New Haven Folks - Restaurant Recommendations?

I'll agree with this. But it gets busy so try to make a reservation. Even with a reservation I waited for a while last time I was there.

Will have to revisit DiMatteo's pizza considering I live <1 minute from there. I almost always get pizza at Eli's Pizza.

 

Yea Eli's is pretty good too. DiMatteo's has always been great, and I think got even better semi recently. Speaking of Eli's, have you noticed them trying to be a beer bar now? Giant chalkboard with a beer list that's never right..

I would also agree about Barcelona. Probably the best bet. Awesome food with decent beer, and when you're done, you can go to Cask Republic 2 doors down. And if you're looking for a shop, don't sleep on the Wine Thief right between Barcelona and Cask. They usually have a pretty good bottle selection.

 

I like both Eli's (the restaurant/bar and the pizza place), since they're easy enough to please almost anyone. Since I moved into the area 2 or so years ago, I've thought the restaurant/bar always has some good beer options. As far as that chalkboard goes... it had some insane price listed for Supernaut a while back that turned out to be $3 more than what they were charging.

 

If you don't want to do pizza or want to go somewhere that looks nicer than the pizza joints with your mother-in-law, I would suggest Barcelona and Cask Republic. As mentioned above, these have good (to great for Cask Republic) beer selection and a nicer feel to them than most of the other places. Food is good at both.

Pizza-wise ... honestly you can't really go wrong because any of those 4 has got to be in the top 2% of pizza places in the country. Since reviews above are mixed in terms of favorite, I'd default to the one with the best beer which is Modern. I've only been to each a handful, but Modern is probably my top choice right now. Pepe's disappointed me last visit.

 

Kinda shocked that nobody has recommended Prime 16 or the New Haven Meatball House. Both have stellar food with great tap lists. Prime 16 has the better tap list and the burgers are top notch.

 

And while you are carousing you should grab a burger at Louis Lunch to be able to say you had one at the birthplace of the burger. Who can so no to something cool like that?

 

Dude top of the thread. woosterbill, Brez07, and I all recommended it!

 

I guess my eyes or brain really sucks. My apologies gents.

 

!!! You are the first person I have ever encountered with exactly the same feelings about the big 4 before.

 

Huh. Haven't had DiMatteo's or Born in America. And Zuppardi's, I can deal with you saying that's better than Modern, even though I disagree, Zuppardi's is phenomenal.

But Abate? Really? I mean, I used to love that place as a kid (chicken parm.... mmmmm), but the PIZZA? I mean, wow. Unless something has drastically changed in the past 5 years, that's not even in the same GALAXY as Modern, IMO.

I can, because they're absolutely terrible

 

Heard this from a few different people.

 

I don't believe I said they were great, but they aren't horrible. For a few bucks you can say you did it. It is basic and unique.

 

The stars have aligned!

 

I agree man,thats what Louis' is all about.......plain-basic.And NEVER ask for ketchup or mustard...lol.Cooked the same way,(5 different blend of meat varieties)hand rolled,and cooked to order in the original cast iron grills,since 1895.
I loooove Louis' Lunch!

Cheers

 

Don't forget the liquid cheese.

 

I like mine medium w/the "works"----all that they offer- cheese,onions,tomato.........

Cheers

 

G

Get there steve,ur missing out.
Hit me up,I live 30 seconds away.....in the slums(don't worry I'll protect you)lol.......


Cheers

 

I like them mooing.

 

over the past 25 years, I've been to all by Bar. Even without going to Bar, I too agree with your ranking. The lwait alone keep me from hitting Sally's & Pepe's with any regularity. Pepe's also has a branch in Manchester so that's closer to me anyway. Regardless to any of that, Modern has always had the best overall vibe AND quality. NEBCO on tap simply seals the deal.