Wow, what a find. Not sure exactly how I came across this business on yelp but so happy I did. I…read morestopped by an hour before close after dinner tonight. I just missed their live jazz band that they have on weekly Wednesday basis starting at around 7 or 8pm. I wasn't too disappointed because I knew I'd be back. The entrance is setup as a VHS store with VHS movie cases displayed all over the "storefront." Everyone here was polite and welcoming. I was met by a host who showed me the way into the hidden bar, that you enter via a soda machine. If I'm not mistaken, there's a specific button that opens the vending machine door (you'll get a hint as to which one it is.) I was lead to the back to a narrow, elongated bar area that was perfectly dim with cozy decor; incredibly inviting, warm, could make be described as elegant. At the end of the bar, near the exit (at the back of the establishment), is where the band usually sets up. I sat down and asked the bartender to free flow through his cocktail creativity and to please include smoke. He didn't disappoint, I can't recall the name of the cocktail but he included two scotches and delivered the smokiness I was looking for. I love a good spirit despite lacking the knowledge of its production to which Jeremy, the founder, explained to me in a way that helped me understand the distilling processes simpler than I thought possible. On their bar top there were two mini wooden barrels that held their own aged products . One contained Irish whiskey which was referred to as the Irish- the other was as a cherry infused bourbon-- both good but the bourbon? Divine. Tonight I learned that the wood you choose to age your alcohol in heavily impacts the flavor of the liquor, not only through the amount of time the spirit ages in the barrel, but the type of wood used. The example I was given was that of oak and its ability to allow sugar to be drawn from it via a liquor (can't recall which one exactly was used to describe this process). Here they also produce all of their bases/ juices or an additions to the drinks they make. You know exactly what you're drinking here. I had little knowledge of this distilling/infusion/aging components and also of Wallingford, a place that was once referred to as the wettest town in the U.S. It makes sense given that their main strip contains 18 bars in itself. This Gilded Curtain was incredibly immersive, there is no doubt that I'll be back, lots of times, with lots of different people to impress. Love this place, it's a must visit recommendation from here on out. Thank you Gilded Curtain (Jeremy).

There are two speakeasy a couple blocks from each other in Wallingford. This one is through the…read morefront of a 1990 video store. I like this one a little more - simply a matter of ascetics. Nice cocktail menu. They have trivia periodically- though it's such a small space I am not sure how. Nice people. Good drinks. My biggest issue with these little cocktail bars is is simply how long are you going to be there. These kinds of places are great in a city. You pop in before or after a show. There is not much around here. Some other restaurants and bars nearby. But it still feels like it was just dropped in from above. But by all means if you are in the neighborhood drop on in.

"Imitator, intimidator, stimulator Simulator, eliminator"…read more(Eminem) If ten state of the art golf simulators are your stimulators, you'll love a visit to Back 9 Social. And your visit will not be handicapped by a lack of gastropub like food and drink. Their golf simulators are very impressive and combine radar and camera technology to faithfully recreate some of the best courses in the world, including St Andrews, Pebble Beach, and 120+ others. A professional organization I belong to held a gathering there last night and had a great time. We ordered and paid for our drinks through their big bar through a QR code, but you can still pay the old-fashioned way with cash if you prefer. We had plenty of their pizzas which were quite yummy. Our golfers had a blast and I should point out that although some of the other customers I saw actually brought their own set of clubs, Back 9 can hook you up with their clubs for men, women, lefties, righties, and kids. And of course, plenty of tees and balls to whack into their high-definition screens. The facility is gorgeous, the golf simulators were amazing, the staff was helpful and friendly, and it was a very enjoyable experience.

This location is super fun and well-decorated, offering good bar food and a full bar. We had a…read moregreat time celebrating a birthday, and the service was quick.

Good Service and lots of creative menu options! The staff is friendly and it's a cool spot…read moreespecially if you like Hotdogs!!

Driving through CT - need dinner, where you want to go? KNUCKLEHEADS!…read more WOW - great burger, great beer! Worth the stop.

Was in the area and wanted to try something new. Started with just wanting a martini and ended up…read moresnacking, desserts, and coffee. Small intimate dining/bar area. Bartender super friendly and attentive. Happy hour did not disappoint. Food was absolutely amazing, we'll have to pop back for entrees. Once we posted we were there a handful of friends raved that they go all the time and we can see why.

Absolutely love this place. The service is always top notch,…read moreas are the food and drinks. It's a cozy restaurant with a lot of warmth. Our server was knowledgeable of gluten free options on the menu, which was great. They start every table with potato chips and a yummy aioli, truly addicting! For food, the filet mignon was perfection. A previous time I came, they had shrimp and scallops in a saffron cream with wild rice and market vegetables and it was DIVINE! The menu does change so that dish wasn't listed this recent time that we went. It would be amazing if they brought it back as a permanent dish!!! For drinks, I loved by Buzzin in Bikini Bottom cocktail! It is my favorite! My fiancé liked the Negroni and Julep as well, but loved my drink above those. I'd definitely recommend going to Six One Nine for a date night or dinner outing!

the audubon sandwich was so yummy and the crispy chicken was juicy. all of the espresso martinis…read morewere delicious and the preztel was the right amount of salty.

This is my first time here. My brother sent me a Facebook post of the Berzerker I thought it was…read moreright up my alley. Once I saw that picture, I got in my car and ordered it. It did not disappoint. The sandwich is topped with a toasted pretzel bun. The sandwich contained eggs, crispy bacon, melted cheddar, chipotle aioli and hash brown patty. I also got the side of hash browns and the suggested paired drink of the Cookie Monster. The Cookie Monster is a cookie butter, cold brew topped with cookie butter cold foam. All of these items were very delicious. I do have to note my stomach didn't exactly enjoy the combination but a couple steps of Gingerale and I was good to go. That place was fairly busy. It was Friday night around 6 PM that I went. Staff was super friendly and walked me through the process as I've never been there before, so it was very easy to understand the process.

New England Cider Company is a great little spot in Wallingford to hang out on a sunny afternoon!…read moreAlthough if you're not looking, you might pass right by it! The building is located in front of an industrial complex, and blends into the surrounding buildings. Once you find it, there's a parking lot on the side and a tent out front with seating. The inside seating area is not too big, but it's cozy. When you first walk in, there's a bar with several different flavors of cider on tap including Pumpkin, Fresh Blend, Blueberry, Cranberry, Spruce Willis, and Sour Apple. You can get just a glass or fill a 32oz or 64oz growler. They also have flights available to try all 6 flavors, as well as cans of cider. There were also some small bites like chips, pizza, etc. listed on their menu, though I didn't get anything to eat, nor did I see anyone else there order anything. When I went, I tried the Blueberry Cider, which I thought was really good! The blueberry flavor wasn't super strong, but it was still tasty, and not too sweet. I sat at a table inside, where they have a garage door that opens to the outside when it's nice out. They also have a variety of board/card games to play. I went on a Saturday evening and they had a band playing out front, where they also have a small outdoor bar, which had different flavors on tap than the indoor bar, including Orchard Blend, Purple Rain, and El Noble, as well as regular (non-alcoholic) apple juice. It also seems like they have a lot of events most weeks. When I went they were advertising karaoke, "Cider with the Sanderson Sisters" for Halloween, and a bonsai class. The staff was friendly and the service was quick. Overall a cool spot to hang out, I would recommend!

I was in the area on a beautiful day and decided to pop into a new-to-me local spot for a drink…read more That's how I ended up at New England Cider Company. It's tucked inside an old industrial park. If you're not looking closely, you'll drive right past it. Outside, there's a casual setup with a tent, whiskey barrel tables, and some umbrellas, which sounds nice in theory, but the grass really needed a cut. It kind of took away from the whole outdoor vibe. I was planning to sit out there, so that was a bit of a letdown. Inside was a pleasant surprise. It's much bigger than it looks from the outside. The bar is right at the entrance, which made it feel like a high-traffic zone, so not ideal for lingering. There was a private party in the main room, so I headed back outside to enjoy the sun. Now to the cider: I asked for 2 samples and ended up with the cider that I didn't actually choose, but hey, I'm not one to make a fuss so I went with it. The cider I wanted was actually pretty tasty, so I might return just to give the menu another try. You know how some ciders are sweet and yummy? The one I got was the kind that tastes sour but has a higher ABV. Still good, but my goal was sweet and yummy. Service was fine but not overly warm. Nothing bad, just not memorable. Would I go back? Sure, on a really nice day. If they had live music, I'd absolutely give it another shot. There's potential here, especially for cider fans, but it's not quite my go-to yet. They did have a very cool bathroom sink. Points for that!

Popped in after a concert on a Friday night and it was a little dead (no music til we hit the…read moreTouchTunes--everyone is welcome lol) but once the tunes started it livened up. The bartender (a gentleman in his 40s-50s) had such a cheery disposition and the beers were cheap. If I lived nearby, I'd definitely be a local. Plus I hear the jerky's great.

Cannot ask for more than good people and good drinks. Total local bar where all will feel welcome.read more

Stopped in on a Friday for karaoke. Shelly at the bar is fantastic and sweet as can be. Davy Dee…read moredoes a great job with the karaoke. Stop in sometime!

Firstly, the pizza here is phenomenal. The nachos not so much. Typical dive bar: regulars who…read moreconverse with the bartender & everyone shares a couple laughs. Great drinks, keno, scratch offs, pool table- everything you need for a chill afternoon.

So enjoyable. Has my birthday dinner here with my daughter and her boyfriend. The food was very…read moregood and I loved the atmosphere .

The food is so good and it tastes like heaven. There is lovely workers, it feels like a classic…read more1970's restaurant.

I love the Goat. They have a nice coffee selection and always fun beverages, teas and lemonades. If…read moreyou need a morning coffee fix or an afternoon pick me up, they have something for you. And if you don't know what you want they always have interesting staff favorites to try.

Came in this afternoon after hiking at Craig Castle (late afternoon, 4 ish). We had been in once…read morebefore and John really wowed us with his friendliness and insight into Wallingford. Today a lady (young, beautiful red hair) and a man were working. While it wasn't the warm friendly vibe from our past visit it was ok. We ordered a beer and vino and grabbed a table to catch the game. The brewery inside is small but in warmer months there is plenty of room outside both on the side and back of the brewery. You can bring food in from outside if celebrating a birthday or special event so that's nice as not all breweries allow it. Great afternoon