Ordinary

I only had a couple of opportunities to visit, as Ordinary opened right around the time I finished my graduate  program.  However, I thought it was a great addition to the downtown bar scene.  

The cocktails are a bit on the high side for New Haven but given the quality ingredients, I'm fine with that.  I tried a couple of different options over my visits, all delicious.  I also enjoyed their well-curated selection of craft beers.  I believe they also have some small bites but I didn't have an opportunity to try those.  

I love the interior, especially the long bar.  I did find the place a bit overcrowded - I think people were pretty excited in the first few weeks after opening.  So that's to be expected.  

Despite the classy decor, I found Ordinary to be pretty chill.  I showed up one night for a birthday event, still wearing my backpack.  Another night, in the middle of moving, my husband and I dropped in for a couple of drinks after finding Prime too crowded.  I was wearing a fleece and flip-flops and no one seemed to mind.

I just wish this place had opened a couple of years earlier so that I could enjoy it during my time in New Haven!

ok so i keep coming back and i keep encountering disasterous issues with this bar in downtown new haven, ct

ok so im all down with ur decor and ur concept but srsly service at the bar is atrocious. I brought 5 of my japanese associates to this establishment and it was V embarassing when we had to wait for 15 minutes before getting served. I thought my japanese comrades were going to kill me!!!!!!!!! noooooo i need to keep cordial relatons with my japanese associates, ordinary please help!!!!!

so the drinks are really good and everything, but how can the owner save his honor? I mean he was there, the owner was there, and he didn't even notice the scowling faces of my japanese associates b. I think he was playing a game on his phone while sino-carl s relations were going down the shitter and the bartender continually just forgot what he was doing while he was making drinks. Srsly the barback ended up taking most of the orders he is a legit young man, he will go far. Also service in the back is pretty good, no hatin.

I think this establishment was like a pet project that some dude dreamt up one night when he was high on coke. and its great he concept and everything but the execution is v unprofessional. I sorry ordinary but i went to Anchor bar after you and service was exceptional - my japanese contacts were saved and peace was restored, they scowls turned to smiles and we all got hammered with great honor.

Wednesday night, stopped in.  VERY loud.  Music and a couple groups of people that seemed to be on a tour.  They left about half way through our time there.  Music was fine.....good mix.  From arrival to our first drink was about 12 minutes.....way too long, and the bartender that took the order did everything but make my drink!  Come on, it wasn't THAT busy.  The decor was fine except they've stripped everyhing off the walls making it even louder.  I'd go back but only for a different atmosphere not because I feel drawn back....... it was too, well.....ordinary.