Ordinary

From the moment you walk in, Ordinary hits you with that speakeasy-style charm hidden behind a door that feels like it belongs in the Prohibition era. It’s got this moody, vintage vibe that sets the tone before you even sit down. The food Not bad at all believe it or not, some of the bites definitely hold their own. But let’s be real the star of the show is hands-down the chocolate chip cookies. Gooey, rich, and warm, they come out like they were baked by someone who understands your soul. Seriously, don’t skip them. Whether you’re there for a chill night out, good conversation, or just want to feel like you’re sipping cocktails in a hidden 1920s bar Ordinary delivers. Just save room for dessert. Trust me.

Fantastic artisanal cocktails with exceptional service in a wonderful speakeasy atmosphere. The food was also great, although a little limited in selection. But everything that we tried was very tasty.

Excellent service, great atmosphere, great crowd, very unique and welcoming vibe. Thanks to all of the friendly faces behind the bar. Oh, and the giant pretzel? Worth every calorie. Lol

If you’re looking for an extraOrdinary night and the kind of bar that makes you feel cooler than you actually are—Ordinary is your spot. From the get-go, we knew we were in for a treat when the manager greeted us like we were VIPs at a secret society meeting. His humor and charm instantly made us feel at home—and a little giddy, like we were about to be let in on a really good secret. We took our rightful thrones at the bar, where Sam the Bartender became our spirit guide. He whipped up a series of signature cocktails with the finesse of a wizard and the speed of a caffeinated squirrel. The highlight? My wife was handed a drink so transcendent she named it herself—“Sunrise After Midnight.” Was it the best cocktail she’s ever had? Very likely. I had a whiskey sour, old fashioned, and a few of thier on menu cocktails - all amazing but the whisky sour stood out as the absolute best. The vibe? Impeccable. Moody, cozy, and just loud enough to keep things lively but quiet enough that we didn’t have to lip-read like Victorian ghosts. Perfect for date nights, friend hangs, or just pretending you're a character in a noir film. We had an absolute blast and will definitely be back—possibly wearing disguises so we can pretend it’s our “first time” again. Cheers to Ordinary—a place that lives up to its name in absolutely no way whatsoever.

I’ve always been curious to visit Ordinary, so my husband and I stopped in for their Christmas pop up while we were in the area. We had a prime seat in front of the decorated fire place and enjoyed all of the decorations. Though we came at 5:30pm on Saturday, the server informed us they were already out of a couple of the menu items we were hoping to try, but nonetheless, the food options we picked were tasty. Really creative drinks and something for every palate! Our only critique was that it took 40 minutes for our one banana bread skull to come out. I think our server may have forgotten to put in the order initially, but even after we reminded him it still took longer than we expected, and it wasn’t served warm, so we were left a little confused. Otherwise, cool space with great drinks and inexpensive food options, and we could definitely see ourselves bringing our friends here to hang out.

This is a cool cocktail bar that is both a modern and historical speakeasy. Knock on the door and enter! Lots of history on their website about the building and establishment. The interior is dark and moody, fitting for an underground scene in a historic college town. The seating varies, and I think the back room is a better spot than the hallway bar. But, the ambiance is good and it would be a great date location. Extremely attentive service. Very well-crafted cocktails. The food was tasty and filling. They make their tomato jam in house, so if you get the meat and cheese board, enjoy it. Though it would be nice if there were some more variety on the menu or speakeasy/historic themed items. Maybe a veggie item that's not a salad? I felt that much of the menu items were cheese focused (Mac and cheese, grilled cheese, cheese burger, etc) and didn't want half of the evening's food to be cheese. Good luck if you're lactose intolerant.

Loved the experience here. Friendly welcome, attentive waiter who explained drinks. Great ambiance, the moose is real... I heard the snacks are really great as well. Everyone's drink was special.

Ordinary is a true speakeasy experience—true to its name, you could easily miss it if you’re not paying attention! It used to be the Taft Hotel's bar, which adds a charming bit of history to the place. Every time I visit, I’m impressed by both the food and drinks. We tried the mac & cheese, grilled cheese, candied nuts, and roasted potatoes, and everything was spot on. But the real highlight is the drinks—my go-to is the sour amaretto with egg whites, and they do a phenomenal job every single time! If you're looking for a hidden gem with excellent food and standout cocktails, Ordinary is a must-visit when in New Haven!