116 Crown — Restaurant in New Haven

Date: 22 June 2016, Time: ~ 23:30 -- 0:15

My friend and I (party of 2) went there on a Wednesday, 22 June 2016. We arrived around 23:30. We chose this place because on their website, they are said to open until 1am. "Sunday - Thursday : 5pm - 1am, Kitchen Open until Midnight".

Drinks: Our cocktails were very good, but they were rather over-priced. Given the price, it'll be more of a once-in-a-while place for me, rather than a regular spot.

Service: The barman's service was good, no complain there. However, around 0:15, we were told that they were in fact closed, and we were asked to leave immediately. This was strange for me because it does not match the information on their website (1am). Because of this, we were not able to enjoy our cocktails. To make matters worse, when I asked the same staff who told us to leave about the closing hour on their website being at 1am, his reply was that it's under the discretion of the manager (which I presume he was?). I found his reply extremely rude, as he did not address that fact that their website's information is incorrect, and the tone of his voice was not a kind one. A much better response would be for him, 1) to acknowledge the website's information is different, 2) to say that they would amend the website saying that it's under the discretion of the manager, and 3) to recommend a different place nearby.

Conclusion: I shall not be returning any time soon given the bad service I had. It ruined our evening out and I felt very embarrassing in front of my friend that evening given that it was my idea to go there and we were kicked...

This is a tough review to write, because I have really like 116 Crown in the past. They have offered unique, exciting cocktails in a very chic atmosphere. Unfortunately, the last few times I have went the experience has been less than stellar.

The Good: They still offer an interesting selection of cocktails (albeit many fewer than in the past). Some of which are classically prepared, others are interesting spins on classics.

The Bad: The overall quality of the cocktails has seriously dropped. The flavors and balance are off on a number of drinks I had. For example, the 'Church Key' drink seemed interesting with the addition of Aquavit - however it tasted almost entirely of passion fruit puree. In addition, the service is really subpar as well. The bartenders don't seem particularly interested in the customers. There's no friendly banter, suggestions, or really anything.

The Ugly: The prices are extreme - and this is coming from someone who has frequented high-end cocktail places in New York and San Francisco. Simply put, the prices do not match the quality or presentation of the drinks.

At this point (July, 2021) I really can't recommend 116 to anyone. I would, however, suggest Ordinary as an interesting local alternative, or Conspiracy out...

I've been to 116 Crown numerous times, both pre and post covid. Food has always been good, although on the pricey side. Their cocktails are great and interesting. However, I had an unfortunate experience recently ordering through an online system. 116 Crown is on numerous ordering services (ubereats, doordash, snackpass) yet apparently they don't honor those services, claiming they are no longer on those websites. However, there are multiple ipads at the front each with the logo for those three ordering services. Anyway, I paid for a pickup order through doordash because of a discount offered. Doordash showed updates on when the order was completed and ready for pickup. When I went to pickup at 116 Crown, I was informed they had no food for me and were quite dismissive, saying I could resolve this manner "however I normally do." This has never happened to me at any other restaurant. Then when I asked for them to make my order and that I would just wait, staff refused to make the order until I offered some guarantee that I would pay them. They certainly never made me guarantee payment when I visited for dine-in services. Despite the claim that the food was made-to-order, it was not warm (I ate it within a few minutes of walking...