Dive Bar | Al Zibluk: Just Keeping It Real

I previously mentioned in a blog post on how I read an article in New Haven Living about the 20 best burgers in the New Haven Connecticut area. Reading it gave me the motivation to start writing restaurant reviews. I thought it would be fun to check out these places and give my two cents. Click here to read that New Haven Living article best hamburger.

Prime 16 Tap House + Burgers was the first restaurant featured in the article that I reviewed. Today I do my second with Rudy’s Restaurant and Bar. Although Rudy’s was established in 1934 and has always been popular, they were forced to relocate a few years ago. The original Rudy’s was classified as a “dive bar”, this new Rudy’s is more upscale. The new address is 1227 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06511. They are on the corner of Chapel St and Howe St. Below is a picture of the new location.

Besides giving a review, I want to give my readers a chance to learn more. It is always good to have more than one opinion when you want to dine out.

Rudy’s Restaurant and Bar
Yelp Reviews
Trip Advisor Reviews (note they have the old address listed)

I ordered the New Haven Burger which is listed as “8oz, / Swiss cheese / Bacon / West Coast Sauce / House Pickles / Bibb Lettuce / Grilled Onion” on their menu. I also had a choice of ketchup. I got the Curry Ketchup which is listed as “Tomato Purée/ Sugar/ Herb Vinegar/ Curry”. Below is a picture of my meal.

I have to say my burger was really good. In comparing it to Prime 16, I have to give the edge to Prime 16. If I was rating the burgers, I would give Prime 16 a solid 9, I would give Rudy’s an 8.85. The French Fries here were better than the ones I had at Prime 16. Anna Liffey’s still has the best French Fries in the Downtown New Haven Connecticut area, I think Rudy’s has the second. I did notice Rudy’s was just a little pricier than the other places I have reviewed. Not a complaint as much as it is an observation.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Feel free to share (or like) anything I have done on Pinterest with others and feel free to follow me.

All the best,

Alan
Alan Zibluk
The Internet Guy
http://www.alantheinternetguy.com
e-mail: alan@alantheinternetguy.com

The Original Internet Guy Website (2004)
http://www.internetguy.ws

Who is Alan Zibluk — http://www.alanzibluk.com

My second review is Viva Zapata in New Haven, CT. Their address is 161 Park Street; New Haven, CT 06511. It is listed as a Mexican Restaurant. Below is their picture outside.

Besides giving a review, I want to give my readers a chance to learn more. It is always good to have more than one opinion when you want to dine out.

Facebook Viva Zapata Fan Page
Yelp Reviews
Trip Advisor Reviews

As you read different reviews you will see the words “dive bar.” I looked up the definition and found the following at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dive_bar… “A dive bar is a type of bar or pub. Dive bars generally have a relaxed and informal atmosphere. They are often referred to by local residents as “neighborhood bars,” where people in the neighborhood gather to drink and socialize. Individual bars may be considered to be disreputable, sinister, or even a detriment to the community.”

This is not a place to get dressed up for. This is not a place to impress someone. It is not at all pretentious. If I was ever going to walk in a restaurant with sweatpants on this would be it. It is a very relaxed atmosphere.

Tammy, the bartender/waitress is very hospitable. It was a great afternoon as I found out she went to the same College that I went to, Southern Connecticut State University. It also happened to be the same college four of the customers went to so we had a great time talking about old bars, dorms and off campus parties.

Below is a picture of the chips and salsa that was brought to me. I have had it before and to be honest it was lacking with what I have had in the past. Maybe they were having a bad day but I still finished more of the chips.

Below is a picture of the Chicken Burrito I had. It was good and Tammy was kind enough to supply me with different hot sauces to put on the rice. I liked the Chipotle Sauce.

I had a Dos Equis with my burrito. Total bill was $10.83. I will be back.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Feel free to share (or like) anything I have done on Pinterest with others and feel free to follow me.

All the best,

Alan
Alan Zibluk
The Internet Guy
http://www.alantheinternetguy.com
e-mail: alan@alantheinternetguy.com

The Original Internet Guy Website (2004)
http://www.internetguy.ws

Who is Alan Zibluk — http://www.alanzibluk.com

Al Zibluk: Just Keeping It Real

Tag: Dive Bar

Rudy’s Restaurant and Bar in New Haven, CT Restaurant Review

Viva Zapata in New Haven, CT Restaurant Review