Bones & Botanicals — Restaurant in Wallingford

My partner and I went here for the first time last night and I cannot emphasize enough how awesome this place was!! After becoming disabled a few years ago, it’s been really hard to find safe places outside my house to socialize or just hang out. But the moment I rolled through the door (accessible ledge into the building! Couldn’t find one on the sidewalk close by though, so heads up!), I felt instantly welcome. I mentioned off hand that I have a blueberry allergy to a friend as one of the drinks has blueberry in it and without missing a beat, the staff jumped in and asked if I had any other allergies and confirmed the items on the menu that were safe for me to drink!! Usually restaurants get annoyed by that sort of thing but they took it seriously right off the bat without singling me out and from then on things just kept getting better. The island was low enough that I was able to pull my wheelchair right up to the bar to socialize, reach my drinks, and feel apart of it all. My partner and I got to have an awesome conversation with the bartender, owner, and a regular patron who’s now become a friend :). The path from the doorway to the bar was completely clear of obstacles and I was able to wheel up on my own, make full turns without hitting anything, and adjust my wheelchair position without issue which isn’t common in smaller establishments like this one (or really anywhere else to be frank)! Whether intentional or not, the layout was designed with accommodation in mind :) The music was just the right volume for conversation and comfort, the lighting was beautifully done — bright enough to see, but dim enough to be comfortable — and there were no strobes or flashing effects, the design was so unique and SO well executed, the staff were an absolute delight and made the best mocktails I’ve ever had (super creative and original too!), and the atmosphere — even when it got more crowded later in the evening — was both laid back and vibrant with a signature aesthetic and homey vibe that was just right for an autistic couple trying to get out more (me and partner lol)! It seemed that the vibes the staff put out reflected back into the customer base as well — everyone was so friendly, welcoming, and mutually respectful! Thank you so much to Bones and Botanicals for being so inclusive, for lifting my spirits, and for offering such an original, accommodating experience with /gifted/ bartenders, ideal atmosphere, and the perfect balance of sociability and comfort that you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else! I can’t wait to become...

UPDATE: So happy to hear that owners are opening a larger store. Also now that I know outside food van be brought in, my husband and I (including out of town relatives and friends) will be multiple repeated visitors to this unique place. I appreciate and thank the owners for responding to my review. The knowledge they provided negated the minor issues. I only wish other owners would respond in such an attentive and personal way.

It's a magical place to relax and feel like you are on vacation abroad - Paris, London, Toronto or domestically - NYC, San Francisco. I'm not exaggerating. One of the most innovative places in New Haven county. We have been 2x - once for tea and once for mocktails after a musical event where cocktails flowed and the over-served concert patrons prevented it from being comfortable or relaxing. So it was such a surprise and delight to discover this inventive venture in Wallingford and explore the variety of delicious elixirs after such an event.

I only wish the evening hours were longer and menu was more extensive. But the owner advertised the tea aspect... But the menu for evening hours could be improved. While the non-alcoholic drinks were appreciated, the limited menu is a determining factor in choosing another place.

Plant - based appetizers in the evening would be a good idea. A similar place in Manhattan offers meatless Buffalo wings, sliders and vegetarian sandwiches and appetizers.

However I highly recommend at least one visit - correction - multiple visits since the owners accommodate outside appetizers. There are so many different and unique drinks to enjoy.

The menu for tea time is perfect to accompany the distinctive...

Love love love the idea of this, execution is a little iffy. I wasn’t sure what the vibe was supposed to be. I thought bones and botanicals was supposed to be witchy/ethereal etc but when you go inside, theres true crime decor, witch decor, Egyptian decor, pirate decor, trolls skeletons, candles, Hindu, flowers etc. and all kinds of different lamps and lights that didn’t seem to go together well. It felt like they gathered all the current trends and threw stuff on the walls. The staff is so so friendly, but some of them just stare at you from behind the bar the entire time you’re there so they can jump into action if we need anything. Good customer service but a little much and a little uncomfortable. It’s a small place so there’s really only two places to sit other than the bar. It’s very dark which some may like, and I do as well, but you can’t really see… lol they’re snacks are good but they purchase them from the market down the road and leave them in the packaging. Maybe I’m stuck up, it would feel more like a bar if they were on a plate or something rather than plastic with the market sticker on top. The teas and drinks they have are very good! Overall it’s a cute little place but needed a little more thought...