Best
New Bar
Best Irish Restaurant
Best New Restaurant
The
Playwright Cafe
1232 Whitney Ave., Hamden, 287-2401
144 Temple St., New Haven, 752-0450
www.playwrightirishpub.com
The Playwright has won quite an impressive trifecta: "New Bar"
and "New Restaurant" are two of the most competitive categories in
our poll. The fact that the latest addition to New Haven's
rebounding night life speaks volumes for the impact this
spare-no-expense bar and eatery has had on downtown.
Here's what we said about the new Playwright Cafe in New Haven
shortly after it opened: "The Cafe became wildly popular immediately
upon opening ... due to its ancient decor imported from the Emerald
Island. The menu features Irish specialties such as shepherd's pie,
but accommodates diverse tastes. [We] supped on a portabella
sandwich, for example, delightfully textured with a pesto mayonnaise
and served with a mound of steak fries. [Our] companion was tempted
by the pasta carbonara, enticed by the big burger, but opted for the
Irish fish and chips, which she declared light, not too greasy,
and--having visited Northern Ireland and the Republic of
Ireland--authentic."
That just about says it all. Since opening the New Haven location
(taking New Bar and New Restaurant honors), The Playwright has
become the place to meet for lunch, as well as the favorite
after-hours watering hole for the downtown crowd. The pub really
gets hopping on weekend evenings, especially when hosting live
music.
And, oh yeah, Guinness on tap.
It doesn't get much better.
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