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A few restaurant reviews
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Louis' Lunch
263
Crown St
11am-4pm Tuesday-Wednesday; 12pm-2am Thursday-Saturday; CLOSED
Sunday
One day in the year 1900 a man dashed into a small New Haven
luncheonette and asked for a quick meal that he could eat on the
run. Louis Lassen, the establishment's owner, hurriedly sandwiched a
broiled beef patty between two slices of bread and sent the customer
on his way, so the story goes, with America's first hamburger.
The tiny eatery that made such a big impact on the eating habits of
an entire nation was, of course, Louis' Lunch. Today, Louis'
grandson, Ken, carries on the family tradition: hamburgers that have
changed little from their historic prototype are still the specialty
of the house. Each one is made from beef ground fresh each day,
broiled vertically in the original cast iron grill and served
between two slices of toast. Cheese, tomato and onion are the only
acceptable garnish -- no true connoisseur would consider corrupting
the classic taste with mustard or ketchup, so don't even ask! NO
KETCHUP!
http://www.louislunch.com/
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Koffee Too
276 York St.
(203) 787 9929
7am-9pm Monday-Friday; 9am-9pm Saturday and Sunday.
Along with its array of espresso drinks and teas, the shop
offers grilled panini sandwiches created by the owner's wife. Thanks
to its all-glass exterior, Koffee Too, on York Street, draws people as
much for its window on the world as for its house blend. It's this
combination of java, food and tall storefront windows that makes
Koffee Too not just a great place to grab a jolt, but a great coffee
shop.
Koffee Too is also the host for the Meet N Greet and is located right
next door to Toad's Place.
http://www.koffeetoo.com |
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Cosi Coffee & Sandwich
Shop
338 Elm Street
Phone: 203-495-9869
Fax: 203-495-9871
6:30am-10pm Monday-Thursday; 6:30am-12am Friday; 7:30am-12am Saturday;
7:30am-10pm Sunday
Of all the great local delis, sandwich shops and take-out markets,
Cosi was crowned top deck on the triple-decker. General manager Chris
Scala says Cosi is an example of "fast casual" cuisine, which he says
is the fastest growing of all restaurant segments. "It's higher
quality food, but at a faster pace," says Scala. Maybe it's the
buffalo blue sandwich Advocate readers love so much? Or maybe it's the
Tuscan pesto chicken? Or the country ham with brie? Or maybe it's the
ghost of Fitzwilly's?
http://www.getcosi.com/ |
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Rainbow Cafe
(203) 777-2390
1022 Chapel Street
11am-8pm Sunday-Thursday; 10am-9pm Friday-Saturday
Located down a flight of stairs to a
basement floor in a non-descript building on Chapel Street, this
bistro is a popular choice for vegetarians (though there’s plenty for
carnivores as well). They’re open for dinner and lunch, many folks are
drawn by the sumptuous desserts. Creative food—quiches, soups, salads,
sandwiches and so on, in a self-service setup. Great for vegetarians
and the health-conscious. Rainbow Cafe is also one of the hosts for
the Blacksun Art Show. |
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Diner 21
21 Temple Street
(203) 787-2121
6:30am-10pm Monday-Tuesday; 6:30am-midnight Wednesday; 6:30am-4am
Thursday-Friday; 8am-4am Saturday, 8am-10pm Sunday.
The old-fashioned diner goes contemporary. Just steps away from the
Green, Diner 21 offers upscale food at diner prices as well as a full
bar. Open early and closing late, it’s a great place to grab a bite
before and after the show.
Diner 21 is the main host of the Blacksun Art Show and Reception. |
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Royal India
140 Howe St.
(203) 787-9493
11:30am-3pm &
5-10:30pm Monday-Thursday; 12pm-3pm & 5-11pm Friday-Saturday; 12pm-3pm
& 5pm-10:30pm Sunday
This is *the* best Indian place in New Haven (and just down the block
from the official hotel). Great menu, great prices, and an over
abundance of food. Very vegetarian friendly and they deliver! Be
prepared to be full and be treated like a royal guest. Some of the
Blacksun Staff has dined here several times, so be prepared to be
full! Free papad with chutney comes as an appetizer and sweet treat of
free rice pudding (kheer) ends your dinner! |
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Mamoun's Falafel Restaurant
(203)
562-8444
85 Howe St
11 a.m.-3 a.m., 365 days a year
For a fresh Middle Eastern lunch, Mamoun's is a satisfying choice.
Lamb or chicken kebabs, delectable hummus, and stuffed grape leaves
are popular classics, but the lunch favorite is the falafel, which is
served in hearty portions. The interior is relaxing, with dim lighting
and quiet Middle Eastern music playing. Settle in and enjoy a cup of
spicy tea after your meal. They are also open late to satisfy
nocturnal cravings. If you're eating on a budget or looking for
excellent food (or both), look no farther that Mamoun's. (Cash Only)
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Bulldog
Burrito
203-495-8600
320 Elm Street
11am-1am Monday-Thursday; 11am-2am Friday-Saturday; 12pm-10pm Sunday
Bulldog Burrito is located on the
corner of Elm and Park Streets in the Broadway district of New
Haven, CT. Two cheap parking lots are nearby, marked on the map
below with a "P." There is also on-street parking on Elm and Park
streets, using coin-operated meters.
http://www.bulldogburrito.com/
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Ivy Noodle
(203) 562-9933
316 Elm St
11am-2am Monday-Saturday; Noon-11pm Sunday
Combining the flavors of Singapore, Malaysia and other Asian hubs,
this "authentic noodle house" offers an enormous selection of
appetizers, main courses and meal-sized soups, all served with swift
efficiency in a gleaming environment where the walls are clad in
polished aluminum. Most
menu items costing less than five dollars. Ivy Noodle is located right
next door to Bulldog Burrito.
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Thai Taste
(203) 776-9802
1151 Chapel Street
Noon-3pm & 5pm-10pm,
Monday-Thursday; Noon-10:30pm Friday -Saturday;
4:30p-10pm Sunday
The Royal Thai government agrees
that Thai Taste is one of the best Thai restaurants in the Tri-State
area. Come on down and explore Thai favorites like chicken satay
and various fried rice dishes or choose one of the more exotic
offerings, like rabbit or frog. Vegetarian specialties, seafood and
hot and spicy curries also grace the menu.
This is an unpretentious thai
restaurant located below street level in the historic Duncan hotel.
the full-service bar and the restaurant are popular thanks to a good
location, excellent service, and great food served in ample portions.
recommended dishes include chicken or beef red curry. The staff has
eaten here many times and it's the best thai place that is good on
your wallet! |
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Claire's Corner Copia
(203) 562-3888
1000 Chapel Street
8am – 9pm, Sunday through Thursday; 8am – 10pm, Friday and Saturday
This is supposed to be the very first all-vegetarian restaurant to open in the United States, back in 1975. Mauria says that “Although the recipes and dishes usually contain only veggies, they are anything but dull or boring. Claire’s is a cafeteria-style canteen in a relaxing indoor setting. There’s lots to choose from, but don’t worry about what you order; you can bet it will be both healthy and delicious!”. Lynn says “The colorful menu hangs behind the ordering counter, but it's ok to just point at the most appealing thing on display. The staff is energetic and spooky-friendly. My falafel salad cost $8 and provided me with more than I was able to eat in 2 sittings”. Sounds like a must-visit for everyone, veggie or not!
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Educated Burgher
(203) 777-9198
51 Broadway (Near the intersection with York St)
7am – 10pm, Monday through Saturday; 9am - 10pm on Sundays
This is a greasy spoon diner that is located around the corner from Toad’s Place. As you may have guessed from their name, their specialty is burgers. They have many varieties of burgers, and have won various “best of” awards for this American classic. Perfect place to catch a quick bite before catching the next band!
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Gourmet Heaven
(203) 787-4533
15 Broadway, (At the intersection with York St)
Open 24 hours, Monday through Sunday.
Right around the corner from Toad’s Place, it was surprising to me that at last year’s festival so many people missed this place. Being open 24 Hours is a huge plus, and is has excellent food! They have a food bar where you pick what you want to take with you in a to-go container. The food bar appears to close @ 2am. There is also an excellent deli counter that is open 24 hours. I had the best Cuban Sandwich I have ever had outside of Florida at this place. They also carry various convenience store odds and ends you may need at some ungodly hour in the morning.
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Yorkside Pizza
(203) 787-7471
288 York St, New Haven.
11am - 2am, Friday and Saturday; 11am - 1am on Sunday through Thursday.
This pizza parlor is located next door to Toad’s, and they have some mighty fine pizza. At the first Blacksun Festival the ‘Yorkside Special’ was a bit hit with the bands and staff. We also caught quite a few attendees just hanging out inside. They are a bit on the pricey side (A large specialty pizza goes for around $15).
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