Best Cocktail Bar New Haven Near Me

4worldlovers: "The drinks here are outstanding! Had a rooftop party here of 60 people and it could not have gone better! The staff was unbelievable and the food and drinks were awesome! Such a great time and social place. Exactly what I envisioned for our get together. Thank you!"

“I love Elm City Social; it’s a gem in New Haven. The service is always very friendly; food and drink come very quietly and dishes are always cleared. The drinks are so freaking creative-the rubber ducky and now the fall sangria are my two favorites. Elm City Social just has this awesome vibe-I love sitting back, eating and drinking great dishes and cocktails and having a good conversation.”

4worldlovers: Bar August is a warm, friendly, casually sophisticated neighborhood wine bar located in East Rock. We are known for our impeccable service, friendly staff, outstanding wine selections and elegant light fare.


We opened for service on May 9th, 2014. Bar August is a love letter to our favorite New York City restaurants & wine bars, ones we worked in, and ones we would frequently visit. We pay tribute to many of them with little details, mementos, and touches you will find within the space and during your experience at August.

The wine program has been developed to specialize in small production wines that express a sense of place, terroir, traditional wine making styles and techniques, as well as modern expressions. We have curated a well rounded list including new and old world wines, sherry, sparkling wines and Champagnes, natural wines, organics and biodynamics. You will find plenty of classic and legendary producers from all over the world and hundreds of different wine releases are at your disposal.

The wines by the glass on offer each day include 18-20 different selections that explore different styles and varietals. Glass poured wines change frequently to offer our guests the opportunity to learn and experience many different wines from our collection. A small but unique selection of bottled beer is also available.

The menu of food we offer each night includes classic wine bar fare such as Oysters, cheeses from around the world, charcuterie, pâté and conserves, fresh salads and seasonal dishes. Our menu consists of house made specialties, locally produced breads, honey and produce, as well as imported delicacies from around the world.

4worldlovers: On January 4, 2015 after nearly 80 years in business and under pressure to evolve with the times, the Anchor closed its doors. An online petition began to circulate which passionately made the case to save the Anchor, garnering over 1200 signatures. Inspired by its legacy, we jumped onboard to revive this New Haven institution. In June of 2016, this venerable institution proudly re-opened its doors under the original name from 1933: The Anchor Spa. We are proud to be a part of the New Haven Community and collaborate with other local businesses. In keeping with this spirit, all of the items on our wall case in the dining room are from the antiques vendor English Builders Market on Chapel Street.

Named after the Milford, Connecticut beach where it first opened in 1933, The Anchor Spa moved to its current location on College Street in 1939. It originally opened as a cocktail bar, with a selection of over 50 classic cocktails. In its halcyon days, the Anchor became a favorite watering hole for actors, artists, poets, writers, and Yalies, and the after-work boîte for bartenders and staff from other bars. Over decades the cocktail lounge attracted playwright Thornton Wilder, writer Wally Lamb, and many celebrities, including Lucille Ball, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., George C. Scott, Jim Morrison, and Yale alumna Jodie Foster.

Anchor Spa boasts an outstanding cocktail program that represents a voyage around the world, including some unique international spirits rarely sampled in the U.S. The bar features classically prepared punches, mixed the way the sailors of yore, and the original Anchor Bar staff executed them , as well as a great selection of rums (New England was known for its rum making in the 1800s).

Anchor Spa was founded on Anchor Beach in Milford, Connecticut, a town Renowned for its seafood—particularly its oysters. Anchor Spa leverages this coastal history with a menu that includes a section dedicated to seafood, as well as great dishes from land and heaven.

Create The Anchor Spa for the New Millennium. Iconic cocktail club and beloved dive bar—combined, they represent the spectrum of The Anchor’s 75-year history.