A fun dive bar with great vibes all around. I came to see Squints perform and Cafe Nine was a great venue for them to play. We also caught a few other bands performs like Seepie and Shortwave too. The volume of the mics were just right, and the crowd was energetic from start to finish. It was a packed house! We love to see it. The bar staff was also very friendly. We will be back! read more

Cafe Nine - I spy Squints! - Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

See all

Stopped in for an On & On Radio DJ night. The bar is pretty divey but I loved the set up and they have stools outside too. The bathroom is really small, I wasn't a fan of that. The stage is a pretty decent size, I'm intrigued to come back another night and see the vibes. There's a parking lot right next to the Crown St entrance which is convenient. I only got one mixed drink. It wasn't full of ice so I feel like it was pretty fair price wise. The bartender and security listened to me yap so they were cool in my book. read more

Cafe Nine - Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

See all

Would not recommend. The ambiance may appeal to some, but the owner's behavior was completely unacceptable. He openly used racist language toward Black customers and acted as if he could do no wrong. Very disappointing experience, and I hope the business is held accountable for it. read more

Cafe Nine - Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

The Cafe is always a good choice when I am in New Haven. The staff is outrageously friendly and they enjoy the company no matter how busy it gets. Always with a smile. The music is as mixed as you could imagine. Can't button hole Cafe Nine for that because they do blues, acoustic, rock and much more. The thing is - there will always be music and it will be original. Such a cozy corner in New Haven because I know that I am going to run into other music lovers and we will have a great time. read more

Cafe Nine - Sunday 1/22/2023 - Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

See all

10/10 vibes every time I visit. Artists that play here represent a wide range of genres. I wouldn't be surprised if you got to experience multiple bands in the same night. Bartenders are friendly and pricing is well done. Café 9 always hosts a fun night. read more

Cafe Nine - Fun mural. Adds to the aesthetic. - Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

It's dive bar in downtown New Haven. We visited for Sunday night, not many bars were open at late hours but Cafe Nine was great to get a drink or two. It was pretty chilled mood, but the bartender was nice enough. I would visit again read more

See all

Though Cafe Nine's ownership has changed, there are some things about it that remain the same: the bathrooms that are always interesting sights to behold with their graffiti and decals promoting X, Y, and Z band or organization; the cheap beers (who else in this area offers Genesse on tap with its intimidating axe-shaped handle?) served alongside some more popular local craft brews; the chill vibe; great live music. I've been to the Sunday jazz jams many times (which always is free of cover charge) and glad to know they still hold this Sunday tradition (albeit on Saturdays now) along with jazz jams every other Tuesday night. If you play a jazz instrument, you can just go up and play along with other folks in an informal setting. (It was great to see women on the drums and that massive upright bass last night!) I personally appreciate that Cafe Nine offers Athletic on tap for those of us who prefer non-alcoholic brews and still want to blend in with the setting. Cafe Nine is still a great place to relax with live music. I'm so glad they still offer the jazz jams, and on more than just the weekend. read more

Holy smokes! I've ran over to this place because I didn't get good service at fire house 12, only to be so pleasantly surprised with the environment, the groovy, atmosphere, and amazing, jazz music that was live performing! Drinks were delicious quick and properly served, and the place was packed everybody was there enjoying the music it was wild, it was really refreshing to see an entire crowd not one person was drinking or eating. They were literally mesmerized by the music! I give this 10 stars if I could just for the ambience alone, the food and a drink are also excellent worth the trip in. read more

Don't come here looking for fancy, but you will have a good time. Bartenders are 100% with special recognition to Jesse. Drinks have always been 10/10 with a heavy hand (so be careful!). Have seen some awesome shows here ranging from country to cumbia and everything in between. Brought my mother-in-law here and it was one of her favorite parts of her visit! read more

Great little bar & music hangout with five local oh so fresh brews on tap & enough other reasonably priced options. Right by the train station to boot. Charlie keeps an impeccable bar and Gabe is a master sound man. Respectful crowd also had #fun read more

Still an awesome spot for great live music and cheap strong drinks. I stop by most nights I'm in New Haven (which isn't nearly often enough) and also for their annual New Year's Eve burlesque and drag show. It's one of the most fun nights of the year and comes at a low ticket cost when other local venues & restaurants are hiking their prices for evening entertainment. Staff are always perfectly pleasant to deal with and the bartenders know how to hustle. My husband used to be a local music writer so we've enjoyed tons of awesome shows at Cafe Nine. Sure, it's "divey" as far as ambiance goes but the acoustics are solid, they bring in great acts, and the little stage goes a long way. read more

I love going to Café nine. I have been here multiple times and even though it is a very small space that is sometimes very crowded it's always full of enjoyment and happy people. There is plenty of parking and are usually find a spot right nearby. read more

See all

Cafe Nine is probably my favorite music venue in CT. They have gotten lots of great acts over the years that I've been fortunate to see & even more that I missed out on! It's a great place to hang out even if nothing is going on but they tend to have music every night. Tickets aren't that expensive & they do offer online sales for most bigger bands. They have a pretty stocked bar too that always seems to have Sea Hag on tap & some cheap 'Gansett tall boys. It's small enough where you can experience the music without feeling cramped. For a hole in the wall the place seems to pull off an authentic divey atmosphere without feeling dirty. The crowds I've seen have always been respectful so don't expect to end the night picking up your teeth off the floor. read more

Hadn't been here for about four years and what a disappointment. Whatever happened during COVID sucked all the soul out of this place. Now it's like any other bar. It's not unique, it's not friendly, and it's not colorful. You might as well go to Starbucks. read more

I came here a couple weeks ago with a couple friends. This was my first and only time coming to cafe nine. The evening started out with my friend (it was his 25th birthday) getting kicked out because they didn't believe his ID was valid (it was) and they didn't have a scan machine to check. Over the night I bought five drinks. They were originally on one card and I asked if the bartender (who had a horrible attitude) could move it to a different card. He said yes. Between the 2 cards I was charged over $80 that night for a drink that was $7 each. I disputed the claim with my bank account and it said the merchant denied the claims so I had to pay the whole amount. I will never be coming here again. read more

My friend and I discovered this tiny little "hole in the wall" looking place (except it's fantastic) when we saw Eilen Jewell there. It was an awesome experience, and, like others said, the acoustics are solid. Since, we have been back a handful of times and have always left happy. As an audiophile, I'm happy this little place exists because they have some great non-mainstream type of music. We were there to see Eric Lindell which was another awesome show, great music, and good service! Sara, the server, is a cool, fun, and inviting person, tip her well! It's a tiny place and it gets packed so if you want to find a seat during a show, go early. I'll be going back soon...like next week! read more

See all

Enjoyable and positive vibes there...had several grt times watching selected bands performing and also drinking beers. Staffs are always kind and cheerful too. i am gonna visit cafe9 everytime i come to nhv area read more

250 State Street New Haven CT Bar Live Jazz/Blues Music Hidden Gem! Cool casual eclectic crowd. For those who truly understand what good live music sounds like. What to do on a Saturday Afternoon? Come to a live Jazz/Blues Jam (open mike) -with Tony Dioguardi & Friends 4- 7 ish pm see Cafe 9 website for these dates. This is one of those places that has an underground word of mouth following. I recently caught a wonderful Jazz/Blues Jam. Anyone can sign up to sing or bring a instrument to play- that is if you can truly play, or sing well! Warning- it's fun, but a tough discriminating audience- this is what brings in such high level amazing talent to this tiny enclave of music lovers. Hands down the most amazing guitar playing I have ever encountered-especially at a small unadvertised venue. (Tony "Doc" Dioguardi) a studio musician -runs the Jam-a killer on guitar -Drew Fermo insane key board (child prodigy)- Seats fill up fast-at times standing room only, so get in early. Many gifted students sit in from top music schools. If your lucky you will catch a few famous Jazz musicians and singers popping in for a song or two on the way to NYC evening gigs. One of the most interesting things I have done on a Saturday afternoon, and some of the most interesting people I have ever met. From students to Grandmothers -the crowd is a show in itself. PS- info to be passed on to discriminating music lovers and independent thinkers only -Main streamers..... need not apply read more

Really cool bar in New Haven with heavy emphasis on cutting edge music. They book bands here from all over the world, as well as all over the States. I went recently and saw a band from New Haven, then a support band from Canada, (The Shanks), and then the headliners from Manchester England, The Membranes! I saw Robert Gordon there a week ago, and I'm looking forward to more shows, soon. The acts range from punk to americana, at least with many more national acts of different flavors. This place has been a hipsters hangout since before there WERE any hipsters! It's recently come under new management, and they've cleaned the place up considerably, which it needed, but there are still plenty of band stickers all over the men's room, and still plenty of cold drinks and cool people. Check it out! read more

Cafe Nine is the kind of bar that makes me wish that train stations still had bars. Watch a few old Schaefer ads on Youtube and see if you catch my drift. Then you'll understand why something isn't a dive just because all the kids inside are obsessed with the word. Dive. Dive. Get it? Dive. I spent a lot of money on Budweiser that was warm enough I couldn't even peel the labels off (nervous tic). Good thing I wasn't driving or I would have headed straight to the state liquor board to apply for a license to open a bar at Union Street Stn. Maybe knock that gross Sbarro out. Maybe instead of paying money for atmospheric geegaws, bars like this can start hanging the sports page over the urinals and paying older men to come in wearing trench coats and fedoras. If you're going to pay for a contrived atmosphere, it might as well be a worthwhile one. read more

I really like Cafe Nine. It has that dive bar feel while still maintaining the qualities of a great live music venue. One of my favorite things about local music venues is going back and seeing completely different acts on stage. I've seen upbeat pop, electronic dance music with puppets, a burlesque show, and good old-fashioned rock and roll on that small stage in the corner of Cafe Nine, and I've always had a great time. Space is a little tight - there's seating at the bar, a line of small high tables, and standing room. I often end up standing, but it's not too bad, and I've never found it uncomfortable - not too hot, not too cold, not too crowded. My boyfriend and I were back about a week or so ago and had to step back a little because we realized all over again how cool a place Cafe Nine is. I've never ordered any mixed drinks - just beers. The tap list isn't bad, but if I'm at Cafe Nine, with its dive bar feel, I'm all about the $3 cans of Schaefers and Narragansetts. All-around great place to spend an evening, especially if you like the music/show that's going on. read more

If I lived in New Haven, I would come here for probably every show that they put on. Even though I live in the Hartford area, I will still try to make this my newest dive bar/music venue. In my opinion, this place is so great mainly because it's small and intimate (allows you to get up real close to the bands)! I had heard a lot about Cafe Nine for a while...as a Manic Productions goer during high school, I had seen their name around but four years as Storrs made me lazy to venture to New Haven. I am SO GLAD I finally went last week! I saw Dignan Porch, this incredible British hazy dream garage rock pop band (think a mix between Born Ruffians and Real Estate) and oh my god did I have a blast. I freaking love dive bars and especially dive bars that play good music (my fave used to be The Pit in Collinsville...more formally known as The Fireplace) and serve good beer! Cheers to the doorwoman as well! Please check out Dignan Porch, I would not be surprised if they are the next Modest Mouse. Cafe Nine, you're the best! read more

Slammin' tunes and an intimate place, The acoustics will put a smile on your face. Impressive beers at a reasonable price, The decor and exposed brick look really nice. Great place with great local music. The sound quality is great, aside from a few squealing microphones. $3 PBR bottles and Naragansett tall boy cans for the budget-conscious and nice $5 craft beers for the beer connoisseur. Table service is provided to ensure your glass is never empty. There may be a cover, so check the website. I will continue to visit this place and keep the CT music scene alive. read more

I'm not sure what to base my rating on. I've performed here a few times in front of crowds both big (or as big as you can fit in such a tiny place) and small. Folks are always friendly and as one of the few venues left that still do live music in New Haven, it gets points just for that. Now with the stage being right next to the front door, it's a bit awkward, but then again so is downtown New Haven. Monday night is reggae night and for happy hour Freddie B cooks up free jerk/curry tofu and coconut rice to go with your beer special and reggae music. I've seen some cool shows here seen some lame shows here, either way it has it's crowd and the staff and owner are good folks. It's a bummer they don't have a food menu anymore because some of that stuff was really tasty. Overall it's small, dark, and kinda grimy, but at times that's part of the allure. Or, maybe I'm just psyched for free tofu tonight. read more

A small capacity bar that books decent bands in southern CT? How can't you be a fan if you love rock, indie, punk or Americana music? The people complaining about bands sucking should go somewhere else the same size & let us know how much better the quality is. This place books some great live acts... The Figgs, Reducers, Chuck Prophet, Sarah Borges, The Sadies, Girl In A Coma, etc. Beer on tap selections are good to excellent. Staff is friendly, etc. The only reason I can't give this 5 stars is the damn chairs & tables. I know some people want to sit, but how much can they be enjoying themselves when others are surrounding them whenever it gets crowded. I probably should give it 5 stars anyways... read more

Great place if you are into live music and New talents I would highly recommend this place .Great place

Great little stage, nice place to see a couple or a few individuals perform. There is no food, but they do not care if you have food delivered, and there are some decent restaurants near by. read more

A New Haven treasure. Also known as the "Musician's Living Room", it is one of the truly great places to see live music anywhere. Great vibe, friendly staff, wonderful sound, very modest prices. Like the Bitter End in NYC, this is a place that will be remembered for many years as an incubator of a very special local music scene. read more

Now, this is a place I miss. With a bit of perspective, this place is genius. For a variety of reasons, I have a strong association between Cafe Nine and FUN. Of course, it has nothing to do with drink quality - just get a Jack & Coke or a cheap beer and enjoy. If the music act isn't good, they're at least amusing in some way - case in point, the guy who does reggae on Monday nights. I won't do spoilers, but of course, reggae is a total mismatch for Cafe Nine, and his catch phrase is hilarious. I've seen a bunch of other cool shows there, from Burlesque to surf rock. The other patrons are always friendly too. Cafe Nine is the rare place these days that manages to pull off a hip, modern and fresh vibe without being hipster. That's much appreciated. The bathroom is, of course, appropriately roughshod and barely holding together. Food: n/a, basically Ambiance: 21/25 stars Service: 25/25 stars Bathroom: 16/25 stars Probability of going back: 100% read more

I walked into the Cafe to view a band perform. Prior to the day of the performance I looked up if the event was 21+ and it clearly stated that the event was for all ages. The lovely waitress came up to us and rudely kicked us out of the Cafe. I tried to explain our situation and why we were there to see the band play (for a class assignment). She simply would not listen and continued to kick us out even though the event was advertised as a 18+ event. Overall terrible service, and very rude employees. If you want rude service, this is your place. read more

Awesome hole in the wall concert venue for indie bands like The Toasters, my friends band who played here on June 25, 2017. Had a blast seeing these guys for the 3rd time in a month!! Always a great time when they play Don't Let the Bastards Grind You Down!! read more

Cafe Nine - Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

On a random fly by I stopped by "The nine' as my girl called it. We had been on semi crawl and I love places that are described as dives, with that we just had to. so we did and if I could buy into a time share here I would. I loved the low key intimate feel, the beer was cold and a few of the patrons had that fugitive look that lets you know...your in a real bar. All in all my kinda place, a keeper for sure. read more

Great, intimate space to see a show! Drove from Providence to see The Dictators here and it was worth the trip. It's tiny...REALLY tiny. You walk in and it's basically one room with half of it being the bar, and it gets crowded so not for claustrophobes. No all ages shows, strictly 21+, no food so eat before the show (plenty in the area), a bit of a dive...but great, no frills, no nonsense place for pure rock and roll. Loved it! Will definitely be going back. read more

I must say Christian's review is just about spot on, but I feel the things he didn't like about the place is what draws the crowd in. Any dive bar afficianado knows that with out the "sketchy losers and former inmates" a dive bar is just a shitty little room with booze and mismatch stools and chairs. These features are a must have for dives. As a matter of fact I think Cafe Nine could use a few more surly old drunks. He is also right about the bar being too high, but it must have been intended for standing until people complained there are no stools. I guess you cant please everyone. Lastly, it is a good place to see music, but don't expect the Stones any time soon. Good local bands and some from away bring a decent crowd of people in, mostly hipsters, but I wouldn't expect to see a fight at this place so hipsters are alright in my book. All in all, a cool little place. read more

Great place to see local up-and-coming bands. North Shore Troubadour's album debut was rockin. Great acoustics and selection of ales. Waitresses were helpful and busy. Considering the beer/dancing/loud atmosphere, the restrooms were very clean. Only $5 cover for a great time. read more

This place is basically a cultural mecca in New Haven. The only consistently well-booked indie rock, punk, and folk venue in the area. People that whine about how it smells, or the shadiness of the venue just don't get it. If not for Cafe Nine, there would be almost no live music scene in New Haven outside of Yale. (and Sundazed @ BAR) read more

Always amazed at the great bands we've seen in this place. Great atmosphere and the bartender and waitress run a tight ship. Wonderful place to hear music and spend a few hours. Hope it never changes. read more

A typical dive bar.. but with live music, standup comedy or other performances, from beatnik poetry to leper striptease, on any given night of the week. This intimate venue is an amazing place to see one of your favorite bands play, so if anyone that you hold dear to your heart passes through here, don't dare miss it. Drinks are quite affordable and environment is everything one could desire out of a dive, if not more. Salty popcorn, distributed as compliments of the house, primes the palette and enhances each following beverage. Despite it being a poor decision to bring your car in the first place, local parking is typically available without the Odyssey and twelve Labors required to find it elsewhere in Elm City. read more

I would have never known about this place unless my friend invited me and my husband to hear her uncle and cousin play one night. It was a great evening of live music and drinks! Drinks are pretty cheap and they are obviously able to draw good bands to provide great live music every night. My only complaint with my particular experience there was that our waitress spilled an entire glass of Coke on my husband (that's not the actual complaint). Oh well, things happen. She was very apologetic about it and - even though my husband was not making a big deal about it - she offered to buy him his next beer. When she brought us our bill she told us she had comped one of our beers and we were quite delighted. Except that either she miscounted how many beers we had or she lied (that's the actual complaint). Despite that, we had a great time! read more

It's definitely a dive, but I've seen some great music here and they have Brooklyn Brewery options on tap.