Outdoor Dining & Drinking in New Haven
It's summer! I also realize I should have posted this blog about a month or two ago but here we are. Due to Covid, a lot more restaurants have opened up outdoor seating and some streets (mainly Orange St) are actually blocked off in parts to allow for full use of the street for dining. So if you're looking to dine al fresco, where should you head? Here are some of my favorites in addition to some crowd-pleasers.
September in Bangkok
There have been a few restaurants on this corner and finally this one has stuck around and done great for itself! This awesome Thai restaurant in East rock has a beautiful patio with many tables (and takes reservations!) Definitely try one of their cocktails, too (I recommend the lycheecello spice!)
116 Crown
This fancy cocktail joint has a beautiful garden patio hidden in back. Grab a table with your good friends or a date. They also grow some of their own ingredients for drinks back here!
Bear's BBQ
Got a BBQ craving? The Stack/Bear's BBQ has a beautiful and large outdoor area. They're also in a complex with tons of parking if New Haven parking fills you with dread.
Geronimo
I love this patio because it's year round - it's open in the summer and closed off with ceiling heaters in the winter. There's also a bar outside so you don't have to go in to get drinks. Their spicy margaritas are amazing.
Camacho Garage
If you're looking for upscale tex mex with lots of outdoor seating, here's the spot! They have a covered patio in addition to large open doors connecting inside so there's a full indoor/outdoor vibe here. There is a small parking lot, but street parking is also free!
Elm City Social
Though it sadly has no view, this rooftop tiki bar has all the right vibes. Great place to grab dinner, a snack, or a Rubber Ducky cocktail complete with a mini rubber duck.
High George
High George opened 2 years ago and it's one of my go-to cocktail spots. It's located inside the Blake Hotel (at the corner of High and George get it? I didn't get it until about a month ago, whooooops). They switch up their cocktails often, so there's always something new to try. It feels like a different place when you're sitting up here as well. (Also open year round, covered in the winter).
Kitchen Zinc
How much pizza can one town possibly have? Answer: a lot. Kitchen Zinc has unique pizzas and also a beautiful rear patio that backs up to the courtyard between Temple and College Streets. Enjoy the mind-bending artwork as you walk down the alleyway, too.
Kasbah Garden
This cute garden restaurant is tucked away on Howe St. has delicious Mediterranean food and hookah and you can BYOB. Great spot on a warm summer day.
Trinity
While the patio is technically just on the left hand side of this photo, you'll feel immersed right into Pitkin Plaza and have fun people watching. Trinity is a local favorite place to watch the World Cup and grab a pint of your favorite beer.
Harvest Wine Bar
Come down the stairs and grab a seat on this cool patio space right on Chapel St. Great happy hour specials on food and drink as well!