Troupe429 — Restaurant in Norwalk

EDIT on 8/14/25: I really wish I didn’t need to make this edit, but alas here we are. Originally I had lots of great things to say about this venue, but as time went on, the red flags started to show. The owners work hard to provide a safe space for CERTAIN types of people, while dismissing and being shady towards others. There are multiple people within the performance art community alleging that the owners are treating people of color, women, disabled people, drag kings, lesbians and femmes poorly, while showing care and concern for yt gay males only. I experienced this as a performer when my husband (who doesn’t perform) would get better treatment and welcoming from the owners than me, despite my continued effort to show thanks and positivity towards them every time I stepped foot in the venue. One owner even went as far to roll their eyes when I asked for my one free drink (included with my pay for the night), or another cup of water to stay hydrated, during a night I was performing, even though I was patiently waiting my turn and always dropped tips. Later , they wanted to ban me, and other local performers, simply for performing at an open stage at another bar. And this treatment and more is what I experienced with my yt privilege, so I can imagine the reports from others that include more extreme treatment, to be correct.

After witnessing these owners go after long standing community members, other gay bars, local producers, and even local performers in their catty social media posts, trying to ban performers who had performed at other venues, and more, I had to cut all ties to this venue and could no longer support them. Multiple people have alleged that the owners of this bar take down reviews or have in the past, and every bad review is met with what they think will be a slam dunk proving the opposite. Unfortunately it just further proves their poor treatment of others and their own inflated egos.

Last thing I’ll say, they removed Mario Kart/N64 toward the end of when I started going there. It was sad, I really looked forward to playing it and so did my friends. Not as bad as everything else they’ve done by far, but it is another negative, lol. The only true positive here was the community that continued to show up to the burlesque events and more, despite shady and sometimes bad service, or outright diva behaviour by the owners, and the beautiful stage they worked hard to build. This place has so much potential, but the toxic vibes curated by the owners aren’t for me.

Original Review: This place is awesome! I visited for my first time last week for the Scandalous Saturday monthly burlesque show, and I was blown away. Every performer rocked the stage, and even had the entire crowd singing Firework together in harmony. The DJ was amazing and can really get the crowd rocking! I posted a picture of the stage pre show, look at the amazing lights! The bar itself is clean, inviting and has something for everyone! Are you into books? Wanna play Mario Kart 64? Watch Drag Race with a community? Catch a sensual and funny burlesque show? Or maybe just get a drink in a clean, welcoming environment? Then this is the place for you. It’s certainly the place for me and I’m looking forward to...

The experience at Troupe429 is salient when compared to venues of any kind, e.g. bars, clubs, restaurants, your friends’ house party.

Troupe429 stands out not because it exceeds all of one’s usual expectations, but I’d be leaving out a lot if I didn’t at least quickly describe why your expectations will be blown away —The aesthetics are particular and curated, making you feel like you’re in a uniquely modern disco with stiff drinks where you can buy records, appreciate not so random artistic pieces, and let loose dancing. The music for said dance is in the same vein, perfect, and yet, surprising at times to keep you and your party on your toes. The locale you meet are (hate to use this term) real, and you can have genuine interactions that will hit different than other nights our.

But — on to the real reason why it’s a place worth frequenting — the staff is the best.

Quick anecdote — a friend and I went randomly, and we were blown away by a waiter we had who was inexplicably attentive (we were like, doesn’t he also have others to serve? He did and was just super efficient and hospitable). Halfway through our stay and unprompted he came to our table with a tray of snacks that I would describe as 90’s Nostalgic: Rice Krispie treats, fruit by the foot, et. al. They were free and just a fun flourish to the whole thing.

We were having such a good time we unintentionally stayed until close at which point we noticed our waiter orchestrating the closing which struck us as odd. Overhearing a regular, our waiter Casey was actually the owner. He never made it known; he just made us, and I’m sure everyone else, feel safe and welcomed and appropriately lubricated.

Troupe429 is a place I’ll forever recommend simply because I’ll be there myself, tearing it up, and would benefit from / would love to meet more of you savages, during this time where we need community more than ever.

In fact, ordering...

Troupe429 is THE ultimate spot for LGBTQ+ nightlife in Connecticut — and honestly, one of the most vibrant, inclusive, and electric bars I’ve ever been to. From the moment you walk through the doors, you're greeted with an atmosphere that radiates love, acceptance, and unfiltered fun.

The staff? Beyond amazing. Friendly, professional, and genuinely invested in making sure everyone feels welcome and celebrated. The bartenders mix up delicious cocktails with flair and personality, and the music is always on point — whether it’s a high-energy drag show, DJ night, or themed event that leaves you dancing until close, Dj Nico kills it.

Speaking of drag shows — the performers are phenomenal! Sienna’s Show: Sienna Says is a MUST SEE on Fridays.. The talent, the creativity, the crowd interaction — it’s an experience you don’t want to miss. Troupe429 doesn’t just host events, it creates community. It’s the kind of place where strangers become friends and everyone can be unapologetically themselves.

If you're looking for a safe, fabulous, and unforgettable night out, look no further. Troupe429 isn’t just a bar — it’s a movement, a family, and the heartbeat of queer nightlife in the area. Can’t wait...