[GRU_Minion]

I'm flying into Hartford tomorrow and will be working in Meriden this week through Friday. I'll have evenings after 4:30 or 5pm to myself and my own rental car, so looking for must see / do / eat / shop types of places in the area. Open to driving to Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, or similar distances. Any thoughts? I'm kind of a foodie, but am fine with a good touristy gimmick, too. Enjoy browsing malls and other popular shopping type areas, too.


What are some things I should definitely check out in my spare evenings up there?

[JayCT]

New Haven is known for its pizza. Frank Pepe’s there has been voted No. 1 in the country. It is a must try.

Louis Lunch in New Haven is reported to be the originator of the hamburger. Might be worth a visit.

Also check out Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale on New Haven Harbor. Good food and nice water views.

Meriden is known for steamed burgers. Teds is the place to find them.

There are many great places to eat. It depends what you like. Jay

[GRU_Minion]

Originally Posted by JayCT

New Haven is known for its pizza. Frank Pepe’s there has been voted No. 1 in the country. It is a must try.

Louis Lunch in New Haven is reported to be the originator of the hamburger. Might be worth a visit.

Also check out Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale on New Haven Harbor. Good food and nice water views.

Meriden is known for steamed burgers. Teds is the place to find them.

There are many great places to eat. It depends what you like. Jay

Great start! Unfortunately I don’t think I’ll have much choice in my lunch spots (limited time and coworkers will probably dictate where), but I’ll definitely look these up for dinner. Had already heard about Ted’s in Meriden, so I guess that one is a no brainer.

Any hot spots for shopping or particularly other interesting things to do in the evening hours?

[Stylo]

Go to New Haven, open up Yelp, and pick. It’s one of the best foodie cities around. A huge variety of cuisines. Good bars, music, museums, etc too. Shopping on Chapel and Broadway. If you can get there early enough, Yale Art Gallery is exceptional. The British Gallery and Peabody are cool too. The top of East Rock Park is good for a view. Walking Yale campus and some of the historic neighborhoods can be very nice.

You can find music and performances at College Street Music Hall, Toad’s Place, Cafe Nine, Stella Blues, Firehouse 12, The State House, Yale Rep Theater, Long Wharf Theater, Shubert Theater, Woolsey Hall (classical, often cheap or free - beautiful grand hall). Or even Space Ballroom in nearby Hamden. Bound to be something every night you’re here.

And yes, the pizza is a must. Modern, Sally’s, Pepe’s, and BAR are the main ones.

There’s tourist attractions elsewhere but mostly daytime activities. New Haven will give you the most by far. You also may want to do a night in West Hartford. Good food and shopping at Blue Back Square. I would skip Waterbury entirely.

[GRU_Minion]

Originally Posted by Stylo

Go to New Haven, open up Yelp, and pick. It’s one of the best foodie cities around. A huge variety of cuisines. Good bars, music, museums, etc too. Shopping on Chapel and Broadway. If you can get there early enough, Yale Art Gallery is exceptional. The British Gallery and Peabody are cool too. The top of East Rock Park is good for a view. Walking Yale campus and some of the historic neighborhoods can be very nice.

You can find music and performances at College Street Music Hall, Toad’s Place, Cafe Nine, Stella Blues, Firehouse 12, The State House, Yale Rep Theater, Long Wharf Theater, Shubert Theater, Woolsey Hall (classical, often cheap or free - beautiful grand hall). Or even Space Ballroom in nearby Hamden. Bound to be something every night you’re here.

And yes, the pizza is a must. Modern, Sally’s, Pepe’s, and BAR are the main ones.

There’s tourist attractions elsewhere but mostly daytime activities. New Haven will give you the most by far. You also may want to do a night in West Hartford. Good food and shopping at Blue Back Square. I would skip Waterbury entirely.

Thanks for the great tips!

[JimG2]

Truth is, not sure about New Haven, but not much goes on around greater Hartford during the week in the evenings to get too excited about. I'd recommend Chicago Sam's in Cromwell. Not too far from Meriden. I think Monday and Tuesday they have a $12 prime rib special...not the best cut, but beats steamed ground beef. Sports bar and loads of TV's. Loads of restaurants on Main Street in Middletown.


You didn't state your age and that can make a difference as well

[GRU_Minion]

Originally Posted by JimG2

Truth is, not sure about New Haven, but not much goes on around greater Hartford during the week in the evenings to get too excited about. I'd recommend Chicago Sam's in Cromwell. Not too far from Meriden. I think Monday and Tuesday they have a $12 prime rib special...not the best cut, but beats steamed ground beef. Sports bar and loads of TV's. Loads of restaurants on Main Street in Middletown.


You didn't state your age and that can make a difference as well

Thanks for the additional tips! As for my stats that might help, 37 year old married white male. Into the stuff I mentioned before, not really a drinker or party type. Into sports and techy stuff, so I dig things like Top Golf, Dave & Busters, a good baseball or football game, etc. Planning on visiting the Yale campus while I’m here just to say I haveamd get the T-shirt. So mostly into foodie type restaurants and some shopping. The obligatory something for the wife since she’s at home still is in order, too.

[retiree2011]

Originally Posted by JayCT

New Haven is known for its pizza. Frank Pepe’s there has been voted No. 1 in the country. It is a must try.

Louis Lunch in New Haven is reported to be the originator of the hamburger. Might be worth a visit.

Also check out Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale on New Haven Harbor. Good food and nice water views.

Meriden is known for steamed burgers. Teds is the place to find them.

There are many great places to eat. It depends what you like. Jay

Beat me to it - Ted's is a must! Working in Meriden it could be lunch, leaving evening open. Don't skip the home fries with your burger.

[GRU_Minion]

Originally Posted by retiree2011

Beat me to it - Ted's is a must! Working in Meriden it could be lunch, leaving evening open. Don't skip the home fries with your burger.

Hmm. Just checked and Ted’s is 10 min from where I’ll be filming all week. Will have to see how long we break for lunch, but that seems doable.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by GRU_Minion

Thanks for the additional tips! As for my stats that might help, 37 year old married white male. Into the stuff I mentioned before, not really a drinker or party type. Into sports and techy stuff, so I dig things like Top Golf, Dave & Busters, a good baseball or football game, etc. Planning on visiting the Yale campus while I’m here just to say I haveamd get the T-shirt. So mostly into foodie type restaurants and some shopping. The obligatory something for the wife since she’s at home still is in order, too.

Unfortunately not many sporting events to choose from, especially this time of year.

No Dave & Busters. There’s one opening in Milford but not for a few months. There’s a Barcade in New Haven if you’re into retro arcade machines and pinball.

You could check out the ropes course at Jordan Furniture. Yes, a furniture store has the largest indoor ropes course in the world.

https://www.jordans.com/attractions/it

These food tours are popular: https://tasteofnewhaven.com/