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    Contois Tavern

    4.4 (43 reviews)
    InexpensiveDive Bars, American
    Closed 11:30 am - 11:00 pm

    Contois Tavern Photos

    CONTOIS TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Contois Tavern

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    Bar

    I've been coming here for a few Sundays because I have know the bartender from previous establishments. And Jody is incredible Great light easy welcoming atmosphere and the burgers are amazing. Everyone makes you feel welcome I've meet some great people here. And will definitely come back more often.

    Burger
    David R.

    Laid back back yard to sit with the pups and drink a few beers and eat delicious burger. Simple but effective.

    The owner & chef preparing the burgers
    Foodie P.

    The Hamburger was delicious...fresh ground beef with freshly grilled onions! The best...juicy & can't wait to return. The Tavern is quaint, historic and comfortable with a warm atmosphere! Loved it! My regrets not taking a picture of our burgers..i got too excited to eat & once i bit into the burger, that was it! Enjoyed every last bite!

    Best burger in the city, hands down! Great fungsway with a decor that speaks to the history of our community.

    Cheeseburger
    Mike F.

    Great Burgers, right up there with any I've had. Two Thumbs up, can't wait to eat there again

    This could be the best burger in New Haven... maybe even Connecticut
    Matthew L.

    Contois Tavern is an old neighborhood bar that opened in New Haven, Connecticut in 1934. It was founded by Walter E. Contois. Local rumor has it that the location in the Goatville section of the city had originally served as New Haven's first speakeasy during the Prohibition Era. Contois took over the bar after the repeal, and it's belonged to his family ever since. They still follow an old school code of ethics. There wasn't a sign outside the bar until 2013, there are no hours posted, there's no website, and there's no phone. Today, the bar is run by Walter's grandson Bill Contois and great grandson Bill Jr. Aside from the occasional brew, Contois Tavern is also known for the food. There's no actual written menu, but one thing they are known for is their cheeseburger; some argue it's even the best in the city. They also grill up steaks and chicken tender cutlets. The meat comes from the Meat House in Branford. Contois Tavern also have a seasonal rotation of homemade hearty soups, such as beef stew, clam chowder and pepperoni soup. Concerning the latter, some customers claim, "You'll never eat another soup!" They even make grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches. Just remember, everything is CASH ONLY. I recently visited Contois Tavern at lunch time after a long morning bike ride. This place has no business being in 2021; it was like stepping into a speakeasy from the 1940s. Besides me, there was a table of elderly Italian men eating cheeseburgers and debating issues. Bill Jr. was running the place on this day. I grabbed a seat at the bar and ordered a cheeseburger with sliced tomato and caramelized onions. It came served on a fresh poppyseed roll. It seemed so simple, but then I bit into it and it was so delicious!! It was so juicy and flavorful; no ketchup needed. I also asked if they had any of the pepperoni soup I heard great things about. Bill said, "Sorry, that's more of a late Autumn/early Winter soup." Oh well; just another reason to come back. I would easily rank Contois's burger as one of the Top 3 in the city (along with Louis' Lunch and Prime 16 Tap House + Burgers). I'll definitely be back!

    Fresh cooked burger

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    4 days ago

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    1 day ago

    Best neighborhood bar in East Rock. Bobby is the GOAT. Get the cheeseburger, best in CT.

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    1 year ago

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    2 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    10 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    5 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Best burger in New Haven ! Simple onion, tomato, cheese. Needs nothing else !!! It's a hidden gem far enough away from the Yale crowd...

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Went on a Tuesday night - very quiet but a nice spot to catch up over a couple beers and a TRULY great burger.

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Old time neighborhood tavern, cold beer, great cheeseburger. Great place to meet for friendly conversation.

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    6 years ago

    This is a Go To for me for years. And it is OPEN for business. I'm eating a hamburger from Billy and it rocks!

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    11 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    12 years ago

    This place is a neighborhood gem - affordable, cozy and friendly. Nothing fancy but it does the trick after a long day.

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    12 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Good guy, to bad his best buddy is Mickey the mope, but he's still alright in my book,always a laugh , just don't ask for mustard!

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    9 years ago

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    Review Highlights - Contois Tavern

    Contois Tavern also have a seasonal rotation of homemade hearty soups, such as beef stew, clam chowder and pepperoni soup.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Contois Tavern - divebars - Updated May 2026

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