Newly back to the area. First time visiting and they were extremely welcoming and regulars made the extra effort to welcome me. The gay cheers is a great way to think of this place! read more

Best Bloody Mary in New Haven, CT. Most all-inclusive, friendliest LGBTQ+ Bar in New Haven. Has an ATM and clean bathrooms. Our Queer Cheers bar where everybody knows your name. Weekly drag shows, outside seating area, delicious drinks and food. So accepting of everyone that comes through their doors. Thank you, Gentlemen, for your beautiful place, and always making this Bisexual Girl feel cared for and welcomed. May you be open 100 years. Bravo! Grazie Mille!! read more

Great place for good pizza and grinders! People are pleasant and welcoming. It a great place just sit down and enjoy a meal.

I've come to 168 York for a few Soul Haven parties. The crowd is very chill and varying in age. Generally, the music has been a bit trendy and classic gay club - sometimes I was hoping for something a bit more disco-y and less commonly heard. But they do a great job turning a restaurant into a club. The disco ball is fun, and the sound is actually pretty good. The dance floor can take some time to get going, but folks by the bar are having a good time. Chill and kind crowd. read more

Such a cute little gay bar. Very calm and great for introverts. The gay Cheers. Will definitely go back when I feel less dancey instead of going to Partners. Check them out! Also a lot of tasty drinks! read more

Sat at the bar and bartender Bryan was very courteous. 99% of patrons were considerate (there's always the exception). Tuesday night was quiet. Looking forward to future visits and more lively nights. read more

Somewhat cramped and slightly claustrophobic, this bar is what Cheers would have been if it wasn't lame and was gay. Oh, and in New Haven... While during the cold months the bar is a little tame I've had some good times during the summer months. I have one fond memory of rock-star like partying in the back patio. Since those days are mostly over now 168 will have a place in my heart always. Yes, it's true the clientele leans toward the older side but they're all typically nice people (there are some off-the-hook weirdos, but where aren't there?) and often make great conversation. I'm looking forward to a summer visit and hopefully to another rock-star moment. read more

168 York St Cafe - From their site. - Gay Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

This is a gem in New Haven and southern Connecticut in general. It is the typical neighborhood bar with drag shows and brunch on the weekends. I've never had the food but the bar ambiance is very friendly, casual and fun. read more

This place sucks. I only come here because it's slightly less pathetic than Partners. I left New Haven for 10 years and they STILL don't have ladies night here. They need to get their s*%t together. read more

Impeccable vibes. I came in with my fiancé during the afternoon and spent about 2 hours chatting with the bartender and other patrons at the bar. We had a fantastic time - this place really is an old-school, know-the-regulars, classic queer bar! read more

What can I say about York St? It's like the gay Cheers. I always have a pleasant time and it is easy to meet new people. The bartenders are friendly and sweet. They have great events every month. There is a warmth to York St. that I don't often feel at a bar. My only critique is that I wish there were specialty cocktails. read more

Ridiculous Sunday brunch. They will give you a pitcher of bloody mary or mimosa with a straw in it for $7. Seriously. "Here's your pitcher of mimosa, sir. And a straw. Enjoy." The food here isn't too shabby either. I got a ribeye steak and eggs for like $8 or $9. And it was good. I've been here a couple of times and the food has always been tasty. Oh, did I mention this place is a gay bar? Because it is. Yeah. So, if you're straight (which I am) and you have a problem with that, well, either deal with it or no $7 pitchers of liquor for you. Granted, I would only go here with a girl or in a mixed group, but still. Oh, if you do go for the drinks, make sure you order food, because we got yelled at once by bartender for not knowing the "rules" about having to order food in order to get the $7 pitchers of happiness. Oops. read more

Wow what a great brunch...crab and spinach eggs Benidict.....gin fizz yum. Great friendly service.....nice neighborhood bar.....and fantastic prices......a no brainer.... read more

I'm a huge fan of brunch and specifically of bloody marys and downtown New Haven is a bit lacking in the brunch area. So after some extensive research I stumbled upon 168 York and was sold on the $12 pitchers of bloody marys. It took a bit of an effort to find, but alas I made my way to this little underground spot which is more famously known as a Yalie gay bar. I had high hopes for this place and was really hoping to make it my go-to brunch spot, but unfortunately it was a huge disappointment. The bloody marys were bland and really nothing special. Sure I finished my pitcher because, hey I'm not crazy, but I had to add a ton of tabasco sauce into it to give it some sort of favor. It tasted like cheap store bough mix mixed with a small amount of cheap vodka. Also the food was not too impressive. I have mixed feelings about brunch because while I really enjoy boozing judgement free at 11am, it is quite easy and cheap to cook an egg so paying $12 for them bothers me a bit. However Im willing to do it for a fancy eggs benedict or omelet or something. I ordered the crabcake eggs benedict because it seems like the thing I would be least capable of cooking at home. I was not impressed however. The crabcakes were way to fried and the whole plate really was disappointing. However the absolute worst part of my brunch was the dreadful service. It took almost 30 minutes for the waiter to initially take our order and equally as long for them to bring over the pepper and water I requested. I may have even ordered another pitcher of mediocre blood marys if he ever came back to the table to check on me. I expected more from the service at a gay bar. I still would like to check out this place for one of their drag shows, but I will definitely not be coming back for brunch. read more

Don't believe the hype, the brunch is TERRIBLE. Yes, you can get a pitcher of bloody mary or mimosa for $7, but it also comes sans alcohol. Huge miss. The food was gross. The service was terrible as well. There are far better brunch spots in N.H. Don't waste your time. No Prost. read more

When I lived in New Haven, I used to be regular here. And while we bitched about it we kept coming back week after week so it couldn't have been that bad. I'm Mr. Monday Morning Quarterback and I would say things like "if I owned this place I'd do THIS differently...". Truth be known, nothing really needs to change. It's a neighborhood bar that caters to everyone but is primarily gay. Yeah, it needs some updating (especially the bathrooms) but who cares. Staff and owners are always welcoming and always nice. The patio is a gem - although I'd love it more if it were no smoking. Oddly, I have never eaten here. I don't ever make time for brunch but after reading Jonathan's review I just might. Sundays and Thursday are usually packed ($1 cover goes to a local charity) especially whent the patio is open. Used to have $1 beers too but that changed (sadly). There is a good mix of old and young, gay and straight. You'll find a football/baseball game on one TV and Desperate Housewives on the other. Leave your attitude at the door. read more

I was looking for a good brunch spot for a group of 7 and luckily found this place! Their website said to call to make a reservation for forums of 5+ so I did, but when we arrive there was only one couple there and the rest were empty seats. But, after a while, the place was packed and I'm glad we made the reservation. $12 pitchers of mimosas and bloodys wee great!! Their brunch menu has variety, but not a ton of options; all the standard brunch items are available. They also had a few specials that were on a white board that the waiter clearly explained. The food was fabulous and well portioned as all! I had the eggs Benedict that had perfectly poached eggs. The waiter also explained that they have brunch through May, then on the weekends they do a summer BBQ instead! I will be back! :) read more

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Best Sunday Brunch in New Haven. I got eggs benedict which were amazing! And you can't beat the $8 pitchers of mimosas. The bartender and waiter were really friendly and service was excellent. We went with a group of straight and gay friends and we all had a blast. Can't wait to go back! read more

We've only had their Sunday brunch, but the food was plentiful and reasonably priced. We enjoyed all the different menu items we've tried and the staff is very friendly. read more

I went here after I turned 21 to check out the local New Haven gay bar scene. The bartender was super friendly and was nice enough to keep the beer special open for me and my friend, even though the clock said it was over. The guys I saw here were older, but that's probably because it was the middle of summer and all the Yalies were out of town. I've been back for dinner and it's a hell of a deal. read more

Looking for a well-made delicious burger with fries made like mom used to make from real potatoes? Hit up this place every Wednesday for the York St Cheeseburger. You'll find me chomping down on it at the bar or on the great patio in the warmer months. And speaking of warm ... The staff never fails to be just that. But if you're looking for a watering hole on a budget who can resist the Beer Bash on Thursday and Sunday evenings. Gotta love when all you need for a fun night out with a great mix of people is just a $20 bill. read more

I have no idea what their food taste like but the bartenders are great and this venue holds one of my favorite shows in all of CT, #1 drag shows! Do your self a favor and check out their bi-weekly performances on Saturdays! read more

Sunday brunch is amazing. New Havens version of Cheers. Beautiful bar, friendly staff that knows your name and the food is delicious. I never go anywhere else! read more

Great place to stop and have a drink with friends! Thank God we still have a cool place to go! don't listen to the people who just go on Grindr and don't know how to be social anymore, they just sit around and complain about everything read more

Incredibly disappointed. Came here a number of times with a friend and received rude service with multiple bartenders. We attempted to relay the fact that the stairs were icy and were ignored. Don't come here if you want too come here. read more

While I've never been to 168 York for brunch, I have had some wonderfully interesting nights with the crowd. I've witnessed one straight person accost another straight person because she was offended about how he was joking around with his gay friend. I've had plenty of jell-o shots, topped with whipped cream. Anyway, it's a fun spot with an outdoor patio, delicious drinks and a very open crowd. read more

Cheers, traditional gay hole in the wall. Breathe, deep breath,it'll be OK. Hot bartender who is the huge tease the place needs, barely knows drinks but who cares he's jacked. read more

I had completely written-off New Haven for having any sort of decent breakfast option (especially after the closing of beloved greasy-spoon Copper Kitchen). I can't believe I didn't know of 168 York St until now! Huge breakfast portions; solid, even creative, food; gigantic, cheap pitchers of mimosas; friendly service; jovial atmosphere. I'd go here every weekend! read more

I have gone off and on to 168 York st for many years. It is a great home town bar. You have your regulars who go every day. Everyone is friendly and has a good time. The employees are also very friendly. Thursdays are there busy nights especially in the summer. They have a patio in the back which fills up pretty quickly. They have a room you can rent on the second floor which I did for a party. The food I ordered was great and again service was great. If you have never been for dinner and or just a drink try it out. Yes it is a gay bar but everyone can have fun here. read more

Great ambiance! Sunday brunch was great ... Bloody Mary pitchers for $12.00!! Had the Salmon Eggs Benedict and it was delicious! Big portion, served with breakfast potatoes, toast, and half a mini bagel. Staff was so friendly and helpful! Overall great experience. read more

Great place to go! Everyone there is really nice. The Sunday brunch is amazing. Tasty and inexpensive with a friendly staff, you cant go wrong with that combo. The Robin Banks show is hilarious and entertaining. I recommend this bar for any a good time and some good food. I also heard the $5 all you can eat BBQ is amazing but I haven't had the chance to go yet. read more

Its okay, I was here with a large group and the drinks are typical. Super small space and they mostly use cash. Their specialty drinks are not really special. Wait staff is okay. read more

Three things are required for a good brunch: rich coffee, fresh OJ, and real maple syrup. York Street Cafe was 0/3 and had so-so food.

The food was good, very satisfying, and a good portion. Overall I just liked how warm and tucked away it was...nice brunch on a cool day. The prices were fine too. The day I went pretty much all of their specials included some sort of red meat, so I found myself hoping for a more diverse selection. read more

Awesome food and atmosphere! Brunch on Sunday's is unbeatable! Great food and a lot of it. 64 ounce Blpody Mary's and mimosa's! Excellent staff! They are re-doing the whole restaurant / bar. The bathrooms are exquisite! Try it out! read more

I've been going there for 30 years (I guess I'm one of the "old and ugly" men referred to by another reviewer), and I have NEVER seen the owner accost anyone. Visiting a "dump" 5 or 6 different times might lead a reader to question why that other reviewer kept returning. The food is good, the drinks generous and reasonably priced, the staff almost unfailingly pleasant and friendly, and the owner prone more to tolerate untoward behavior than to react with violence. (I wonder what the other reviewer and his friend were actually doing in the men's room. . . .) By the way, I've sometimes wandered in on a Thursday night after 10 PM, and it is amazing how many 20- and 30-something guys show up! Visit 168 York Street and decide for yourself, but don't be guided by the ranting of a person whose grip on reality seems tenuous. I won't ascribe any motives to the previous reviewer's writing; its tone and lack of basis in fact speak for themselves. read more

I really do not like to write bad reviews, especially for places that are a part of my community. However, after a week or so of contemplating the situation and my friends and I are planning to get together again, I feel it is necessary to voice a serious concern we all have. We used to love going here when we were in town. However, we've been very disappointed the last couple of times we've frequented the establishment, and unless things change, there unfortunately will not be a third time. My friends and I liked to meet there for 1 or 2 cocktails after dinner or a show and usually are allowed in without having to pay admission with no problem unless we choose to stay and participate in whatever is going on that evening. The last two times, however, were horrendous experiences. The first night was a drag show. I explained to the person (a hulkish, bleached blonde, overly tanned transgendered woman), who seemed very emotionally unstable, at the door that we wouldn't be staying for the show. She physically blocked the entrance, not letting us in unless we paid the cover. Because we didn't really want conflict we paid it, thinking okay, $5 isn't that big of a deal and maybe we'd stay for the show. The next time, there was some dance party, at which we were not willing to be a part. We told that same person at the door (From which corner of the depths of Hell did she ascend?) that we were definitely not there for that party, we're going to just sit at the bar for a cocktail or two and should not have to pay. She became verbally abusive, going on about white privilege, and how dare we think we should be able to enter for free when people of color were paying to come in. For a moment, we thought she was going to become violent! At that point, we left and went to a mainstream establishment around the corner. How sad that we felt safer there than at one of our own gay bars! I don't know how this person, all of a sudden, became involved with 168 York St Cafe but she has turned it into a very unpleasant experience for my friends and me. Until she is gone, I am sad to say that none of us feel safe returning and will continue to frequent the ironically safer mainstream environment that we were forced to patronize a couple of weekends ago. read more

Have you been thinking of heading into New Haven some Sunday to have brunch and then take in one of Yale's art museums? If so, here's a terrific place to start. First of all, it's literally just around the corner from them. The fact that it is a gay bar by night and a brunch spot by day only added to the intrigue. And there was that review that raved about their home fries-- what was that about? This place was an absolute delight. From the minute my lady friend and I walked in, we were greeted cordially, the service was prompt and attentive, and tailored to whatever we requested. Could you bring me my coffee when my Bloody Mary down to about so low? No problem, it showed up at just the right timing. The food was excellent--the French toast was tender and delicious, as was my friend's mushroom and mozzarella omelet. And those home fries. I have never. Ever. Tasted anything like them. Must go back, if for no other reason than to try to wrangle the recipe from their kitchen.... read more

Good food, more than ample portions. Good drinks, more than reasonable prices. Staff is friendly. Owner is gregarious and almost always on premises. Quaint brownstone basement location, being constantly renovated by the owner. The bary crowd is very mixed, with college students during the academic year, and plenty of 20- and 30-somethings depending upon the time of night and day of week. read more