Matthew L.
Yelp
80 Proof is a New American restaurant and craft cocktail bar that opened in New Haven, Connecticut in June 2022. It was founded by business partners Sonia Salazar and Sarah Cornelius. The two previously had success in the Elm City with the opening of their restaurants Barracuda Bistro & Bar (a Latin American gastro bar) in 2014 and Te Amo Tequila Bar (a craft tequila bar and taco restaurant) in 2018. The restaurateurs' latest venture is a departure from their two other restaurants. 80 Proof puts focus on shareable plates as well as craft cocktails. The menu features classic American bar bites such as potato skins, waffle fries, sliders, and jalapeño poppers... but elevated to a whole new level. The cocktail menu features mixed drinks that are mostly made with vodka, gin, bourbon and fresh fruit, as opposed to the rum and tequila-based cocktails that you will find at Barracuda or Te Amo.
I recently attended an exclusive tasting event at 80 Proof which was attended by a number of local foodie influencers. We were all invited to sample various plates and cocktails that were being added to the menu for the Spring; the menu changes seasonally. Some of the cocktails that were displayed included the "Martini Flight", the "Cupid", the "Peach, Please", and the "Rose, Marry Me!" My personal favorite was the "Let the MANgo!" (tequila, mango liqueur, pineapple juice and lime juice topped off with red wine and a hint of mezcal served in a tiki glass). The delicious tropical flavors almost made me feel like I was on vacation! Some of the late night plates that we were treated to included various flavors of "Wings", "Tacos", "Jerky Waffle Fries", "BBQ Pork Sliders", "Avocado Sashimi", and "Habanero Fried Shrimp." My favorite dish was the "Lobster Cream Mussels" (steamed mussels with wine, garlic and butter, finished with lobster bisque, served with toast points); they were some of the best steamed mussels I've ever had! Our group even was fortunate enough to sample some of 80 Proof's Brunch Menu items, including various "Mimosas", "Shrimp & Grits", "Chicken & Waffles", and "Avocado Benedict". Everything that I sampled was so delicious. I was so full by the end of the tasting that I could have rolled home. I look forward to returning with my family!