From the new-on-the-scene best bars to the best spots for cocktails to terrific whiskey joints, here’s where to get a drink in Norwalk.
Small town vibes and entertainment chains, Norwalk pretty much has bars that hit you with that special feeling where either everyone knows your name, or no one knows anyone. The bottoms up action is all you really need to know. Here’s our guide to the drinking establishments that are very good at what they do, trendy spots, neighborhood haunts, or something in between. If your thing is natural wines or craft brews, we’ve got you covered.
Jump to:
Cocktail and Wine Bars | Neighborhood Bars | Holiday Bars | Bars for Singing and Dancing | Restaurant Bars | Pubs and Taverns | Breweries and Distilleries | Sports Bars | Whiskey Bars
Cocktail and Wine Bars
Barcelona sits inside Waypointe as the pioneering soul of SoNo’s past. Once it graced the rock star block of North Main St., but like a rock band with bigger ambitions, they split, became a franchise, and anchored the courtyard of Waypointe, like the champions they are. This is the place for hanging out at a table sampling Tapas and pondering the Bacchanalian ritual of drinking wine or cocktails. They have a great wine list. 515 West Ave, Norwalk Center.
Neighborhood Bars
BJs, with its all-day cafe format, solid kitchen, and hooky-hour, is the corner bar that keeps on reinventing itself as new corners in other neighborhoods clamor for its homespun charm. This Main Street mainstay welcomes you with a dark wood bar and more secluded tables for the hearty basics. Good beer, good cocktails, and they will always know you by name. See BanC House and BJs East for other neighborhoods. It’s the perfect example of evolved drinking and thoughtful consumption — a place made for 2019, designed to be ready for whatever 2020 brings. 57 Main Street, Norwalk Center.
BanC House sits like a welcoming sports bar overtaken by bbq nerds, beer-bottle philosophers. The bar is lively, and it boasts an outdoor space where you can feel the roar of the train. It’s the perfect example of evolved drinking and thoughtful consumption. 16 River Street Norwalk Center.
Donovan’s keeps reinventing itself, but as the anchor of Washington Street and home of the Chowder Fest, its been the gateway to whatever is happening in Norwalk. A small patio provides outdoor seating, and the corner of Washington and Water Street is a lively spot near the Strofolino Bridge and the hub of Norwalk’s marina life. 138 Washington Street, SoNo.
Seasonal Bars
Sunset Grille sits on the water at the mouth of the Norwalk Harbor. This is not the place to huddle inside; they feature a wrap-around deck, the clank of boat rigging, and that waterfront salt air that is a reminder that not all vacations require travelling far. Excpet that you have to drive through a marina, find parking between boats parked in the lot and otherwise navigate the weirdly unfriendly relationship with Norwalk’s beachfront and Norwalk’s longest operating marina. But don’t let that stop you. Park in the Cove Marina, and you are there. Park at Claf Pasture Beach and you have a longer walk. 52 Calf Pasture Beach Rd East Norwalk.
SoNo Sky Rooftop Bar. Roof top bars work when they are cosy but have a view. When they are filled with interesting people and interesting drinks. This just might be the only public rooftop bar in Noralk worth a trip. Ignore the hotel that operates underneath; this is the start of your night on the town. 52 South Main Street. Sono.
Bars for Singing and Dancing
Troupe 429 sits like a welcoming pub overtaken by drag queens and cocktail alchemists. It’s a place that takes Pride in being the only Gay owned bar between NYC and Boston. Almost every night is a frothy, madcap adventure, and the welcoming vibe is certainly all-inclusive for all. 3 Wall Street, Norwalk Center.
Restaurant Bars
Washington Prime perches on Washington Street with its bright red awnings broadcasting its all-weather vibe. Here is where you can hang in the bar, but dine like you need to when it comes to high-quality and mouth-watering fare. 414 South 2nd Street, Society Hill.
Oak and Almond is an oasis off Route 7. The indoor bar sits in its own alcove, while the wood-fired oven cooks up traditional fare worth brunching, lunching, or dining on. But it separates itself from the rest of the restaurants with the largest outdoor patio in Norwalk, complete with an outdoor bar. And unlike those establishments gripped by the Norwalk Parking Authority, this place has parking is right off the Route 7 Connector, making it the place to meet your friends from work or other towns at a central spot without hassles. 544 Main Ave, Norwalk.
Breweries and Distilleries
SoNo 1420 distills its own liquors and calls itself America’s Maritime Distillery. They offer Vodka, Gin, Bourbon, and whiskey, aiming for a Prohibition-era vibe. The tasting room is where the interaction is; they promote events and themed tastings for the adventurous. 19 Day Street, SoNo.
Space Cat is the hangout for beer brewers, craft cocktail lovers, and a community vibe. They have attracted the creative folk who organize meetups, game nights, trivia, and camaraderie in a former factory that offers a thriving environment for working artists and Kombucha brewers. 57 Chestnut St, SoNo.
Pubs and Taverns
O’Neil’s is the Irish pub that connects the Emerald Isle to so many people of Irish descent. Yes, it’s the place for the most authentic Guiness. But it’s also the pub food and home-style hospitality that makes it a great tavern too.. 414 South 2nd Street, Society Hill.
Sports Bars
The Blind Rhino is the sports bar to watch your favorite game, shoot darts, or talk Giants, Yankees, Mets, Rangers or Knicks. Or you can argue about who makes the best wings in town, but don’t you think the answer is going to be Blind Rhino hands down? We think it is. Come join in the fun. 15 North Main St SoNo.
Whiskey Bars
Flying Scotsman of course has whisky. But it’s more than a whiskey bar, it serves cocktails with the care you would expect from a place that knows the difference between single malts. Overlooking Freese Park, this is the quiet place to be contemplative about your cocktail, and enjoy the intimacy of a cosy experience. 30 Main Street, Norwalk Center.
