are you looking to rent your own space, or borrow someone else's once a week?

91 shelton ave is where most bands in new haven practice. things have been pretty bad there lately (the elevator never works, etc) but there have historically always been open spaces and bands looking to sublet.

I would love to start something! I would have no idea where though. I have done things in libraries, but I've never started anything myself. There is this weird place in Hamden I haven't been to yet: https://www.facebook.com/bestvideoperformancespace/ It's part-coffee shop so maybe during the day sometimes they'd have nothing going on.

i know knit new haven on whitney does a weekly knit night i think on tuesdays! but also i am a masters student and lgbtq and would love to start something if ur looking for buddies in the community!!

Oh wow this is awesome. I wouldn't have even thought to ask about a place like this.

My favorite dive is New West Cafe. While not downtown it’s still in a nice part of New Haven and is a short uber to downtown. It could break up the night and be a good starting point b4 you head downtown.

Fair point.

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I know this is not exactly what you're asking for, but you may be interested in MakeHaven. It's a makerspace with great textile/crafting facilities. TONS of other equipment at your disposal. I'm not sure if there is a weekly textile/craft meetup (there might be), but there are often workshops and other events. It's a very supportive community and definitely LGBTQ+ friendly.

https://www.makehaven.org/i/1037

It should be said that while Zenelli's is absolutely phenomenal, it is not NHV style pizza if that is what someone visiting wants to try

^
Tavern is excellent, but if they're not going to really eat there(assuming they're going for pizza), idk if it's the best choice

^

True, but compared to anything else downtown aside from Stella

Sally’s and Pepe’s Pizza are on the same street and a big part of the NH pizza war. I’m personally not impressed with either lol for a different type of pie, go to BAR and get a white mashed potato bacon and if you’re feeling adventurous and it’s open, Louie’s lunch is across the street for an old fashioned no-ketchup burger (Google it) and milk craft ice cream is right down the street. Bonus points to the BAR area for having a parking lot and a few garages on the street. BAR also eventually turns into a nightclub just FYI. They’re a microbrewery with a party room in the back that turns club in case you do want to dance a little.

Barcelona has really good tapas-type food and half/priced bottles of wine on Sunday’s.

If you can book a walking tour, they’re usually really interesting and they do have some at night. I did a ghost one that was really informational and historical a while back and loved it.

You’re either going to hunt around forever for parking or probably pay, just a heads up. I usually just pay and to hell with it lol

This is pretty good list, the only things I'll add: Pepes and Sally's are better than Modern, and on one street with a great Italian dessert spot from 1915 (libbeys). These are walkable from downtown, as Modern is farther. Other bars with good vibes are Old Heidelberg, Rudy's. He mentioned Three Sheets which is a classic. I'll also add that Cafe 9 is great but demands a cover usually so if you're popping around and don't want to drop 10 bucks per person keep that in mind. The axe place closed. Barcade is not unique to new haven but pretty cool. I would add Ordinary as a cocktail bar, but get a reservation.

Bar is another famous pizza spot, has pool and brews their own beers, and transmogrifies into a dance spot in the back at night.

Have fun

Excellent list. Unfortunately, the axe throwing bar closed down last week.

I have to throw in my obligatory "Cafe Nine is not a dive bar" comment. It's safe and clean and serves $9 pints. Hands down my favorite music venue. Weeds Cafe is a dive, if you're looking for one.

To weigh in on any pizza suggestions my number one is Zenelli’s and second after that is Modern (since you said you’re doing pizza in another comment). Please pass on brick oven it’s solid for late night but so many better options for dinner time

Ordinary is really vibey and enjoyable with nice cocktails, I love owl shop, it’s a cigar bar and going inside feels like stepping back in time. Cafe nine usually has live music in a fun dive bar setting. And you can always hit up barcade. If you’re in Wooster square area for pizza, check out Libby’s afterwards for a coffee and Italian pastries

There's a pretty active fb group called something like "yale off-campus housing" (assuming you have or will have a yale email) that regularly posts people looking to room, sublease, or transfer leases to new tenants.

Barcelona wine bar is great! You order a lot of small plates and have a family-style dinner. They also have pretty good cheese boards and wine flights.

For a fancier dinner, you can go to Harvest. I'd recommend making a reservation for both places esp since it's a weekend night.

I echo Barcade like others. It's pretty cute!

My favorite dive is three sheets. Highly recommend. Along with cafe nine, stella blues also has live music most nights.

Cafe Nine- live music every night of all genres. Dive atmosphere. No food.

Three Sheets- pre Covid it was a super divey rock & roll bar with a devoted clientele. They’ve remodeled and looks much cleaner and brighter. seem to be more focused on a less punk rock vibe

Owl Shop- whisky and cigars. Sometimes live jazz. Usually a good spot to either start or end a night. A couple drinks and a smoke in there can be $$$

Elm City Social- next door to the owl shop. Fantastic and talented bartenders. Amazing cocktails. Rooftop bar if open is usually seasonally themed.

BAR- dance party in the back room but more hip(but loud) vibe in the front room. Pizza is amazing and available by the slice at night.

Trinity- the last and only real Irish pub in New Haven. Great food and staff. Big soccer bar(Liverpool)

Barcade- old school 80s/90s arcade with a great craft beer selection.

Rudy’s- Belgian frites w/ amazing sauces. Good beer selection. Sometimes it’s a great time other times the clientele can be a douche fest.

These are just suggestions. There are so many spots downtown that are all walkable from each other. Just pop in and grab a drink at any of them and you’ll find one you like. Guaranteed

Costco has better Nitrogen air pump which is really accessible.

I can vouch for the live act this Friday night at Cafe Nine, Carissa Johnson. Really good. But have to be in the mood for a somewhat lower key acoustic show, at least when she’s not with a band. Cool little bar too, known for live music

Sounds like you may like Three Sheets

Check out Toads place to see if they have a good band playing.

Pep Boys in Hamden will take care of you in 60 seconds. Nice guys, too.