Three Sheets

Visited on a weeknight from out of town over winter break. It wasn’t crowded and we were able to keep a very comfortable distance from other parties. The food was absolutely delicious and very reasonably priced. We weren’t drinking, but there was a very wide selection available. Should I ever return to New Haven I would absolutely go here again!

Three Sheets scratches that little dive bar itch, where I don't actually wanted to be surrounded by sullen binge drinkers, but I don't want hipster trappings and salvaged wood on the walls either. Dark and cold, but not dingy, this bar is perfect for sloppy conversations, a bit of pool, and multiple rounds of pickles prepared in different ways. Beer prices are pretty standard, and the food is on the more expensive side, but you get what you pay for. The regular cheeseburger was exquisitely cooked and flavorful, and the pickled fries in the side were delicious, but quite strong for as many as they give you. The fried pickles (served as chopped spears) are my second favorite in New Haven, and the pickle spear served with my burger rounded out the acidic trinity. The folks working behind the beer and in the kitchen were extra nice too, tracking us as we moved to different seats twice. Finally, in spite of its rugged look, they have a lot of good looking vegan and vegetarian options with actual care put into the recipe, and not a token Veggie Pattie to quiet vegans who stumble into the bar with friends.

The staff was racist to the group of folks I was with and went from passive aggressive to aggressive/demeaning. They report reviews left by Black folks calling them in, rather than take accountability for their actions. Not at all friendly to QTPOC while claiming inclusivity. Please don’t bring your friends of color here.

Formerly Elm Bar which was formerly the OG Rudy’s, this is lowkey the best bar in NHV. The food is bomb (their seafood is locally sourced and brought in daily), the tap list is constantly rotating and high-quality, and it offers a unique mix of townie and that Yalie that puts firefighters, grad students, and punk rockers in one spot. The staff is rad and there’s even a decent pool table in the back. 11/10.