As much as we all love Fairfield County, sometimes it is fun to explore outside our neighborhood and head east. New Haven is a city that is home to amazing date night spots.
Only a twenty to thirty-minute drive from much of Fairfield County, New Haven is worth the gas money. Here are some of our favorite New Haven date night spots.
Union League Cafe: This spot is a New Haven institution and a classic French restaurant. Perfect for an anniversary or special occasion. I may be biased in my love for this restaurant because it’s where I had my wedding reception. Order the soufflé of the day and check out the duck breast and extensive wine list.
Tavern On State: In the stylish East Rock neighborhood, Tavern On State is reminiscent of a Fairfield County favorite, The Cottage, and boasts an amazing food and cocktail menu. Must-haves include their beef tartare and the briny sea witch cocktail.
Rockfish Sushi: Located in the East Rock Market food hall, chef Jason Tay’s Rockfish Sushi brings upscale sushi to a casual setting. Choose from different omakase menus, and don’t forget their rotating signature dessert. Order sake and cocktails from the bar adjacent to the sushi bar.
Camacho Garage: This hidden gem has amazing Mexican food in a fun and funky atmosphere. Classics, as well as new twists, coincide on the Camacho Garage menu. I recommend the birria tacos and their tamarind margarita.
Ordinary: Part historic speakeasy, part small plates, part concept theme bar, all fun. Ordinary is the perfect place to start or end your night out with a delicious hand-crafted cocktail and small plates. They also have rotating themes, the previous being Twin Peaks with the current theme of Wes Anderson movies. Try the Doodle burger with one of their fun cocktails.
Fair Haven Oyster Company: Delicious and fun seafood dishes on the water. What’s better than that!? Fair Haven boasts a somehow simultaneously classic and adventurous seafood menu and an extensive cocktail list that doesn’t miss. You can make a meal from the raw bar and small plates or try something more substantial. There’s a steak and a traditional hot dog for the land lovers. I recommend the grilled black bass for a main and the river maiden to drink.
Hachiroku: A newcomer in the New Haven area but coming out strong with delicious Japanese fare. Try a sake flight with a combination of small plates and larger hearty dishes. The staff is extremely helpful in giving recommendations and taking the time to make sure you find a dish up your alley. Try their homemade tofu and ask about their sashimi straight from Japan.
Honorable Mentions {New Haven adjacent}
Dawa Tofu: An extensive menu of good Korean food is a challenge to find outside of New York City. Enter Dawa Tofu with all Korean favorites as well as Korean BBQ and a very good sushi menu. Located in West Haven, CT, about 10 minutes west of New Haven. Try the haemul pajeon (seafood scallion pancake) for an appetizer and jja jang myeon (noodles in black bean sauce), and LA galbi (short rib) for your mains.
1928 Cocktail Club: Down I-95 in Branford is a destination cocktail spot. A small door at the unassuming entrance invites you to knock and give a secret password. Once inside this throwback speakeasy, the drink menu speaks for itself with a combination of classics and new favorites. Small plates are also available to snack on while you drink and take in the roaring 20s vibes.
