Terrible is an understatement. An hour & a half for a COLD over cooked burger missing half the menu listed items. Stale ass bun with American not cheddar as the menu says...wilted lettuce and one small mushy piece of tomato with Old ass bacon??? And for $13??? Really???? No onions, no pickles, no mustard or ketchup and served with a plastic fork. So bad I'll stop at McDonald's next time before I come here, Ladies room with 3 stalls and not 1 locking door????? Not one roll of paper on the actual roll but on top of it??? The bartender/ waitress / bartender Gloria is the only saving grace for this place she was trying and did a great job service wise!!! And $10 for a 6-8 ounce mixed drink on a Wednesday night is INSANE!! Three beer choices, minimal bar stock?! Terrible & never again!!!!! read more

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Nice place but crowd n music was horrible $40 charge to get in for nothing left after a hr

We went here last night after my last endeavor the week they initially opened. Well, we went here after 4 attempts to find the entrance to the parking lot. They have zero signage until you're already behind the hotel and see a small yellow sign with an arrow pointing left. That part could use work and it's one of the reasons I gave the place 4 stars. Lots of parking, but terrible location/signs. Once in the bar, after our $7 cover, we pretty much stood most of the night because we didn't make a reservation. What got me is that some tables had 6 chairs and only 2 patrons. Too awkward to ask to sit there or borrow a chair. I feel that they could make better use of seating areas..smaller tables? I'm not sure. Most of the piano area was filled with larger parties, mostly birthdays, which was to be expected. We stood in the bar area because anywhere else would've been in the way. Now onto the music! I really enjoyed the piano playing, the showmanship, the crowd participation. I'm sure the guys do a lot of the same shtick each night (calling the birthday girls up on stage, etc.) but I had a good time. Not often do you get to hear Tupac on the piano. We knew all the songs they played last night and had fun singing along. Drinks seemed to be an average price - $5 for a plastic cup. Not sure why plastic..never a fan of places that either run out of glasses or don't think you can handle them. Bartenders were ok and occasionally distracted by patrons. But staff made sure to mix with the piano players in case things weren't super lively. Overall we had a pretty fun time, stayed a bit over 2 hours. I'd come back again, maybe for something like a birthday party, but due to the nature of the bar (repetition of songs, jokes, sight gags) it's probably not something I'd go to every week. But I also probably wouldn't go to see the same band every week without some changes or new material. I think this place has a good niche market as it's one of the only dueling piano bars in the state, so I think they'll probably keep up the good work. read more

Poor service, false advertising and the place is very hard to find. Not only will your GPS bring you to the wrong place, but when you do eventually find signs to get here, you'll be driving around the middle of nowhere along sketchy, windy roads. Maybe that was a harsh opening, but get a load at what happened last Friday night. A group of co-workers got together to come here for food, drinks and dueling pianos. Keep in mind it was early evening and the place was not too busy. Food: The service was painfully slow. About 45 minutes for nachos to come out and one of the orders had chicken added extra for a guy who did not ask for chicken. Other food items were never brought out at all and we had to keep hounding the waiter(s). Drinks: They were okay and while the happy hour prices were good, nothing about the drinks was all that special. We waited for an hour after the dueling pianos were supposed to start, but they never did. We kept getting told that the wait would be a "little longer." They even had a guy come out on a mic at start time to say things were getting started. Bizarre, nothing ever began. The time it took from asking for the bill to actually getting it was absurd. (like another 20 minutes). It's as if they were purposely being slow all night, or perhaps they just lacked interest in serving us. I don't like giving 1-star ratings, but there was nothing good about our visit at all. Everyone in our group was very disappointed. Perhaps the worst was having to pay a cover, most likely for the performances that never even took place. read more

Went for the second time on a Saturday night with a group of 10 ladies. As other yelpers have mentioned, this is definitely a better spot to go as a group, whether it be a girls' night out, birthday celebration or bachelorette party. It is also the most fun when people in your group are outgoing and brave enough to jump onstage and get involved in the show (as were in my group). I did not eat (fyi kitchen closes at 11pm), but was impressed with their huge list of bottled beers, draft beers, and mixed drinks. Waitress was great--nicely offered to do individual bills by taking our names at the beginning of the night to keep her orders organized--so helpful! She was pleasant, attentive and stopped by often to check on us. She also dropped off a free draft beer that was an extra pour from the bar. I would have liked to check out the dance floor upstairs, but it wasn't open. And yes, parking is weird and sketchy, but once you go, you know how to get there for the next time. This isn't a weekly go-to spot, but worth the trip for a special occasion...maybe 1-2 times a year. read more

This place was soooo bad that I'm literally writing the review while I'm still here sitting at the table. First off, the GPS will NOT bring you to the correct location. I tried calling the place to get clear instructions and it went straight to voicemail. If you're a place that's looking to get more people to come to your already difficult to find location, you could at least put the directions on the website or the answering machine. You have to put in Hummel Brothers Inc. to get the PROPER address. Next, checking in was an unnecessary nuisance because we were the first ones there and they still didn't know what table we were supposed to be at. Literally the place is empty, how do you not have that information written down? Some of the workers didn't even know what table was what number. Do yall work here or not? Then, our bartender took our orders and we waited and hour and some change and I'm STILL waiting on our food as I write this review. I asked the bartender how much longer our food would be, and she claimed 15 minutes. IT WAS A LIE. Another bartender just came up to us to ask us if we wanted to order food yet, and we let her know we ordered from another bartender an hour ago and are still waiting. The bartender went ahead and said the other bartender who took our order doesn't know what she's doing and probably didn't put in the order. We decided to just cancel the food altogether, because I refuse to wait another hour for food. On the plus side, the dj was good and there was a crowd which helped the vibe, but staff needs lot more help. This is based on Wednesday R&B night. I wont be returning to this establishment ever again. $50 to reserve a table with ZERO STAR SERVICE. They also charged $10 per person cover to get in. The dress code is "fashionable" but people are wearing biker shorts and flip flops, so don't feel pressured to look good.. you can probably go in your headtie if you wanted. The only reason I haven't left yet is because I'm trying to get my moneys worth of this table. I hope they get this place together because it has potential, but based on the reviews from the last few years, nothing has changed, unfortunately. read more

Went about 4 times since they moved and the first time I saw a huge fight break out in the parking lot where bouncers were pushing girls down and beating on people... WOW OK shit happens so maybe that was just a one time thing... NOT! Went back again with friends saw another fight upstairs same thing bouncers over acting and being way to physical. Ive worked in bars and nightclubs before and that's not the way you act. The last time I went the DJ seemed drunk and all he did for 2o minutes was complain about 93.7 radio station and the music they play???? Made it sound like he was mad at them for maybe not giving him a job? lol IDK... I do like the inside outside patio upstairs. read more

**Friday nights at Keys to the City ladies get their first drink free!** I'm surprised to see so many reviews with less than 4 stars. I thought this place was so much fun! Went here with my husband and 2 friends that like to go here. They reserved us a table in the piano bar and we were right in front of the stage! Great seats. I also had another friend (that didn't go that night but likes it there) that had 2 free cover passes and called them in for us. So we got the $10/person cover for free which was a nice bonus. I would pay the cover other days though b/c the place is just good old fun. So they do "Keys to the City" there which are a few guys that take turns playing on the dueling pianos. We went on a Friday night...July 4th weekend. It wasn't as packed as I'd thought it would be on a Friday night, but I believe this is due to it being a holiday weekend. My friends said it's usually much busier. I was happy that it wasn't slammed though b/c we had plenty of room to enjoy ourselves. There was a bachelorette party at the table next to us, and they were having a blast. Asked our guys to do a couple of the things to help the bride check off from her "to do" list, and we laughed and let them borrow them for a couple of pics. It was 80s night on the pianos...which was awesome for me b/c I love the 80s. You can request any song you want with $1 and they'll play it. We had about 5 songs played that we wanted to hear. Fun times. We were singing and dancing and loving life! We met the owner of the bar. He was cool, funny, and bought us a round. Later on the boys chatted with him outside for a bit and he ended up inviting us to come VIP to another cool spot he DJs at. So we'll head there at some point. They also serve food here. Lots of options...prices are moderate, and food was good. My friends got nachos and chicken fingers and I tried the nachos and it had some grilled chicken on it that was really tasty. We went upstairs for a little bit which is more of a club than a lounge. We're don't usually go to clubs so we left after about 10 minutes up there. Overall though, I'd go back. It was a great night and I'm sure I'd have a good time a second time! read more

I think the key to this place is to go early before it fills up. Get yourself a table and you'll have a decent time. Go late, get stuck standing at the bar and you'll want to waste your cover and leave. The concept of this place is generally fun, but at a certain point in the night too many drunk people are allowed on stage with the piano guys and it turns into an embarrassing mess. Overall, it's fun... to a point. read more

Let me just be honest about something: This place is a DUMP (an absolute DUMP) that's been renovated into bar. The location is on some dead end street and shares a building with some saugage/hot dog factory (no joke). Parking is near a chain-linked fence on gravel or unswept concrete. You then pay for tickets at a ticket booth outside that makes you feel like your paying for some sleazy adult entertainment. From the outside the windows are all covered with old spray-painted wood so that you can't see inside. Now, once you get inside you can tell that people obiously have a good time here. It's very dark and has an industrial/garage feel. The furniture is unkept and the food is awful. However, the entertainment is pretty damn good. These guys can really play the pianio and encourage interaction with the crowd. The only thing that I was surprised with is that everyone pays a cover, but then they still want constant tips for playing songs. I would only recommend in large groups, not a really good setting for a romantic date. read more

Had been wanting to go to this place for a while. I think moving Keys to the City behind the Long Wharf theatre lot is a better location, where bachelorette parties, birthday gatherings, and other large groups can drink 40's in a bag or have tall cylinders full of beer. Went with a large group of people. It's wise to reserve tables as they fill up quickly. The waiter service was a bit inconsistent, so many of us had to go to the bar. The pianists here are very talented - from playing Lady Gaga to Elton John to of course, Journey, they really kill it. They have an amazing amount of energy. I hope they get paid well. My voice is hoarse from yelling so loudly to the songs (yes, yelling, there's no "singing" the songs) We had a VIP section in the club upstairs, so we had to leave. I was disappointed as I could have listened to the pianos all night long. I can go to a club anytime. Upstairs was full too, with drunk club goers dancing to the beat of the 90's tunes playing on the screen. Although we had a VIP section, the waitress didn't come by too consistently, so just expect a place to relax (a plus), and having to go to the bar. I don't mind this, but when you request VIP service, service should be better. I would go back, but not for the club upstairs. Pianists who have an abundant amount of energy in them get my vote any day. read more

I thought this was so much fun! It was my first time and also everyone in my group's first time. If you like to sing along and have a good attitude towards fun, this is definitely for you. Beware of many many DRUNK people. Everyone goes there for bachelorette parties and birthdays which seems to be a free pass for acting like an idiot. But still a great time. I also like how diverse the ages in the crowd were. I am 36. There were people from 21 to 51. Food was only okay. Drinks were strong. $10 cover charge plus if you want a song played, you need to tip the pianists so bring lots of small bills. I will definitely go back! read more

I love this place. Every time i go its something new & out of the ordinary. so far i have seen 2 freestyle( old S Puertorican 80's music) concerts, Ive had dinner there with friends wile enjoying the dueling pianos, & Ive gone to a comedy show. What i love the most about this place is the crowd. the people that come here for the most part, are dressed to impress, they are looking not have a good time , laugh, sing, dance with no drama on their mind. Ive been there about 5 times now each time there were no fight or even arguments, but there were some dance battles, who can out shake their booty to beat all the others . I love this place & Ill keep coming here till I move out of ct , this place is the Beez Neeze! read more

Went there last Saturday night for a birthday party. $7 cover charge. Our group was in the corner of the room which was VERY dark. Couldn't see people, let alone the food that was being brought out! Food was "ok", tasted like typical frozen bar food. Piano players were fun and engaging. Good place to go with a group of friends. Went upstairs afterwards to dance... Wasnt very busy at 11:00PM. Our group didn't stay long. read more

Great concept, bad execution. FIrst, for a live music show, the sound system sucks!!! The pianos sound muddy and you can't really understand the piano players. The times we've been there, the show begins with a lot of banter, comedy and interaction with the audience, but at some point it turns into a dance band and the pianists stop doing the traditional dueling show and everyone gets up on stage and dances to songs like Shout and Hot hot hot. (Actually the dance set seems eerily similar from week to week) This is when we all leave. In spite of those issues though, it is a fun night out, and until there's a place that does it better, it's your only option for Dueling Pianos in this area. The food is typical pub grub, acceptable, and perfect for a night of heavy partying. The drinks are good and the staff is attentive. read more

Please don't ever make me come here again. Off-key singing, humiliating audience participation, $7 cover, subpar menu, and we got there at like 9, so it's not as though we were showing up around last call or anything. This was just a bad scene and I was thrilled to get to Prime 16 across the street quickly. That being said, we were there for someone's birthday party, so I guess as long as I have friends who like this stuff, I'll probably keep going to these types of places. But save yourselves! read more

So, they're moving to Long Wharf, which seems like a slow painful death for this place that isn't doing so hot on the reviews. Overall it's a bad move. People come here because they don't have to walk far from Crown and are usually pretty drunk by the time they get here. I can't see anyone going out of their way (IE going to Long Wharf) to come here. read more

I really have mixed feelings about this place. I had been looking for a good piano bar to go to while on a recent visit to CT. Entertainment-wise, I love it (I used to play piano). The piano players know a variety of songs and will do their best to entertain and interact with the crowd. I did not like the location AT ALL. I can understand that they are near one of New Haven's landmarks (Long Wharf) and that they want to make parking available to patrons, but honestly, at 11 pm at night, it has to be one of the sketchiest areas I've been in. The website states that they are difficult to find through GPS. That's because you have to drive through the IKEA parking lot and behind random warehouses to find the place. I haven't been to this place when it was downtown, but I wish it stayed there. It would have a much more fun vibe if it did. Upstairs is a club. We went on a Saturday night and there was barely anyone there. Nothing special at all. I would have given this place two or even one stars if it wasn't for the dueling pianos. read more

Most fun I've had at a bar and my expectations were high. It is like seeing live theatre, a live band, interactive comedy, and being in a bar all in one. Plus, there is awesome outside seating and a full on dance club above it. I have been to a lot of dive bars, live entertainment, theatre, and dance clubs in a good many cities and this just straight up rocked. We had a bachelorette there and everyone from the Mom to the party girls had a good time. We were on stage, in the dance club, and rockin the patio. The age range, type of people, dress, etc is eclectic/diverse. The place had just as many fist pumping early twenty somethings and hipsters as middle aged and middle class working folk. The crowd really ran the gamete. read more

Overall, we were disappointed in this piano bar. The cover was five dollars, there was a two drink minimum, and the waiters were a bit pushy. This would have been fine, except the performers would not play your song unless you paid for it. Several times, if they thought they didn't get enough money, they would play one verse of a song and say, "There, that is the 2 dollar version of that song." The song selection was about 10% standard piano stuff and 90% hip hop and dance songs. This may be some people's thing but it isn't ours -- I would go to a regular club with a DJ if I wanted to hear that. In all, it seemed like Keys to the City cares way more about how much money you're spending than it does about putting on a good show. read more

I'm a 27 year old, female trained singer. Regarding Keys to the City; on Saturday, 5/8/10 I was at Terminal110, singing a song to benefit the crappy sounding band, when(Bill/"Elton"??) grabbed the mic out of my hand in mid sentence and told me to get off the stage. He humiliated me, and I had to turn my back to the crowd to hide my emotions in that moment. I walked off the stage, and into the arms of my close friends. We left the bar, and just about everyone in there followed us, booing, and swearing and hand gesturing at the "piano band." Bill/"Elton" also made my friend pay him $20 to sing to her for her Birthday. ---Prior to this, he lied to me saying he'd let me sing, and told me to tell another one of his band mates it was OK for me to sing too. So, I sat there for an hour waiting for my 'turn.' After an hour, I walked up to Bill and asked him what the deal was because I wasn't having fun waiting, and he told me: " The $20 You don't suck fee is still in order. Nothing's changed." ..That's when my friend went into her purse. This put me in a really bad position. Even though Bill had said I could sing at no charge an hour prior, here we were forking over the cash?! Sorry Bill, but I get paid to sing by people who appreciate me. And how much did we pay to get in, on top of it? Annnd we drove from Hartford specifically to see **these guys??? This unprofessional, greedy behavior is something everyone should be made aware of. As we all (should) realize, now especially- is an important time to keep any kind of customer as happy as possible. Bill specifically, (with his evil eyes and hidden agenda lies), and 'Keys to the City' are able to take advantage of young drunk people because they don't know any better. I am still sick and disgusted from this experience and here it is 4 days later. read more

Went to keys to the city for a birthday party and had a really good time. The pianists were REALLY awesome and talented. They played a whole variety of songs. The crowd was pretty good too. My only complaint was the location. It's in a really sketchy area of New Haven. Definitely did not feel safe walking around there at night. read more

funny and talented guys playing the pianos just doesnt make up for the noise here. its crowded and slightly obnoxious! they often play the same music every weekend and make the same jokes. great for a one time bday experience. expect a lot of parties to be here for bdays and bachelorettes. read more

I have gone here a few times when it was at their old location. I have to say everytime I have had a blast!! Something different to do and great if your going out with a group of friends for a birthday. Now, if they stayed at their last location I would have even given them 5 stars but, I have to give them 3 becuase they moved. I went for a birthday party at the new location and Im not to big of a fan of where they are. The vibe is just different and I just REALLY liked the old location better. I still had fun but, it just wasnt the same. I will still go back though and give it a second chance. read more

Honestly this place has gone DOWNHILL. Big time. We loved it when it was downtown... and went one more time for my birthday 3 years ago and had such a blast..there were tons of people and just such a fun vibe. We went again this weekend for a friends birthday and I was so disapointed. The food was OK, but the problem was with one of the pianists. Every time someone brought up a song request without a "tip" attached to it, he made rude comments about it. How UNPROFESSIONAL. Honestly, I left the group and left the bar after an hour and a half. It was that bad. read more

It's just a half block away from Playwright but what a difference! I love that bar. The first time I was there it was a St. Paddy's weekend so it was a little bit overcrowded but the friendly people and great staff made it all forgettable. The bartenders (most of them) know their drinks, friendly as hell and I think I haven't had a stronger Jack & Coke in all the New Haven. Yes, 75% of the people there are pretty much drunk by 11PM but that's what happens when you combine live music and above mentioned "special" Jack & Coke. I haven't had any food there so I can't say anything about that but the place is definitely worth a try. read more

We went for a reunion of high school friends. The bad: could be a bit cleaner. The good...our server Jessica was the best. So sweet, and showed us the ropes about the place. Food was good! Pianists were awesome. There were 3 guys- 1 on drums. Good variety of music. Would definitely go again!!!!! read more

Great place to enjoy a night with friends, celebrate an occasion or just head for a drink! Fridays and Saturdays Keys has a dueling piano show from 7:30pm to 1:00am. All the players I've seen there are great. they interact with the crowd a lot, including giving out free shots! The wait and bar staff are friendly and fast. The food is very good and so are the drinks. The price are good and the cover is minimal. Its a great place to have a fun night! read more

I went there a few weeks ago, and will not got back. The servers were friendly, however the drinks were weak. I watched them pour a captain and coke, and it looked like less than a normal shot. I only watched because my wife was on her fourth in around an hour, and she usually can't have more than 3 before having enough(she ended up having 5). I also had an issue with my tab, as someone put food on my tab. The hostess/manager was rude and would not fix the issue, even though we sat at the bar and the bartender told her we didn't have food. I had to dispute the charge withy credit card. Tips:pay cash, pregame read more

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!! We got there early and got great seats! The food was awesome and the waitress was very friendly and prompt. But the best part is the music... I dont know how these guys do it...they can play just about anything you can think of !! One minute its SWEET Caroline and then the next it's a cool hip hop. I would recommend this place to everybody ...it's a total blast. We love the new set up and ambiance of the new room "Terminal 101"( though not crazy about the name" ) I don't usually write reviews and I cant believe some of the negative reviews I just read. In fact there is one in particular one about some girl who wanted to sing with the piano players......we were there that night I...... I remember it cause She was really sloppy drunk and out of control . She was pestering the piano players to "let her sing". I guess she thought this was a Karaoke bar or something. This girl was so obnoxious and drunk people became distracted by her (you know the type) She was going around telling everybody that she's a professional singer ...really sweetie??...hmm well its Sat night , shouldn't you be gigging? anyway after bugging the crap out of these guys they let her up to sing and she sucked. the guys do let other musicians up on the stage frequently and you have to pay a $20 fee.....I guess if they didn't do that it could become a nightmare...everybody thinks they can sing after a couple of beers!!LOL! Anyway she made a total fool out of herself and now shes taking it out on them by giving a bad review...sober up darling...Its a dueling Piano show , not a Karaoke bar. This place rocks and you wont find more talent anywhere. If u cant have a good time here something is terribly, terribly wrong with you. read more

How is this place still open? To put it nicely, it sucks now. It's really just for corny bachelorette parties and meh. Not into it. I don't even think the upstairs is open anymore. read more

You have to call to get reservations before hand. There were six of us and we got a table just to the side of the piano. The night started very slow as our server took absolutely forever to bring us our first round of drinks. She did apologize and was a little more attentive later. But we decided to just get one of the 100oz beer towers so thy we would not have any delay in getting our next beers. $32 you get about 8-10 beers, not a bad price, and there is a cooling device in the center of the tower to keep beer cold. There happened to be a breast caver fundraiser that night, so that was a plus. Very festive people, although some clearly had had a few too many. Pianists were very good and played a variety of songs. Kind of difficult to get to this pace, just follow the arrows on the sign. Good beer selection, but my magic hat #9 was flat. Service slow. Some out of control patrons. But overall was a fun time to hang out with a group of friends. read more

Not a fan of the cover to go to a bar but the show was pretty good. I love that they played some hip hop n rap in addition to the other songs. As mentioned by other reviewers they let people up on stage- on my night this included a bachelorette party and a few birthday parties. Both occasions to get drunk and act a fool. It took about 45 minutes to score a table- once seated it was great. If you like a show with your drink then this is the place for you. read more

Not a huge fan of the piano bar atmosphere but we went to celebrate a friend's birthday. Piano bars are pretty much all the same, loud parody music with some mediocre jokes and over priced drinks. This place does have a dance floor above it with DJ music late at night. The worst part about the place is the area it is located. I was pretty skeptical driving around trying to find it in the sketchy warf/dock area. Fun once in a while but would not plan to go back. read more

I was there last weekend and had a blast. The service and food was great and the piano show was awesome. I will definatley be going back

We had a blast at Keys to the City! Good beer selection, good food. My favorite part beside the amazing music? 40's in a paper bag. How can you go wrong? read more

The place it self is nice. Food not great. Be FOREWARNED: If you buy the yelp.com $20 for $40 deal, despite the fact it says in the disclaimer (before purchase) "good one per person", and physically on the printout the same thing, they only allow one per tab. So if you got two people on one tab, and each person has a yelp.com deal, they will only allow one. I politely stated that is not what it said, but they weren't going for it. I could have argued the point with the waitress how it is illegal to advertise one thing and offer another thing in the state of ct - but typically arguing with a waitress or manager will get you thrown out of any place. If we (8 of us) didnt have the yelp.com fiasco, it would have gotten 3 stars. read more

I had such a great time there! Went to Keys to the City which is downstairs, there is a club on the second floor. It was my sisters birthday and we booked a table for a group of 25. We requested seating in front of the Piano's and got it event though it was packed! AC was our server so much fun he even danced on stage for us. Can't wait to go back for my birthday in March. read more