Moving back to Connecticut was never the plan for me. I’d much rather enjoy my time in a larger city with unlimited bars, breweries and rooftop patios.

But life doesn’t always go as planned, and that’s okay. There’s a lot I still like about living in my small Madison, CT hometown. Amongst these are all the significantly underrated local spots.

In my opinion, the Central CT shoreline isn’t nearly as barren as we think it is every weekend. If you’re bored of the same old local weekend spot in CT, these 10 places along the shore are my favorites. Chances are you’ve heard of them, but like me, you probably forget about how great they are when it comes time to pick a place. Check out the list!

1. BAR

credit: bar nightclub

New Haven, CT
Ever since I turned 21, BAR has been my go-to CT weekend spot. Located in the heart of New Haven and equipped with three main bar areas, you’re guaranteed to have a great time no matter what you’re looking for in a night out. Whether you just want to chill, drink beer and play pool or take shots of Jammo and show off your best moves on the dance floor, this is the you’ll always want to be. Fridays and Saturdays are the best, but I’ve heard great things about Wednesday and Thursday, too (or seriously any other day that suits you).
Favorite Drink: The Boss’ Daughter (Uncle Val’s Gin with House-made Honey simple syrup, Rakomelo, fresh mint, a dash of soda water and fresh squeezed lemon. Snifter.

2. Elm City Social

credit: elm city social

New Haven, CT
Elm City Social has a hip vibe with a young crowd, plus, a killer rooftop bar. In the summer, you can head upstairs and enjoy great music and even better cocktails under string lights and the night’s sky. If the cocktails and outdoor environment weren’t enough, the food’s great, too. They put a unique spin on New American with menu items like zucchini chips and lobster doughnuts.
Favorite Drink: Black Widow (Kubler Absinthe, Cherry, Rose, Grapefruit, Sauvignon Blanc)

3. Brother Mike’s

credit: lusa concrete

Madison, CT
If you’re looking for a casual place to watch sports and drink beer with your friends, go to Brother Mike’s. Not only is the bar food awesome, the wood inspired decor and weekend lighting makes the environment a really cool place to hang out. I definitely recommend the chicken wings, even if you aren’t going there to eat. Just try them.
Favorite Drink: Shock Top w/ an orange slice. I don’t really know why, it just feels right.

4. [Chow] Food & Beverage

credit: facebook – chow food & beverage co.

Clinton, CT
Introducing, my favorite place in the area. Chow is a truly hidden gem. Within the first year as an open, running bar and restaurant, the Chow team started making plans for expansion. They were THAT busy, with happy, loyal customers, all week long. It’s a small place with just about eight tables, but the rustic, wooden bar is full service and the staff is exceptional. If you’re looking for a unique meal and well-made cocktails, go to Chow. You’ll probably see me there.
Favorite Drink: Drunken Golfer (Deep Eddy’s lemon, iced tea, fresh lemon juice, lemon wedge…according to Bartender, Charles Trentini)

5. Stony Creek Brewery

credit: Stony Creek Beer

Branford, CT
Nothing says summer like drinking pitchers out on the back deck of Stony Creek with almost 200 other twenty-somethings in the area. On any sunny Saturday or Sunday between the hours of 2 and 8 pm, This brewery on the river is one of my favorite places to be. Out in the back, they have corn hole, Adirondack chairs fire pits and picnic tables for you to enjoy by the water. Every day-drinking activity should at least start here.
Favorite Drink: Cranky (IPA)

6. Bill’s Seafood

credit: yelp (bill’s seafood)

Westbrook, CT
Fried food, drinks and a shoreline sunset? That’s what you’ll find on a clear night at Bill’s Seafood. It’s outdoor environment is casual and filled with friendly locals. This is one of the only nearby places that makes me feel like I’m actually on vacation. It’s a true New England joint.  I don’t even eat seafood and you can still find me at Bill’s on any given weekend.
Favorite Drink: Mudslide (w/ whipped cream and a cherry, of course)

7. The Stand

credit: the stand branford

Branford, CT
The concept of The Stand is totally unique to the CT shoreline. Located alongside the marsh in Branford, this BBQ scene is literally like hanging out, sipping fall-flavored cocktails and eating awesome food in a modern day farmer’s market. It’s a fairly new spot, but it already has my heart.
Favorite Drink: Seasonal ‘Stand’gria’ (Rum, Apple Brandy, Combier Triple Sec, Fresh Fruit, Rose)

8. The Rabbit Hole Tavern

credit: yelp (the rabbit hole tavern)

Old Saybrook, CT
It has to be a good amount of people’s favorite local dive bar and the outside patio is great for casual summer days. With the bar food, burgers and 200+ beers featured in the beer bible, you can’t go wrong with a casual trip to the Rabbit Hole. It’s a small place, but it’s a guaranteed good time. If you’re around, you’ll have to stop by.
Favorite Drink: You’ll have to take a look at the Beer Bible for yourself.

9. Rocky’s Aqua

credit: rocky’s aqua

Clinton, CT 
Even though Aqua is a fairly casual place, it’s kind of my favorite place to go when I want to get dressed up for cocktails at sunset (I feel like a lot of people go on dates here, no?). I’ve had some pretty good times at Aqua during the day, too – so don’t underestimate this one-of-a-kind CT shoreline location.
Favorite Drink: Cedar Island Sunset (House made pineapple infused Vodka and Coconut Rum mixed with orange and pineapple juices, topped with a grenadine floater)

10. The Wharf, Madison Beach Hotel

credit: curio collection by hilton

Madison, CT
The view from The Wharf is spectacular at any time of day. Located within the Madison Beach Hotel, this elegant yet classic restaurant is a great place for cocktails on the deck and an Instagram-worthy view of the Long Island Sound. Seriously, I’ve seen a handful of Snapchats that coincidentally capture other people taking Snapchats of the same view.
Favorite Drink: Bay Breeze (Grey Goose, pineapple juice, cranberry)

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