Firehouse 12

Love it! They have awesome New Haven themed cocktails. I highly recommend the East Rock. Great super unique bar. A great find.

Interesting location, decent happy hour. I would probably still prefer Cask Republic or Barracuda most of the time. The music is a big part of this place and I’m not really into that, so I expect someone who likes jazz music/​live music venues more would appreciate this place better.

I know about this place but never actually went in. I went there for a CD Release Party what a beautiful place inside where there studio is. Just saw that they having Jazz thru to December 2015.

Half-​priced bottles of wine on Saturday nights is five-​star worthy alone, but this place also has a great lounge-​y vibe and lots of seating for bigger groups. Cocktails are decent as well, but really, the wine is a ridiculously good deal.

WTF this is by far the best bar in New Haven, not even a question!
After walking downstairs into this intimate little space, we were treated to a cool atmosphere, 3 $ for all beers during happy hour (WHAT?!) and FREE FOOD. My boyfriend and I love beer and eating food, and we also love not spending money. So this place was heaven.
They had make your own chili effing cheese dogs when we were there. Jeez this place is so cool, I can’t wait to insert myself there every time I’m in downtown new haven between 4 and 7 PM.
The music is really good and the bartender was really nice, even when I asked for blue point lager by saying «the [draft handle] with the tower on it» and he was like «lighthouse?» he didn’t mock me. Was just a chill dude.

I am hesitant to write this review for fear that more people will find out about this bar.
This is easily the best bar in downtown new haven. It’s never to crowded, they play great music, and they have quality bartenders. I hope this bar stays the same for as long as possible.

Upon entering the establishment, you show your ID to the book-​reading bouncer and walk downstairs to the bar. The bar is dimly lit and has exposed brick and stone walls, which add to the intimate and cozy ambience. They offer a variety of draft beers (extra points for offering Sculpin from Ballast Point!) as well as wines, cocktails, and hard liquor.

Great intimate venue for jazz. Have not gone downstairs yet.

I was surprised the music is separate in a studio, but I guess a unique concept. The actual bar is quaint and dark. I had an amazing fresh juice cocktail– ginger pineapple mint with kraken rum which was nicely masked by the juice. Then I left and lucked out hearing jazz around the corner. But I’d love to go back and actually see a show and see what that’s all about.

I really liked it here, big comfy couch seating and semi loud music.
I would def go back again!

If you get out of work cranky on a Friday afternoon,
And a beer can’t hit your lips a moment too soon,
Make a trip to Firehouse 12 in New Haven,
The décor and prices will have you straight ravin’!
Came here for a Happy Hour and was very impressed. $ 3 for all drafts from 4−7pm. I don’t like to hustle all week for that paper stuff and then spend it all on the weekend, so the price made me pretty happy. There were four drafts available, which included Dale’s Pale Ale (one of my go-​to brews), BluePoint Toasted Lager, Allagash White, and Guiness. The place also had free food available on Fridays, which was gone by 6pm. Food included tomato and mozzarella on skewers and cute lil’ chicken sandwiches.
When we got there at 5, the place wasn’t busy at all and we were able to get seats on one of the swanky couches in the corner. The rest of the interior was very cool; reminded me of something they would do on a renovated home on HGTV. The crowd picked up a little later, but there was no lack of seats the entire time we were there.
Music selection was tasteful and not too loud. Found a parking spot easily on the street. Bartender was a cool dude. I had a really good time, and will definitely be back.

Really great dim place for a stiff drink, or just a beer with friends. It’s a little hard to find… it’s not exactly in the epicenter of downtown, but it’s really cool. Actually called Firehouse 12 because it was previously a firehouse! So awesome brick interior, high ceilings, Not too many places in New Haven where you can go with friends and enjoy some quality live music over a drink or two.
I know this bar has had some really incredible local talent, and world-​famous talent play here when they were just getting started, so make sure to catch some of the live performances. You’ll be glad you did.

One of the most relaxing places to enjoy a beer with friends.
This place plays low music and is very intimate.
The overall atmosphere that they keep at this bar is awesome and i will return often. Drinks were reasonable and bartender knew what he was talking about.
Not much to say because it is very down to earth, small and cool.

Great little bar in New Haven. Off the beaten path and laid back. Located in an old firehouse, which is awesome.
Went on a Friday night but unfortunately didn’t catch any live music. It seems like they have a good schedule, as well as a recording studio, which is pretty cool.
Firehouse 12 is a great bar if you want to avoid the typical nightlife riff raff and instead enjoy a libation or two in an interesting setting.

Great little date spot. It’s a small space — bar downstairs and music venue upstairs. Prices are good, selection for drinks is okay. Service is very friendly.
I wish they had a few more drink options and I wish you could take your drink with you into music venue section. If you go for a show, arrive a little early so you can enjoy a drink prior.

Vibe: pretty chill.
Drinks: pretty good
One particular staff girl: disrespectful.
I asked a simple question when she walked by if they made specialty shots. And her reply was okay, she said of course we do, with a smile and walked away.
What I didn’t appreciate was when she went back to the bar she was making fun of me with her coworkers that some guy asked a stupid question about having shots.
I only found out because my friend was up getting a drink at that time and over heard this girl degrading me. Anyhow, I just think it’s uncalled for. It was an innocent question and I been to places, albeit less common that didn’t do custom shots.

Went recently for the first time to the bar, which is in the basement… has a laid back and sophisticated vibe. Small spot, but cozy. They had $ 3 happy hour drafts and a nice wine and mixed drink list. There are small tables and couches around the perimeter of the room plus some bar stools around the bar, which is small but adequate. Was there with a group of about 20 ladies and we basically had the place to ourselves… didn’t get too loud and were able to hear each other over the chatter. Will definitely go back and maybe check out the other levels of the place. Only negative is they only serve bar snacks… no food.

Swanky but not pretentious. Great drinks from beer to wine to fancier cocktails. I had a Harvey Wallbanger and a beer, the boyfriend tried a few glasses of wine and a shot of nice bourbon. Prices are good for what you are getting, and you don’t have to go crazy if you just want a beer.
Awesome, friendly bartenders that are willing to answer questions and make recommendations.
It’s cute and intimate due to its location downstairs and size. It’s a fancier place but you don’t have to be fancy to be there at all.

I absolutely love the bar at Firehouse. It’s small, but every time I’ve been there it’s never felt overcrowded. The clientele is varied, but always respectful – you won’t get any rowdy college students or drunks here. The downstairs bar space is hip and funky at the same time. And the drinks… oh, the drinks. There is a reason that the bartenders keep getting BONH time and time again.
I recently saw a jazz show with the BF and, while I enjoyed it, I’m not sure I would go back. The performance space is a recording studio by day – and you get that feel. I was a little disappointed at how short the set was as well-​definitely expected it to be longer. When I think «jazz» I think somewhere like The Beehive in Boston – small, smokey and the ability to jam to the music over a glass of wine. Firehouse is definitely not that.
At least check out one performance for yourself – the band was good. And definitely check out the bar!

delirium tremens, westmalle abbey, hitachino nest, allagash, and the list goes on and on. the place was designed by a yale architecture professor so it’s a beautiful space. i have yet to go when there’s live music (the DJs are great) but I bet it only makes the place better.
p. s. my only gripe is that the clientele is all over the place so sometimes you get some weirdos. but whatever, as long as they don’t overly bother you, you’ll have a good time.