Planning a visit to New Haven, Connecticut and looking for fun things to do at night? Whether you’re the parent of or a friend visiting a student at Yale, headed to the coastal city on a business trip, or simply traveling for pleasure, you’ll find that the New Haven nightlife offers more than a few things to do. When you visit you’ll want to make sure to hit up a few of these hotspots while you’re in town. From theater to pizza, there’s something for everyone when it comes to entertainment at night in New Haven.
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Enjoy A Live Theater Performance
New Haven has more to offer theatergoers than any town outside of New York City. The Shubert Theater has been a New Haven staple since 1914, and offers star studded, top of the line productions regularly. The Yale Repertory Theater is another must visit spot for play enthusiasts, along with the quirky, beloved Long Wharf Theater. Shows often sell out quickly, especially during holiday seasons, so be sure to order tickets before you come to town.
Image from Shubert.com
See A Movie
Prefer the big screen over a live performance? New Haven has you covered. Criterion Cinemas in downtown New Haven is walking distance from popular restaurants and offers old school charm. The tiny theater plays both indie hits and popular movie offerings, and offers great deals for students. Serving beer and wine, Criterion is a great place to have one last drink before heading home for the night. Struggling to keep your eyes open after dinner? Perhaps you’d rather opt for movies and mimosas. On the first Saturday and Sunday morning of each month, Criterion offers a classic film series while serving delicious boozy brunch drinks.
Tour The City, Party Bike Style
Whether you’re traveling with a large group or on your own, Elm City Party Bike offers a unique way to have fun and check out New Haven at the same time. Groups of 8-15 people pedal through the city together on a group bike, while jamming out to music and enjoying drinks provided by the vehicle’s bartender. If you choose, you’ll be able to check out pubs, cafes, and other staples of New Haven at night during your ride. Be warned, this isn’t for the faint of heart! Many riders mention that their legs are sore the next day. Then again, maybe that means you don’t have to feel guilty about the New Haven pizza you indulge in along the ride.
Book a tour with them here!
Catch Some Live Music
No trip to New Haven is complete without a stop at Toad’s Place, an entertainment venue that has been jamming out with Yale students and professors alike since 1975. The venue offers top billing artists, cover bands, DJs, and other fun events, all changing depending on the night you visit. Check out the Toad’s place website before your trip- some of their shows sell out, and you don’t want to be left without tickets. You’ll also want to check out College Street Music Hall, another venue known for killer live performances. This is a staple of the New Haven nightlife scene!
Grab A Slice
Like New York, New Haven is known for it’s own signature style of pizza. A thin crust lovers paradise, the coastal town offers more than handful of beloved pizza joints for pie connoisseurs. New Haven’s most popular pizza hot spots include Frank Pepe’s (known for their white clam pie), Modern Apizza (known for their Italian bomb pizza), and Sally’s (celebrated for their white tomato pie). Looking for something a little different? Check out BAR‘s mashed potato, garlic, and bacon white pie. If you visit BAR on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday, it turns into a night club from 9:30 until close putting it’s own spin on the New Haven nightlife circuit. Outside of the big 4 pizza houses, I highly recommend experiencing the wonderfully crafted specialty pizzas like the Honeypot and the G.O.A.T at D’Alegna.
Modern Apizza kitchen
A Large Modern Pepperoni Pizza…My favorite!
Kick Up Your Feet And Stargaze
Ready to relax? Check out a stargazing event at The Astronomical Society of New Haven (ASNH). A staple of the New Haven community since 1937, ASNH events offer relaxation, education, and the chance to learn more at the sky. Check out their calendar to learn more about the public events being offered during your visit. Traveling with a large group? Give ASNH a call to see if they can squeeze you in for a private stargazing event.
Drink Like An Adult, Play Like A Kid
What could be better than craft beer and arcade games in one place? Not much! Barcade opened in New Haven in 2016, and it’s been popular with all generations. Whether you’re from the era of Pac-Man or classic pinball, Barcade will let you relive your childhood while eating delicious pub food and sipping on the best local brews. Be sure to show up hungry, as you won’t want to pass up offerings like chicken and waffle grilled cheese, Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, and short rib poutine.
Play Like A Kid, Dessert Like A Kid
Since it opened in 1979, Ashley’s Ice Cream has been a fixture in downtown New Haven. They have since grown to 5 locations and when you try their little frozen miracles, you’ll immediately know why! I’ve never really been a big ice cream fan, but these sweet treats made me a believer, or an addict is a little more accurate! It is flat out the best ice cream I’ve ever had! It doesn’t matter the season, this ice cream goes down well in any weather! My favorite flavor is Oreo, however, they always have a wide selection of amazing flavors. Flavors like Cake Batter, Cherry Vanilla Chip, Chocolate Swiss Almond and Chips Ahoy to name a few!
Travel to Spain – Without Leaving New Haven
Check out one of New Haven’s most popular hot spots, Barcelona Wine Bar, to enjoy beer, wine, sangria, and tapas style dining straight from the cafes of Spain. Be warned- Barcelona tends to fill up early, so it’s a good idea to make reservations before you come to town. Stop by the bar for a glass of wine, or sit down at a table to enjoy a full bottle and dinner. Either way, you’ll walk away happy.
If you’re looking for a night on the town, a fine dining experience, world class entertainment, or a delicious bite of pizza, New Haven has you covered. No matter how many times you’ve visited New Haven/ Yale, the crowd is always changing, and new ideas, flavors, and styles are constantly making the New Haven nightlife experience new. While it can be fun to keep coming back to your favorite spots, don’t be afraid to try something new on your next visit.
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