Mory's Association — Restaurant in New Haven

In the shadow of Yale's neo-Gothic spires sits Mory's Temple Bar, where history clings to the wooden beams as stubbornly as the carved initials on its tables. This isn't merely a restaurant—it's a living museum where the ghosts of Old Yale mingle with today's undergrads over curry-infused Baker Soup.

Established in the mid-19th century (sources quibble over whether it was 1849 or 1861), Mory's began as a humble waterfront alehouse before Yale's rowing team adopted it as their post-practice watering hole. Now at 306 York Street, it has evolved from working-class pub to members-only institution without losing its essential character.

The dining room feels frozen in amber: exposed beams overhead, wood-paneled walls, and tables bearing decades of carved initials. The crowd skews mature and tweedy, though student members (who pay just $15 for four years) inject youthful energy. You might spot future senators alongside emeritus professors, all drawn by the gravitational pull of tradition.

That tradition was nearly lost in 2008 when Mory's shuttered during the financial crisis, its reputation having calcified into "overpriced, mediocre food in an elitist setting." Alumni rallied with $3 million for renovations and a reimagined business model. The 2010 reopening introduced a more casual Temple Bar space and dramatically improved cuisine.

Today's menu, overseen by Executive Chef David P. Brai, performs an elegant balancing act between tradition and modernity. The iconic Welsh Rarebit ($10) and its variations (the indulgent Bacon-Egg Buck at $14) remain stalwarts, alongside the legendary Baker Soup ($5), whose curry-infused tomato broth has sustained Yalies for generations.

Modern additions show global influence: a vibrant Tuna Poke Bowl ($19) sits comfortably beside the plant-forward Temple Bowl ($19), while the Rainbow Trout "Venetian Style" on the dinner menu offers Mediterranean flair. The kitchen has embraced contemporary dietary preferences with abundant vegetarian and vegan options that would have bewildered patrons of yesteryear.

Seafood emerges as a particular strength. A perfectly cooked sole arrives topped with a caper-rich sauce that cuts through the delicate fish beautifully, while more casual options like panko-fried shrimp with Thai sweet chili sauce demonstrate surprising finesse.

The service staff navigates the tightrope between Yale tradition and contemporary hospitality with grace. Many seem to have worked here long enough to recall the pre-renovation era, lending authenticity to their stories about the Whiffenpoofs (Yale's famous a cappella group) who still perform weekly, or the ceremonial sharing of drinks from large silver trophy cups.

Mory's journey from all-male enclave to inclusive institution wasn't without struggle. Women weren't permitted until the early 1970s, and only then because Governor Ella Grasso reportedly threatened the club's liquor license. This resistant evolution mirrors Yale's own transformation.

For visitors, Mory's offers a rare glimpse into collegiate tradition without the stuffiness one might expect. The Temple Bar's happy hour (until 7 p.m., with 20% off starred menu items) makes sampling this slice of Ivy League history surprisingly accessible.

Foreign dignitaries might appreciate both the historical significance and the private dining areas, though security teams might fret over the open layout. Still, if these walls could talk, they'd name-drop Presidents Ford, Bush, and Clinton among countless luminaries who've dined here.

As one Yale historian noted, "Mory's history isn't stuffy; it's about evolving with the student population." This evolution is precisely what makes it worth visiting—a living institution that has survived by adapting while honoring its core traditions, serving as the rare place where yesterday and tomorrow raise a...

Walking through the front door of Mory's restaurant in New Haven, CT, and being greeted by not only the hostess and several happily exiting guest, but also the smell, sounds, and sights of the lively atmosphere was just terrific. After being promptly shown to our seats, due to called ahead reservations, further eye candy was displayed by the decor of room and longstanding photos from the 1800’s. Even the table itself was enjoyable to examine with student carvings that have stood the test of time and have since been lacquered over to be preserved. The waiter was more than prompt with drinks and taking our orders, making sure to point out the items that would be gone soon due to the season for lobster ending and also note the other items that were local such as the locally caught cod. There was no doubt in the quality of the food as my lobster risotto was incredible and my colleague’s grilled chicken was beyond satisfying, so much so, that deserts could not be fit as well. The wait staff did an amazing job working together to keep all drinks refilled, items hot and served right away, and items cleared as appropriate so that the meal just felt easy. They also were able to entertain us with stories of old student traditions within the restaurant including acapella nights and “cups” along with historical facts that prompted further intrigue. Without question, I’ll be coming again and would recommend it to all friends and...

On Saturday evening, February 22, 2014, nine of us gathered in the Governors Room to celebrate my birthday. Ages ranged from 3 1/2 to 71. We ordered drinks and food from the a la carte menu. The room was perfect for nine people. The service was extraordinarily competent, courteous and cheerful. The food was actually very, very good. Our group included several excellent cooks and a slew of picky eaters. All good. I do not have sufficient data to be able to predict that all will have a cognate experience, but I can state without reserve that our experience was just right, just what we expected (with one exception), just what we wanted. [I checked the schedule with respect to singing groups when I made the reservation and thus knew that no groups would be on hand on the 22nd. During the course of the meal, our sweet server mentioned that the Whiffs were having dinner downstairs: would we like to have them come by? Several minutes later the Whiffs, albeit out of uniform, were singing Happy Birthday to us. ...