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    Elm City Social

    4.0 (563 reviews)
    Open 11:30 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)

    Elm City Social Photos

    ELM CITY SOCIAL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy

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    Recommended Reviews - Elm City Social

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    Reviews With Photos

    dragonfruit margarita
    Amie S.

    Get the Caribbean jerk chicken tacos!! They're sooo good and flavorful. The dragonfruit margarita with the coconut cold foam was so delicious. I'd come here just for those two things. Service is kind of slow but it's always a busy place to be.

    Tarun B.

    I was on Google Maps looking for a fun place to eat in New Haven. This place had great reviews for food choices like fried chicken and waffles. That got me interested and wanted to check it out. I saw they had a huge duck sign outside which was even more intriguing. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I came in for lunch and the waitress guided me to the back. There is a wonderful dining room in the back to relax in.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have the IG section where you could take pictures in. They had wings on one side and funny neon signs on the other. There is a comic strip with a duck in the prohibition era and bringing alcohol to New Haven which was very clever. I liked the silliness vibe of the restaurant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] This place must be a hit during the weekends. The waitress came by and gave me the local tips on what everything was about. There is a lot of history to this place. To order of course I got the fried chicken and waffle bites. It was $15 for two pieces. I didn't want a big meal so this did the job. To drink they had a large menu of beverages with funny names. I loved the "Unusual Ducks-pect" or the "Mango Noir." I needed something nonalcoholic for the lunch hour. There was a drink called Dubai Dusk which intrigued me. It had fresh espresso, pistachio syrup, chocolate syrup, strawberry puree, and milk. I did not know if these things would all go together but it was wonderful. It had the right mix of sweetness and caffine. It also was a good mix with the chicken and waffles. I had a great meal here and will definitely come back again when I am in New Haven!

    Cinnamon waffle
    Selenia M.

    I stopped in for a birthday brunch experience. I was seated immediately. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant has a great ambience with beautiful artwork displayed throughout[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] . [[HIGHLIGHT]]We sat toward the back and there was a little section for private parties with a privacy curtain.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I ordered a cinnamon waffle with the side of bacon. The waffle was delicious. The bacon was good as well, they provided several strips. I don't know why I didn't order a mimosa, I was feeling adventurous and ordered some bourbon cherry cocktail. Not my favorite, but then again I'm not big on brown liquor. Not quite sure why I ordered it. But if you enjoy Bourbon and whiskey, it might be your thing. I'm used to larger portions when visiting restaurants, but the portions weren't very big here but no complaints. Just an FYI. I wouldn't mind visiting again just to try their standard menu outside of brunch.

    Ali R.

    This has to be one of my favorite spots in New Haven. Since the moment it opened up and even till now, when I'm in the area I try to make an effort to stop in for the delicious food, tasty drinks. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I had a fun brunch earlier this year with friends and it reminded me of why of love this place so much.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Staff is always great, aesthetically everything one would want from an American Cuisine spot with a twist.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Rosalenny V.

    Made a quick stop by at 8pm hoping to get a quick bite before taking off again and that is exactly what I got. The service was quick and the waitress was very sweet and knowledgeable on the menu. The kitchen closed at 8:30pm so I definitely recommend coming much earlier than I did however we were attend to and overall really enjoyed the food. I had the chicken and waffles bites w/ truffles fries I would rate my meal an overall 7/10. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Aside from that the restaurant itself is very aesthetically pleasing, the rubber ducks theme really sold me![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Enxhi B.

    Just realizing I had been here 4 years ago as well, haha! Stopped for a drink this summer with a friend and we sat at the bar. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The drinks were good, it's a nice spot to come and socialize.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Crispy shrooms.  Chicken and waffle bits.  Mimosa flight.
    Shellene O.

    Another great experience at Elm City. We had family in from out of town and it was a great spot for them to meet up with some friends from NYC. We didn't have a reservation (definitely recommend making one if you can) but we were there not long after opening and they got us seated quickly. The cocktails are super fun and delicious whether you get a rubber ducky or not. I recommend the Nutty by Nature martini. We had the crispy shrooms and chicken waffle bites as an appetizer and both were delicious! I had the breakfast burger, always love an egg on my burger. Delicious good and drinks, we'll be back when we are in the area again.

    Happy Hour Ducky!
    Shannon R.

    The food was so much better than I ever expected! This isn't your typical bar fare... the sliders were exceptionally flavorful and perfectly cooked. The chicken was my personal favorite; I was so tempted to order more of those but I knew I had to save myself for the tacos which were tasty as well. Good drink specials during happy hour...check it out!

    Brittany C.

    A group of friends stopped in after the St. Pattys Day parade on Sunday. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The bar was CROWDED, but we got right in for a quieter setting in back, which was pretty empty.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We started with a classic flight. *The Rubber ducky (hop infused gin, grapefruit, basil and lemon) *Rocket queen (pomegranate vodka, pomegranate hibiscus and bitters) *The Stunna (cucumber tequila,blackberry, lemon, agave) *El pastor (tequila, ancho reyes verde, charred pineapple, agave, cilantro). My absolute favorite was El pastor. It was just the right amount of kick. Rubber ducky comes in second. Rocket queen was a little too bitter, the stunna was a tad too sweet. We got the sriracha buffalo lollipop chicken wings. They came with a side of carrots and celery, but sliced thin with ranch, almost like a little salad rather than the traditional ranch and veggies. We also go the Cool ranch crispy chicken sliders. Fried chicken, ranch seasoning, pickles, creamy slaw, truffle ranch on a potato roll. I cannot believe how DELICIOUS this chicken was. It was so juicy, savory, finger licking good. Our server was simply amazing. As BUSY as the place was, she kicked a** as busting tablets by herself!

    Elm City Burger
    Jacquelyn A.

    Stopped in for lunch and got the Elm City Burger. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Atmosphere, service, and food was all excellent.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The burger had the perfect meat to bread ratio- the English muffin was a great idea as opposed to a traditional bun. The onion jam on the burger was really good!

    Kathleen S.

    Great drinks and food at this cute restaurant. The service was quick and staff was friendly. Food was delicious and prices were fair.

    Shark Attack drink
    Amy W.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]The summer pop up bar theme was so fun![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Really cleaver beach themed drinks. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Cute space up on the roof.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Yummo!
    Jenni F.

    I have only visited for drinks. Have yet to dine in. My two times having cocktails there were both excellent. The first time was up on the roof. The second time was in the downstairs bar. My favorite drink was a cucumber infused tequila drink. It was a really different blend of flavors! [[HIGHLIGHT]]This is a very busy and loud bar. If you're looking for an energetic spot where the music is bumping, try this place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I found the service to be friendly and prompt. I think you'll have a good time!

    Second floor balcony event area

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    12 days ago

    waitresses were sweet and the food was delicious! The cinnamon waffles were the best item on the menu.

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    7 months ago

    Food was very good with a variety of choices on the menu. Service by Server was excellent although the salmon was not cooked to order.

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    Page 1 of 15

    Elm City Social Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Elm City Social

    What's the parking situation?

    I just use the parking garage.

    Is brunch available on Saturdays?

    Yes!

    View All 3 Questions

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    ROLi

    4.5
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    We were in New Haven for the weekend and we were looking for a nice brunch spot that offered menun…read moretems outside of the usual fare. We checked Yelo and found Roli so headed there. Its right on the corner of Chaoel and Olive. We walked from our hotel, so parking was not an issue for us. The minute we walked in, we loved the place. We were warmy greeted and the hostess said she recognized my handsome dining partner. Well, come to find out, the hostess is the partner in this wonderful restaurant with Chef Roland. We met them both before as we had frequented a Norwalk restaurant run by them that we loved and that sadly closed down sometime ago. They opened this spot in New Haven about 1 year ago. Lovely European vibe to the whole setting and menu. Open kitchen. Delicous offerings. We ordered the eggs Benedict with a croissant in place of the English Muffin. I was so happy they were able to accomodate this request. Also a full legitimate English Breakfast! Amazing. A moctail and a pot of loose leaf black tea. All was outstanding! Outstanding! The service was top notch and we never felt rushed. They have daily themed specials in addition to their regular menu offerings. Beatiful bar area. We are so happy to have found them and will be returning often! We highly recommend!

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    Ordinary

    Ordinary

    4.1
    (319 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$

    This place is great. Stumbled across it via the InKind app, and have been back multiple times,…read moreincluding making a special detour via New Haven on our last night before leaving Connecticut. The Ordinary is one of the oldest purpose build bars, with lovely dark gothic wood. A wacky gothic humor and excellent staff, who really care about the clients and the drinks. Good selection of gins. Outstanding cocktails on the list, at fair prices (especially happy hour). Or better yet, ask the expert staff to recommend and invent one for you. The bacon is a thick, crunchy, sugary must. Add it to your burger. And an egg. Get the shishito peppers. And the chocolate chip cookies. And if you're lucky and hungry, the coffin-full of sliders is a delicious bargain (with plenty for the next day).

    I've been to Ordinary perhaps 3-4 times. Being a New Haven native, I've been to about every bar,…read morerestaurant, or eatery in the city, and Ordinary has been no exception. First few times I went was during covid, and they were one of the few that allowed folks to just be. They resembled a real speakeasy during lockdown because you had to ring a bell and be let in. My most recent visit was with two of my long time friends on a rainy Wednesday night. We got seated by the "fireplace" and browsed the menu. I landed on a mocktail old fashion, my friend got the bee's knees and we got the big pretzel and the candied bacon. Pretzel was great, old fashion could have been better but the ambience was just what we needed. You really get a feel of old school New Haven being at Ordinary. The staff was great so I'll be back.

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    Cool pictures hanging up
    Cool pictures hanging up
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    Vampire decor

    Elm City Social - cocktailbars - Updated August 2026

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