THE PREMIER LGBTQ BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
CONNECTICUT Vol. 3
SCAN QR CODE TO VIEW THIS ISSUE ONLINE Bar Guide & Event Schedule
TABLE OF CON TENT S
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ABOUT CONNECTICUT
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RESTAURANT GUIDE
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EVENTS SCHEDULE
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BAR GUIDE
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LGBTQ ORGS & ATTRACTIONS
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY
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ABOUT CONNECTICUT LGBTQ Connecticut Hartford offers a wide variety of music, theatre, art, sports and dining, with a part big city, part small New England town atmosphere. While Hartford might seem straight-laced at first glance, it is also home to an active gay community. Dance parties, theme nights and drag shows define Hartford’s gay nightlife. Most of the bars are conveniently located within a couple of miles from downtown. Hartford ranks among the places with the highest percentage of adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, according to a Gallup Poll study of the top 50 U.S. metropolitan areas. A total of 4.6 percent of residents in Hartford identify as LGBTQ, putting the Connecticut capital in a tie with Denver and Los Angeles. For the purposes of the study, Hartford includes West Hartford and East Hartford. Connecticut cities and towns also score higher than average when it comes to laws and policies supporting the LGBTQ community. The quaint East Coast town of New Haven is home to one of the best universities in the country, not to mention one of the gayest. Yale University boasts a rather large number of LGBTQ students, faculty and organizations, which spreads its intellectual influence across the globe and its social life onto the college town in the form of bars, restaurants and shops. 4
RESTAURANT GUI DE Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant Homestyle Ethiopian cuisine, with some vegetarian dishes, served in a spare, homey setting. 176 Temple Street, New Haven, CT
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill Seafood eatery perched on New Haven Harbor offering steaks, water views & a seasonal deck. 100 S Water Street, New Haven, CT
Tarantino Restaurant & Bar High-end, family-owned Italian mainstay turning out traditional entrees in a buzzing space. 30 Railroad Place, Westport, CT
Le Petit Café Chef Roy Ip’s acclaimed French bistro serving 4-course set menus in cozy, quaint environs. 225 Montowese Street, Branford, CT
Trumbull Kitchen Seafood headlines the eclectic menu at this casual, industrial-chic eatery with a lively bar scene. 150 Trumbull Street, Hartford, CT
Max Downtown Upscale spot with prime cuts & seafood, extensive wine list, cocktails for expense account crowd. 185 Asylum Street, Hartford, CT
Donovan’s Reef Restaurant American restaurant/tavern housed in rustic, brick-&-beam environs of the 1800s Branford Lock Works. Lockworks Square 1212, Main Street, Branford, CT
Kawa Ni Inventive Japanese & Pan-Asian plates to share plus sake & cocktails served in cozy surroundings. 19 Bridge Square, Westport, CT Dockside Seafood & Grill Seasonal marina-side spot for fresh seafood, outdoor dining & sunsets, plus live summer events. 145 Block Island Rd, Branford, CT
ZINC New Haven New American farm-to-table cuisine with a slight Asian slant in sleek, chic decor with a bar. 964 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT
Union League Cafe Elevated brasserie from chef Jean-Pierre Vuillermet in an elegant, 19th-century setting. 1032 Chapel St, New Haven, CT
Finalmente Trattoria This snug bistro draws theatergoers & locals with creative Italian cuisine & a warm ambiance. 165 Post Road E, Westport, CT
Salute Trendy Italian restaurant with an upscale menu of pastas (gluten-free available) & grilled dishes. 100 Trumbull St, Hartford, CT
Home American comfort food & local beers offered in an inviting setting styled like a living room. 1114 Main Street, Branford, CT
Lenny’s Indian Head Inn Bustling American eatery with simple decor offering a varied seafood menu, lively bar & creek views. 205 S Montowese St, Branford, CT
Tha Capital Grille Outpost of the upscale steakhouse chain offers classic American fare & a clubby, refined setting. 44 Front Street, Hartford, CT
The Cottage Seasonal New American plates and signature cocktails are served in a cozy, elegant dining room. 256 Post Rd E, Westport, CT
The Whelk Upmarket choice featuring sustainable seafood & local produce in an airy room with outdoor seating. 575 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT
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2021 EVENT SCH E DULE OCTOBER
pit masters (while supplies last), Kick Off Party tasting glass with continual pours from Black Hog Brewing’s family of craft beers, cocktails from Tito’s Handmade Vodka, live music by The POSSM, unlimited water and soft drinks. Attendees must be 21+ and present valid photo ID for entry. Learn more at hartfordriboff.com.
OCT 3
FAIRFIELD FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL Let’s keep on food truckin’! The Fairfield Food Truck Festival at Jennings Beach in Fairfield, CT is back. The best food trucks! Music! All proceeds benefit Fairfield Public Library. Find us on Facebook for details.
OCT 19
OCT 9-10
HALLOWED HISTORY LANTERN TOUR
THAT’S AMORE ITALIAN FESTIVAL That’s Amore Italian Festival returns bigger & better than ever now for two-days, Saturday October 9th & Sunday October 10th at Mill River Park in Downtown Stamford! Featuring a celebration of Italian culture and traditions, including a variety of the most authentic Italian foods, live entertainment and activities. Tickets at eventbrite.com.
History comes alive on this lantern-led tour of Cedar Hill Cemetery. Character actors share tantalizing true stories from some of the cemetery’s notable and notso-notable residents. Learn more and buy tickets at eventbrite.com.
OCT 30
THE MONSTER’S BALL
Live Music, Great food and Beverages Included in ticket price. +21 only. Costumes Mandatory, Prizes given for Best Original, Funniest, Creepiest and Most creative. Featuring Live Music By The Uninvited. Beverages provided by the Rambling Inn Pub on wheels. Scary Tasty food offerings. Ticket Price includes Entry, Food & Beverage, and be ready for Some wicked trickery. Tickets at eventbrite.com.
OCT 14
KNOW GOOD MARKET
We love some street food. Know Good Market is a monthly festival for local vendors to serve tasty treats with a mission to create collective culture. Visit eventbrite.com.
OCT 16
AUTUMN TREE TOUR
More than 2,000 trees representing 100 species and varieties grace the grounds of Cedar Hill Cemetery. John Kehoe leads this autumn walk highlighting a colorful sampling of the remarkable collection including maples, cherries, beeches, pines, cedars and more. Visit eventbrite.com.
NOVEMBER NOV 4
SIP N’ SHOP
Join us for the first annual Sip ‘n Shop at the Palace Theater. Shop a selection of locally handcrafted goods from over 25 juried artisans and crafters. Enjoy a complimentary beverage while you peruse the vendors’ goods in our beautiful foyer and lobby spaces. A cash bar is also available throughout the evening. Visit palacetheaterct.org.
OCT 16
HARTFORD RIB OFF
Your ticket includes access to the event, free parking, access to all event food trucks (cost of food not included in admission price), free people’s choice samples from our participating
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2021 EVENT SCH E DULE NOV 3-24
NOV 14
Wednesday’s is an upscale and chic Wednesday Night spot featuring a great dining experience with a live DJ. Visit eventbrite.com.
Exciting Holiday craft festival featuring over 150 local vendors with booths stuffed full of homemade goods, food and other fun products! Shop for everyone on your Christmas List and don’t forget a gift for yourself! Admission is only $5 for adults. Children under 12 are free admission. A portion of the door proceeds goes directly to the American Cancer Society! Visit townappeal.com.
WEDNESDAY’S AT SOUBAILA
HOLIDAY CRAFT FESTIVAL
NOV 6
COMEDY NIGHT AT CITY STEAM
Join us for Comedy Night at City Steam Brewery. The show will take place indoors. Capacity is limited and tables will be socially distanced. All public areas will be cleaned, wiped, and sanitized regularly as per state mandate. Tickets at eventbrite.com.
DECEMBER DEC 6
NOV 12
ESTELLA SCROOGE: A NEW BROADWAY MUSICAL WITH A TWIST
WINE & BEER TASTING FUNDRAISER
Some of the exceptional wineries host wine tasting events in Stratford for the people who have a thing for it and really enjoy indulging in such fun foodie events. You get to learn about some fine wine and get to learn something about the entire process.
A New Broadway Musical With A Twist, in two acts. Combining the excitement of live theater with the magic of movies, this new musical fare is sure to become a holiday favorite for the whole family. Estella Scrooge is a young Wall Street tycoon with a penchant for foreclosing.
You can go wine hopping, take up wine and cheese tasting or wine and chocolate tasting; whatever fits you right. These events are for all the wine lovers who love to take up samples, smell, swirl and taste some very scrumptious wine. From rose to sparkling wines, you get to taste some of the best wines. Check out the best wine tasting events near you and enjoy your time while your swirl and taste some yummy wine. Visit allevents.in.
A hotelier in her hometown of Pickwick, Ohio has defaulted on his mortgage loan and Estella fancies the idea of delivering the foreclosure in person on Christmas Eve. Arriving at Harthouse, Estella discovers that the defaulting party is none other than her childhood sweetheart, Pip Nickleby. With a talented cast and incredible music, you’re in for a holiday treat for all ages! Learn more at ctpost.com.
DEC 21
NOV 13
FAMILY CAMPFIRE
HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Come with your family as we roast marshmallows next to a crackling fire. During the campfire, you will enjoy meeting an animal ambassador, s’mores, and a guided activity! There is a different theme for each campfire.
Find unique gifts, including jewelry, clothing, home and holiday décor, beauty and skincare, pet items, food, and more. Enjoy holiday entertainment, meet Santa, and take a chance on raffle prizes. Learn more at eventbrite.com.
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BAR GU ID E Chez Est Gay bar & nightclub with cocktails, a patio & lively vibe, featuring drag queens, DJs & karaoke. 458 Wethersfield Ave, Hartford, CT
BAR Buzzing bar & dance club with indie rock shows staged in industrial-chic environs with cozy nooks. 254 Crown St, New Haven, CT
168 York Street Cafe Laid-back gay bar & American eatery in the basement of a townhouse, featuring theme nights & brunch. 168 York St, New Haven, CT
Toad’s Place Toad’s Place is a concert venue and nightclub located in New Haven, Connecticut. Wikipedia 300 York St, New Haven, CT Terminal 110 Sprawling, industrial nightlife complex with bar food, Latin dancing nights & a dueling-piano bar. 240 Sargent Dr, New Haven, CT
Favela Rooftop Gay bar 145C Newfield Ave, Hartford, CT Trevi Lounge Gay hangout with a laid-back atmosphere & daily drink specials, plus pool, DJs & karaoke nights. 548 Kings Hwy Cutoff, Fairfield, CT
Troupe429 Gay bar 3 Wall Street, Norwalk, CT
Partners Cafe Theme nights, dancers, karaoke & a constant calendar of events draw a gay crowd to this corner bar. 365 Crown St, New Haven, CT Cafe Nine Live music from many genres (rock, folk, country, jazz, blues, hip-hop) in a compact corner bar. 250 State St, New Haven, CT
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2022 EVENT SCH E DULE Families will each get assigned their own picnic table with the makings for s’mores. Masks must be worn around the campfire and in proximity to other family groups. Masks may be removed at the assigned picnic tables. Participants must provide their own roasting sticks. Tickets and details at earthplace.org.
JAN 22
DEC 21
JAN 23
BOOZIN’ IN YOUR ONESIE BAR CRAWL
The Weather Is Cold & You Want To Be Comfy... What Better Way To Be Than Boozin’ In Your Onesie At New Haven’s 4th Annual & World’s Most Comfortable Bar Crawl. Complete details and tickets at eventbrite.com.
TUESDAY TREASURE: WINTER SOLSTICE
JEWELS – BOLSHOI BALLET
Emeralds for the elegance and sophistication of Paris, rubies for the speed and modernity of New York, and diamonds for an imperial St. Petersburg.
Discover the items in our collection related to the coming winter such as velvet capes, holiday postcards and a parlor stove. Tuesday Treasures is a Westport Museum programming series showcasing objects from the collection not normally on public view. See and hear the stories behind some of the most unique, mysterious and impactful artifacts in our community. Details at westporthistory.org.
Three sparkling scenes accompanied by the music of three essential composers, feature the styles of the three dance schools that have contributed to making George Balanchine a legend of modern ballet. Come experience Jewels classcial series at The Ridgefield Playhouse. Buy tickets at ridgefieldplayhouse.org.
DEC 27
ADULT COLORING GROUP
JAN 29
Coloring may seem childish, but many people find it’s a great way to keep the brain engaged and the body relaxed--plus it’s a great place to make new friends! All materials provided, just bring your creativity. Register at eventbrite.com.
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS
Romance! Adventure! Gershwin! Who could ask for anything more! In post war Paris, romance is in the air and youthful optimism reigns in AN AMERICAN IN PARIS. Gershwin’s soaring melodies are matched by gravity-defying dance as the world rediscovers the power of love in this breathtaking production. Learn more at wtnh.com.
JANUARY JAN 9
JAN 29
CONNECTICUT BRIDAL & WEDDING EXPO
KC101 WEDDING AND BRIDAL EXPO
The Bridal & Wedding Expo features an amazing selection of wedding professionals ready to help you find the perfect gown, reception venue, invitations, photographer, music, menu, honeymoon destination, and much more! Don’t miss the bridal fashion shows and live DJ demos, plus tons of prizes and giveaways. Learn more online at eventbrite.com.
KC101 Wedding and Bridal Expo will have over 100 wedding professionals on-site. There will be delicious catering and cake samples, elegant fashions, live music, grand prizes, honeymoon packages and so much more! Tickets at localbridalexpos.com.
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2022 EVENT SCH E DULE FEBRUARY
FEB 18
HOME & GARDEN SHOW
FEB 2
The CT Garden and Home Show offers a diverse array of home and garden care products and services by local New England Businesses, from New London to Hartford, to national vendors, each presenting innovative and imaginative displays. Everything you need for your home, condo, apartment, lawn, garden and health needs will be at our incredible home improvement event! Details at mohegansun.com.
KEB’ MO’ SOLO
The five time Grammy Award-winner and modern master of American roots music returns to The Warehouse for a special and intimate solo acoustic show. Keb’ brings a big back beat and an injection of soul to the country blues. Like Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal, Keb’ uses the blues as a template for a musical vision that includes jazz, funk, rock, R&B, and pop. Visit us online at fairfieldtheatre.org.
FEB 26
2022 TASTE OF THE TOWNS
In addition to local samplings, guest are welcome to participate in our silent auction table, cash bar, raffles, money tree and other giveaways. Tickets at eventbrite.com.
FEB 5
DIVA ROYALE DRAG QUEEN SHOW
Featuring The Finest In New Haven Drag Queen Dinner and Brunch Shows and Female Celebrity Impersonation. Get Up Close And Personal With Your Host Diva Drag Queen and Her Guest Drag Queen Divas such as Madonna, Dolly Parton, Celine Dion and many more. Tickets at eventbrite.com.
MARCH MAR 12
ST. PATRICK’S BAR CRAWL
Grab Your Favorite Drinking Buddies, Throw On Some Green And Join The SHENANIGANS At The Official St. Patrick’s Bar Crawl. Details and tickets available at eventbrite.com.
FEB 5
ABBA MANIA
An experience you will share with other fellow fans and one you will never forget. Sit in the audience, feel the energy and witness your favorite entertainment live and up close. It will be better than your ipod or YouTube for sure! Plus you get bragging rights to say, “I was there.” Visit eventcrazy.com
MAR 23
MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL
See tapped trees, taste raw sap, sample fresh maple syrup and sample the famous sap dogs (meat or vegetarian). Don’t miss this yummy food festival. Visit gowherewhen.com.
FEB 18
EDDIE GRIFFIN LIVE
A popular comedian turned actor who started his career on-stage as a dare, funnyman Eddie Griffin has built an ever-growing fan base since jumping onto the comedy scene in 1990. Don’t miss him at the Wall Street Theater. Tickets at eventbrite.com.
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LGBTQ COM MU NI TY ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS
Claro Connecticut Latinas/os Achieving Rights and Opportunities (CLARO), is dedicated to promoting for Latinos LGTBQI equality, policy, social justice, human rights and education addressing homophobia and heterosexism. We accomplish these goals by mobilizing our community and partner agencies on issues like marriage equality, parental rights, inclusive anti-bullying policies, employment discrimination, hate violence, privacy rights, sexuality education, adoption, domestic partnerships, and HIV/AIDS. 56 Arbor St #222, Hartford, CT claroct.org
New Haven Pride Center The purpose of New Haven Pride Center, formerly the New Haven Gay and Lesbian Community Center, is to provide educational, cultural and social enrichment for the LGBTQ+ community, its allies, and members, to make a positive contribution to the entire community of Greater New Haven. 84 Orange St, New Haven, CT www.newhavenpridecenter.org Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective The Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective empowers individuals of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions to lead healthy lives through the provision of health and support services, education and advocacy. 1841 Broad St, Hartford, CT www.hglhc.org
Gay Parents to Be®- LGBT Family Building Services Fertility clinic in Norwalk, Connecticut For most LGBTQ single people and couples, the experience of raising a family is no different from anyone else. Yet, the journey to planning and building your future family can be. Gay Parents To Be® is an informational resource and a starting point for LGBTQ parenting. We strive to provide the best care for LGBTQ couples and individuals as they navigate all of their family building options. Address: 761 Main Ave #200, Norwalk, CT www.gayparentstobe.com
Triangle Community Center Triangle Community Center is Fairfield County’s leading provider of programming and resources to nurture growth and connection within the LGBTQ community. 650 West Ave, Norwalk, CT www.ctpridecenter.org
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BUSINESS D IRECTO RY ARCHITECT Wadia Associates...................................................... 9
DUMPSTER RENTALS Gorilla Dumpster Rentals....................................... 14
ARCHITECTURE Cole Harris Associates............................................... 1 Paul B Bailey Architect LLC...................................... 25
ESTATE PLANNING Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, LLC...................................... front inside cover Sullivan, Griffith & Beatty LLP................................. 29
ASSISTED LIVING The Greens at Greenwich.......................................... 7
EXTERIORS Berkeley Exteriors................................................... 15
AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR Fairfield County Motorsport................................... 13
FINANCIAL ADVISOR Frank Gavel- Raymond James Financial Services.......... 33
BAR THC The Hops Company........................................... 5
FINANCIAL PLANNER Asset Strategies Inc................................................. 19
BEER GARDEN THC The Hops Company........................................... 5
FINANCIAL PLANNING Essex Financial........................................................ 24
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES FUNERAL HOME Howard K Hill Funeral Services............................... 17
Connecticut Small Business Development Center........... 12
BUSINESS INSURANCE The Insurance Center.............................................. 30
HANDYMAN SERVICES All Craft Residential Services.................................. 35
CABINETS Ornare.................................................................... 26
HEALTH CARE Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center........ back outside cover
CLOSETS Ornare.................................................................... 26
HOME CARE Jewish Senior Services........................................... 31
DANCE LESSONS Dance with Maria.................................................... 35
HOME IMPROVEMENTS All Craft Residential Services.................................. 35 Berkeley Exteriors................................................... 15
DANCE STUDIO Dance with Maria.................................................... 35
INSURANCE Lynn Viesti - The Milford Bank.................................. 8
DENTIST Branford Dental Care.............................................. 29 Ernest Whittle DDS................................................... 7
LIGHTING Chloe Winston Lighting Design............................. 24
DOOR MANUFACTURER Connecticut Cellar Doors LLC.................................. 14
LUXURY JEWELRY Lux Bond & Green..................................................... 3
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BUSINESS D IRECTO RY MORTGAGES Connecticut Housing Finance Authority................. 25 Lynn Viesti - The Milford Bank.................................. 8 Primary Residential Mortgage Inc.......................... 15 MUSIC PARTY SERVICES Dance with Maria.................................................... 35
RESTAURANT The Marketplace Emporia....................................... 33 RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Edgehill.................................................................. 12 The Watermark at 3030 Park.................................. 27
NON ELECTRIC PET FENCE Pet Playgrounds..................................................... 19
SENIOR LIVING Jewish Senior Services........................................... 31 The Watermark at 3030 Park.................................. 27
NON PROFIT Connecticut Housing Partners................................ 32
SUMMER CAMP Two Coyotes Wilderness School.............................. 25
PAINTING A & M Quality Painting........................................... 27
WEALTH MANAGEMENT Essex Financial........................................................ 24
PERSONAL INJURY Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, LLC...................................... front inside cover Law Offices of Bradford J. Sullivan.......................... 33
WEDDING VENUE THC The Hops Company........................................... 5
PERSONAL INSURANCE The Insurance Center.............................................. 30 PET FENCING Pet Playgrounds..................................................... 19 PRE PLANNING & CREMATION SERVICES Howard K Hill Funeral Services............................... 17 PRIVATE SCHOOL The Country School................................................. 29 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Mark Liberman- Weichert Realtors - On The Mark.......... 21 REAL ESTATE Connecticut Housing Finance Authority................. 25 Fredda Takacs- Coldwell Banker Realty...... front cover, 11 Mark Liberman- Weichert Realtors - On The Mark........ 21 Patti Ballard- Neumann Real Estate | Christie’s International Real Estate........................................ 35
YOUTH & ADULT WILDERNESS PROGRAMS Two Coyotes Wilderness School.............................. 25