Bar

Fun environment, good food, good drinks.

Our waiter was excellent. Some of the bar staff rushing around was a bit rude but WHO CARES LET’S TALK ABOUT THE PIZZA. It’s amazing. It’s a good thing that Bar is not local to me as I would be there constantly to consume what was the best pizza I’ve had. Ever. Not kidding. I got the red pie with fresh mozzarella, ricotta, basil, and meatballs and it was like a lasagna pizza of deliciousness. My husband got the white pie with buffalo chicken and blue cheese and I heard no complaints. Go here but expect to wait 20 – 30 minutes for a seat… spend the time creating your pie (create your own is the only option for pizza). The salad was great too but, let’s be real, we weren’t there for the salad.

Pretty good. First time having New Haven-​style pizza. This is almost the exact opposite of the Chicago-​style pizza I am accustomed to. Chicago-​style is a huge pie with tons of cheese, crust, and sauce. New Haven-​style pizza is almost wafer-​like and crunchy crust.
We got a L white pizza (chicken/​artichoke) and a L red pizza (sausage/​mushroom). Both were really good. Decently fast service. I’ll probably be back to try the mashed potato pizza.

Mashed potatoes … on pizza!?! I was skeptical at first, but now, it’s my go to topping. I’ve had several recreations of mashed potato pizza, but nothing has compared to the high quality of Bar. They set the bar high. Best. Pizza. Ever.

Best pizza in the area. I love a mashed potato pizza with bacon! Keep in mind that they only serve pizza and one type of salad, so if you want something other than pizza then this isn’t your place.

The potato pizza will always be my favorite here, also plain cheese pizza is very good. Always liked the scene here and used to love hanging out shooting pool with friends. I really do like the beer selection.
On certain days, the place gets super packed, especially when college students are in season lol

Most people associate New Haven, Connecticut with two things: Yale University and Pizza. I was fortunate to have experienced both while I was in CT. The best pizza places in New Haven do not even offer much besides salad; this is because people really aren’t going to these historical Apizza places for anything but the pizza – it’s really just about the za, atmosphere be damned. The old-​school places started decades ago as pizza places and have remained pizza places without frills.
Enter Bar. Circa 1991, Bar actually opened as a bar and dance club. Sometime around 1995 they added microbrews and pizza. Since that time, I believe they’ve benefited (in pizza reputation) by association and by offering something else the other pizza spots in New Haven do not. Bar has deviated a bit from the New Haven template in the following ways: 1. It is a large, multilevel, hipster/​industrial social space (e.g. they have pool tables, can hold 250 people, and stairs; you can tell it’s started as a bar). By contrast, Sally’s might hold 30 people. 2. The pizza is ‘trendier’ and experimental compared to the traditional places in the neighborhood; that is, they are famous for their mashed potato and bacon pizza. They also have been known to have seasonal pizza toppings. 3. They have micro brew beer. 4. They’re open every day and for lunch, unlike the old-​school places nearby.
The pizza is different from the classic Apizza its old-​school neighbors offer. For one, it is super thin and cooked in a gas oven (rather than coal). That does not mean it’s not tasty as hell, because it is. However, it is just not as unique and standout as the offerings from its legendary neighbors. As a side note, I had pizza in Texas that reminded me of Bar (need to get to that review but will update later) but never have I tasted anything akin to apizza outside of CT. The times I have been to Bar have all been wonderful and it’s great for larger groups who would like more pizza options, salad, brews, and a cool atmosphere along Crown Street.
I think it needs to be restated though, the perception that the pizza here is amazing likely stems from the fact it’s in New Haven and juxtaposed with legendary Apizza nearby. Overall, it’s not as delicious as Sally’s or Modern but it’s a solid 3.5.

Good mash-​potato bacon pizza, they have a good jalapeño margarita. Weird I know but try it.
Service: Guys it’s called «bar» therefore the service is not the best for individual parties as per usual. BUT when I went to an event here they had great service for events.
This pizza is really thin though just FYI.

The pizza was delicious!!! Well worth the wait.
We had white sauce, mashed potatoes, and bacon pizza. We were only in New Haven for the night — so glad we choose this restuarant!

DO NOT GET THE ANCHOVIES!!!
I had a HORRIBLE experience here with my friend. After seeing a buzzfeed article about this place, I told my friend we should try it when I visit him in New Haven. He said he already tried the famous mashed potatoes bacon pizza. So I suggested we try something new. I never ordered anchovies on my pizza before and I’ve been craving anchovies lately. BIGGEST MISTAKE ever. I was thinking of dry anchovies (I actually thought that’s the only anchovies that exist) but that’s not what they use on their pizza. My friend and I ordered anchovies and eggplant. First our pizza was burned. However, the waitress did say «if you guys think it’s too burnt, we can cook another pizza for you.» My friend and I did not think it was too bad. But OMG, the pizza was SALTY! Every anchovy bite felt like HELL. It literally felt like I was taking a bite of pizza with 3 tablespoon of salt poured on it. When there was no anchovy but just a bite of eggplant, the pizza was good. My friend and I felt like crying while eating the pizza. It was just BAD! I got curious and looked up on Unilocal to see if anyone has ever experience this anchovy hell pizza. When my friend and I stared reading Luna C’s review, we were laughing like crazy. For 10 minutes we could not stop laughing. I copied and pasted Luna C’s review below so you can get an idea how bad the anchovy pizza is. The reason for the 2 stars is that how the hell are they keeping the anchovy on the menu or why does it not come with a warning that it is EXTREMELY salty. Every time the waitress asked us how was the pizza, we felt she was mocking us, like «ha ha ha suckers!» I’m sure we are not the FIRST to think the anchovy pizza is terrible. We were going to ask the waitress how she felt about the anchovies but by that time we were dying laughing and needed to leave before we die of sodium overload.
The place is big, it was not too crowded when we arrived Saturday at 2pm. The price was decent. You pretty much customize how you want your pizza such as the topping, white cheese, no sauce, etc.
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Luna C
So when me and 4 of my friends showed up it seemed like a really cool place! I’ve heard nothing but amazing stuff about their pizza… we all got a table and ordered pizza. One large bacon and one medium anchovie cherry pepper. IT TASTED SO GOOD!!!
This was 2 days ago now and I’ve been in and out of the hospital along with 2 other friends who became violently sick. I’ve never been in so much pain in my life. Worst food poisoning ever.
Pretty much, don’t get things with anchovies, because my one friend that didn’t eat the anchovie pizza, didn’t get sick.
This pain is HELL.

Didn’t remember this place being bad years ago so tried it again. Last night’s (regular pie) pizza might top off the worst in CT yet. This was the worst tasting, hard as a rock, over-​cooked (even though requested lightly cooked) crunchy cracker type crust ever made. Could not eat more than the first 2 bites of each slice the crust was THAT bad. Loaded with oil and even the sauce and cheese had a bad flavor. Really getting fed up with the lack of quality in pizza today.

Wow! Delicious! We got here around 1:00 on a Sunday and were told that there would be at least a 30 minute wait… so yeah, this place is popular. We opted to sit at the bar instead and I think that was a good choice since the bartender was super friendly. I ordered a «damn good stout» (which was in fact a damn good stout) and I appreciated that I could try some in a half pint size (for only $ 3.75). For pizza we ordered a red pie with mozzarella, eggplant, and the most delicious, aromatic fresh basil I’ve had on pizza in a long time. It was soo good, and I had to restrain myself from eating the whole thing right then and there, because…
It was massive. We had ordered a medium for two and it filled us up for the rest of the day and provided generous leftovers.
I will be back!

Super cool place right in the heart of downtown New Haven. BAR is a staple in New Haven and I tend to stop in and grab a couple of beers when I am in the area. I have yet to have one of their pizzas, but I have heard they are delicious!
When you first walk in, the feel of space is very industrial with a hint of modern chic. The seating right at the bar is decent, but tends to get crowded quickly. Within the bar area there is a good amount of seating at the long, wooden tables. The table/​bench combo reminds me of a European beer hall or if have ever visited Berg’n in Brooklyn, the styles are the same concept. There is a pool table with bench-​style seating up against the wall in the same area.
The draft selection is my favorite thing about BAR. They always a really great offering of rare craft beers along with their varieties of in-​house brews. I can never just have one, lets just say that. There is a beer for everyone on draft there anything from an ESB to a stout, they have you covered.
If you plan on going to BAR prior to a Yale game, get their early. I was there last when Yale was playing Harvard hockey, the place got packed about 3 hours before the game. An organization had reserved all of the tables in the bar area, which left my friends and myself displaced from our seats. We transitioned to a wall area with a counter for the remainder of our visit. The only issue I had with the seating was that there were no indicators on the table letting people know that they were reserved for a party. A server came over and communicated that we needed to relocate due to the party arriving. Communication is key, especially in a place that gets as busy as it does.
Really great place to check out of you are in the area. If you enjoy a delicious craft beer, then this is a good place to stop in. I did notice that their beer selection online is only lists their in-​house brews. Their other draft selections from different companies are not listed, just a piece of advice.

The service here is THE WORST SERVICE IVE EVER EXPERIENCED. I’m not talking, slow, not coming to see you, etc. I’m talking straight up RUDE. From the moment I walked inside, the hostess was just so awful. Asking me multiple times if my whole party was there, yes Hun count, there are 5 people standing in front of you.
Don’t even get me started about this horrifying waitress. She came up, «what do u want for a drink» no intro, no hello, nothing. Then when a couple members had a question, «well what do you have?» (Because NO ONE brought us menus) she responded «beer.» So then naturally we asked which ones she recommends, she rolls her eyes. HELLO! Recommend is some freaking beers?!
Pizza was good, not anywhere near Pizza House on Howe or Sally’s, Pepes, Modern etc. I will actually NEVER go there again not gonna lie.

I am a huge fan of Bar. In a town known for it’s pizza bar finds a way to stand out. This is traditional New Haven pizza at it’s finest. The pizza comes out extremely thin with just a little bit of oven char (just right). They have a decent selection of toppings and are always willing to accommodate any request. While your there grab one of the several beers they brew in-​house.

Short version-​pizza & beer: excellent… service/​atmosphere: eh, rather odd/​unorganized/​not very friendly.
Would be a 4 had it not been for our server who was condescending and just plain rude.
Best bet: ordering out unless you’re going in for night drinks (which seems to be the main crowd starting as early as 530!)
The pizza was fantastic. Super thin but just a little too flimsy! But taste was 100% there. Equal amounts of crust and cheese with minimal sauce, which is my favorite. Definitely another New Haven pizza gem. A must-​try for a tasting of all the pizza galore the city has to offer.
HOWEVER, our server made it very clear that we were not born in New Haven because we asked and question about the different pizza styles and his response was a laugh and «Well if you were from New Haven you would know…»
Um, okay. Very odd… I am New Haven’s biggest pizza fan (lol) but that doesn’t mean I can’t ask some questions. So that made me sad. Clearly a place for locals but it’s still worth it for the pizza.
Beer sampler was really fun to try!
Had a 30 minute wait at 4:00 on a Friday with no clear waiting area. Which is apparently expected so no worries there.
Locals: rejoice.
Newbies: don’t ask questions and make sure you look like you know what you’re doing and the trip will be well worth it.

Move aside Pepe’s and Sally’s. Bar is hands down my favorite pizza in New Haven. Their signature mashed potato bacon is to die for: the soft, mushy potato combined with salty bacon bits on top of a crisp and thin crust charred just right is the most killer, delicious combination.
I’ve been here numerous times as part of large parties and I absolutely love the venue here. They have two big front rooms and one back room. The back room is frequently rented out for large-​scale parties, which Bar does really well. It has a large dance floor, booth seating, and a bar. Speaking of which, the drinks here are also delicious. Bar is super unique in that it brews its own beer. They always have a great array of home brews which are different and refreshing.
On top of great food, drinks, and an awesome back room for dancing, Bar also hosts numerous events throughout the week. Overall, it’s a terrific spot to come to with friends. Beware though: on Fridays and Saturdays, the wait can be super long (no reservations for small parties unfortunately: about 45 minutes-​1 hour. Sunday nights are clear though!

I really wanted to like Bar. We couldn’t get in on a Friday night (1.5 hour wait at 9 PM) so returned Sunday to try it for lunch. We were seated right away, but it sort of went downhill after that.
The service was fine, if a little aloof (we waited a long time to order; they had trouble refilling our water glasses, etc.). No matter, we’re here for the food. We split a salad and 2 large pizzas between four people and it was definitely enough. We went with sausage and eggplant on one, and heirloom tomatoes and spinach on white pizza for the other. The salad was great.
As for the pizza, both sounded wonderful in theory, but somehow they failed. The pizzas looked great, but were completely limp and soggy — ugh. I think the issue is that their crust is just a little too thin, bypassing that chewiness I look for. The ingredients tasted okay but honestly it was pretty bland. Too bad!

Best thin crust pizza I’ve ever had. Bar reminds me of why I’m glad Connecticut has New Haven. This place has got an industrial hipster vibe goin’ on like the ones you can find, say, down in New York City for example. Not to mention. Bar pizza is top notch!
We got a large white pie with mashed potato and bacon. That is all you need for a finger lickin’, carb beasting pizza. Very happy that they did not skimp out on the amount of mashed potato & bacon. The bacon was crispy, not too salty and the potato had a hint of herbs, stayed fluffy and wasn’t clumpy.
I like the freedom to mix and match the ingredients you want for your pizza and the choice of white/​red sauce or white&mozz/red&mozz.
The crust here is better than Frank Pepe’s because it’s not too charred… so all of you burnt crust haters DO NOT WORRY!
Children are welcome and they have high chairs. Only problem was that we sat on a raised booth so we were worried about the baby’s high chair falling backwards.
Outstanding place overall. Will recommend to others!

There are lots of things to like about Bar. The aesthetic is «warehouse-​chic.» (I think I might have just coined that term.) I love the high ceilings and raggedy walls.
This is a great spot for a big group — if you can get a table.
I came here for an event, which was held in the backroom. They were able to pack in lots of people and even had extra seating for those who did not have a table. I think the servers got a little overwhelmed, though, and eventually there were long periods of time between seeing a server to order another drink or get one’s food.
The mushroom pizza and their single salad (which is so delicious it should be considered «dessert salad») are very good. The pizza is very «New Haven.»