first time here and we thought it was such a cool place. Loved the bar area. The cocktail and drink menu was enormous with so many fun choices. I tried the lychee martini which was delicious!!! The place was packed and folks were waiting for our seats as soon as we left. We will definitely be back to try some more cocktails. read more

Conspiracy - Lychee martini - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

It's been 4 years since I last reviewed Conspiracy, so we are due for an updated 5 star review because I love them and they deserve it. I've been many times since my last review, and each time I swear I love it more than the last. It's my typical girls night hang out spot with one of my besties, and we have so much fun just sitting at our spot at the bar, and just yapping. The bartenders are super nice and knowledgeable, and even though the last few times I've gone I haven't gotten any food, I can confirm you should, because it's super flavorful and tasty. One of the best hidden gems of Middletown. And I say hidden because I literally walk right past it every darn time. read more

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Really cool bar. Loved the vibe, nice service and really interesting drinks. Good live music too! read more

Conspiracy - Lychee Martini - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Just a quick review as we only stayed for a few drinks. After finishing a meal with others in Cromwell and some random driving around, we dropped some of the group off and two of us headed to Conspiracy for a nightcap. We showed up around 9:30 and got parking right in front of the door. Found at 350 Main Street on the second floor of The Cooking Company it is a short flight of stairs to the bar. Being called a speakeasy-style or "secret club" I expected a little more. It was dark and dimly lit. At the top of the stairs we were welcomed by a sign telling us to wait for seating. We were ushered away from the doorway to a little area outside of the bar. We were given the drink book that featured interactive QR codes to watch videos about the drinks. There were so many interesting options but I found the Sapphire Isles and we also ordered a couple of Negronis as the hours passed. The Sapphire was a beautiful milky blue drink in a small, almost fishbowl glass, with a matching umbrella. I'm not normally a colada fan, but something told me to try it. It may just be my new favorite drink. I would like to come back to try other drinks and maybe some food. Hopefully it doesn't take me too long before I get back! read more

First time coming here here with some friends, pretty slow for a Sunday night. Very dark vibes, like Edgar Allen Poe We started off with Sex on the Beach and a Black Raspberry cider. Both were good. The SOTB had a unique taste that I've never had in this drink before. We also got soft pretzels, a charcuterie board with three cheeses, two meats and crackers with grapes, honey drizzled pistachios, and a cranberry jam. The cheeseburger sliders were great! Everything was good and tasty. read more

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This is a really cute bar in the area. We love finding these kind of bars with a cute and classy vibe to them. They are definitely our preference at this stage of our lives hehe. It is a bit small so seating is limited. We sat at the bar and really enjoyed our cocktails. I would go back for sure. read more

Conspiracy - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Way too dark in there. Had to use cell phone to see menu. Limited menu-food ok, not spectacular. Had the veggie sliders-meh. Cheese plate was ok. read more

Conspiracy was a cute bar with pretty good cocktails. However, we had a couple of issues there. When we came into the restaurant, we sat down at an empty table because there was no signage, but then quickly told that we needed to get up as the seats were reserved. They then offered for us to stand at the bar to wait for a seat, but the bar was so overcrowded that we wouldn't have even been able to put our drinks down which is strange for a place that is renound for their specialty cocktails. After asking a little more and almost leaving, we were given a table, which was very kind and told that we had to leave in the next 30 minutes for the next reservations. However, we had a very hard time ordering because the server barely came to see us. I understand it was a busy night, but I was a little disappointed, especially since we had a hard stop. My last qualm was the menu, all of the images of the cocktails were AI generated which was disappointing because they were quite beautiful in person ! I wish they had taken the time to take actual photos of their product instead of showing us fakes. The drinks themselves were pretty good. Not the best I've had but still very creative, so I did appreciate that. read more

Looking for a great drink spot, here it is. They have a great food, but the set-up is a little tough for apps & drinks since (other than the bar) it's small & low tables with cozy chairs. If the bar is busy, service might be a little delayed but very much worth it! read more

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When I read the website for this place I was very excited to try it out. Craft cocktails, a kitchen open until one hour before last call, but most importantly a self proclaimed dedication to quality ingredients. The place itself is kept very clean, no sticky floors like other bars, but the area we were seated was very dark to the point I needed my phone to read the drink menu. Usually a dark intimate setting like that would have candles or something but they didn't have any. The bar area though is more illuminated. The menu is very creative so i knew I had to try at least two cocktails. The first one was the midori sour, which i was a little hesitant because some of the ingredients were curry leaf syrup and ginger liquor which i was very worried would overpower the drink but overall it was very pleasant and a fun presentation. I was worried the entire time that the box would leak but it never did so they clearly know what they're doing. The second drink though was the pistachio martini mudslide and while the flavor was good and the glass was cool they filled it to the top with ice cubes despite literally writing on the menu that it was blended. The ice cubes in my opinion ruined the drink experience, and thats coming from someone who loves ice. For food the waffle donut sando was delicious!! The mochi waffle donuts mixed with the mango habanero hot sauce and the perfectly cooked chicken was the perfect balance of sweet spicy and savory. The chocolate raspberry tart on the other hand was pulled straight from the freezer i think because it was really hard to cut and bite into, especially the bottom cookie crust layer. The flavor was good but then again chocolate raspberry is usually a good flavor. Overall a very unique experience that I would definetly come back for. Tldr: recommendations would be stay at the bar area for light, order drinks that you want ice in because you're gonna get it, and stick to hot food because the waffles are amazing. read more

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Love the cocktails here and the whole feel of this place! A hidden gem, or maybe not so hidden as it gets busy quick! We always (attempt) to go each time we go to Middletown for dinner for a night cap. read more

Hands down the best and most unique cocktails you will ever have. Every drink was thoughtfully created by the geniuses behind the bar . The Ambiance is chill and kool read more

Super cute spot tucked away with such a unique theme. Unique experience and unique cocktails. It wasn't busy at the time we went but enough privacy to enjoy a first date. Initially my date thought they had the tarot drinks year round but is a fall specialty that we will absolutely be back to try the remainder. Funny enough my date loved the death card drink to which our server was the one who crafted the drink initially - luckily for my date he was able to get a similarly crafted drink. I can't wait to try the other crafted tarot drinks come fall! read more

Such a great bar! Please get the midnight pancakes you will not regret it wonderful live music

Nothing like a good speakeasy - and this place is great. Nice dark atmosphere, friendly bar tenders, surprisingly good food, and of course lots of creative cocktails. Great place to pop in after dinner in the area or to go with a group of friends to hang out. I've only been there late (bonus! one of the only places that stays open after 10pm in the area) but we never had a problem finding seats - even tho they maintain a steady flow of customers. With so many hard hitting cocktails I'm sure we'll be back to check them out again soon. read more

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Tried the new menu for the new year- exactly as the menu said, trashy classics made fancy and delicious! The pistachio was our favorite the kimchi nachos were so tasty. It felt very "speakeasy" with the decor and lighting. The bartenders were very helpful making suggestions and perfect beverages read more

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Great drinks and atmosphere. Fun speakeasy vibe. I plan on coming back when I'm next in the area.

super cute in there, little tight seating. the drinks were fun and the staff were very nice and helpful

This is such a unique cocktail bar! Great place to sit and chat with friends either at a table or bar. They do take reservations and I recommend that for weekend nights as there aren't many tables and it can get busy here. The hostess was a bit standoff-ish but she may have just been overwhelmed by the busy night. We got a small table for the first round of drinks, but had to move to the bar because our table was reserved for a reservation at the time. I love their cocktail menu, a tarot card deck with specialty drinks. My friend loves how intricate their cocktails are. I think I'm into simple drinks, but I'm always interested in trying something new. My first drink, The Fool, had me intrigued by the miracle berry to alter the taste, but I was disappointed to find that it didn't make the drink taste any sweeter for me. I would like to add that my friend had The Fool a while back and said the berry worked for her. We waited for 3 seats at the bar for about 20 minutes. The next drink I ordered was The Star, which I loved the smoky flavor of! The bartender was very nice and attentive. I've had their sweet potato bowl when I was here a while back and haven't stopped thinking about it so I hope they bring that back! Otherwise, I'll try the spicy tuna bowl if I come here hungry. read more

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I've been coming here for a long time. Conspiracy is the best cocktail bar in the area. I've never ordered a drink I didn't like. They put so much creativity into each recipe. The menu is fabulous, but you can order off of it as well. Tonight I asked the bartender to make me something with Empress gin, and he made an awesome version of a French 75. The drinks are strong too. The atmosphere is very cool. I can't recommend Conspiracy highly enough!! read more

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Excellent vibes! Quite dark, but speaks to ambiance-- the food was excellent, don't miss the specials! When looking for a mocktail, our bartender was happy to modify a typical recipe to accommodate which was greatly appreciated! This is definitely a great spot for a date; it's got an intimate, sexy, mysterious vibe. read more

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Food was good, drinks were good all until we began to be ignored. The waiter approached the table behind us and never turned to get us anything for 30 mins or more. Would not reccomend this place. Then they gave us the wrong bill and harrased us all night phone call and text after phone call and text. Not happy they gave my phone number to employees. ​ read more

This is my second time coming here and while the drinks were good, the food was just okay. What is a cool thing is they have tarot cards with drink descriptions on them so that is how you order. During the start of the Pandemic, they took the cards off the table and now they are back. Don't get the idea of sticky fingers because if cards are missing, they will charge you $40 for them lol. Not worth it, buy your own! I had the only mocktail they have in the deck called Temperance and it was good. Because it had coffee in it, I thought I would be up all night - Not the case! We also ordered the High Priestess which was good too. The food was less desirable from the first time I was there. I had the vegan sliders that were advertised to be on Hawaiian rolls and they weren't. The Salmon spread seemed less salmony( yes, I said that) and they gave us these thin wafer chips and not the pita chips as advertised or what we had before. The "Flatbread" wasn't that great either. I think sticking to the cheese plates, drinks and salmon dip again is the way to go until things stabilize. This pandemic has hit spots really hard and it shows how they are forced, in some cases, to buy cheaper goods. I will still come here because the vibe is amazing, staff is great, drinks are amazing too. I will just ask about items on the menu before ordering. read more

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Conspiracy was good when it first opened. Like, really good. From the drinks to the snacks, it was everything you could ask for in a cocktail bar. The last few visits have been so, utterly surprising and disappointing. Food quality has decreased significantly, drinks are inconsistent. Service is spotty, when it never was before. I want to keep supporting them but it's just not worth it anymore. There are other speakeasies that have popped up at higher quality. read more

Bartenders are very friendly, and it's a really awesome environment. It's very low-key and very comfortable. It feels very homey a great place for a date or just to grab a drink read more

Conspiracy - a wall of liquor bottles on shelves - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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This spot is a vibe for sure. Looking for a great cocktail with an amazing ambiance? Conspiracy is your place. Wander up the set of stairs into a cool, dark, vibey bar that's always packed. Currently they have a cocktail listed on tarot cards, so sort through the deck and see a description of drinks and decide what you fancy! read more

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Cool experience here! We went on a double date with some friends and had a blast. The drink menu and atmosphere are very fun. We enjoyed our drinks. Our server was super friendly but was definitely over worked. It was packed and she was the only one for all the tables. Food was lacking. We had the kimchi nachos, baos and pretzels. Prices were very high but that is to be expected. I would return but only for drinks. read more

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Suchhh a cute vibey spot. We came here on a recommendation from a local and it didn't disappoint at all. There was this jackfruit cocktail we couldn't get enough of! read more

Conspiracy - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

It's super dark in here. Can't see much. The cheese plate was off: the Brie was weird. Had the loaded potato waffle: it didn't taste like potato and tasted like a regular waffle. There was a small amount of bacon on top. Plenty of sour cream. A bit later got the blueberry muffin waffle. It just tastes like a waffle with blueberries on top. It got very busy in there after 8. Bartender was awesome, but the food wasn't worth it. read more

Conspiracy - Blueberry muffin waffle - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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I'm a sucker for a good speakeasy and tiki bar experiences.. and Conspiracy isn't really either but it is a fun crafty cocktail place! It was tricky to find (it's next to the smoke shop).. I'm a purest with my cocktails give some vodka, tequila or bourbon on the rocks and I'm set but when Rome have to try at least something crafty. We also had dessert, blueberry cheesecake and it was delightful. The host was so kind and attentive. Bartender was brilliant. I couldn't tell if she was perturbed that I was a little pickier than most patrons (but I did forewarn her) but she provided a good recommendation on cocktails. Would def love to visit again! read more

Conspiracy - Blueberry cheesecake - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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So glad that this cocktail bar had an outside courtyard that we were able to sit in, especially with social distancing still happening. They didn't hand out menus but there was a code on the table that we were able to scan with our QR reader. I thought that was smartest and definitely the safest option. We started off with the zombie flight to split which was great, it had three different types of zombies, the regular one, a gin based one and a Mezcal based one. Our server was so nice and helpful. We enjoyed multiple rounds of drinks there and they were all delicious. The crimes of passion is not on the menu buts its a Mezcal based cocktail with passionfruit and the flavor combo was great. That and the campfire old fashioned that had a toasted marshmallow were our favorites. Full of flavor and they didn't skimp on the alcohol. My fiancé also tried the skull island which was mezcal based and really good as well. Overall when I'm back in this area, I will definitely return to conspiracy! read more

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Great cocktails on the menu, food is cooked in an air fryer but over all good enough.

TGIW! Halfway through the work! Aren't these drinks from Conspiracy looking so good right about now?! Conspiracy is a craft cocktail bar focusing on and inspired by Pre-Prohibition classics. With an aesthetic nod to turn of the century secret societies, Conspiracy has the feel of an exclusive club, just one where everyone happens to be invited. We tried these drinks: CAMPFIRE OLD FASHIONED- bourbon, smoked maple syrup, angostura bitters, toasted marshmallow CATEGORY 5- aged rhum, black rum, gin, Amaro Abano, conspiracy fashionola syrup, lime RAINBOW SWIZZLE- Plantation Pineapple rum, yellow chartreuse, cinnamon syrup, lime, mint, Peychauds bitters KATZ'- cucumber vodka, thyme liqueur, green chartreuse, lemon, simple syrup HER MAJESTY- Empress gin, velvet falernum, passionfruit syrup, lemon ZOMBIE NEGRONI- Gin blend, Campari, Aperol, Tosolini, Amaro Meletti, italian vermouth, citrus bitters, tiki bitters FERNANDO- Amaro Rhubaro and Down East cider The door may be a little had to fnd, but when you do you walk up the stairs to a very cool space. It's dimly lit, ambiance, so make sure to check out the menu on your phone. The drinks are delicious and it's a pretty cool gathering spot. Gather up the friends! read more

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I really enjoyed this spot. Almost couldn't find it as there's no real signage outside. It is dark, as others have mentioned. But it definitely helps with the vibe. The little book they have the drink menu in is so cute! The man who took our order was very kind & had no issues making me a great mocktail! Very delicious. We had pulled chicken sliders, which were lemon pepper wet with some type of slaw. A little spicy, which usually is not my thing, but I liked these. It's served with kettle cooked chips. Overall, I would definitely go back! read more

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This is wonderful bar and restaurant! One if the most unique places in CT that I've been too! Definitely vibe here for great cocktails that you won't be able to find anywhere else plus good small plates! read more

Conspiracy - Sapphire Isles Cocktail! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

Cocktails were good and so unique. Weird thing to comment on but the candle in the bathroom smelled amazing A little dark for me, but really cool atmosphere and the waitress was extremely friendly and helpful. The chipotle sweet potato hummus was good but the pita was toasted and a bit hard to chew, I actually would have preferred them soft. The soft pretzel and mustard were really good! read more

Conspiracy - Space Pig - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Middletown, Connecticut

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Unexpected chill spot on Main Street in Middletown. Head upstairs for a cool vibe. On the right, there's a huge bar area. On the left, a lounge area with divided seating for groups of around 4 people. Nice and private but also feels covid safe. The whole place has a good vibe with low lighting, with the exception of the entry, a bit overpowering if you're seated adjacent. The happy hour specials are good and surprisingly also available on Saturday. The tapas styled food selection was tasty and loved the charcuterie options. They serve Zwack, considered the national liqueur of Hungary since the late 18th century. Super unexpected treat I had to indulge in that my family imports so absolutely love seeing it on menus. If you haven't had it, give it a try. It's an herbal liqueur somewhat like Jaegermeister, but IMO better and more smooth. It's drinkable on its own or good as an aperitif or digestif. read more

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Incredible cocktails. The bartender was very attentive, knowledgeable and friendly. The drinks were absolutely delicious and creative. One of the owners came over, we chatted and he was kind enough to educate my girlfriend and I on japanese whiskey. He also made some kind of Hazelnut simple syrup / cream and it was mind blowing. I also ordered the Birthday cake waffle and it definitely satisfied my munchies Highly recommended! read more

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