Must-see nightlife in Connecticut

Ordinary is anything but. It's tall, dark and handsome, ineffably stylish and a treat for the senses. Its patrons often also fall into at least one of…

Upscale contemporary design, DJ sets, expertly mixed cocktails and an international wine list draw the style crowd to this Ninth Sq bar. Small plates and…

This restaurant-club-pub encompasses the Bru Room (New Haven's first brewpub), the Front Room, the video-oriented BARtropolis Room and other enclaves…

Nobody actually knows who the Russian Lady, is but the youngsters who like to drink, dance and party the night away all swear she's their new best friend…

This big, boisterous place has housemade beers on tap (pints $6 to $8). The Naughty Nurse Pale Ale is a bestseller, and the seasonals are also worth a try…

This is the flagship store for a small New Haven chain that donates money to charities of your choice with every purchase. Whether Blue State's popularity…

This cozy microbrewery, inside the Velvet Mill, offers three free sips to determine your brew of choice. Reasonable and tasty beers, a mellow vibe, and…

This popular Irish pub serves a full pub menu – including beer-battered cod and chips, Guinness lamb stew and farmhouse pie – at a long wooden bar. There…

Tom has been roasting his beans over at the Velvet Mill for a couple of years, and when they're toasted to perfection he brings them over to his Water St…

It's a wine bar that serves real-deal Italian fare – toasted freshly baked panini with tomato and buffalo mozzarella, cheese platters and small plates –…

Leo from Limerick has created an old-country feel in downtown Mystic, full of Irish bric-a-brac, Guinness on tap, and live music and trivia to fill the…

In the heart of the hopeful Bank St scene, Social popped up in 2016, with 50 microbrews (yup!), live rock, jazz, acoustic open mike and stand-up comedy,…

Raise a cold one to Eugene O'Neill at the Dutch, the only surviving bar in town that the playwright frequented (though back in the day it was known as the…

The former saloon that became Donovan's was established in 1889. With an antique vibe, there's standard pub fare and cold beer. Known for its ½lb burger,…

This jovial little wine bar is a top spot for a tipple, with an extensive wine list and expert sommelier to take the pressure off (or put it on) you (or…

Vassar college pals Sam and Carlisle have already created a buzz in their first year crafting 10 different beers, mostly from Connecticut cash crops. Try…

Not for everyone, places like this are truly dying out. Even if you can't stand the sight or smell of a cigar, it's worth poking your nose in for a taste…

The Willi has been serving up a long list of tasty home brews in this converted post office building since 1997. The beer's good, and the menu dominated…

This converted barn-brewery has a down-home vibe, and the Coffee Milk Stout tastes damn fine, too. They fill growlers and sell cans and bottles of about a…