Start your weekend off right with select craft brews, great food, and a relaxing atmosphere, where you don’t need to yell over loud music to enjoy a conversation with friends. These excellent pubs in Connecticut serve amazing food—to go with a cold beer—and offer a range of different environments, from eclectic to trendy. Here are our favorite pubs in the Nutmeg State.
Captain Daniel Packer Inne, Mystic, CT
Known by locals as DPI, the downstairs of this pub/restaurant features a cozy, relaxed atmosphere with a fireplace, wooden bar, and a limited number of intimate seating. Head directly downstairs if you’d like to dine on flavorful and slightly elevated pub food like their almond encrusted goat cheese medallion salad, juicy burgers, or fish dishes. Live music entertains guests each night, making this a great spot for dinner and drinks while relaxing to local tunes.
The Inishmor Pub, Colchester, CT
This sweet spot in downtown Colchester, just across the street from the town green, is always packed with diners. Offering a family-friendly atmosphere, the Inishmor serves burgers created from locally sourced beef, delicious sandwiches, salads, and larger meals such as their raved about mac & cheese. The bar features a ton of beers on tap as well as numerous liquor options.
Vaughan’s Irish Public House, Hartford, CT
Vaughn’s is a typical Irish bar that really focuses on quality, in both food and service. The staff are friendly and fast, making sure that your order is taken promptly—which is great for hungry diners. And you’ll want to come hungry as Vaughn’s is popular for their bangers and mash, Reubens, and stews and soups. This is a perfect stop on a chilly fall day as you’ll certainly feel warmed up from the inside after a stop at Vaughn’s.
Dew Drop Inn, Derby, CT
Dew Drop Inn is one of Connecticut’s favorite spots for wings because of their truly massive wing menu. It also ranks as one of the best pubs in the area because of the wings combined with their friendly staff, great atmosphere, and drink selection. The specialty beers served here are actually a bit difficult to choose from since there are so many great options. Expect to find seasonal favorites like Shiner Peach Wheat, Wachusett Blueberry Ale, and Stony Creek Sorrel as well as a large selection of IPAs, pilsners, lagers, and more.
Shebeen, Bridgeport, CT
Enjoy watching sports on their big screens while dining on a juicy burger, sliders, fish and chips, and more. They also frequently have live music, so stop by with some friends for a relaxing, fun evening out.
Foundry Kitchen and Tavern, Sandy Hook, CT
Located in an old brick building, this trendy spot offers ample space for savoring their great food while catching up with friends. The menu at the Foundry Kitchen and Tavern features light options, such as watermelon and feta salad and a burratta nest, as well as heavier dishes like steak, curry, and chicken Milanese.
The Stomping Ground, Putnam, CT
The Stomping Ground is an artsy, creative spot, where visitors will find a colorful interior decked out with cool local artwork. In addition to the fun-spirted atmosphere, the Stomping Ground offers an eclectic events list with life music and/or trivia nearly every night of the week. To top it all off, the Stomping Ground has a wide selection of micro brews and food.
The Playwright, Hamden, CT
This Irish pub is an absolute classic. Opened in 1999, it doesn’t get much more authentic than the Playwright. Serving up both Irish and American fare, and some of the coldest drinks in town, you’re in for a night to remember at the Playwright. Enjoy live music, outdoor decks when the weather is nice, and a banquet facility for your next big party!
O’Neill’s Pub & Restaurant, Norwalk, CT
O’Neill’s is a SoNo staple. Opened by the O’Neill brothers on St. Patrick’s Day in 1999, this pub has garnered a deeply loyal following over the years. O’Neill’s serves hearty pub fare, full-bodied brews, and boasts “true Irish hospitality.” What’s better than that?
Key Insights at a Glance
- Captain Daniel Packer Inne: Offers a cozy atmosphere with a fireplace and wooden bar. It is known for its elevated pub food and live music each night.
- The Inishmore Pub: A family-friendly spot across from the town green, known for burgers from locally sourced beef, a wide beer selection, and popular mac & cheese.
- Vaughan's Irish Public House is a classic Irish bar known for its quality service and food, such as bangers and mash and Reubens, perfect for warming up on chilly days.
- Dew Drop Inn: Famous for its extensive wing menu and a great selection of specialty beers, including seasonal and craft options.
- Shebeen: A great place for watching sports on big screens and enjoying live music, known for its burgers and sliders.
- Foundry Kitchen and Tavern: Located in a trendy old brick building, this restaurant offers a mix of light and hearty dishes and ample space for dining and socializing.
- The Stomping Ground: An artsy venue with a colorful interior and local artwork, known for its eclectic events, live music, trivia nights, and a wide selection of microbrews.
- The Playwright: An authentic Irish pub since 1999, offers Irish and American fare, cold drinks, live music, outdoor decks, and a banquet facility.
- O'Neill's Pub & Restaurant: Opened on St. Patrick’s Day in 1999, this pub is a staple in SoNo, offering hearty fare, full-bodied brews, and true Irish hospitality.
