Jack's Bar and Steakhouse in New Haven

Last Thursday night I met local foodie and lifestyle bloggers for dinner at Jack’s New Haven Bar and Steakhouse on College Street in New Haven, CT. The night was organized by Natalie from New England Foodie and Jack’s beautiful social media manager, Catalina. From the juicy Tomahawk steak, to the craft cocktails, to the live music, we had a fabulous evening trying out The Best Steakhouse in Town (New Haven Register Reader’s Poll).

I’m lucky enough to live close to Jack’s Bar and Steakhouse, so that I was able to sneak out on a weeknight. The Connecticut Bloggers experienced a four course meal, as well as a sampling of all ten delicious cocktails on the drink menu. I sipped a Manhattan at first, but moved on to a glass of my favorite, Cabernet Sauvignon (Oberon from Napa Valley). The drink menu is adventurous, but has something for everyone. Next time I go to Jack’s Bar, I’m going to order the most delicious drink I tasted – the Dear Lilah – it is made with gin, lemon juice, st. germaine, champagne, and flower petals.

If you’re looking for incredible artwork, the mural ceiling in Jack’s Bar and Steakhouse will take your breath away. The mural, painted by Curtis Stokes, looks white during the day, but lights up like a dreamy night sky once the sun goes down.

Each course that we were served was brought out fresh, hot, and with an explanation of how it fit on the restaurant’s steakhouse menu. Here is what we had for dinner.

First Course

Our first course was The Man’s Salad (sliced tomatoes, onion rings, crispy bacon, blue cheese, olive oil), a Beet Salad (roasted red and golden beets, baby kale, goat cheese crockets, pumpkin seeds, maple syrup vinaigrette), and Steak Tartare (truffle steak tartate, quail egg, toasted anchovy, parmesan, mascarpone sauce, toasted bread).

Second Course

For our second course, we dined on Grilled Octopus (sautéed baby potato, cherry tomato, celery, chipotle aioli sauce), Bourbon Glazed Pork Belly Chunks (roasted 3hrs, salt, brown sugar, teriyaki sauce), and Jack’s Burger (cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, caramelized onion, aioli sauce, bistro fries).

Third Course

What kind of steakhouse doesn’t serve steak? Thankfully, this steak does – along with your favorite steakhouse sides that did not disappoint. Our third course was quite incredible as the Chef came out himself to explain the two types of beef he prepared. We had a 44oz Porterhouse (wet, aged) and a 40oz Jack’s Tomahawk Chop (wet, aged 42 days). The sides were served family style – scallop potato, curry cauliflower with raisins, and grilled asparagus. The scallop potato has always been one of my childhood favorites and asparagus is a staple for steak dinner in our home.

Fourth Course

By the time dessert came out, I was so full I couldn’t eat anything more than a roasted marshmallow. For dessert lovers, Jack’s Bar and Steakhouse has a playful menu – like chocolate fondue with a fireside to roast marshmallows, Dulce du Leche Lava Cake, and a ‘sparkling’ tiramisu. I truly appreciate a restaurant that takes time and effort into every course they put forward and steer clear of pre-made desserts. Some people only eat dessert right?

The Restaurant

Jack’s Bar and Steakhouse in New Haven, CT is a fabulous restaurant for a variety of events – date night, a bachelorette party, baby shower, birthday dinner, etc. There are multiple rooms – a bar, main dining, a private Champagne Room, and the formal Bistro Room.

The Champagne Room is ideal for intimate large parties, seating up to 24 people, that includes its own AV sound system. The Bar Area has daily happy hour from 2-7pm and serves a tasty late night menu from 11 until close (the only restaurant in town that does this).

The main dining area is connected to the bar, with booths and high top seating for a more casual dinner. The Bistro Room offers a fine dining white tablecloth experience and can be rented out for large parties.

Other specials at Jack’s Bar and Steakhouse include:

Half Price Bottles of Wine on Sunday and Monday that includes over 400 bottles of wine ranging in price from $40 to $9500.

Sunday Brunch with BOTTOMLESS drinks for $15. You can mix and match what you sip – from Bellinis to Bloody Mary’s to Moscow Mules, drinks are served from 10:45am – 3:00pm.

If you’re looking for a traditional steakhouse in Connecticut, Jack’s Bar and Steakhouse is the restaurant you want to eat at. The menu has steakhouse favorites, along with adventurous and exciting dishes for anyone’s palaette.