2023 Best of New Haven

WHAT’S NEW—THE BEST OF TEAM

Forthisyear’sBestofNewHavencontest,HearstConnecticutMedia Groupenlistedthehelpofitscolleagues theBestOfteam to administerthecompetition Withtheircollectiveexpertise,these teamsworkedtotransformthisreader’schoicepoll.Theresult: NewHavenlocalscastarecordnumberofvotesinsupportofmore than350localbusinesses.

Sowhat’stheBestOfteam?BestOfisateamofprofessionalswhose purposeistoprovidehelpful,crediblecontentthatimprovesthe communitiesweservebyconnectingreaderswiththebestlocal businessesandserviceproviders.Theteam’sprofessionalcurators publishtwokindsofcontent:buyingguidesand“bestof”listings. They’vepublishedover100guidesforCTresidents,makingthetransitiontocoveringtheBestofNewHavenpollanaturalprogression.

ReaderswholookforwardtotheBestofNewHaveneveryyear willnoticeasignificantdifferenceinhowwereporttheresults.Previously,welistedthreefinalistsbyname,butthisyear,we’re announcingonewinnerandthetoptwofinalistsineachcategory. Becauselocalsholdthewinnerswithsuchesteem,wethought you’dliketoheartheexcitingstoriesabouthowthewinningbusinessescametobeandhowtheygivebacktothecommunity.If you’veeverwonderedwho’sthebrainbehindyourfavoritecoffee beans,findoutinthisissue.

THE CATEGORIES

SevendistinctcategoriesareattheheartoftheBestofNewHaven: Arts&Entertainment,FinancialServices,Food&Drink,Health& Beauty,Home&Garden,Shopping,andTravel.Wecouldn’tthinkof abetterassortmentofcategoriestoshowcasethecounty’sdiversity

andrichculture.FromlighthousehotelsuitestonationallyrecognizedCannolicupcakestoworld-renownpizza,thisparade ofbusinesseswillmakeyouproudtocallNewHavenhomeor homeawayfromhome.

HOW THE WINNERS WERE CHOSEN

Votingforthisyear’spollwasconductedonline.Eachday,voters couldcastonevotepercategoryfortheirfavoritebusinesses.When votingclosed,theBestOfteamvettedtheresultsandultimately certifiedthewinnersandfinalists—businessesreceivingthemost votesintheircategories.

HOW TO READ THE LISTS

WINNERS Businesseswiththewinner’sbadgereceivedthe mostvotesintheircategory.Thisbadgewillappearnextto theirlistingsthroughoutthispublication.Aroundtown,you mayseeitondisplayattheirlocations.

FINALISTS Businesseswiththefinalist’sbadgereceivedthe secondandthirdmostvotesintheircategory.Thisbadge willappearnexttotheirlistingsthroughoutthispublication. Youmayalsoseeitondisplayattheirlocations.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

ToseeBestofNewHavenresults withexcitingdigitalfeatures online,visitnhregister.com/best/best-of-new-haven.Ifyou’dlike tolearnmoreaboutBestOfandwhatwedoinConnecticut,visit usonlineatctpost.com/best/about.

This year’s reader’s choice poll received record-breaking participation from locals, and the results are in! From transcendent tropical venues to delectable eats,read on to discover the who’s who in local business more than 100 winners and finalists that make New Haven the eclectic, culturally-rich city we love.

When life knocks you down, sometimes a great place to unwind and treat yourself to a bit of self-care gets you back on your feet. These Best of Health & Beauty winners and finalists specialize in treating the mind, body, and soul. Oh, the places you’ll glow!

Iftheideaofaspinalsnap-crackle-popmakesyou exhalewithdelight,ShorelineFamilyChiropracticis yourideaofagoodtime Stepintotheirofficeand enjoytheupbeatmusicthat’llmakeyou“hap-eeee,” likePharellcirca2014.Ifthatdoesn’tmakeyousmile, theyhavea “HealthyKidsCorner”whereyour children cansafelyplaywithtoysandcoloringbooks whileyoutendtoyourwell-being ladiesand gentlemen,nirvanaisinMilford,CT.

ShorelineFamilyChiropracticwasstartedbyDr. Paternain2004afterhavinghisownexperienceasa chiropracticpatient,inspiringhimtoreturntoschool andbecomeachiropractor Andhedoesn’trush treatment,either Curiousaboutyourcompleteneurologicalsystemorhowyourmusclesrespondalongyour spine?Well,evenifyouaren’t,Dr.Paternaandtheteam atShorelinewouldlovetotellyouallaboutit.Toensure yourdiagnosisandtreatmentarespoton,theyutilize cutting-edgetechnologytoscanyourbodyfornerve andmusclefunction.Theseprosworkonchildren, adults,pregnantwomen,athletes,andseniors.

“Best

“Thanks

That’showthe“goodvibetribe” atiLoveKickboxinginNorth Havenanswersthephone.They taketheircommitmentto positiveenergyseriouslyand infusepositivityintoevery

workout,somaybesuggest aclasstoyourfavoritegrumpy coworker we’rejustsaying. WhileiLoveKickboxingisa nationalchain,thisfranchise locationisfamily-owned >>

PhotobyiLoveKickboxingNorthHaven.

>> andcommunity-oriented Somuchoffitness isaboutbeingadequatelypairedwiththe coachesyouworkwith,andeachcoachhere hastheirownalter-ego,teachingstyle,and musicaltaste.CoachesTigress,Titan,NoisyBoy, Ferarri,Dash,and24KaraGoldwillhaveyou sweatingtotopEDMandpoptracks,throwback rock,liveconcerts,remixes,andmore.

ThemainfocusatthisiLoveKickboxing locationisgettingyourvibesright.Thestaff hereknowsyourvibescanonlybeasstrongas yourheart;theyhaveanin-studioheart monitorthathelpsmemberstracktheircardiovascularexertionandimprovementovertime Bestofall,thecoachesandmembersmakeup atruecommunity,partneringtogetherfor causestheycareabout,fromToysforTotsto theStratfordCatProject clearly,thatone’s CoachTigress’idea.

• EmSculpt Neo

• Cavitation

• Skin Tightening

• Medical Weight Loss

• Semaglutide

• Contrave

• Fillers

• Botox, Dysport, Daxxify

• PDO Thread Lifts

Text 203-701-6161

• Testosterone Therapy

• Hormone Evaluations

• Scar & Acne Healing

• Microneedling

• Obagi Medical Skincare

• LED Light Therapy

• Sculptra Aesthetic

• Hydrofacial, Microderm

• Chemical Peels

Medical Director: Dr. Courtney Holmes, DNP, APRN

Calming aromatherapy wafts through the air...

…asclientsrelaxinthismedspa’scream-colored leatherchaiseloungesthatwarmandvibrate. Sippingoncool,bottledwaterorhotherbalteas, clientsareincompleteblissevenbeforetreatmentbegins.Courtney,ownerofMilfordMed Spa,operatesfroma“lookgood,feelgood” ideologyandaimstocreateacalmingoasisfor herclients,whichappearstowork

Clientsherearesorelaxedthattheyopenly sharetheirdeepestconcerns,whichonlydrives Courtneytobuildoutherserviceofferingsin responsetotheirdesires.Youcouldsayshe’sa medspagenie yourwishishercommand. Theseintimateclientchatsarewhysheoffers

morethanBotoxandlipfillers.Herservices includebodysculpting,medicalweightloss assistance,andafountain-of-youthinjectable calledSculptrathatstimulatesthebody’s collagenproduction.Sometimeshertreatments includeatouchofacupuncturetohelprelieve stress,andit’slikekryptoniteforagingskin

OneofCourtney’sbiggestpassionsis supportingthelocalLGBTQ+community throughnon-surgicalgender-affirming procedures.Ifyou’relookingforthis glow-getter,you’llspothervolunteeringin thecommunitywhensheisn’tworkingher medspamagic.

PhotobyMilfordMedSpa.

Bella Rose Beauty

Please hold, our summer makeover’s calling.

Somebusinessownerssaytheystrivetobethebestat theircraft,whileotherscompeteforthetitle Michele, ownerofBellaRoseBeauty,competesinTheSkinGames thelargestannualinternationalskincarecompetition and wasawaxfinalistin2021and2022and3rdplacewinner forBestWaxArtistin2022.Thisestheticsalonofferswaxing ofalltypes,fromeyebrowstoBrazilians,lashliftsandtints, sun-kissedtanningservices,andpermanentmakeup.

StepintoBellaRose’snewly-renovatedtreatment spaceandlettheself-proclaimed“Brazilianwaxqueen” showcaseherskillsonyourbody.What’ssospectacular aboutBellaRoseBeautyishowclientscanachieve I-woke-up-like-thisconfidenceandbeautywithoutgoing nearamakeupbrush Aglowingtan,perfectlystenciled brows,long,lusciouslashes,andsmooth,waxedskin giveyouahead-to-toerefreshforaboostofself-loveor sexappeal.Andforgetaboutorangetansandpainful waxes;BellaRose’sclientsraveaboutMichele’snearly painlesswaxtechniquesandperfectly-bronzetans.She alsooffersCryoslimtreatmentsforfreezingfatcellsinthe tummy,thighs,chin,oranyproblemarea.

AdobeStock

Roald Dahl once said, “If you have good thoughts, they will shine out your face like sunbeams, and you will always look lovely.”

ThatwasgreatforRoald,butforthoseofuswho frequentlydriveonI-95,well…wecouldusea helpinghandtoachievethatradianthue.Luckyfor us,TinaatRadiantSkinCarehasthehandsweneed. Seriously,herpalmsshouldbeinsured notonly doesTinaknowtheinsandoutsofskincaretreatments,butshealsoperformsreiki.Thisenergy-healingpracticehelpsclientsrelaxbybringingthemtoa stateofcalmandease

Fromlashliftstochemicalpeelsandmicrodermabrasion,clientsreceivetop-of-the-lineservice whileTinaencouragesthemtostaypresentand soakintherelaxationofthespaceandherhealing energy.Skincaremayseemsuperficial,butanyone who’severreceivedafacialknowsthattheexperiencecanbephysicallytranscendent.Withonelook atherzentreatmentroomandnumerousawards, it’sclearwhylocalspraiseTinaforherskincare knowledgeandtranquil,relaxingenergythatkeeps themcomingbackformore

DOCS

Urgent Care

Whilethereareover20DOCSlocationsacross Connecticutofferingtraditionalurgentcare services,includingprimary,pulmonary,and chiropracticcare,DOCSUrgentCareinNewHaven issettinganewstandardforurgentcarefacilities. TheNewHavenlocationisthefirstofitskind:

It’s a virtual clinic with advanced technology that allows off-site physicians to conduct fully virtual patient exams.

That’sright thesetechnologicaladditions allowdoctorstoexaminepatientsasifthey’re physicallyinthesameroom.Withahandfrom on-sitemedicalassistants,doctorsviewthe insideofpatients’ears,noses,andmouthsand canlistentopatients’chestsforheartand lungactivity.

OwnedbyConnecticutnativeDr.Sidana, DOCShasbeenservingConnecticutfamilies since2009 DOCSNewHavenandallitsCT locationsexisttoservethecommunityby managingtheirhealthcareneeds Itevenhas specialoffersforlocalbusinessesthatwantto promoteemployeehealthandwell-being:DOCS conductsannualphysicalsformanybusinesses inthearea,includingtheConnecticutDepartmentofTransportation.Thisurgentcareenterpriseseekstosimplifypatients’lives,offering on-siteX-raysforthosewhoneeddiagnostic imagingasapartoftheircare

From time traveling to the Jurassic period at Yale’s Peabody Museum to rockin’ out to today’s hits live in concert, there’s something for every era in New Haven. Like calling a friend to get ideas for your weekend plans, you can count on your opinionated neighbors who voted for these Best of Arts & Entertainment venues.

>> ThePeabodyMuseumwasalready aworld-classinstitutionbeforeits massive$160millionrenovation,and whenthedoorsopenbackuptothe publicinearly2024...

it’s

Therenovationbringsimprovements inaccessibilityandsustainability,a gorgeousopenatriumwithaglass curtainwall,newwalltextfrom diversecommunitysources,and50% moreexhibitionspacethatwillbe filledwithnewitemsandartifacts thathadpreviouslybeenstuckin storage Visitorswillgettoseea fullyfeatheredseven-footmodel ofaGastornis,knowncolloquially asthe“terrorbird,”andfreshenedupversionsofbeloveddinosaur

skeletonsthathavebeentweaked tofitcurrentscientificconsensus Thebrontosaurus,previously thoughttoplodaroundwithitstail ontheground,isrepositionedin amoreaccurateactivestancewith itstailraised.Oneofthemost meaningfulchanges,though,has nothingtodowiththebuilding: Thankstodonors,admissionwillbe freeforeveryone.

Can’twaitforthePeabodyto reopen?Youcanfindsomeofits

HistoryofScienceandTechnology collection whichwillhaveapermanentplaceinthenewmuseum on displayatYaleUniversityArtGallery’s exhibit“CraftingWorldviews:Artand ScienceinEurope,1500–1800,” throughJune25.

going to be in a completely different heat.

Toyota Oakdale Theatre

A Dua Lipa show where you can actually see her—without having to refinance your house to afford the tickets? Yes, please!

ToyotaOakdaleTheatreisbigenoughtopullsomebig names(AliceCooper,PushaT,LadyA,tonameafew)but smallenoughtofeelintimate,whetheryourshowisinthe maintheaterorthesmaller1,800-capacityDome.TheDome isapieceofarchitecturalhistory,namedafterthemahoganywoodenceilingthatwasbuiltin1972toreplacethe canvastentthatprotectedwhatwasthenanopen-air theaterintheround Now,foodanddrinksareavailable fromwraparoundwoodenbarsduringbiggershows

ThebeautyoftheOakdaleTheatreisthatevenbalcony seatsoffergreatviewsandgoodacoustics.Thesmallthings makeforapleasanteveningasmuchasthebigones: multipleconcessionlinessoyoudon’tmisstheshow,clean bathrooms,andfreeparking.Andtheout-of-the-way locationmeansthatwhenyouwalkoutfromlookingupat thestarsonstage,you’llgetafullviewofthestarsinthe sky,unfilteredbylightpollution.

PhotobyToyotaOakdaleTheatre.

If all you need is love and wifi… and a credit card, you ’ re our kind of person! But instead of endlessly scrolling through webpage after webpage, fill your real-life shopping cart with great finds at one of these local Best of Shopping businesses.

PhotobyRickBaumhauer|Baumhauerphotocom

>> Cynthia’s Flower Shop is an especially dreamy New Haven destination for flowers for all occasions.

Owner,CynthiaPurcell,hasbeen arrangingflowersforover30years andhasthebrightenergyofa glowingsunflower.Beyondthe benefitsofworkingwithCynthiafor herobviousskillandexpertise,she alsokeepstheshopstockedwitha uniquevarietyofbloomsyouwon’t findelsewhere.

Since2019,Cynthia’sFlower Shophaspartneredwithalocal co-opthatsourcesflowersgrown acrossConnecticutandWestern Massachusetts PopinonaWednesdaytocatchthelatestlocalblooms andselectasinglestem,orgetto workonflowersforyournextbig event.Cynthia’sFlowerShopisa

seven-timerecipientofTheKnot’s BestofWeddingsawardandis officiallyinitsBestofWeddings HallofFame.Ifbridesgivetheir sealofapproval,youknowit’s forreal.

Speakingofbeingtherealdeal,in 2020,whenthestatewasshuttered bytheCOVID-19pandemic,Cynthia openedherdoorseveryweekendfor SolidaritySaturdays Eachweek,she createdelegant,littlefloralarrangementsinspiredbylocalnon-profit charitiesanddonated100%ofthe proceedstothem.GivenCynthia’s commitmenttohercraftand community,it’scleartoseewhy she’salocalfavorite.

BESTFURNITUREWINNER

Consignment Originals

ConsignmentOriginalshasbeenaCT institutionforfurnitureresalesince1982 andhasgrowntoincludeanetworkof morethan100,000consignors.Their furnitureselectionisn’toverwhelmingbut hasexcellentvariety:You’lllikelyfindsofas, sectionals,diningsets,andaccentfurnitureanddecortoadornyourlivingspaces completely.Whenyoubuyitemson consignmenthere,notonlyareyougetting agreatprice oftenforwell-crafted, designergoods you’realsoengagingin environmentally-friendlyconsumerism

Hey,savingtheplanetisn’teasy,but somebody’sgottadoit,right?Andasa reward,youmayfindaperfectly-priced pieceofjewelryorclothingtosnag.

Whileallconsignmentshopscontributetoeco-consumerism,Consignment Originalsgoesastepfurtherbyperiodicallypartneringwithlocalnon-profit organizationsthatbuildamorebeautiful world Whenyoupurchaseanarmoire, youmaybehelpingtofundmusicandart therapyprograms Findtheperfecthutch foryourfoyer,andcontributetothe safetyandshelterofsurvivorsofdomesticabuse.ConsignmentOriginalshelps style-savvyandsocially-conscious consumersengageintrulyguilt-free shoppingexperiences.

Shop

and make the world a little better—one purchase at a time.

Arnold’s Jewelers

Humans have been creating and adorning themselves with jewelry since the prehistoric era, but it’s safe to assume carving a necklace out of bone isn’t your style.

Afterall,makingbeautifuljewelryisanart form.Greatnews:Thefamilythat’sowned andoperatedArnold’sJewelerssince1957 areclassicallytrainedintheircraft,soyou don’thavetobe.Thislocaljewelerspecializesincustomdesigns,helpingclientsfind theperfectpieceforthemselvesoraspecial someone Withgenerationsofexperienceto share,they’llhelpyouGoldilocksyourway throughdiamonds,gemstones,anda myriadofcustomoptionstodiscoverthe just-rightpiece.

Arnold’sJewelershasareputationfor excellentcustomerservice.Inmostmodern jewelrystores,repairsaredoneoffsite.At Arnold’sJewelers,almostallrepairsare completedon-siteforjewelryandallstyles ofwatches,givingthestaffawell-rounded knowledgeofhoweachpieceisconstructed andhowtocompletetherepairstheir customersneed Inadditiontojewelryand watches,Arnold’sJewelersstocksother high-qualitygiftsformilestoneevents,like WaterfordCrystalandbabyitemsfromthe award-winningStephanBaby.Stopinnext timeyouneedagiftthatwows,ortreat yourselftosomebling.

PhotobyArnold’sJewelers.

The Better Beagle Co.

TheBetterBeagleistheresultof onelocalwoman,Kristen,andher determinationtohelpasickly beaglenamedBettyWhite.Withno priorpetfoodexperience,Kristen setonamissiontocreatefresh, healthyfoodforthispup,whohad apoorprognosisatthetime Kristenprovidedattentivecareto herdietwhen,loandbehold,Betty Whitebegantoheal!Shegained weight,becameplayfulagain,and livedouttherestofherdaysinthe besthealthpossible.(We’renot crying,you’recrying!)Ifyouwant togiveyourpetthebestlife

possiblethroughwholesome, naturalfoods,popintoTheBetter BeagleCo.Forourfurryfriends, there’snothingfinerthanfreshand filler-freerawfoodsliketheones soldhere,andgivingyourdogan upgradetothesehigh-qualityeats canextendyourpet’slife Since BettyWhitecameintoKristen’slife, shewentontocompleteadegree inclinicalpetnutritionandhas beenhelpingfamilies,andtheir petslivelong,healthylives togetherthroughherstore.Stopin foreats,treats,andawell-rounded selectionofpetsupplies,too

The proof is in the origin story.

The Best Food & Drink options are endless in New Haven. Whether breakfast, lunch, dinner, or the occasional diet-breaking dessert binge, some things just taste better when someone else prepares them for you.

>> Lucibello’s passes the Italian nonna test: your Italian grandmother would feel right at home here.

Theiconicbakeryhasbeenmakingits pastries,cakes,andcookiesthesameway forover90years.Thecookiesarestill hand-cut;theingredientsarethesametoo. Theonlydifference,accordingtoowner PeterFaggio,isacreamcookerthatsaves thebakersfromhavingtomakethecream onthestove.

Lucibello’shasbeenrunbyFaggio’s familysince1959whenhisfatheranduncle boughtitfromtheoriginalowners His fatherhadbeenworkingintheshopfor yearsandpromisedtokeeptherecipesthe same,andthat’sjustwhatthey’vedone. Now,theunassumingstorefrontonGrand

Avenueisadestinationforpeopleacross theregion.Itsnamehasappearedinthe NewYorkTimesandevenVogueafter someoneshippedanginetticookiesto Tennesseefortheirson’sfancywedding.

Lucibello’sisavailableforwalk-inand bulkorders,butgettheminearlyfor Christmas,Easter,andSt.Joseph’sDay becausetreatslikepignoli,zeppole (delectablefriedfritter),andrainbow cookiesarestaplesonmanyholiday desserttables “Peoplewillremembertheir childhoodandbringtheirownchildrenin,” Faggiosays.“Ittastesthesame.Itsmells thesame.”

BEST BAKERY FINALISTS

Rocco’sBakery

Customerscravethe“authentic” Italiancookies,cannolis,andcakes.

432 FERRY ST, NEW HAVEN ROCCOSBAKERY.COM 203.865.1187

SugarBakery

WinnerofCupcakeWars. The“Cannoli”cupcakeisamust-try!

424 MAIN ST, EAST HAVEN THESUGARBAKERY.COM 203

BESTBARWINNER BAR

254 CROWN ST, NEW HAVEN BARNIGHTCLUB.COM | 203.495.8924

The best part? Pizzas are available all through the night.

Youmightthinkthatabar/restaurant/ microbrewery/danceclub/eventspace wouldsufferfromtryingtodotoo much Somehow,themultihyphenate BARmanagestopullitallintoone uniquepackagegreaterthanthesum ofitsparts.Itdebutedasabarand danceclubin1991,andin1995,they addedpizzaandbrewingvats.The restaurantservesupclassicand inventivebrick-ovenpies afavoriteis themashedpotatoandbaconpie alongsiderotatingmicrobrewslikethe summeryblueberrypiesouranda thirst-quenchingdoubleIPAZombie Slayer.Comebefore9p.m.fora relaxedpintandafreeroundonthe

purplepooltable

Onweekendnights,workerspush tablesoutofthewayandtransform thespaceintoahighly-populardance club.Theyoftenreachcapacity,so planahead:thelinecansometimesbe aroundtheblockbeforetherestaurant doorsevenclose.Thecrowdskews youngandcollegiate,andwhile there’sacertainhumility(shotsare pouredintoplasticcondimentcontainers,andanelevatedstageholdsa rotatingrosteroflocalDJs),thisisn’ta frathouse Peoplearedressedtolook photogenicagainstthewarmindustrialbackdropofthespace,designedby founderandco-ownerRandyHoder.

BEST BAR FINALISTS

ChacraPiscoBar

GoPiscocrazy:Trythe PiscoSourandPiscojito,plus 15Piscovarieties.

152 TEMPLE ST, NEW HAVEN 203.714.1771

CHACRAPISCOBAR.COM

Duffy’sTavern

Patronslikeitsold-time speakeasyambiance andgreatbeerselection.

241 CAMPBELL AVE, WEST HAVEN

203.933.9721

DUFFYSTAVERN.NET

PhotobyBAR.

Perfect for when you want to feel like you have a private chef on a random Tuesday.

La Cucina co-owner Joy Bozzi remembers catering a ritzy outdoor event when the oven broke. But instead of accepting defeat, the caterers managed to get access to a smaller oven nearby to cook the entire meal, then dashed the food back to the guests in the rain “We had some angels on our side for that one,” Bozzi laughs The ability to make it work no matter the hurdles is what sets La Cucina apart. Whether catering intimate gatherings or 200-guest weddings, Bozzi and her husband/co-owner Greg call on their over 30 years of experience in the restaurant and catering business to talk clients through the “what ifs” of every event.

TheBozzisalsoworkwithclientstocreatethe typeoffoodexperiencethatbestfitstheevent Oneincreasinglypopularrouteis“appsfordinner”: softpretzelbars,show-stoppingcharcuterie boards,bruschetta,andsavorybitesoflobstermac andcheese.

Ifyoudon’tneedcatering,LaCucinaalsohas threephysicalstorefrontswhereyoucanpickup healthygrab-and-gomealsforthenightsyou don’tfeellikecooking.Thedishes,oftenstaplesof Italianhomecooking,areaffordable,wholesome, andtasty

PhotobyLaCucinaPreparedMeals&Catering.

Common Grounds

“Family” is the operative word at Common Grounds.

Husband-and-wifeteamWilsonandDenaJara refertotheiremployees,thecoffeebeanfarmers theysourcefrom,andtheirlongtimeregulars alikethisway They’veevenvisitedtheircoffee beansuppliersinColumbia,Brazil,andPeruto scoutthequalityofbeansandthequalityoflife forthefarmers Customerswhohavebeencoming insincethefirstshopopenedinBranfordin1993 have“watchedourchildrengrowup,”Denasays. “Wewatchedthembecomegrandparents.”

That warmth and community lead to staff who stick around and care about what they do. And it

shows customers often remark on the quick and friendly service. Of course, offering coffee that tastes like candy bars doesn’t hurt, either. Coffee beans are roasted and flavored on-site and include flavors like Seven Layer Bar, Highlander Grogg, Charleston Chew, Toffee Nut, and over 50 others

Inthepastfewmonths,CommonGroundshas openedinthreeformerBlueStateCoffeelocations,bringingtheirtotalnumberofshopsto seven.Atatimewhenothercoffeeshopsare downsizing,thisfamilyjustkeepsgettingbigger.

Stony Creek Brewery

Stony Creek Brewery cheekily calls their beers “aggressively laid back,” and the same could be said for the picturesque brewery.

LocatedrightontheBranfordRiver(youcandock yourboatthere),the30,000-square-footbrewery hasacozyindoortaproom,plusaspaciousoutdoor seatingareawithcornhole,afirepit,awooden deckwitharetractableroof,andanoutdoorbar On abalmyday,youwon’tevenhavetogoinside Thebrewsthemselveshavediehardfans The brewery’stwomemberships,theMugCluband thePresidentsClub,arealmostatcapacity.Ifyou likeIPAs,youcan’tgowrongwithoneoftheir signaturebrews,likeCranky,ajuicy6.8%ABVIPA

withnotesofpineandblackpepper.Theyhavea rotatingselectionofseasonalandlimited-edition brewstoo.RecentcollaboratorsincludeBigelow Tea,theAfghanistanIraqVeteransWarMemorial Fund,andSavetheSound(aperfectfitwith StonyCreek’siconicheronlogo)

So,sure,youcouldsweatandtoilonanature hike.OryoucouldgrabaflightofStonyCreek beersandapizzafromNaplesWoodFiredPizza truckandcommunewithMotherEarthfromthe comfortoftheirdeck.

PhotobyStonyCreekBrewery.

BESTFINEDININGWINNER

Union League Cafe

Pizza and burgers are great, but for a refined meal, look no further than Union League Cafe.

WhileNewHavenmaybebest knownforhumblefoodslikeapizza andburgers,UnionLeagueCafe putsNewHavenonthemapfor higher-endfare.TheclassicFrench brasserieisupscaleyetrelaxed, featuringdishesthatareOldWorld withjustatouchofacontemporary flair InclassicFrenchfashion,fresh andflavorfulingredientsarethe starsofthecuisine.Themenu changesdailybasedontheingredientssourcedfromlocalfarmslike EarthPalateFarminWarren.Some stapledishes likethesucculent duckconfitwithcrisppotato galetteandGrannySmithapple havebeenfanfavoritesfordecades

andarealwaysavailable.Vibrant flavorsareenhancedbymeticulous techniquesfromChefGuillaume Traversazandhisstaff.Traversaz andsommelierRomainTarpault werebothmentoredunderthe originalchefandsommelierbefore comingaboard,atouchthatlends totheconsistencyofhigh-quality dishesandwinepairings

UnionLeagueCafeisdecorated withawards,havingwonover200 acrossvariouscategories(turnto page34toseeonemore),aswell asbeinghighlightedasthemost noteworthyrestaurantinConnecticutbyFood&WineandEatThis, NotThat

Peruvianfinecuisinehonoring Peru’sdiverseheritage.

152 TEMPLE ST, NEW HAVEN 203.714.1771

CHACRAPISCOBAR.COM

PastaCosi

Customerslovethefamouslobster ravioliandthewineselection.

1018 MAIN ST, BRANFORD 203.483.9397

BEST LIQUOR FINALISTS

AmityWine andSpirit

Competitivepricematching andwell-stockedlocally-made beersandwines.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

CoastalWine &Spirits

Localscomplimentthe“amazing selection”and“fantastic”prices. 103

BESTLIQUORWINNER

Total Wine & More

Because everyone needs an excuse to buy that extra bottle of wine.

The“&More”inthename TotalWine&Moreisdoinga lotofwork:Notonlydoesthe liquorstorehaveanextensive collectionofthousandsof differentwinesfromregions acrosstheworld,butthey alsohaveoneofthebiggest selectionsofcraftbeersinthe area,pluseveryspirityoucan thinkof.Oh,anddon’tforget thecigarhumidor.

Ifthatallsoundsoverwhelming,restassuredthat oneofthereasonspeople

lovethestoreisthefriendly andknowledgeablestaff. Havemorequestions?For just$5,takeaverybasic classonwinesfromdifferent wineregionsofFranceorone onbarrel-agedspirits, completewithsamples Or stopbyforthewinetastings availableeveryThursday throughSunday(checkthe websiteforhours).Beyond theextensiveselection, pricesaregood especiallyif youbuyinbulk.

PhotobyTotalWine&More.

Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale

Get extra butter on the side, and thank us later.

We’veallheardtheclaimthatlobsters wereoncethe“poorman’schicken,” primarilyfedtoprisonersandindentured servants OnebiteofLenny&Joe’s(our BestSeafoodRestaurantwinner)hefty, butter-drenched,vibrant,andmouth-wateringlyfreshlobsterrollwillhaveyou doubtinghistory.AsopposedtoMainestylelobsterrolls,whichareservedcold withmayonnaise,Lenny&Joe’ssticksto

theConnecticuttraditionandserves thempipinghotonatoastedNew Englandbun Eachrollisstuffedwithbig chunksofdelicioustailandclawmeat fromlobsterssourcedfromMaine no fillershere Reviewsaboundfrompeople whohavetraveledacrossstatelinesor, sometimes,acrossthecountryspecificallyforthisroll.Getextrabutterontheside, andthankuslater.

Neil’s Donuts

NeilBukowskikeepsitsimplebutstrict:Donuts aremadeon-siteeverydaywithfreshingredients,time-trustedtechniques(bothsidesof everydonutaredrenchedinglaze),andno preservatives—buyyourdonutsday-ofwheneverpossible.Butclassicdoesn’tmeanboring. With40flavorsrunningthegamutfromFrench ToasttoRaspberryVanillaCreamtofan-favorite MapleBacon,thereareoptionsfordays.

TheoriginlegendgoesthatBukowskiwasso fedupwithbaddonutsatworkmeetingswhen hewasasalesassociatethathethrewinhistie

andopenedupabakery.Whenhestartedin 2001,therewasarealneedforadonutshopin thearea.Intheyearssince,specialtypastry shopshaveexploded “Ithinktheylookedatme andsaid,‘Ifthisdopecandoit,anybodycan,’” Bukowskijokes Onegrowssuspiciousofhis self-deprecationuponseeingtheparkingloton theweekends there’salmostalwaysalineof carswaitingtopark.Tokeepthingssimpleand efficient,alldonuts(saveforthemaplebacon) arethesameprice.TheonlystruggleBukowski can’thelpwith?Decidingwhichflavortotryfirst.

PhotobyNeil’sDonuts.

You will not find the latest pastry fad at Neil’s Donuts; Instead, you’ll find the best classic donut you’ve had in your life.

Photo by Paul Castle

BESTLOCALFOODMARKETWINNER

Liuzzi is a big name in cheese, but don’t sleep on their North Haven market.

Withanincredibleselectionof cheeseanddeliitems,imported groceries,andready-mademeals, it’saLittleItalyallitsown.A familyoperationinthedeepest sense,Liuzzi’swasfoundedby ownerDomenicLiuzzi’sfather andunclein1981.Liuzzi’s brother,sister,anddaughter workforeitherthemarketorthe cheeseplant,orboth theyall grewupinthestore

Staff whethertheycarrythe nameLiuzziornot arehappyto educatecustomersorwhipouta sample.Ifyoudon’tknowwhere tostart,juststopbyandask,but youcan’tgowrongwithLiuzzi’s

succulentburrataandtheir mozzarelladiBufala,madefrom themilkofwaterbuffaloraised inupstateNewYork,witha flavorthatcomesshockingly closetotheoriginalfromItaly. Inthedeli,trytheGolfetta aleancuredmeatthathasmore moisturethansalami orthe mortadella;Liuzzisaysthelatter sitsontheslicingmachineall daybecausethedemandnever stops.WithItalianpantryitems liningthewallsandbigwheels ofparmesanstackedacross fromsalumihangingfromthe ceiling,youmayevenforget you’reinConnecticut.

Winning “best pizza” in New Haven is a bit like winning best painting in the Louvre.

Thecompetitionisstiff,andalot ofitcomesdowntothedetails. Sure,whenyoucometoModern Apizza,you’regettingapiewith thesignaturebrick-ovenapizza charandaperfectlychewycrust. Butthisisaplacethatdoesn’t shyawayfromtoppings:People salivateoverthemeatlover’s ItalianBomb Coveredinbacon, sausage,pepperoni,mushroom, onion,pepper,andgarlic,itnot onlyburstswithflavorbutfills youupmorethanatomatopie.

WillPustari,chefandsonof ownerBillPustari,saysthe qualityofingredientskeeps peoplecomingback.They

employabalanceoflocalingredients(likeseasonalnativetomatoes)andonesimportedstraight fromItaly.“We’renotcutting cornersonprice,”Pustarisays.“If it’sexpensive,it’snoproblem.”

Vibesalsoplayarole:Modern Apizzaisoffthebeatenpathof WoosterStreet,whichmeans thingsarenotashecticortouristy assomeoftheotherpizzerias Thisisnottosayit’sunknown linesgetlongduringweekends anddinnerrushes.Keepyoureye outinline,andyoumightseea familiarface:Afewyearsback, StevenSpielbergwasspottedwaitingpatientlyforapie.

PhotobyRickBaumhauer|Baumhauerphoto.com.

Beware—if you walk into a date at Union League Cafe, you might very well leave engaged.

TheelegantBeaux-ArtsFrench brasseriehasseenhundredsof proposals,accordingtosalesand marketingdirectorChristinaFitzGerald Waitstaffhashadtoengagein deftmaneuverslikesubtlyslipping anengagementringintoaglassof champagnewithouttheguest noticing.Dinershaveexperienced everyromanticmilestoneatUnion League firstdates,proposals, weddings,andanniversaries sometimesalloftheabove.

Itisn’thardtoseetheappeal. Somethingaboutthedeepgreen

walls,darkgleamingwoodwork, stainedglasswindows,award-winningfood,extensivewinelist,and delectabledesserts(don’tskipthe chocolate-hazelnutdelightthatis theFeuillantine)scream“unforgettable”Thebuildingitselfisacity landmark,formerlyhousingthe UnionLeagueClub,andisonthesite ofFoundingFatherandfirstmayorof NewHavenRogerSherman’soriginal homestead.Ifyou’relookingto imbueyourpersonalstorywiththe gravitasofhistory,UnionLeague Cafemakesafinechoice

Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale

So go ahead—take a spin on the double lobster chariot for yourself.

Startedbytwobrothers(guess theirnames)asabeachsideclam standin1979,thiscasualeatery isallaboutkeepingthingsfresh anduncluttered.Pickfroma widerangeofseafood lobster sourcedfromMaine,salmonfrom sustainableNorthAtlanticfarms, softshellMarylandcrabs(whenin season),plusclams,oysters, mussels,shrimp,scallops, haddock…thelistgoeson.Then choosetohaveyourseafood fried,broiled,baked,grilled, sautéed,orsteamed.Don’tmiss thedecadentlobsterbisqueand thebutterylobsterrolleither. Theonlynon-negotiablesfor

co-ownerLennyGoldbergare thattheseafoodbefresh,ofthe highestquality,andsustainable.

Atthetwolocations(thethird, inNewHaven,hadtoclosein October2020duetoCOVID-19), theatmosphereisrelaxedand casual TheWestbrookeateryhas tableservicewithabar,whereas thedrive-inMadisonshop basicallyontopofthesiteoftheir originalclamstand hascounter service.Littleoneslovethe woodencarouselattheWestbrook location,whichgives100%of proceedstocharities,likeacademicscholarshipsforyoung womenofcolorandsoupkitchens

PhotobyLenny&Joe’sFishTale.

INN | WEDDINGVENUES

Seaside inns with lighthouse suites, authentic castles, and award-winning wedding venues are only the beginning of the adventures that await at these Best of Travel venues. Whether you ’ re saying ‘I do’ or ‘I need a stay-cation,’ you can do it all without straying far from home.

>> Saybrook Point Resort & Marina truly has the makings for a dream getaway.

Imaginewakinguptothesoundsofsoftrolling waves;then,roomservicearrivesatyourlighthousesuitetodeliverpastries,eggs,andcoffee beforetakingontheday.Youthrowonyour swimsuitsandheadtotheoutdoorheatedpool tosoakupthesununtilyourafternoonspa appointment,asheabutterandhotstone massagefortwo,please!

Stepintoaforgotteneraintheeveningwhen youenterTheChooChooLoungeforpre-dinner cocktails Closeouttheeveningbyenjoyingfresh seafoodalfrescoatTheSaltRoomandstroll backtoyourlighthousehaventodoitallagain tomorrow.Areyoupinchingyourselfyet?

Thisluxuryseasidesanctuaryconsistsofa mainhotelbuilding,twogorgeousthree-story guesthouses,andtheromanticlighthousesuite. Setagainstabackdropwheretherivermeetsthe LongIslandSound,enjoysea-to-plateand farm-to-tabledining,theonsitespa,andmuch more SaybrookPointResort&Marinaisalsoa gorgeoussettingforweddingsandprivateevents Forthosearrivingbyyacht,expectattentive white-gloveservicedayandnight

>> If you don’t think of New Haven when you hear the term “destination wedding,” you clearly haven’t experienced Anthony’s Ocean View.

Thisincrediblypicturesquebeachvenue, situatedinMorrisCoveonLongIsland Sound,hasfourballrooms,fittocater partiesrangingfrom75to550guests. Eachballroomincludesprivategardens andbeachfrontspace completewith realpalmtrees creatinganelegantand tropicalambianceforweddingsand eventsofallkinds

Thisillustriousvenueisperfectfor feelingthewarmcoastalbreeze,enjoyingmimosasandbrunchatyourbridal shower,celebratingalovedone’s milestonebirthdaywithacustomized clambake,orhostingyourchild’ssweet 16orbarmitzvah thepossibilitiesare

endless.Localsknowallabouthow charmingNewHavencanbe,andat Anthony’sOceanView,youcanshow yourguestsanextraordinarytimeina breathtakinglocation.

EstablisheddecadesagobyAnthony Delmonaco,Anthony’sOceanViewisstill runbyAnthony,hiswife,Anna,andtheir fourchildren Thisfamily-runbusinessis devotedtocateringtoitsguests They assignallnewlywedsadedicatedprofessionalweddingconsultantand,onthe weddingday,apersonalattendantto attendtotheireveryneed,solidifyingthis venueasanescapetoparadiseinour ownbackyard.

If your DIY turned into DI-Try, you ’ ve flipped to the right page. We can’t all be born with a green thumb, right? When your home or yard needs a little sprucing,sit back, pour yourself a beverage, and turn to these trusted Best of Home & Garden professionals to get the job done right.

>> NewHavenandthesurroundingareas,drivenby theirdeterminationtobeanindustryleader

Tomaintainauthorityandexpertisewithinthe HVACindustry,teammembersofferunmatched service,andthat’snotlipservice.Everytechislicensedandexperiencedenoughtohandlecommercial andlightindustrialjobs.NoJV-squadhere!Plus, QualityMechanicalisIGSHPA-certified,whichis shop-talkforsayingthey’refluentingreenenergy systems.Whencustomersneedasystemrepaired, installed,orserviced,thisteamisreadyforaction. Throughouttheir76yearsofexperience,theteam atQualityMechanicalhaslearnedwhat’smost importantwhendoingbusinesswithmembersofthe localcommunity:friendly,educatedstaffandadeep commitmenttoajobwelldone,beitasmallfilter changeorcompletecommercialHVACoverhaul.When youchooseQualityMechanical,you’rechoosing Quality it’srightthereinthename.

Interior decorating sounds like a fun DIY project, but wouldn’t we all rather have a fairy godmother take care of the job?

InCT,JudiAlvinoDesignsisthe solution.JudiAlvinoisNewHaven’s homedesignguru,andherworkis nothingshortofmagical.

JudiofJudiAlvinoDesignshas offeredhomeservicestoConnecticuthomeownersinneedofalittle fairydustfor30years Judi’sprolific designcareerbeganasacustom windowtreatmentbusinesswhich evolvedintoacompleteinterior designhouseoverthecourseof threedecades.Herdesignaesthetic issecondtonone.Ifyoutakeapeek atherportfolio,you’llseehowshe

createscalmandappealingspaces byseeminglyeffortlesslyintertwiningshapes,colors,andtextures. Withherhighly-trainedeye,Judihas helpedCThomeownerscompletely reimaginelived-inspacesand developnewbuildsandpurchases intodreamhomes

AtJudiAlvinoDesigns,Judibrings lovetoeveryprojectandishappyto workwithyou,stepbystep,orlet youstepawaywhileshewavesher “magicwand”andtransformsyour homeintoaluxuriousspace,ala bippityboppityboo.

PhotobyJudiAlvinoDesigns.

TJB Landscape & Drainage Contractor

The team at TJB Landscape can give your home’s outdoor spaces a stunning and whimsical upgrade.

Landscapedesignersdomuchmore thanmowthelawn justthinkof CentralParkorthePalaceofVersailles. NoPalace?Noproblem!Trustthatthis teamwilltakeanysizeoutdoorspace andcompletelyturnupthevolume Duringyourinitialconsultation,expect TJBlandscaperstosuggestideas you’veprobablyneverdreamedoffor sprucingupyouroutdoorspaces; unlessyousleepwithimagesofkoi pondsandstreamlesswaterfalls babblinginyourhead.

TJB’slandscapeanddrainagedesign crewiswell-versedinwaterfeature additionstohomelandscapedesigns,

addingrelaxationandthejoyofhaving alivingecosystemrightonyour property.Theseprosalsoinstall personalputtinggreensandgarden bedsandoffermanyotherlawnand gardenmaintenanceservices

Notonlydotheybeautifyresidential yards,buttheteamatTJBismaking thecommunitybeautifulwiththeir PondsForKidsproject.Localschools raisemoneyformaterials,and,forno charge,TJBprovidesallthelaborto createpondstogetherwithstudents, teachers,andparentswhileeducating everyoneabouthowtocareforthe ecosystemeachpondsupports.

Carbutti & Co. Realtors

Adulting comes with exciting new challenges, like learning the ropes of buying and selling real estate.

LuckyfortheNewHavencommunity,Carbutti &Co.Realtorsisheretoansweryourquestions, guideyouthrougheachstepofthebuyingor sellingprocess,andhelpyoubetterunderstandthebigpictureofhow,why,andwhen propertiessell Thewaytheseprostalkabout realestate whetheronlocalradioshowsor theirblog it’sclearthatwhenothersplay checkers,theserealtorsareplayingchess.

Carbutti&Co.comprisesalargeteamof realestateprofessionalswhoaresteepedin theregionalmarketdayinanddayout. Leavingatrailofsatisfiedbuyersandsellers,

theteam’scombinedexperiencegivesthem valuableinsightintowhatmotivatessuccessfulrealestatetransactions.Theirconnection tothelocalcommunityisdeepenedbytheir extensivevolunteerworkcontributingtolocal foodandtoydrives,theMeridenHumane SocietyAnimalShelter,andTheUlbrichBoys andGirlsClub.

Ifyouneedmoreconvincingabouthow greatCarbutti&Co.is,perhapsyou’lltrust real-estatemogulBarbaraCorcoranofShark Tank they’retheonlyrealestateteaminCT sheendorses.

YOUR BEST SHOT FOR ALL YOUR HVAC NEEDS

Since 2012, we’ve been working hard to deliver the best customer service in the Heating,Ventilation and Cooling business.

We’d like to give a special thanks to you, our customers for nominating and voting for us for the Best of New Haven- Best HVAC company

With a CT S-1 license, we can and love to work on anything heating or cooling related. If you are unhappy with your current provider or would like a second opinion, give us a shot!

PhotobyCarbutti&Co

RemodelingprojectswithBaybrookRemodelers beginwithexploringyourimagination.This teamofrenoprosdevisedtheirremodeling processwhentheystartedtheirbusinessin1992. Theykickoffeachprojectwithadiscoveryphase anddiscussionoftheirclients’needsbefore enteringthedesigncollaborationphase Once engagedinthisstageofprojectprep,Baybrook Remodelerswillgenerateacomplete3Dcomputermodelofwhatyourprojectwilllooklike.Want tochangesomething?Goahead.Thisisyour chancetoreimagineanypartofyourremodeling projectcompletely.

Afteryoudecidepreciselywhatyouwantforyour project,theteamatBaybrookRemodelerswill provideyouwithanexactquote.Noballparkfigures here:Whattheysayiswhatyoupay.Withoversixty employeesandmostlybusiness-by-referral,it’s clearBaybrookRemodelersdoesajobwelldone. Still,what’smostremarkableaboutthemmight betheirowner,Ken Whenhe’snotleadingthe teamatBaybrook,Kenvolunteers40%ofhiswork forthecity,overseeingmunicipalremodeling projects,managingthecity’sARPAfunds,and givingbacktohishometowninthebestwayshe knowshow.

PhotobyBaybrookRemodelers.

Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name, and luckily for you, one of those places may be a local banking center. If you can count on anything, it’s a Best of Financial Services institution that puts the community’s interest ahead of its own.

Stuffing cash under your mattress or in the family banana stand is always an option, but if you want a bit more security for your nest egg, there’s Wells Fargo in East Haven.

Positivereviewsrepeatedlyspeaktothequality ofthestaffandtheirwillingnesstogoabove andbeyondfortheircustomers,whichreflects WellsFargo’scustomer-centricservicephilosophy Thisbank’s“TreatingCustomersFairly >>

BESTCREDITUNIONWINNER

Connex Credit Union

>> Principle”promisestodorightby customersbyofferingcompletetransparency,productsthattreatallcustomers fairly,andcleardisclosureoffeature costsandterms,allowingcustomersto makeinformeddecisionsthatbestserve theirneeds.

Despitebeinganinternationalbanking organization,theEastHavenWellsFargo branchgoestheextramileforthelocal community In2022alone,WellsFargo awardedroughly$1 3milliontosupport localnonprofitsandcommunityorganizationsthroughoutConnecticut For businessandpersonalchecking,savings, loans,investing,andmore,WellsFargo hasoptionstofitawiderangeoffinancial needs.IfyouworkwithWellsFargo,you’ll bejoiningthefourthlargestbankinthe UnitedStates,plusyoucanbenefitfrom theirglobaloperationsifyoutravelordo businessworldwide.

BEST BANK FINALISTS

Go-tobankingcenterfor non-U.S.citizenswithvisas.

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

BANKOFAMERICA COM

M&TBank

Localslovethe coincounter it’sfreetouse foraccountholders!

MULTIPLELOCATIONS

MTB.COM

BESTCREDITUNIONFINALISTS

NewHavenCounty CreditUnion

Comeforpersonalservice—thestaff knowsmembersbyname!

2 BROADWAY, NORTH HAVEN

203 234 8773 | NHCCU COM

SikorskyCreditUnion

Localschoosethiscreditunion fortheirautoloanrates.

MULTIPLELOCATIONS

SIKORSKYCU ORG

Don’t think because they’re locally focused, they’re small potatoes—Connex is about to cross $1B in assets.

Growingup,didyoucombineyourearningswith friendsorsiblingstobuysomethingspectacular maybeatreehouseorabove-groundpool?Banking withConnexCreditUnionistheadultingversionof thatidea.Likeallcreditunions,ConnexCredit UnioninNewHavenisanon-profitorganization. Ratherthanmakingmoneyoffitscustomers,it existstoserveitsmembers,employees,andthe surroundingcommunity.Forthosewhoarepartofa localorganizationcreatingpositivechange,Connex nowacceptsgrantapplicationsforupto$20,000to helpyourorganizationachieveitsgoals

Hatepayingoverdraftfees?There’sanaccount forthat WhenyoujoinConnex,notonlydoyouget accesstopersonalandbusinessbankingoptions, yougettohelpothers,too.Connexismorethan youraveragecreditunion;it’sacommunity-driven organizationthathelpsNewHaventakeimportant stepstowardfinancialcompetence.ConnexCares, itscharitabledivision,focusesonimprovingchildren’shealth,endingfoodinsecurity,andspreading knowledgeoffinancialliteracy

BankofAmerica

MULTIPLE LOCATIONS | CONNEXCU ORG

PhotobyConnexCreditUnion.