I agree with almost everything from the 3 previous reviews. And I LOVE Caseus. I also love craft beer. So I really want to give this 5 stars. I trust you can read the other reviews about the beauty of the building, etc. so I will not go into that further. Pros: The cheese plate was Caseus quality. My group cleaned that plate. Also my friends who ordered the BBQ pork pie were quite happy. All of us were happy with our drinks and they were quite reasonably priced. Cons: My bacon pie was just okay. Too much potato, too little bacon, would like sharper cheese. Also, the silverware is made out of wood. I'm all for environmentally friendly utensils and tableware, but I got a splinter from my spork. (I'm not even kidding. I ate with a wooden spork). And it is necessary to use the utensils because the pies are made in traditional British style instead of the more modern empanada-style that you can eat with your hands. I realize these are pretty minor complaints, but I 1) won't order the bacon pie again and 2) am really unhappy about needing a band-aid from going out to dinner. Not wanting to order a meal again is a big thing for me, because I have loved every meal I've had from Caseus. So will I go to Ordinary again? Absolutely! But I still reserve my 5-star love for Caseus. That being said, if you go here, you will get a very good dinner and a very good drink for less than $30, which I cannot say for Caseus. read more

We came here for lunch around 1pm on a Sunday. The place was totally empty except for us. We ordered a cheese and salami plate. It came with a few almonds, olives, honey, mustard, and some toast crisps. The waiter tried to tell us that the salami was chorizo, but upon our confusion, he realized his mistake and gave us the correct name. We were given no plates to share the appetizer, and I asked for some. He brought us paper boats, the kind they serve fries in at a carnival or bowling alley. Drinks were pricy and nothing special. We got Moscow Mules. Grilled cheeses were nothing special. For the price ($11), you expect way more. It's pretty difficult to mess up a grilled cheese, and I regretted wasting the calories on it. It was soggy with not much filling, despite having paid an extra $6 for beef brisket filling. The insult to injury though was THE PLATES. They served our grilled cheeses in those sad little paper boats. I think when you're spending $25 per person on lunch, the place can give you a ceramic plate. The paper french fry boats were just a completely bizarre choice for a place that otherwise purports itself to be kind of upscale. Regarding the interior of the dining room, it's gloomy to say the least. I understand that this location used to be a landmark bar, but the cold, hardwood and dead animals don't exactly say, "Fun Times with Friends" as you're dining. I expected Edgar Allan Poe to pop his head in and recite some poetry about my sad grilled cheese in its paper boat. My first and last visit. read more

We get drinks here a lot... always run in to people we know! Be prepared to fight your way to the bar, or wait a long time to get drinks from the waitress if sitting at a table in the back. The drink s are pricey but creative and potent... always delicious! Great crowd, lots of Yale and hospital people, along with good looking young professionals. Great place to go for a fun night to see and be seen! read more

Amazing drink selection and, of course, food selection. Prohibition era cocktail lounge with a local gastropub infusion. Craft beer Handcrafted cocktails Local artisan cheese and charcuterie Righteous felon jerky Sixpence handmade pies Best grilled cheese ever HIGHLY RECOMMEND for any night of the week read more

What a stunning bar stopped in to get a quick snack and just fell in love I may enroll at Yale next year just so I can hang out here. The grilled cheese is wonderful perfect crust with the right amount of gooey cheese. The pulled pork would make a southern boy proud. The BBQ is served with pickled vegetables that just make my mouth pucker with delight and a little kick at the end that paired with my wine was perfection. Great beer list and the wine list small but impressive. There is a warm and cozy lounge perfect for just hanging out . We sat at the bar an read more

Great spot for a drink and some conversation. The manager and staff were terrific. Guided me through some great choices. Cheers Ordinary!

This place was okay, we got here about 7pm on a Thursday and it wasnt very crowded maybe 1 or 2 other tables of people. The waitress took our drink order, and when she brought us are drinks and asked if we wanted to order food, we had not looked at that menu yet, so she said she would give us a few minutes. She never came back. It did get crowded but other people we being served and being paid attention to. We finished our drinks (which took us about an hour to do so, as we were talking, but gave the waitress plenty of time to come back) and had to flag her down, to get our check, and for her to even take the check. Im giving it 2 stars bc I would give it another chance and the moose on the wall has a pigeon on it hahaha read more

A wonderful downtown bar with amazingly delicious cocktails which really hit the spot! I love the interior design of this place, the walls are decked in dark wood and stuffed animals and the lighting is perfectly dim which gives the place a very old English hunting lodge feel. It can feel a little crowded at times especially if you are standing with a larger group but if you can manage to wangle a table all the better. read more

A comfortable, elegant, and low-key spot with perfect cocktails and small plates. The bartenders are skilled and amiable. They take pride in their work--as they should (especially the bartender who likes bubbles. He might show you the photo.) read more

Ordinary - Old Rye Old Fashioned - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

My friends and I went here on a Tuesday night for someone's birthday, and it was great! The drinks are really creative, fairly priced, and delicious. Our bartender Chris was really friendly and very knowledgable. Overall, wonderful little spot! read more

I'm so glad I finally go to try this place and, even though we had the place to ourselves, it was a treat. On the coldest day of the year we happily sat by the fireplace (ha!) underneath perhaps the largest moose head I've ever seen. Our server was a super cool dude that told us about the place. Ordinary was our first stop of the night so we did not get too much. But I will tell you that the house manhattan is smooth, the candied bacon is good (not awesome but good), and the segue cocktail is served in a smoke-show - literally. the smoke is actually not as overwhelming as you'd think when it's served to you. And the story of the drink is that it's based on this musician from the 60's called Towns Van Zant and now I listen to his tunes. Ordinary inspires coolness. Be cool. read more

Amazing atmosphere, service and drinks. Highly recommend especially for a couples night out or a small intimate group. Will definitely be back when in the area again! read more

Best cocktails ever!! We have been going here for quite some time now and this place never disappoints. The mixologists are not only incredibly talented but they are all extremely nice and hospitable. Last night I had a drink that had cotton candy on top and a chili lollipop, and it was amazing! I wasn't sure about it but I have yet to have a drink here that I didn't like. We also love the old school/speakeasy feel it has. It feels like you're in Hogwarts when you go inside. Totally awesome spot that we will go to every time we are in new haven. read more

As an event executive, I planned a party here for a recent event. I had no been here previously but the place seemed great online...and it was just that. Great service, very cool vibe and my guests were more then happy. The staff give great service and the food/beverages were served timely. I would recommend this place for group gatherings. They have a great back area/room but you still feel part of the place rather then some other places where VIP is so secluded. Next time I'm in the area, I will be returning for sure. read more

+ great drinks and beer selection. delicious cheese plates and charcuterie. Small and cozy - you are going to spend some money here, small and crowded, bartenders and waitresses try but are not very knowledgeable Definitely worth checking out read more

I really like the atmosphere in Ordinary, I think it's a great date spot for drinks. Dark wood abounds and the eating space is adorned with an enormous moose head. The food is pretty good also, but there is not much of a selection and they can run out of ingredients by 8 or 9 at night. Lots of specialty cocktail drinks, barrel-aged booze and craft beers. There are half off bottles of wine on Tuesday, which is a steal. Service has always been delightful whether sitting at the bar or eating in the back room space. The bar can get quite crowded on Friday and Saturday nights and they do occasionally reach capacity. read more

Ordinary is not just any ordinary place! If you are in the mood for a drink that consists of tall glasses and small prices, then you must go! We went during happy hour. The place was not crowded at all, but don't let that stop you from going in. We ordered the grilled cheese and specialty grilled cheese. It had this tomato flavored sauce that was so unique that it paired nicely with the cheese. A friendly tip...j.o.c is jalapeño, onions, and carrots. It really boggled our minds when it said it came with our meal. No surprise here. The environment is a bit dungeonesque but it gives off this cool vibe after a couple of drinks in you. All in all a really great place to hang and have fun. read more

I have been here a handful of times, Great cocktails. Good but limited beer. Good food (its Caseus, I mean come on). Bartenders vary. Not allergy friendly. I will come back for the old fashioned, the soda drinks, candied bacon, and $5 grilled cheese, but I won't be a regular, it is too expensive, too crowded, and not many options for those with nutritional needs. Cocktails are strong, smooth, and classy. Really good old fashioned, and really good cherrytree and rum (? maybe tequila) drink. Several good soda drinks. It helps that the Fentiman's soda they stock is awesome. I mean its just soda, right? No, its much more. Talk to your bartender for food suggestions, they are usually spot on. One warned me about one of the hand pies, and then the next week it was taken off the menu. One day they were out of 3 of the desserts, so each one I ordered they had to tell me they were out, and the bartender comped me what I finally was able to order...candied bacon. It was so good, I almost felt like I should have paid for it anyway....almost. My point: ask the bartenders, they know what's what. Unless you get the one guy who is straight pushing what he likes. I heard him recommend the same beer to everyone right down the line, despite what the customers said they liked, but, I haven't seen him the last few times I have been there, so maybe he's gone. Mostly though, the bartenders have been considerate, informative and helpful. Strange atmosphere, tight walking through the bar, but there are often seats at the bar and in the back room despite the crowds standing in the walkway. If you are into clean eating or have allergies, check the menu before you plan to eat here. They use strange ingredients, and the menu is not upfront enough about allergens, and they unapologetically use butter and wheat products. Sometimes there are specials, so, ask, maybe something to fit your fancy is on special, or just eat at home... but meet me there for an amazing cocktail! read more

Came here for drinks with friends on a Tuesday. Great atmosphere, great service and an eclectic variety of drinks and small plates. The bartenders are very knowledgable and personable. read more

Ordinary - Prosecco and blackberry cocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Stopped in last week (based on a locals recommendation) for late night drinks. Atmosphere, concept, decor is 4 stars, very unique, but that's where the pros end. Arrived at 10:45PM, rang bell, Manager comes to the door and asks if we have a reservation. Really?? 10:45PM on a Thursday night?? Says maybe we can sit at the bar. Lots of seats there so we were like OK he gets a pass. Waited 10 minutes as the bartender went through his motions of making drinks, looked at us twice, didn't blink an eye. Finally serves us, we ask what beer they have, he named like 4 beers. Really?? In this beer age they have like 4 choices? My wife settles for a $5 can of Miller High Life, the only beer without IPA or something else he mumbled associated with it. I ask if he has Woodford or Blantons or even Makers Mark bourbon, shakes his head no I ask for maybe a bourbon menu so I can see what they do have? He wanders away and comes back with the menu a few minutes later. I order an old fashioned with a bourbon I never heard of straight up. Can places stop using champagne goblets for a martini?? Cheapens the drink not to mention makes it look like you have more then you really do, like 3 sips. And I have to ask for the cherry, he gives me the look and fetches a cherry. Did I mention the bartender had the personality of a wet rag? Maybe you figured that out already. Then he announces last call at 11:30PM. Maybe it's the local law but really?? Looking back he did us a favor to get us out of there, we now wish the manager never answered the door. Save your time and money, skip this place (unless you just go in and walk around it really is a cool speakeasy themed place then get the heck out) and go to the many other places in New Haven who serve real drinks in real glasses, have a variety to choose from, and employ professional people who don't make you feel like they're doing you a favor by serving you. I see someone else just posted a similar negative review, maybe it's the time of year, but we won't be wasting our time and money to find out. read more

There drinks are amazing love there different choices in whisky, there food is good for the price. Love the Decore in the bar and great history read more

This bar seems to be the opposite of ordinary! First of all, when you walk in, you are greeted with an almost Victorian ambiance: dim lighting, dark wood walls, and a moose head mounted on the wall! With such a classy environment, I expected the drinks to cost an arm and a leg. Instead, my rum & coke only cost $10! Plus, the coke came in a "curiosity cola" bottle which looked as if it came from an apothecary, how cute! The waitress was also very quick and friendly, despite our large group size. This is a bar I would definitely return to. read more

My favorite spot for a perfectly crafted cocktail. I love the history of this building. It can get pretty busy in this small bar but service never disappoints. All of the bar snacks are tasty. Candied bacon is always a fun choice. I recommend the Lock Stock and 3 Smoking Barrels to any mezcal lover. read more

This is must go to place in New Haven. It is a classic renovated church pub that has served the Yale community for more than a century. The mixologists are super cool, friendly, and interactive with customers and prepare unique alcoholic beverages. They also offer a fantastic selection of craft beers featuring some of the beers from the world class Black Hog Brewery. The atmosphere is relaxed but the location has limited space so it is very busy during the school year. Highly recommend! read more

My boyfriend and I grew up in this area and out of all the old and new places downtown this is one of our favorites! Usually when we come we sit at the bar and are greeted by nick so we might be a little impartial but occasionally more recently we've been greeted by Dave and I have to say we absolutely love him! He is VERY knowledgeable of all whiskey, bourbons, any other spirits we question, and beers, and he's very engaging! The food is awesome as well and love the fact that the make their candied bacon and also that the sell righteous (In not sure if I spell that right) felon jerky! I would absolutely come here time and over again as I have! read more

A truly unique pub in the heart of the Elm City which boasts handcrafted drinks, carefully selected craft brews and a variety of other spirits. The menu boasts several creative and hand picked delicacies but I advise you to head straight for the beer cheese and pretzel bread & the Doodle burgers...which are among the best burgers I have ever eaten!!! read more

The atmosphere is awesome! Very old-timey, speak easy kind of feel. The building itself has so much character and the drinks are very cool. They don't have titos, guiness, or jameson (we reuqested all of them) but they do have some cool drinks. Its a must try for people who want something a little different than the average bar. I would not recommend going for a meal, they have about 6 options for food and its all a little strange. The beer cheese is cold (which was shocking to me!) but the grilled cheese was delicious and my boyfriend said the burgers were delicious. read more

If you are a fan of the cocktail done right this is your place! Amazing mixologist in the truest sense of the word. Forget your novelty spirits and club drinks, this bar offers amazing cocktails from past to present, served with a lot of knowledge or just some really great 'doodle burgers' (So yummy). There are food offerings but think smaller plates, and fine tuned pub fair. They also have a great beer selection, including the yard for those with a longer thirst. I went on a weekday for happy hour with some colleagues. Bottom line, I look forward to my next visit. read more

Wow this place had some great cocktails! Our server was clearly so knowledgeable about cocktails and alcohol in general. She was able to give us some great recommendations. It's a little small and loud, but we were able to get a table after only a little bit of waiting. Definitely a great place to stop to have a quality cocktail. They're slightly on the pricier side for the area, but that's because they're great drinks. read more

Drinks only during what they called " negroni week". Wanted a cocktail and was fortunate to meet Dave the bartender who made what was probably the best negroni I've ever had! The drink was his suggestion. Great bit of bar and drink knowledge. And a great experience watching them work. Highly recommended!! read more

I like the concept and A+ on the renovation of the bar, its gorgeous, that said, the service is too much like Caseus. What do I mean by that? I mean don't name your bar Ordinary (I get the concept of basic, real ingredients) and then not be a bar for everyone. I feel like I'm in a NYC "speakeasy" but they are trying WAY too hard and, in my opinion, not taking it over the finish line with not only the drinks but the air of snobbery (like Casues). I've been twice so far and the drinks are inventive but always poured too low in the glasses, plus they are missing a certain something. The bar tenders need to spend a night at NYC's Employees Only or many of the other "speakeasy-type" bars there to get a handle on how to make drinks with real ingredients. The other very odd thing is the layout. I get that they didn't want to disrupt the layout to keep the history of the place but they eating area is in the back and both times we were waiting for a table and a bunch of people from the bar just wandered past us and took tables and the staff didn't do anything about it. Either make people wait for tables or just have it be an open bar. It cannot be both. Overall, I'm underwhelmed by this place. I'll probably keep trying it because its a fun place to have a drink (kind of take you back to another time) but I do hope they expand their menu and really work on putting drinks together that have more flavor. I'd rather be drinking in a bar with brand name booze if it means the drinks taste good. One final thing. The music both times was terrible. It was some kind of hardcore rock playing both times. Just didn't match the vibe. read more

Ordinary - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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If you're into crafted drinks or classics, Ordinary is the best. The inside is dim with wooden interiors, with a nostalgic speakeasy vibe. There is the bar at the front and tables in the back. On a normal weeknight, the tables in the back aren't hard to get, but plan to wait if you're there on a busier night. The people who work here are very nice, and if you have any questions about the menu or are having trouble deciding between things on their extensive drink list, they will most definitely be able to help you. They offer a solid amount of food options, and you can't go wrong with anything with cheese. As for drinks, my favorite is the gin blossom, which has Fentiman's rose soda, lavender syrup, and gin, but I have yet to have anything bad here. Note that there is a big neon sign that says "BBQ" lit at the front, bigger than the name of the place anywhere. If you have never been here, it makes it a little hard to identify. read more

This place seems really excessive. It's one of those restaurants I want to be taken to but don't wanna have to pay for myself...the drinks were delicious. I had the white hat (if I remember correctly) only got to try the cheese plate which was very very basic... I don't love places that have those uppity vibes for no reason. read more

The best spot for cocktails since they are super delicious and on the stronger side :). When stepping in, it might look small at first, but keep going and there's a narrow passageway to the back where there's more seating. The bar has a vintage feel with dim lighting and decorated with wood panels. I've only came here on the weekends which are usually always busy, but the staff are attentive and quick. read more

Ordinary is a great bar. It has craft beer that is always changing and have excellent hand crafted cocktails. They have tons of local and rare beers. They have some unique cocktails, that everyone should try once. The atmosphere is great. It is has a very warm inviting feel. You feel like you are transported back to the Theodore Roosevelt administration. The food options are minimal but good. They have a great cheeseboard and their beer cheese is definitely something to write home about. I am a vegetarian so their BBQ entrees aren't the most appealing to me but I never heard a friend complain. I do like the grilled cheese. Also the cookies are by fair the best in New Haven. I do find this more of a winter, or late night place. There are no windows. If I am going to a happy hour when the weather is nice I want to be able to enjoy it. Also sometimes I have gone there and it is completely pack. This can happen anywhere but I noticed it happens here more than other places. read more

On Saturday we traveled to New Haven to have a day in town. My parents and I almost went to Shake Shack but due to the line went to Ordinary instead and I'm glad we did! The dark bar/pub atmosphere was a stark contrast to the hot, sunny day. We sat in the back near the moosehead to enjoy drinks and some food. The woman who served us was very helpful with recommendations on what to drink and eat. I enjoyed the Frito Pie, the chile came out on the fritos which were in the original package! Great place for a drink and bite to eat! read more

Ordinary - Frito Pie, amazing chile poured over the Fritos (and it even came in the Frito bag!). A great small bite! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

ok so i keep coming back and i keep encountering disasterous issues with this bar in downtown new haven, ct ok so im all down with ur decor and ur concept but srsly service at the bar is atrocious. I brought 5 of my japanese associates to this establishment and it was V embarassing when we had to wait for 15 minutes before getting served. I thought my japanese comrades were going to kill me!!!!!!!!! noooooo i need to keep cordial relatons with my japanese associates, ordinary please help!!!!! so the drinks are really good and everything, but how can the owner save his honor? I mean he was there, the owner was there, and he didn't even notice the scowling faces of my japanese associates b. I think he was playing a game on his phone while sino-carl s relations were going down the shitter and the bartender continually just forgot what he was doing while he was making drinks. Srsly the barback ended up taking most of the orders he is a legit young man, he will go far. Also service in the back is pretty good, no hatin. I think this establishment was like a pet project that some dude dreamt up one night when he was high on coke. and its great he concept and everything but the execution is v unprofessional. I sorry ordinary but i went to Anchor bar after you and service was exceptional - my japanese contacts were saved and peace was restored, they scowls turned to smiles and we all got hammered with great honor. read more

Awesome place! My all time fav bar! Love it! Miss it now that I moved to Boston! we try to stop by on our way from NY to MA.

This place is small. It's overrated. Ordinary is probably supposed to be some kind of pun. But it's not. Never anyplace to sit and have a few without being surrounded by a bunch of privileged self-indulgent quasi intellectuals. And that's when can actually find a seat. Nothing but squatters. read more

This past weekend was my first visit to Ordinary. From a bar perspective you can't go wrong. Great selection of classic cocktails and a adequate beer selection. Although this place can't compete with the selection of places like Cask Republic or Mikro, what they do have is excellent. Drinks are priced affordable so you won't break the bank. As far as the food goes...well...it was just...wait for it...wait for it..."Ordinary"! There is an attempt to offer common trendy Gastro Pub dishes but execution is poor. Appetizers are small...very small. Most dishes are not enough to share so order enough to go around. This is not the type of place where you should intend to eat a full meal...if you're out for a long night, this may be a great place to start. If you're primary focus is the food then I would look elsewhere. read more