August is an awesome place to meet a few friends for a quiet glass of wine and some excellent snacks. Tucked around the corner from some of the rowdier State Street bars, August has a well-curated wine list with a small but varied menu of food made fresh and right in front of you. It's one of the coziest bars that I've ever been to. I'd love to see them expand - not because I'd want to change the vibe or the size of the restaurant, but because I'd love to see what they could do with a full kitchen for dinner! read more

This place is very cute -- great ambiance! The wine selection is small, but tasty! We also enjoyed the small plates! Good place for meeting an old friend, a significant other, etc. But maybe not the best place for groups as seating is limited. read more

While I'm not arguing against a new wine bar addition to the East Rock scene, August is unnecessarily overpriced, especially for the graduate students it should cater towards to be successful in the neighborhood. At an average of ~$12 for a single glass of wine, why bother going to August when one could easily purchase a few bottles from the Wine Thief and enjoy them at home? Cave Vin and the Ordinary are also both good alternatives. Even a small bottle of Pellegrino was $6.50. (Update: the owner has since emailed to tell me the price of the small Pellegrino is now $5, although when we went close to the opening we were charged $6.50). My friend and I were trying to decide what wine to order, and one was recommended to us, even though there was only less than a half a bottle left. So we said ok, and each drank less than half a glass each, only to be charged full price at $11 a glass (or maybe it was even more than $11 a glass?!). I understand that it's marketed as an "upscale" wine bar, but I think you can offer quality wines without charging an arm and half a leg. I sampled some of the food - a Mediterranean-inspired vegetable dish, which I honestly can't say was memorable. I'd like to try their oysters, as it's pretty difficult to find fresh oysters in New Haven outside of Union League, but probably when I'm being treated out instead of footing the bill myself. read more

August is amazing. Go to August. Go to August. Go to August. Great wine list. Great small bites. Great people running the joint. Do it. Dooooo it. read more

Wine. Oysters. Charcuterie. Intimacy. Romance. Atmosphere. Excellent *little* spot. Wonderful owners. Fabulous selection of wine. Delicious cheese; oh the cheese. Primo date night. Beautiful decor. Intimate atmosphere. Glorious bathroom. Well done, well done. read more

Why the eff is this so popular?? I want to like this place, but I just can't do it. Ok, nice wine selection and the four beers offered were great. But (a) overpriced, (b) extremely limited food options, (c) way too crowded. It had great service and I liked the ambiance, but not that much... The cheapest bottle of wine was $45. Not worth it. (I want to give this 3.5 stars, but that's not an option.) read more

Thank you Yelp for sending me to this little hole in the wall in East Rock. I could have (and probably have) driven by this spot a million times and never noticed it was there. But when my husband and I got the chance to sneak out for a couple of hours child free and I searched for bars in New Haven, there it was, beckoning me. We dropped in and snagged seats at the cozy bar. The hipster vibe is strong with this place, but it works for them. Our waitress/bartender was helpful with suggestions and we soon had some tasty vino in hand while we watched the owners (presumably) bustling about and prepping food behind the bar. We enjoyed an excellent cheese plate including a fennel salami and some kind of truffle-y cheese (clearly I'm not expert - but I know what I like!). The spread included a hearty serving of fresh cut baguette, apricot spread, honeyed apples, candied walnuts and prunes. August was a lovely spot to enjoy a glass of wine and a light bite. Whether it's a destination for a snack or the starting-off point for your evening, it is definitely worth checking out. read more

3 of us stopped in here last night - admittedly our second attempt at wine after Cave a Vin was completely full. That's our usual wine bar. We hadn't been to August yet so we figured we'd try it out instead. The place is very tiny, though cozy. We sat at the windowsill. I don't have a lot to say since we just had wine. Wine was fine, atmosphere was dark and calm but the wine was a bit on the expensive side. A wine I get at Cave a Vin that runs about $8-9 a glass was like $13 here. Due to that, I'm not sure I'd come back here over going to Cave a Vin in the future. read more

Obsessed with the tinned fish. Personal favorites are the mackerel and the mussels. August is owned by a hard working and passionate couple who are extremely knowledgeable about the wine and food they serve. I've learned so much about wine just by going there and chatting with Michelle, she is wonderful! Would highly highly recommend this place to anyone in New Haven. Ps. The deviled eggs are also a must! read more

Praise baby Jesus, I have finally found my new watering hole in New Haven. It's about time! As a wine geek this place does not disappoint. Their wine list is big enough but not novel length - selective with some really unique options. Garnacha Blanca and Zweigelt aren't exactly easy finds on wine lists these days. I think it's important to note that August isn't really meant to be a dinner destination, from my perspective - they have several fantastic small plates like cheese & charcuterie, almonds and deviled eggs (all of which were delicious) but not really enough to fill you up in my estimation. And thats ok! I have started making a habit out of coming here before or after dinner for an app and a glass of wine - the perfect start or finish to a night out on the town! Well done, August. A welcome addition to the neighborhood and sure to be a frequent stop for me. Cheers! read more

**This was written a while ago, just ended up unposted** I went last night, late. I had a glass of cava and a panini with pork belly, spicy mustard and I think...cheddar cheese. It was served with a simple salad and light dressing that did not cover the taste of the fresh greens. Perfect for a late night meal. Filling but not too heavy, and yet still very flavorful. I read about it in the New Haven Independent and several friends have also mentioned it to me. It's a very warm spot, and Andrew and Michele (Michelle, sp?) have created a great small space to enjoy a drink or panini (the oysters were out, when I came by, but next time!). I will go back, I felt comfortable and would go here alone to read. If you are looking for cosy date spots that are great for conversation, this should also be on your list;) read more

An absolutely wonderful spot! August is approaching its first year in New Haven, but I am ashamed to say I've only known about it for a little over two weeks. And yet, I have been twice! Owners Michelle and Andrew clearly had a vision when they designed this bar and have pulled it off very well: Intimacy. Romance. Warmth. Class. August is tiny, so don't show up with your whole posse and expect to be seated comfortably - but it is perfect for a first date or a hundredth date. The wine list is split into by the glass or by the bottle, but the selection on both is excellent. The quality is well-above many other New Haven locations and I must day, I want not let down by the size of the pour on either visit! I cannot get over the It has immediately found a place on my go-to list of area bars and I know I will be back soon and often. read more

I am in love with this place. Exposed brick, tin ceiling - so cozy and charming. I came here on a Saturday at around 5pm. It was pretty much empty, so probably a good time to go. The space is definitely small, so I could see it getting crowded during busier hours. Glad I went when I did. They have a fabulous wine selection, and an equally great selection of small plates and meats/cheeses. Was with a few people so we ordered a few different cheeses - with much thanks to the amazing staff who went through each type of cheese to explain the flavor profile. So happy with our choices - yum! The service here is absolutely exceptional. Water glasses were never left empty at any point, and things were refilled/cleared so subtly that we barely noticed and were never interrupted at any point. They are happy to go through the menus with you and explain anything you have a question about. I can't wait to come back here! read more

This might be, literally, the perfect bar. Intimate and really tiny, August vibrates with aura. It has a well-kept secrets sort of feel to it. The owner/proprietors are the ones behind the bar, and given this its obvious that they take a lot of pride in their customer experience. i not only got some good wine advice before ordering but also some helpful thoughts on apartment hunting nearby -- owners are locals, and August is the name of their son. As other reviewers have said, the place is a labor of love. Their menus are well-curated. Wines by the glass, though not many, have been carefully chosen to appeal to a variety of tastes. From brooding and smoky to nimble and fruit-forward, chances are something will suit you. I can't wait to stop in for the charcuterie board. I was definitely caught by a couple sitting next to me ogling their sliced meat extravaganza. Cheese selection is characteristically thoughtful, but nothing tremendously out of the ordinary. Shucked-before-your-eyes Connecticut blue points and a rabbit stew also caught my attention. East Rock gets better and better each year I spend in and around this city, and a spot like August is part of the proof. I even had a great time paying the bill. My check came in a Yale edition of the Shakespeare Sonnets: "But here's the joy; my friend and I are one; Sweet flatt'ry! Then she loves but me alone." Seriously. Can't. wait. to stop in again. read more

My wife & I went here this past Friday night. I've got to tell you what a wonderful little place it is. The wine list is well thought out, and pairs well with the wine list. I give 5 stars to the food, wine; the staff. Everyone there was attentive, knowledgeable, and so friendly. The food was just fantastic. For example, my wife gave high praises for the deviled eggs; she doesn't even like deviled eggs. August is a real gem. It's small, hard to find; oh so wonderful when you do. read more

Love love love. Such a romantic place for a first date, date night or even a fun night with friends. The ambiance portrays a very vintage yet rustic feel. I loved the fresh roses and real candles light for each table. Michelle, part owner and our server for the night was spectacular. She has a strong knowledge of the menu as well as great wine pairings for each item. The food, oh my goodness. read more

Bar August - Tempranillo Wine. Charcuterie Board. - Wine Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Small, intimate neighborhood wine bar with an upscale feel. Kind of has a West Village/Williamsburg vibe to it, for lack of a better description. The space is fantastic and they really did a great job creating a stylish space. Wine and beer selections are interesting, and the small plates we tried were all very good. Strike up a conversation with the great owners, and relax. Great addition to the Upper State Street neighborhood. read more

Five stars. The food was tasty and savory... Wine was rich and refreshing, and the people were sweet and helpful not rude in any form. I am here in CT for business and just ran into this place by accident but since have gone two nights in a row! Limited bar seating, but this is the place for an intimate setting with so much charm. read more

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I hate that this place has so many positive reviews. This new neighborhood gem isn't going to stay a secret much longer (I don't think it is anymore) and we locals are gonna have to fight for one of those few, precious stools. Dim candlelight and cool ambience, excellent wine and food and wonderful, attentive service make this place everything you could possibly want in a neighborhood wine bar. The food specials change daily (and by specials I mean "special," not discounted) and they're truly special. Fresh oysters were on the menu when I was there and they were perfect. Cheese and charcuterie are awesome and the wine is perfectly paired with expert advice thanks to the owners behind the bar. read more

Best place in New Haven - fantastic charcuterie, excellent wine selection, great personal service and very cool vibe/ambience. It's like having a quiet night of wine and snacks at home except you suddenly live in a much nicer/cooler place and have drastically better taste in wine and, well, everything. Stop reading this and get some wine! read more

Cozy little bar with lovely welcoming owners. I was feeling particularly indecisive on the night we went in but the hosts were on hand with helpful advice and suggestions. The wine I ended up with was lovely and exactly what I needed. The friends I was with were inspired by the beer, of which there were three to choose from. They were happy with their choices. Having a sweet tooth I also chose to indulge myself and ordered the truffles. They were beautifully presented on a wooded board and really quite delicious but a little on the expensive side! I don't want to end on a negative because it really is a great place that people should visit so I would also like to point out that the bathroom/restroom/loo was lovely. read more

We happened across this on Yelp and decided that 5 stars was worth a shot. Great little atmosphere and the food (cheese plate and deviled eggs) was really good. Good area for a little lower key bar hopping too. read more

My favorite, favorite eating/drinking spot in New Haven. I feel torn about writing this review, knowing it's not long until I won't be able to get a spot at the intimate bar at August anymore--but August is too lovely not to gush about. August is Michelle and Andrew's labor of love--not coincidental, I'm sure, that they named the pub after their son--and the love shows in every little detail of the hospitality, menu, and decor. The space is intimate, the rotating menu is short, and everything is curated perfectly. Some of my favorite things have included the deviled eggs (I don't like deviled eggs), oysters (I don't like oysters either), cava, schiava, mencia, cheese plate (especially the one with mustard seeds), summertime watermelon salad, and their bathroom medicine cabinet (not to eat). Taste many things, you can't go wrong. I've brought friends, family, and out of town guests to August, with unanimous approval. When you go, just save me a spot at the far corner of the bar. read more

Wow. My wife noticed the new sign and it looked like a cool new wine bar. Proprietors Michelle and Andrew pour lovely glasses as well as eclectic beers. Additional dishes look great including oysters! A plus in the area with lovely wines to match. Definitely a place to have a glass or two ;) read more

Had a wonderful evening at August with girlfriends. The owners were extremely friendly and helpful, wine was excellent (although I wish their wine list included tasting notes as I hadn't heard of most of the wines). The small plates were very good and my salted caramel pudding to end the night was amazing! It's a very small bar, but perfectly fitting for East Rock and a welcome addition to the neighborhood. read more

Awesome service and good wine! The owner gave us a couple of extra pours of different wines to taste, which made the rather expensive wine well worth it. Very tiny place though, very intimate. Can't wait to go back and try the food. read more

I can't recommend August enough. The staff, the food, the wine, the ambiance, you name it - absolutely everything is perfect. Great for a date night, catching up with a friend, or solo finally getting to that book you've been putting off. Nothing has disappointed here. It has become a favorite place for me. read more

Very nice atmosphere. They don't really have real food so dont go there if you are trying to get a hearty meal. But if you are feeling some wine and cheese, This is the spot to hit up. It's very intimate and very small (like 14 seats total). Vey good spot for a date. read more

Excellent food. Good wine but small selection. Not $$ place definitely $$$. This a great place to take 1 or 2 friends. It is small though so don't show up with a group of 15. It just won't fit large groups. read more

A charming little wine bar with a kind, knowledgeable and adorable couple who owns the place. This place ain't cheap but the cheese plate was well worth the money. The oysters were very good, though hard to justify buying again considering the price. Support this local business! read more

A tucked away spot that is small and intimate - we went there for a date night - early it was quiet but comfortable. The staff was attentive - the wine selection was very good - we got deviled eggs to Hobert our champagne and it made for a einserful hour. We will be back. read more

Best bar in New Haven hands down. The wine selections are always very interesting and the cheese and charcuterie boards are always excellent. read more

The co-owner (Michelle) of this bar is unbelievably rude. I came in to meet a friend and, as I did not see her, I checked my messages. She yelled at me immediately despite my explaining the situation. She insisted that 'they have a policy' about electronics which, in this case, seemed to override basic decency. I do not recommend this terrible place to anyone. read more

Lovely staff. Well priced. Great tracks and nice and dark. Chill comfortingly quiet vibe. Not trying too hard to be hip. Refreshing nice.

Excellent service! Excellent ambience. Cute location. I would highly recommend. I'm a slightly bit tipsy but their wine was simply delicious. read more

This is a great spot. You pay more for wine than you would in a regular bar but what you get for it is well with it. Every wine I've tried there had been delicious and the atmosphere and staff make it a great spot for a date night. The food, which is very reasonable prices, is also delicious. read more

Cozy & dimly lit wine bar. The bartender was knowledgeable and spot on with his recommendations.

I have been going to this bar for years and it is absolutely the best the menu is amazing the wind is amazing and best of all the owners and the bartenders are extremely delightful they're the perfect quality to this place I bring all my friends here and I highly recommend it read more

The atmosphere, the service, the wine, and the food are all top notch. I highly recommend a visit! A must go!!! read more

Bar August - Wine Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Great little spot for some excellent wine and small bites. The food is simple and delicious. I enjoyed my Cab Franc. The owner is super personable and I enjoyed chatting with him. The ambiance was perfect for a causal night out with your significant other. I can't wait to come back. Love it! read more