Wildcat — Restaurant in Hamden

Wildcat is a monumental destination.

Master restaurateurs Kris and Shane have put together a masterpiece with Wildcat. My family and I were welcomed to Wildcat like family, and seated at a comfortable table that gave us a view of all of the front of house workings of the well appointed space. The decor creates a very calming, yet vibrant hip vibe. The long spacious bar clearly is the star of the show, as it should be, as it serves some of the best cocktails you will ever sample with an extensive list of 28 signature drinks. The creative blend of the finest top shelf bottles, with unexpected flavors yield unique and flavorful options for everyone. This includes an extensive list of equally satisfying mocktails. A favorite was the Sons of Monarchy which was full of flavors, and very smooth. I was very happy with the Black Star mocktail featuring a bright combination of ginger, lemon and jalapeno.

Coupled with the cocktails were the most unique and delectable small plates we have ever tasted. We thoroughly enjoyed the Charred Corn and Radish Salad, which was very fresh, bright and creamy. The abundant plate of Fried Calamari was consumed within minutes because it was fried perfectly, served warm, and obviously just freshly made. We also enjoyed the savory Beet Salad. Two other small plate stars were the Parisian Gnocchi, and the Rabbit Medallions. Both dishes were well above and beyond expectations. The small plates alone should easily bring regional, maybe even national recognition to Wildcat. They are all a must try.

We moved on to the Mains and selected the Steak Frites, Bistro Burger, and Airline Chicken. My daughter is a Streak Frites freak, and stated that the dish outdid any other she has ever had. My twenty something son, who enjoys his burgers, commented that the Bistro Burger was juicy, cooked perfectly and very fresh. I enjoyed the Airline Chicken. The chicken was succulent, the accompanying beluga lentils were creamy, and the haricot verts tasty. All of us praised each dish.

Perhaps above all else, is the friendly, and welcoming demeanor of both Kris and Shane. They clearly make an effort to greet each guest as though they are long time friends, if not family.

Kris and Shane have clearly invested a great deal of effort, sweat, determination, and creative intellectual property in the development of one of the top dining establishments in Connecticut.

Wildcat is a must go. Get there and enjoy what you have...

We were so impressed by this new restaurant. Just there last night and already looking forward to going back. At first glance I didn't think I would find anything on the menu to order, since I only eat seafood for meat, and it's not a large menu. But once I read through, I noticed there are interesting and unique ingredients throughout, and there are vegetarian and pescatarian options. After enjoying a few things, I appreciated the complete lack of ordinary items like veggie burgers or Caesar salads and realized that this is food creativity at its finest, in a classy bar setting.

I picked the Parisian Gnocchi which was amazing. It has a smokiness to it, and a variety of flavors I've never tried before. Apparently the Bistro Burger was also delicious, and the fries were perfect. We also split the calamari, even though we were full, which was another dish of surprises including grilled broccolini and these yummy little things called picked Biquinhos - just wonderful. There is a section on the menu of tinned fish items that I wasn't interested in ordering, but now I'm anxious to try next time.

The drinks are just as interesting and delicious as the food. Our mixologist, also the owner, made some great recommendations. The inviting atmosphere and hospitality of the two talented brothers really made us want to stay longer and enjoy more of everything. As someone who has spent a lot of time at the many great New Haven restaurants over the years, I can say that Wildcat is the best new restaurant experience I've had in a...

Um, what? That was epic. Where the heck did this place come from?

Here’s the rundown:

Cocktails: each of the 12 that we tried were absolutely unique and different. None of them were mutations of simple cocktails but truly unique flavor profiles and sophisticated technique you just don’t expect. As a cocktail person, I was totally psyched. 5 out of 5

Food: um, epic, flat out epic. Had gnocchi that were absolutely pillowy. Charred grapes and olives were set in a combination of blue cheese, creme fresh, lemon and i don’t even know, really incredible. Everything that followed, whole roasted beets and mains were equally just amazing. Burger - “Jesus, this is the best burger I have had.”

Ambiance - cozy space, we arrived at 6:30 Friday and there was a really energy to the place, people hanging out boisterous. Within 45 a group had left and it turned into an intimate quality space to go deep with friends.

Service was spot on. We had questions since everything was unique and she guided us perfectly. Away from astringent for one friends, sweet for another and smokey for me.

Only wish is that they are successful and able to expand as everyone needs to get to this place. Maybe chairs could be more comfortable but we did spend 2.5 hours there enjoying ourselves without a hint of pressure.

Easily top 10 meal for past 2-3...