When people say the best burger in New Haven is Louis. Those are people that never been here before. Louis is a joke compared to this place If you don't have this burger you are missing out. The service is what I love about this place. Brash, honest and too the fucking point. You gotta love that. The slogan here should be "how did I not know about this?" read more

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

Old school tavern. Bill tending bar & making burgers. They have burgers, chips and alcohol. That's all you need. Nice size beef patty on a poppy seed bun, smothered in grilled onions, slice of cheese. DELISH! they also have tomato if you want. I ate it so quickly, I'm surprised I didn't eat the paper plate. CASH ONLY. read more

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Bad service. Admittedly, it took me a bit longer than normal to find the money in my wallet (I don't use cash often, and this is cash-only). The bartender walked away without a word, turned his back, and attended to making a hot dog. I got the cash out right when he left. I called out to him a couple of times, and he kept his back to me. Burger was just okay. Nothing special. Not a good price either. read more

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. read more

Contois Tavern - Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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

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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! read more

Contois Tavern - The owner & chef preparing the burgers - Dive Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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Spectacular burgers! What an amazing place. Friendly and cozy! I absolutely can't wait to go back. Can't believe it took me so long to get there to begin with. read more

Terrible service, terrible food. We felt unwelcome and unwanted. They staff was rude, didn't even let us know when our food was ready (a customer had to tell us it was ready). We asked for water and didn't get any other. Seems like she made up the price on the spot when we told her we were sober. read more

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

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

Contois Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Walked in through open side door at 8:30 on Friday to almost empty bar and asked if place was still open (I hate to be that person keeping people late). I got told to GTFO after 1 minute because I was asked by the potentially? Inebriated bartender if voted for Kamala. I was really excited to check this place out. But wow, she slammed the door behind me. I feel weird. read more

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

Contois Tavern - Cheeseburger - Dive Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

Quaint little corner neighborhood pub , burgers were fresh and very good! Our only quib is that it definitely NEEDS lighting outside! It looked closed from the outside , no business sign light or front entrance light. If visiting at night as we did it's very easy to miss, also for safety reasons for lighting outside. read more

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! read more

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

True Score: 3 Stars Not Nice This is short review and we'll probably go back because I want a burger and the place is a historic establishment. However, we stopped in on Sunday at about 6:30pm and were told with distain that they are "closing soon!" We told the crotchety bartender that we just wanted one drink and we'd leave. He scowled at us and said ok! Not sure what his problem was it was 6:40 at night? Fortunately, the drinks were power packed and did the trick. We were out of the place 15 minutes later and left a big F U large tip and I think the bartender felt bad for treating us poorly. I know this is weird review, but we were only in the place for a total of 20 minutes. We're gluttons for punishment and addicted to nostalgia so we'll be back. Hopefully it's more comfortable. Thanks read more

Always great burgers. Old school place. Beer and Burgers....... Def recommended. Don't be picky. Use your manners and you will be treated well. read more

Nothing fancy. If you want a good super fresh and tasty burger and love to day drink (those were the days), this is the place to be. The bartender cooks, makes drinks and cleans up. Nice guy, almost apologetic that they only have burgers but we knew what we were getting into. The burger was great (i just ordered a second one). I recommend this place just relax and take it for what it's worth. read more

Contois Tavern - Fresh cooked burger - Dive Bars Near Me - New Haven, Connecticut

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

Best Hamburger in Connecticut. There's not much more to say. If you are craving a burger, eat here. read more

One can get good burgers in a lowkey, sleepy, bar here. Not a first date night place, and it's tough to beat that around this area of New Haven. Thanks Contois read more

This place is a real down- home spot. The bartender is the cook and the busser. So don't expect lightning fast service here....He made us some delicious burgers the other night. And kept our beers full. And was super nice, with a charming Irish accent. And really, can you ask for anything more? read more

I don't know why yelp says that they may be closed they are open and run the best bar in New Haven. And in my opinion is the number one Burger in the state of Connecticut. They also serve hot dogs straight off the grill! They also serve a pepperoni soup which is absolutely incredible. There is no working phone number there but they will be open. And I'm sure you will love this Establishment. read more

Let me first just say that I never thought I would be writing a Yelp review for Contois! However, after recent events, I feel compelled to do so. I will make it short and sweet - I am a woman, I have been going here for close to a decade, and I have never been treated with anything but the utmost respect. I would say, that in my experience, women are treated with more respect here than in most bars in New Haven. This is true of both patrons and staff. Contois is something of a hidden gem. If you don't know about it, you may walk by a dozen times and never realize it's even there. But if you are lucky enough to happen upon it, you will find yourself among some great company of true gentlemen. Oftentimes when I have been there, Billy Senior has warned the assembled crew to watch their mouths because "there is a lady present". It is true that most of its customers are men (you could even say the majority are men of advancing age). What I will tell you is that in my many hours spent on a stool at Contois - a stool that I am usually given the minute I walk in the door by any one of the many regulars - I have never witnessed sexism or bigotry of any kind. I have witnessed people being shut off for the night, or refused service, when they've had too many drinks and are acting inappropriately. There is no distinction between regulars and strangers to this rule. I personally have found it to be one of the few places in New Haven where a single woman can go to have a few drinks and not be harassed. I hope that a few bad apples will not ruin what is one of the best establishments in our great city. Do yourself a favor and go and see for yourself. Get a burger and a beer. I would be surprised if you don't have a fabulous time, walk away with some great new friends, and want to come back again and again!! read more

Classic, clean, family oriented bar frequented by neighborhood clientele with deep Elm City roots. To Calla L: Sounds like there is a good chance that the bartender kept you out of jail for public intoxication if you were refused a drink. Considering the number of both male and female law enforcement officers, lawyers, senators, fire-persons, etc. that frequent this bar, be assured that you are in good hands both inside and outside of Contois. For reference; TIPS® (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) TIPS is a skills-based training program that is designed to prevent intoxication, underage drinking, and drunk driving. read more

Summary: A great Neighborhood bar. What it is: A welcome respite from the apple-tini, the dorito-topped wood-fired pizza, and the cast of the Jersey Shore. Contois is a nice neighborhood bar. It has some quirks and some history, but overall it's a great place to have a drink with your friend, relax, and talk about whatever. What it's not: a sports bar, a Yale bar, a nightclub, a place to get craft cocktails, a place where there are over 9,000 craft beers on tap, a place to sport your newly waxed handlebar mustache and suspender combo, a place for vegetarian/vegan dining...and the list goes on. Things to know: 1. Cash only 2. Burgers and Chips are it. No menu, no apps, that is all. 3. Sometimes the grill shuts down early, sometimes it doesn't. 4. There is no "bike parking." 5. The bar is in a quiet neighborhood. 6. There are three taps. Everything else is bottled. Caveat: I've been here twice and I loved it each time. My instinct tells me that my list of things that Contois is not is accurate. If you are a regular and disagree with anything i've written please message me and I'll amend my review. Contois is a gem and the world would probably be a better place if there were more bars like this. . read more

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!

Review in a few words: This is a no-frills bar. Prices are fair and if you can get a burger the food is pretty decent too. You can cut the locals-only attitude in here with a knife and the service can be slow/rude. Review in full: A fair amount of hype surrounds this location. Looking at some of the five star reviews it is clear some folks are either exhausted by the gimmicks of downtown New Haven or that this is the first and only bar they've been too. Contois has a bar. It has some chairs and it has some beer. That's an apt description. I first came here on a Saturday night. The owner's son was working and he was really friendly. Unlike many other bars in New Haven we were able to drink in peace and our tab was under $25 despite having more than a few beers. That was pretty refreshing and we certainly enjoyed ourselves. I was excited to return the next weekend during the day to try out the burgers and I walked into a completely different environment. The owner was working and there was a large crowd of regulars. I swear it was a shade under one of those movie scenes where you walk in and the jukebox stops playing and everybody stares you up and down. I was waiting for someone to say "you ain't from around here"... Whatever I can sit at the bar and grab a drink, don't need to be friends with the world. As others have noted the owner has a take it or leave it attitude and this sours the whole experience. It's a bar but somehow he manages to turn the experience of getting a budweiser into an interrogation. I am sorry but I just don't get the appeal. It probably should be noted that there was never more than one staff member here at the bar so service can be pretty slow. I am never in a rush when I am going to a bar but when coupled with a nasty attitude it really doesn't make for a great time. Maybe when I am 70 year old grizzled hamden resident this place will make sense but until then I guess I will stop bothering the owner with my business. read more

Firstly, Carl S was impaired if he thought he was in Contois-words like hipster aren't even spoken there. Contois is a small neighborhood bar that's a half step away from being a private club. It was opened in the 30's and hasn't changed much. The bar is usually lined with regulars, mostly men, mostly known by the two brothers behind the bar. My brother is a regular and brought me there for a burger and beer. I drink Rolling Rock, which is getting harder to find so I was thrilled when a frosty bottle was put in front of me. We ordered burgers and were offered cheese, tomato, onion-I asked for lettuce and was told cheese, tomato, onion-I was good with that. I asked for medium and it was perfect. These are the kind of burgers you wish you could make on the grill, hand formed from good quality beef, not too big but a little thick, not the flat, fast food version. Juicy, just enough fat to flavor the roll and make you give it your full attention. We ate our burgers, shared a bag of chips, drank our beer and all I could say was mmmmmm. I will certainly be back. read more

Contois is a special place in New Haven. I did not want to write a review because I do not want everyone invading this place but the poor reviews are unfair. If you are looking for a bar were everyone knows your name, and what you want, you're not going to find it here unless you are over the age of 50 and have been going there for years. If you are looking for one of the best burgers in the area with cold beer, you've found your home. I was introduced to Contois by a friend who has been a regular. I've been hooked ever since. The tough as nails, retired Airborne Ranger behind the bar is rough around the edges and has a very dry sense of humor, but it is his place. If he knows you, its a great bar. If you are shy and easily intimidated, not the place for you. There is not a menu, burgers on a hard roll are the main fare. Tomato, onion, and roasted peppers are the toppings. Hot dogs are available if you ask, it will show up on a hard roll. Home made soup of the day in the winter. There also may be roast beer, pastrami, and other special hiding, but don't ask unless you see it out. Plenty of bottled beer selections and 3 or 4 on tap. Mixed drinks are available, but Martini's are not the drink of choice. Think retired men who all know each other hanging out at the local bar and this is what you get. You can also look at it this way, if you know what Yelp is and how to use it, this place may not be for you. read more

We live northwest of Hartford. I'm a born/raised new haven girl. This morning was rainy and sad. Missed my Dad who passed a few years ago...I needed a good burger, stiff drink and some really good neighborhood folks. Drove down to Contois....burger, drinks, service was amazing! There were a few daughters with their Dad's there today. Made me so happy, wish I had my Dad to bring Contois, his fav. I felt very connected to him. Thank you, Contois! read more

Great bartender good burger but louder choice of beers and no their food than the burger. If you like IPAs and a limited menu then you might like it here read more

this is the most hip speakeasy bar in new haven im really hesitating to tell you about it because its so hip and only tastemakers know about it i heard that kanye west opened this place up in 1934 when he was a young yeezy and wanted to cater to the local crowd of ballers and moguls (like carl s) anyway, this place only does bottle service and they only have ciroc and remy martin but damn its worth it. oh ya and they got like tasteful dancers that come around and sit on your face for a hundo ok well that's it now that i blew up this joint's spot all u hipster dudes are gonna ruin it and carl s will have to find a new ultra lounge to frequent when he wants to unwind away from the plebiscite #hoipolloi read more

Today was my first time ever at Contois. I have heard my friends talk about this place for years. So, today, while thinking about where to go for lunch, this place popped into my head. I had a general idea where it was, but had to ask Siri to guide me there. I almost drove right by it even though Siri said I had arrived! It's right in the middle of a neighborhood. No fancy signs outside. As a matter of fact, no frills at all. I'm sure the bartender was thinking where the hell did this guy come from when I asked for a Dewars with a twist and a menu! No twist and no menu- burgers only! My favorite! The bartender was very friendly. There were two or three other guys there! I had to laugh at some of these other Yelp reviews! It is definitely NOT a Yale or yuppie bar. It's a good old quiet bar. Not sure if the atmosphere is different at night, but I will definitely go back -twist or no twist, menu or no menu! read more

Somehow this place has developed a patronage that delights in being insulted. That's the bartender's shtick, but it's not cute nor comedic. Neither the food nor beer begin to make up for the deliberately unfriendly service. I wouldnt cross the street to patronize this place. Which is too bad, because I live across the street. read more

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

Awesome, no frills, local bar. Cheap drinks served with no pretentious attitude. Refreshing! Owners' dogs are chill and keep patrons company. Will definitely have to return and try the burger! read more

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!

Don't fall for the negative reviews! Sure, this is an old man bar with a limited selection of brews, a charming crew of regulars, and a father/son bartending team...That said, if you have a sense of humor, prefer to drink a whole night for $20, and are sick of the pretentiousness of other bars in town, this just might be your spot. read more