Ordinary had potential to be my new favorite drink spot if the service wasn't so bad. Drinks: very cute and unique drinks. Their selection rotates every week. I got the tunnel of love drink which came in a lantern with lavender smoke coming out. Very aesthetically pleasing. They're known also for their cookies but had none when we arrived. They also Boasted about a drink with cotton candy on their menu but the machine has been broken since Monday with no update to the menu. Service: Service was incredibly slow. Maybe it was from the dim lighting, they couldn't see us in the corner. We also asked about the cookies and they promised it be out in half an hour but half an hour later we asked again they said there were none. Atmosphere: The decor was very cool, speakeasy vibe. It was more crowded than normal when I went, but the seating area is very cool! The walls are lined with its history. It's a very nice first date spot, the wedding was a little too dim though. read more

Ordinary - Tunnel of Love drink with Lavender smoke - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Absolutely wonderful speakeasy type joint. Blink and you'll miss it, seriously, we walked right past it and had to double back. I had a grasshopper last night and it's basically one of my new fave drinks. Such a cool atmosphere in here, def want to come back soon to try more of their drinks and their food. read more

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Awesome little bar that feels like a speak easy. The burger was delightful, but the grilled cheese was the die for. If you are looking for normal drinks this is not the bar for you. Speak easy vibe. Dim lighting. Nice place to hang. read more

Ordinary - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Speaky easy vibes but without taking itself too seriously. There's an entry and you ring a Ring camera/doorbell and a host will let you in to larger accommodations inside. Despite a surprising amount of seating at the bar, two person tables in the front room, and larger tables in the back, I would recommend making a reservation if you can Service was solid, didn't feel rushed but didn't have any issues placing our orders The cocktail bar looked expansive with some beer/wine/classic cocktails as well. I had the eloquent adolescence which was good (spiced/fragrant), but I'd come back to explore their other offerings before getting it again. Shared a cake from Kouign and it was delicious. Would definitely come back for another date night or for a relaxed place to drink and chat with friends read more

Ordinary - Eloquent adolescence cocktail (right) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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This is a must visit place in New Haven! The bartenders are talented and passionate about what they do. The "gothic" feel of the bar is well done and makes for a unique experience. The two reasons I'm not giving it a full 5 stars is because the variety of food isn't vast and the space is tight so you can't get in unless you have a small party size. read more

Unique, speakeasy-style -- one of my favorite happy hours with great food and drink prices for downtown New Haven. Cocktail menu is rotating, so there's always something new to try. Servers and bartenders are courteous and knowledgeable. Reservations recommended! Favorites (as of 5-2023): Doodle Burger Sliders, Lamb Dog, Grilled Cheese read more

The vibes, the drinks, the experience is worth trying. I love the ever changing menu-- like a different experience everytime. Good apps. Not for a large party but I would say a group of 6 would be max. Make reservations. Service is good-- they make great recs. read more

The atmosphere is Prohibition-esque, consisting of dark wood tables and walls and dim, muted lighting. Dimly lit, vintage decor reminiscent of speakeasies makes everything feel and look a bit more mysterious and intimate. No need to worry about blushing, alcohol flushing, or oily skin cause it's too dim for anyone to notice any of that. Friendly, knowledgeable bartenders who can mix up a high-quality drink. Bee's Knee and the entire Fentimans Soda collection are some favorites. They do have a strict time limit (90 minutes) and will remind you a few times, so do be mindful of their time and spacing (it's very small!). read more

Every time I've gone to this establishment, they've been extra ordinary. The cocktails are inventive and delicious. The ambience is warm and cozy with a speakeasy feel and the service is five star because it is a smaller space I would suggest making reservations. read more

My husband and I had a great time here. Very eclectic speakeasy vibe, great drinks and food! We enjoyed the Bee's Knees cocktail and their margaritas. We ordered the grilled cheese, beer cheese, dates & doodle burger sliders and everything was delicious. Great service too! read more

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The drinks are not great, and pretty expensive for what they are. Staff was also exceedingly rude read more

An amazing vibe. Super fun drinks. Great ambiance. Come for a night with friends. You'll love it. read more

Ordinary - Napkins - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Wow. This place has been open for a while but it took an invite from a friend to get there. A small waiting area has a sign that instructs you to ring the Ring camera doorbells. After a minute or two the host arrives to bring you In. Fairly dimly inside, a long bar to the left and tables to the right, a flat screen playing a video of jellyfish aquarium at the end. Both the bar and seating look elegant, with intricate carvings. It has the feel of the inner chambers of a secret society (I mean, I've never been in one but I imagine it would look like this:; ) Menu is mostly small plates - sliders, grilled cheese, grilled shishito peppers,grilled cauliflower, Mediterranean board. Everything was A+. Zero negatives. Creative cocktail list. But being a boring old guy, I chose to try the Old Fashioned. This is a staple drink that has been around for 100+ years, but you'd be surprised at how many bars F this up bad. This was absolutely perfect. The Magic Highball was also good. The ginger beer used is pretty mild so don't be afraid. Will be back. read more

The drinks are OK...not a huge variety on the cocktail list but they can pretty much make you whatever you want. The service is not good and they turn the lights on right when it hits closing time. Like you will have literally just gotten your drink 4 minutes ago and they turn the bright lights on in your face basically telling you to leave. It's so weird and rude. When I said something last night I was told "excuse me? It's past closing time" at literally 12:03. Like you can't give me 5 mins to finish my drink and gather my stuff? It's happened to me like 3 times and I will never go back. So sad :( read more

This bar was recommended to me & I must say it was a great find! It has a speakeasy feel with a ton of creative and delicious drinks. The bartenders really take their time and show their passion for creating cocktails. The drink I ordered was the "Now You See Me"; it had mezcal & a smoky chipotle syrup in the drink itself. Pair that with the disintegrated sugar after you pour it over the cotton candy... perfect balance! The bartenders are knowledgeable and interactive & the creativity behind the drinks is just mind blowing. Don't be shocked when you're paying $15/drink, though. There's a price to pay for creativity. read more

Ordinary - "Now you see me" - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

I went for happy hour last night. Yummy drinks and food. My friends love the old fashioneds here. I tried the white mezcal Negroni on the happy hour menu. (Not my favorite...but it was made well...realizing I only like a hint of mezcal...which leads me to the drink I wish I got). My friends also ordered the Vapors (that's the one in the picture). I got to taste it. I want to head back and get one next time! The sliders were good and my friends love the Grilled Cheese. Note it is a pretty small and popular place so plan accordingly. They require masks to enter and you need to ring a doorbell to enter. read more

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Service, drinks, food, and ambiance are top-tier. But imagine walking into one of New Haven's best-preserved, most homey bars and having to hit a Ring doorbell. What are we doing here lmao read more

This place is old and awesome. Dark wood everywhere, classic New England vibe. Darker lighting with a huge chalkboard menu of their extensive craft list of spirits. Talk about craft cocktails, these libations have foams, bubbles, twills, smoke, and other add ons that are incredibly unique. You can either sit/stand in the bar area and watch the spirited magic happen, or take a seat in the back room and relax. I came as part of a bar crawl with my girlfriend and another couple. Our drinks were all hand-made, the bartenders knowledgeable about the ingredients and craftsmanship. The lock stock and two smoking barrels was literally smoked in a lantern as it was presented to us, the scent permeating the drink throughout. This is a mixology experience, not just a bar. read more

Ordinary - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Great, unique drinks in a cozy spot in New Haven. But the food options are limited unfortunately

Recently stopped into the ordinary on a Tuesday to sample some of their culinary delights. Tuesday is also $20 wine bottle night which is awesome!! We had their cheese board and pickle board to start. My friend and I ordered one doodle burger to start but these things are so damn good and cute we had to have two! They have super creative cocktails too. It's a bit cavernous though but our bartender was bright and refreshing. read more

Ordinary - The doodle burger! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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The Ordinary has a storied history and decades of heritage to season their cocktails with, but they also make a drink worthy of drinking in more sterile environs. I've only been once, and it was during happy hour on a weekday, so I didn't deal with any of the complaints other Yelp users had during alcohol rush hour. But we found the atmosphere and service to be excellent, to say nothing of the tasty drinks. Our bartender mixed up some fine drinks and answered a couple questions we had about the decor without looking belabored. My drink - the Paper Plane - was refreshing and sweet with a wintertime citrus sweetness. And the surroundings are all New England class. The wood paneling is original, the tile entryway is a leftover from the Taft Hotel, and the moose on the wall is rumored to have been shot by one of the bar's earliest proprietors. Finally, there is an staircase to the now inaccessible underground New Haven which itself speaks to an urban antiquity on which Ordinary proudly sits. Yes, I can see that this bar is not terribly fun when overcrowded. But those reviews that kvetch about the crowds would have even more terrible things to say if the bar limited entry during peak hours. read more

Ordinary - The Paper Plane. Tart and refreshing. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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You walk in and feel like you're transported into a murder mystery game (JUST my vibe), the beer cheese was excellent, the drinks were great and the service was beyond expected. There was an incident happening between two fellow customers in which one was being incredibly racist to the other and I approached the staff quickly to let them know and they were so appreciative and quick to address. The disorderly patron was approached and eventually left leaving the customer who was being harassed in a more comfortable situation. Really respect the staff for truly understanding the nature of the situation and addressing so quickly. Would absolutely come back and support such a great establishment. read more

This bar is so unique with a speak-easy vibe to it. It's dark and interesting, and the smell is the very first thing I noticed. The drinks were fantastic and the bartender kept us entertained! Definitely a must try when in New Haven! read more

Ordinary - The bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

I came here on a weeknight and it was busy and had a nice energetic vibe. You can't help but be in awe of the building and space. It is like a step back in time. The high ceilings and classically dressed bartenders complete the scene and their service is great as well. There is a long bar when you walk in and then a few tables in the back area, with a fireplace and cozy atmosphere. Their beer selection is good and we had a drink here before proceeding to the next spot. We could have easily stayed here all night though. I want to try the food here! read more

Stopped in with a few friends for some drinks. Walking up to the door made it almost feel as though I was at a speakeasy which was kind of cool! Sat and the bar and Andy recommended 2 different cocktails to us. One has a mezcal and banana liquor (pictured), and the other, Gypsy Water, came in a box with smoke from palo santo. Both drinks were absolutely delicious!! My only downfall is we sat right next to the door, so it was a little chilly with the draft (nothing we can really do to prevent that) which is fine!! Truly enjoyed my experience and will be back!! If you ever come and have Andy as your bartender, YOU ARE IN FOR THE BEST COCKTAILS IN NEW HAVEN :) read more

Ordinary - House-made vapor bubble on my cocktail! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

I'm so glad i came her to get a well made cocktail. Cool vibes and beautiful interior. Drink selection was nice lots to choose from. Great happy hour menu and knowledgeable staff. Tim took great care of us, he was super personable and asked us what we thought of our drinks! What great hospitality! It's probably the best welcome we had to new haven besides our first Lyft driver. I cannot recommend this place enough and say that it's definitely a must in new haven! Take care of the waitstaff and bartenders! read more

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This is a stellar establishment. It certainly ranks among the finest and greatest dining experiences I have ever had. It's history and handsome design creates a calm and enjoyable environment. The food is simply spectacular, with simple classics elevated to unique and delightful heights. The service is incredible and on par with 5 star treatment. I absolutely recommend Ordinary in New Haven (near Yale) to everyone. read more

Ordinary, and Luke the bartender, is anything but Ordinary. I don't love liquor but my friend does so she was golden. I was more difficult but some teamwork & we found 2 great cocktails! Who wants to drink beer/wine at a speakeasy? The bar is full of history, lore, & definitely worth checking out! Ask for Luke behind the bar - you won't be sorry!! read more

Ordinary - Vodka cocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Ordinary is anything but! Straight out of a Wes Anderson film, this adorable speakeasy set in is a must see. We had reservations and were greeted at the door/vestibule after knocking for service. We then waited a few moment in the dimly lit and vibey lobby, taking in the decor while our table was made ready. We were then escorted through the bar and a pair of vintage-clothed mannequins into what appeared to be a mix between a campsite and a revolutionary war era pub. There was a blazing fire on a television surrounded by woodland creatures, taxidermy, and vegetation. Once seated under a canvas tent at a cozy corner table, we got about the business of ordering some delicious cocktails. The menu changes frequently as does the theme, so be sure to check them out often! The night's menu was "The Royal Tenebaums" themed and the drinks were perfect. We also ordered the Olive Oil Cake and the @_Kouign White Cake which were both delicious and the perfect accompaniment to the drinks. We enjoyed several more cocktails and had a glorious time whiling away the evening. If you're looking for a truly unique experience, some tasty cocktails, or you just want to drink on the same site where George Washington and other Revolutionary war heroes once gathered, this place is for you! read more

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This is one of my favorite spots downtown. Great for a date, girls' night, or just to grab drinks and snacks for no reason. Atmosphere is a little similar to the previous bar, Richters, (they've maintained the history and speakeasy feel) although there is much nicer/more upscale seating in the back room. Low lighting and dark wood gives it a soft, cozy and intimate feel. The half priced wine bottle special on Tuesdays can't be beat, especially when with a small group of friends. Add a cheese board to your wine, which also comes with some meats, mixed nuts and/or crackers/bread and enjoy! I've also had their grilled cheese and hand pies from Sixpence and all have been very tasty. They have some unique and creative specialty cocktails as well as snacks, including candied bacon as a menu item. I always look forward to coming here. Only reason for 4 stars is that there can be limited seating, so the bar area can turn into standing room only. Especially on weekend nights and weeknights that offer specials/discounts. Either way, that hasn't stopped me from returning. read more

Fun atmosphere at Ordinary. They have an interesting drink menu. Our servers were very professional. What is preventing it from 4 stars? They stopped serving food at 11, we were only able to order olives or nuts. Also, we selected a variety of drinks on their menu that they were no longer making which we found odd. Happy to have a table and a relaxed environment. read more

Ordinary - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Closest to a true speak easy in CT, so the ambiance is refreshing in comparison to its wannabes. Be prepared to wait at the door after you ring the doorbell, but not for too long. Great date night spot or night cap. Looking for something different. read more

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Came here at around 7pm on a Saturday night and was able to get seating at the bar. Matt was our bartender. He was very knowledgable and willing to answer people's questions, including giving the history of absinthe to the customer sitting next to us. There is definitely a group of regulars who come here. I would have been more into this spot if they had more vodka and whiskey cocktails, but it looks like the list changes. Also, I think the wine list here is pretty decent in terms of variety and number, though it's probably not the type of spot for true wine-os. Rotating draft beer list had about 10 beers on it and had a decent amount of variety, including of local beers. Cozy spot. I love the gothic feel and dark wood. read more

Ordinary - Pretty bottles and glasses - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Stopped in for a drink and ended up staying for the night haha. The bar here is so cool and the bartenders are even better. True masters of their craft. Somebody next to us ordered the PBBJ burger and it looked so good that we ordered one too. And then we ordered 2 more and a happy hour Doodle burger lol. I was skeptical about peanut butter on a burger but now I may never get a burger without it, check it out! read more

Ordinary - PBBJ burger! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

We came for trivia on Wednesday nights and it wasn't very good. The room is very small so it can't hold many people, and they are not very accommodating when you arrive. There is a list you need to get on to have a seat, yet no one told us this and we got passed up even though I was standing right next to the guy running the reservations. Several people in the lounge were not even playing trivia, I guess they just liked to take up valuable tables until halfway through the game. How about you only seat people coming for trivia? Not rocket science. The trivia itself from Best Trivia Ever was very mediocre. Lots of questions based on unknown magazine surveys (I'm sorry, but that's not "knowledge" when everyone in the room is blindly guessing), or they were either way too easy or too difficult. For a professional company writing these, I was disappointed in comparison to other trivia brands. Lastly, the food service was not great. They ran out of their cookies before 9pm when that's apparently one of their specialties, and had no other dessert options. It took awhile to get the check when it was clear trivia was over. In short, they were even LESS than ordinary. Next time, try to actually accommodate all your customers? Sorry, won't be back. read more

Been here a few more times and lord this is a cool spot. Cocktails are killer and food is cheap and serviceable. You should go once but it probably wont just be once.... read more

A hidden gem in New Haven! I say that because it's super easy to walk by. It's not very noticeable from the outside, I've walked by it many times without realizing what was there. So glad I finally made it inside. The bar has the vibes of a speakeasy, it's quite dark inside, but it's always a good feel. The bartenders are super friendly, and same with the owner. They care about your experience. They have special events throughout the year so be on the lookout. Ordinary has the best gin and tonics in town, along with an extensive list of other really good specialty cocktails. If you're in New Haven, make sure to stop by for at least a drink! read more

Such an awesome place! anything but ordinary! Feels like a speakeasy as you enter an assuming entrance. It almost seems closed but then you walk through these doors and its a huge bar that runs deep through the place. Dimly lit with dark walls and a moose head over the fire place you get a cozy feeling of an old fashion bar meets tavern. This place is especially nice during the holidays with fun decorations, a nice fire place, and special drinks on the menu! Ordinary serves a great list of cocktails and drinks, along with some nice small eats. The drinks here are pretty creative and its a real great place to hang for the evening! read more

Came back for drinks in June 2023 after a few years away and was disappointed by some of the changes. The speakeasy vibe seems cheesy since it is not a hidden/exclusive establishment. Rang the bell and had to wait several minutes before the door would open. Used to love the dark moody interior, but the TV in the fireplace playing youtube videos of a fire on the beach completely ruined the vibe. Cocktail menu was kind of chaotic, our drinks were OK but were slow to come out. Overall would be hesitant to come back due to the change in aesthetics. read more

Went for a drink with a friend. The entrance was real cool. It's a speakeasy theme. Instead was real dark and cozy. The aroma from the food and whatever scent they pump through the air smelled like a delicious pipe was being smoked. Cool little place for a drink and a snack read more

Ordinary - Front door - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut