THE PREMIER LGBTQ+ BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY
CONNECTICUT Vol. 6
SCAN QR CODE TO VIEW THIS ISSUE ONLINE Bar Guide & Event Schedule
TABLE OF CON TENT S
06 ABOUT GUIDE 08 RESTAURANT SCHEDULE 12 EVENTS
2
TABLE OF CON TENT S GUIDE 24 BAR ORGS & ATTRACTIONS 25 LGBTQ+ DIRECTORY 28 BUSINESS
4
ABOUT 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.
6
RESTAURANT GUI DE Black-Eyed Sally’s Southern fare & BBQ in a roadhouse with live blues, jazz & soul music. 350 Asylum St, Hartford, 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
Brazi’s Italian Restaurant Traditional Italian fare in a columned setting, located in the same complex as Long Wharf Theatre. 201 Food Terminal Plaza, New Haven, CT
L’Orcio Modern Italian cuisine, including fresh pasta, served in a townhouse with a trellis-covered patio. 806 State St, New Haven, CT
Dockside Seafood & Grill Seasonal marina-side spot for fresh seafood, outdoor dining & sunsets, plus live summer events. 145 Block Island Rd, Branford, CT
Max Downtown Upscale spot with prime cuts & seafood, extensive wine list, cocktails for expense account crowd. 185 Asylum Street, Hartford, 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 St, Branford, CT
Shell & Bones Oyster Bar & Grill Seafood eatery perched on New Haven Harbor offering steaks, water views & a seasonal deck. 100 S Water St, New Haven, CT
Jalapeño Heaven A familiar Mexican menu & a few inventive meals are offered in a coralcolored space with a bar. 40 N Main St, Branford, CT
Siam Orchids Informal curry house & takeaway turning out elevated Thai specialties in a modest location. 899 W Main St, Branford, CT
Kawa Ni Inventive Japanese & Pan-Asian plates to share plus sake & cocktails served in cozy surroundings. 19A Bridge Square, Westport, CT
Sorella Relaxed, upscale restaurant serving housemade pasta, brick-oven pizza & other Italian standards. 901 Main St, Hartford, CT
Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant Homestyle Ethiopian cuisine, with some vegetarian dishes, served in a spare, homey setting. 176 Temple 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
8
(. . .continued on page 10)
RESTAURANT GUI DE The Capital Grille Outpost of the upscale steakhouse chain offers classic American fare & a clubby, refined setting. 44 Front St, Hartford, CT
Trumbull Kitchen Seafood headlines the eclectic menu at this casual, industrial-chic eatery with a lively bar scene. 150 Trumbull St, 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
Union League Cafe Elevated brasserie from chef Jean-Pierre Vuillermet in an elegant, 19th-century setting. 1032 Chapel St, New Haven, CT
The Whelk Upmarket choice featuring sustainable seafood & local produce in an airy room with outdoor seating. 575 Riverside Ave, Westport, CT
ZINC New Haven New American farm-to-table cuisine with a slight Asian slant in sleek, chic decor with a bar. 964 Chapel St, New Haven, CT
10
EVENTS SCH E D ULE SEPTEMBER
the opportunity to travel the street in a way they never have before. Parkville is filled with residents from Portugal, the West Indies, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Vietnam, and Cambodia—join us on Park Street to eat and shop around the world! For more info visit: domingohartford. com/events/domingo-park-street-2
SEP 24
VOTER REGISTRATION POP-UP PARTY
Representation matters! Join Posh Paint and ReJoyceCT on Sunday, September 24 for a Voter Registration Pop-Up Party and register to vote because your voice matters! Enjoy music by DJ Craig G, a photobooth, snacks, and painting from 3-5 PM on the Main Patio. For more info visit: tinyurl.com/mvwnd5ph
OCT 20-21
SUN BREWFEST WEEKEND
Get ready to indulge your taste buds, explore a vast selection of unique brews and immerse yourself in a lively atmosphere at Mohegan Sun’s Seltzer Social and 10th Annual Sun BrewFest. For more info visit: mohegansun.com/ sun-brewfest.html
SEP 29
RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE
Imagine if you will...You’re traveling through another dimension...Sashay into The Twilight Zone this Halloween with the queens of RuPaul’s Drag Race for the 12th Annual Night of the Living Drag Tour! Witness the mysterious fates of Angeria, Denali, Icesis Couture, Jaida Essence Hall, Jorgeous, Plastique, Rose, Tayce, and your host, Yvie Oddly as the infamous Rod Serling! For more info visit: tinyurl.com/3m4y7buz
NOVEMBER NOV 2
MANIA: THE ABBA TRIBUTE
MANIA: The ABBA Tribute has successfully toured every continent in the world and has played over 3,000 live concerts in over 35 countries. Recent highlights included a second run in London’s West End where the show performed for a month in the iconic Shaftesbury Theatre, London in May 2021. The show also enjoyed an 80 date sell-out USA National tour in 2022/2023, Mania continues in its quest to bring the music of the Swedish ’Supergroup’ to millions of fans, old and new! For more info visit: tinyurl.com/yvwpxuy2
SEP 30
BARK & BREWFEST
This event is Dog Star Rescue’s biggest fundraiser of the year and is the party you do not want to miss. 100% of proceeds from this special event directly help us save more rescue dogs. Amazing microbrewery beer & spirits, music, food, puppy cuddling and more. How can you NOT attend? For more info visit: tinyurl.com/2wy9u2mb
NOV 28
A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS
Get ready to be dazzled, enchanted, and filled with holiday cheer as you witness the incredible talents of worldclass entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music. Celebrate the magic of the season with the entire family at A Magical Cirque Christmas. For more info visit: tinyurl.com/ycx97nw2
OCTOBER OCT 1
DOMINGO! PARKVILLE
Park Street will be completely car-free, giving Hartford residents and visitors
12
(. . .continued on page 16)
EVENTS SCH E D ULE DECEMBER
FEB 22-25
CONNECTICUT FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW
DEC 1-23
GLOW HARTFORD
Spring in February arrives annually at the Connecticut Convention Center! Explore exhibits overflowing with fresh flowers, plants, herbs, bulbs, seeds, gardening books, garden equipment & much more. View beautifully landscaped gardens full of greenery and stop by the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut design & horticulture competition. We also offer over 80 hours of seminars and demonstrations across a variety of topics. For more info visit: ctflowershow.com
Hartford Glow a fun, one-of-a-kind, family-friendly indoor festival of lights! Dazzling light gardens, glowing activities, delectable seasonal treats, and live entertainment are all in store for you at Glow. For more info visit: glowgardens.com/ hartford-christmas/#calendar
DEC 15-16
ON YOUR FEET! THE STORY OF EMILIO & GLORIA ESTEFAN
On Your Feet! is the inspiring true story about heart, heritage and two people who believed in their talent—and each other—to become an international sensation: Emilio and Gloria Estefan. Now their story is an all-new exhilarating original musical winning the hearts of critics and audiences alike. For more info visit: tinyurl.com/29n5et5c
MARCH MAR 7
THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF GEORGE MICHAEL
The show captures the performance and sound of George Michael while telling his story through early music hits from Wham! and his illustrious solo career as one of the biggest international stars of our time. For more info visit: tinyurl.com/4ufuej2n
JANUARY JAN 16-18 HAIRSPRAY
MAR 18-19
Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world? For more info visit: tinyurl.com/588djacc
MAPLE WEEKEND
Visit sugarhouses and taste great maple products. During the two days, many sugarhouses across the state will be open for tours and will be selling their products. This is a great opportunity for visitors to learn how maple sap is collected and turned into delicious, sugary products. Hours for individual sugarhouses are posted in their listing. For more info visit: ctmaple.org/mapleweekend.html
FEBRUARY FEB 11
FIRE & ICE FESTIVAL
Fall in love with winter this Valentine’s Day weekend. It’s easy with ice carving competitions, warming fire pits, restaurant specials and more. For more info visit: tinyurl.com/yex6kvmn
16
BAR GU ID E 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
Terminal 110 Sprawling, industrial nightlife complex with bar food, Latin dancing nights & a dueling-piano bar. 240 Sargent Dr, New Haven, CT
BAR Buzzing bar & dance club with indie rock shows staged in industrial-chic environs with cozy nooks. 254 Crown 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
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
Trevi Lounge Gay hangout with a laid-back atmosphere & daily drink specials, plus pool, DJs & karaoke nights. 548 Kings Hwy Cutoff, Fairfield, CT
Chez Est Gay bar & nightclub with cocktails, a patio & lively vibe, featuring drag queens, DJs & karaoke. 458 Wethersfield Ave, Hartford, CT
Troupe429 A neighborhood bar for people of all identities, sexual orientations, genders, races/ethnicity, & spiritual beliefs. 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
24
LGBTQ+ COMM U NI TY ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS Human Rights Campaign Equal Rights Movement. shop.hrc.org
CLARO Connecticut Latinas/os Achieving Rights and Opportunities is dedicated to promoting Latinos LGTBQI equality, policy, social justice, human rights and education addressing homophobia and heterosexism. claroct.org 56 Arbor St #222, Hartford, CT
New Haven Pride Center Providing 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. newhavenpridecenter.org 84 Orange St, New Haven, CT
GLSEN A national organization fighting for every student’s right to a safe, supportive education. glsen.org
Triangle Community Center Fairfield County’s leading provider of programming and resources to nurture growth and connection within the LGBTQ+ community. ctpridecenter.org 650 West Ave, Norwalk, CT
Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective Empowering 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. hglhc.org 1841 Broad St, Hartford, CT
25
BUSINESS D IRECTO RY ARCHITECTURE Cole Harris Associates... Front Inside Cover
INVESTMENTS Sevenwood Financial Services LLC..................................... 18-19 Polaris Capital Management LLC........ 22
ASBESTOS, LEAD & MOLD SERVICES Homeguard Environmental.... Back Cover
LIVE MUSIC Millennium Music........... Back Inside Cover
ASSISTED LIVING The Greens at Greenwich..................... 27
MORTGAGES Liberty Bank............................................. 3
DANCE LESSONS Inspire Dance Academy....................... 26
NEW & CUSTOM HOME BUILDS Connecticut Residential Inc................. 11
DENTIST Branford Dental Care............................ 26
OPTOMETRIST Kennedy-Perkins Opticians Inc............ 27
ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING SERVICES RTK Environmental............... Front Cover, 7
OUTDOOR LIVING Shorehaven Landscape........................ 20
EYE CARE Kennedy-Perkins Opticians Inc............ 27
PAINTING A & M Quality Painting........................... 1
EYEGLASSES Kennedy-Perkins Opticians Inc............ 27
PRIVATE SCHOOL The Country School............................... 10
FARMERS MARKET Farmer Joe’s Gardens........................... 23
REAL ESTATE Rovi Homes............................................ 22
FINANCIAL ADVISOR Sevenwood Financial Services LLC..................................... 18-19
REAL ESTATE LAW The Gradzki Law Firm LLC...................... 2
FINANCIAL SERVICES Chart Financial Group........................... 27
RETIREMENT COMMUNITY Edgehill Community............................. 21
FRAMES & CONTACTS Kennedy-Perkins Opticians Inc............ 27
SALON HBAR Salon...................................... 14-15
HARDSCAPES Shorehaven Landscape........................ 20
SOFT WASHING Pura Soft Wash......................................... 5
HOME BUILDER Connecticut Residential Inc................. 11
WEALTH MANAGEMENT Chart Financial Group........................... 27
HOME CARE Its My Home Care.................................. 13
WINDOW TREATMENTS Budget Blinds of Madison, Old Saybrook & Mystic......................... 17
HYPNOSIS Mind Matters Hypnosis........................... 9 INSURANCE Insurance Assoc. of Central CT............ 26
28