FROMTHE TOPROPE
&CULTURE PAGE5
Read through to find out who youchoseasthe Best of NewHaven County!
TheloyalreadersoftheNewHaven Registerhavecasttheirvotesonceagain inthe“BestofNewHavenCounty”contest, andtheresultsarein.Varyingfromlocal favoritestonationally-knownfare,thissection showcasesthe“who’swho”inlocalbusiness. At the heartofitare sevencategories that encompassall the industries that help NewHaven thrive: ACTIVITIES, ARTS & CULTURE, FOOD &DRINK, HEALTH& BEAUTY, HOME &GARDEN, OVERNIGHTS, and SHOPPING
Thebusinesses, venues, spaces, andplaces recognized in this year’s readers’ choicepoll reflectthe county’s eclectic staying power, as well as itsstatusasa summer staycation destination. Each winner can’twait to welcome the influxoftouriststhatwill inundate NewHaven this season, butit’sjustasfun to enjoyifyou call it home year-round.
BY SUSANSHULTZ
Plan an excursiontoalocal museum or live performance venuetoadd some cultureto your summer bucket list;feast on all the fresh seafood theregionhas to offer; and then work it off with someofthe county’stop fitness trainers.
Summeristhe perfect time to treatyour home oasistosome TLCwiththe help of professionalgardenersand landscapers; shop till youdropatlocal businesses offeringthe latest stylesand trends at summersales; or spendyourvacation as manypeople like to do —relaxingbythe pool or on abeach with a good book.
Howeveryou plantospendyour summer, we recommendvisiting one of the hundreds of winnersinthe 2026 “Best of NewHaven County” reader’s choice poll. Read on to see howtomakethe most of the next fewmonths right in your ownbackyard
We’rehonoredbyyour supportandproud toservethecommunitywe callhome. Everypintwepourisforyou. Cheers to greatbeer,greatpeople, andmany more memoriestogether!
OPEN: Wednesdays 4– 9PM Thursdays 4–9PM• Fridays 2– 10 PM Saturdays 11AM– 10 PM •Sundays 11 AM –6 PM
ACTIVITIES
BEST FARMERSMARKET
WallingfordGarden Market
County Runner-Up
Bishop’sOrchardsFarmMarket &Winery
County Finalists
CitySeed,NewHaven FarmersMarketatthe
GuilfordFairgrounds
RoseOrchards
BEST INDOOR FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT
Kinship Glassworks
County Runner-Up
TheLegacyTheatre
County Finalists
CabaretonMainTheater
OnTrackKarting’sGOTIME
GoldfishSwimSchool,Hamden
BESTMINIGOLF
OldeSawmill Miniature Golf Course
BESTPICKYOUROWN FARM
Bishop’s OrchardsPick Your Own
County Runner-Up
RoseOrchards
County Finalist
HiddenGemOrchard
BESTPUBLICGOLFCOURSE
Grassy Hill CountryClub
County Runner-Up TheVUECT
County Finalists
AllingMemorialGolfClub
HunterMemorialGolfCourse
BEST STATEPARK
Hammonasset Beach State Park
County Runner-Up
SilverSandsStatePark
County Finalists
SleepingGiantStatePark
KettletownStatePark
BEST WEDDING VENUE
The Reign
County Runner-Up
Anthony’sOceanView
County Finalists
TydeatWalnutBeach
GrassyHillCountryClub
CascadeFineCatering
BEST FAMILY CULTURAL ATTRACTION
Peabody Museum of Natural History
CountyRunner-Up
TheLegacyTheatre
CountyFinalists
CabaretonMainTheater
MattatuckMuseum
BEST INDEPENDENT MOVIE THEATER
Madison Cinemas
CountyRunner-Up
HolidayCinemasStadium14
CountyFinalist
StrandTheater
BESTMUSEUM
Peabody Museumof Natural History
CountyRunner-Up
YaleUniversityArtGallery
CountyFinalists
YaleCenterforBritishArt
MattatuckMuseum
BESTPRIVATEOR CATHOLICSCHOOL
Hamden HallCountry DaySchool
CountyRunner-Up
CheshireAcademy
CountyFinalists
SacredHeartAcademy
TheFooteSchool
AcademyofOurLadyofMercy, LauraltonHall
ARTS& CULTURE
BEST ARTGALLERY
Yale UniversityArt Gallery
County Runner-Up
YaleCenterforBritishArt
County Finalists
MattatuckMuseum
Nelson‘Carty’FordMemorial
ArtGallery
HEALTH&BEAUTY
BESTBARBER SHOP
JB’sBarbershop
County Runner-Up
SnipSnaps
County Finalists
SkullandCombs
Len’sBarberShop,Southbury Ferni’sBarbershop
BESTDAY SPA
Nolla Wellness
County Runner-Up
RadiantSkinCare&Energy
HealingStudio
CountyFinalists
IndulgeDaySpa&Boutique
SageDaySpa
SoHoHairGroup&DaySpa
BESTHAIR SALON
Hair by Sissy
CountyRunner-Up
SohoHairGroup&DaySpa
County Finalists
SageonWhitneyHairStudio&Spa SnipSnaps
ThatHairThough
BESTLOCALLY OWNED
FITNESSCLUBORGYM
CoastalCore Pilates
County Runner-Up
StonyCreekAthletics
County Finalists
JointEffortGuidedExercise
AscentNewHaven
EnovaNutrition&FitnessCenter
BESTMASSAGE STUDIO
Nolla Wellness
County Runner-Up
TheWellforWomen
County Finalists
BranfordRiverResort&Spa
MassageSavvy
SageDaySpa
TranquilityMind&BodyWellnessSpa
BESTMEDICAL SPA
Nolla Wellness
County Runner-Up
ClarityMedicalAesthetics
County Finalists
ModernBeautyWellness&Aesthetics
TheCollinsCenterofAestheticMedicine
VanityMedicalSpa
BESTNAIL SALON
Tiara Nails &Spa
CountyRunner-Up
BranfordRiverResort&Spa
CountyFinalists
IndulgeDaySpa&Boutique
AuraDaySpa
LavenderNails
BESTTATTOOPARLOR
Black HatchetTattooCo.
CountyRunner-Up
LuckySoulTattoo
CountyFinalists
TattooInternational ValkyrieStudios
DarksideTattoo&BodyPiercing
BESTYOGASTUDIO
NOMAD Yoga &Barre
CountyRunner-Up
BreathingRoomYoga
CountyFinalists
Raven’sWingYoga
JustBeYoga&Wellness
KaiaYoga&Meditation
YourCommunityYogaCenter
HOME& GARDEN
BEST ANTIQUES OR VINTAGESHOPPING
Miss Dallas’ Shop
CountyRunner-Up
BranfordAntiques
CountyFinalists
VintanthroModern&Vintage KaoudRugs&Carpet
BEST ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
QC Electric
CountyRunner-Up
PowerHouseElectric
CountyFinalists
ViscusoElectric&Son
BernstenElectric
AielloHomeServices
BEST FLORIST
Cynthia’s FlowerShop
CountyRunner-Up
WallingfordFlowerShoppe
CountyFinalists
FloralsByKait
TheFlowerNook
TheGreenPetal
BEST GARDEN CENTER OR NURSERY
VanWilgen’sGarden Center
CountyRunner-Up
MadisonEarthCare
CountyFinalist
ParadiseNurseries
BEST HOME DECOR
Design by TheJonathans
CountyRunner-Up
MissDallas’Shop
CountyFinalist
KaoudRugs&Carpet
BEST HOME REMODELER
NVH Painters
CountyRunner-Up
BencarBuildingSystems
CountyFinalists
RockBuilding&Remodeling
BaybrookRemodelers
LGBuilding&Remodeling
BEST HVAC COMPANY
Advanced Comfort Solutions
CountyRunner-Up
NeroAirConditioning&Heating
CountyFinalists
R&MPlumbing&Heating
OnofreoHomeComfortSystems
SeymourOil&Propane
BEST INTERIORDESIGNER
Design by TheJonathans
CountyRunner-Up
RobertaAnnInteriors
CountyFinalists
DesignHouseInteriors
LivingInteriorsofConnecticut
BEST LANDSCAPER
Custom Illuminations/ HolidayLightInstallers
CountyRunner-Up
MadisonEarthCare
CountyFinalists
PauloLandscaping&TreeRemoval
R&JLandscapingServices
PitchPinesLandscaping
BEST PLUMBER
Rick’sPlumbingService
CountyRunner-Up
PLCanestriPlumbing&Heating
CountyFinalists
SeymourOil&Propane
FOOD&DRINK
Curated merchandise and distinctivegifts.
Exclusive privatestore-pickedbourbons selected for trueconnoisseurs
BESTBREWERY
CaiusFarmBrewery
County Runner-Up
DocksideBrewery
County Finalists
NewEnglandBrewingCo. TribusBeerCo. EastRockBrewingCompany&BeerHall
BESTBURGERS
Bar 3ThirtyThree
County Runner-Up
Nick’sCharPit
County Finalists
Nick’sPlace
Louie’sLunch
MyBar&Grille
BESTBURRITOS
Bar 3ThirtyThree
County Runner-Up
JalapeñoHeaven
County Finalists
SeñorPancho’sMexicanRestaurant
Baja’s #Tacos
BESTCHICKENWINGS
Bar 3ThirtyThree
County Runner-Up
DewDropInn
County Finalists ArchieMoore’sNewHaven
MyBar&Grille
Donahue’sMadisonBeachGrille
BESTCOCKTAIL BAR
Bar 3ThirtyThree
County Runner-Up 1928CocktailClub
County Finalists
GreyGoatFarmtique
MyBar&Grille
SixOneNine
SupperClub
BESTCOFFEEROASTER
Common Grounds
CountyRunner-Up
Willoughby’sCoffee&Tea
CountyFinalists
Koffee?
SleepingGiantCoffeeRoasters
TheBeanCoffeeRoaster’s
BESTCOFFEEHOUSE
Walnut BeachCoffee House
CountyRunner-Up AMCoffee&Co.
CountyFinalists
QuincyCoffee
CommonGrounds PistachioCafé
DELI OR SANDWICH SHOP
Nardelli’sGrinder Shoppe
County Runner-Up
Vinny’sRoastBeef&Deli
County Finalists
Nica’sMarket P&MOrangeStreetMarket
ShorelineCafé&Catering
BESTDINER
Nick’sPlace
CountyRunner-Up
BranfordTownhouseRestaurant
CountyFinalists
StateStreetCafé
TwinPinesDinerRestaurant
ParthenonDinerRestaurant
EmpowerHer Potential
BESTDISTILLERY
Connecticut DistillingTastingLounge
BESTGRINDERS
Nardelli’sGrinder Shoppe
County Runner-Up LiuzziGourmetFoodMarket
County Finalists
Vinny’sDeli R&MCutletCo.
BESTHEALTH FOOD STORE Papa SpyrosOliveOil & Fine Foods Market
County Runner-Up Thyme&Season
County Finalists
Foodworks EdgeoftheWoodsMarket
BESTHOT DOGS
Dogtown
County Runner-Up Nick’sCharPit
County Finalists
Blackie’sHotDogStand GlenwoodDrive-In Mr.Mac’sCanteen
BESTICE CREAM Rich FarmIce Cream
County Runner-Up PapaScoops
County Finalists ArethusaFarmDairy
Ashley’sIceCream WalnutBeachCreamery
BESTIRISHPUB
Duffy’sTavern
County Runner-Up
TommySullivan’sCafé
CountyFinalists
SevenSeasRestaurant
ThePlaywrightIrishPubRestaurant &BanquetFacility
Donahue’sMadisonBeachGrille
TheTrinityBar&Restaurant
BESTLGBTQ-FRIENDLYBAR
The Breakwall
County Runner-Up
PartnersCafé
CountyFinalist
Donahue’sMadisonBeachGrille
BESTLOBSTER ROLLS
Nick’sCharPit
CountyRunner-Up
LobsterShack
CountyFinalists
Lenny’sIndianHeadInn
Stowe’sSeafood
SevenSeasRestaurant
BESTLOCAL DOUGHNUTS
Neil’sDonuts
CountyRunner-Up
BranfordBeachDonut
County Finalists
WhitneyDonut&SandwichShop
BrooklynBakingCompany
DuckDonuts
BESTLOCALLYOWNED
LIQUOR STORE
Wines &More!
CountyRunner-Up
TheWineThief
County Finalists
TJ’sWines&Spirits
Sav-RiteLiquors
Cork&Barrel
BESTLOCALLYOWNEDWINE SHOP
The WineThief
County Runner-Up
WinesandMore!
County Finalists
DragonflyWine&Spirits
Mt.CarmelWine&SpiritsCo.
Sav-RiteLiquors
I’m so grateful to have been voted Finalist for Best Hair Salon in New Haven County once again.This recognition means so much, and it wouldn’t be possible without the continued support and loyalty of my amazing clients.
With over 20 years of experience and as a Paul Mitchell graduate, I’m proud to not only specialize in creating beautiful hair, but in helping every client leave feeling confident, refreshed, and truly cared for. My goal has always been to make your day just a little brighter when you sit in my chair.
BESTOUTDOORORROOFTOP BAR
Stonebridge Restaurant
County Runner-Up
DocksideBrewery
County Finalist
GioiaCafé&Bar
TheBreakwall
ChacraPiscoBar
BESTOYSTER BAR
Shell&Bones OysterBar &Grill
County Runner-Up
FairHavenOysterBar
County Finalists
MobyDick’sOysterBar&Grill
TheEssexBrasserie
BESTPIZZA
Zois PizzaPalace
County Runner-Up
HavenPizzeriaNapoletana
County Finalists
Zuppardi’sApizza ModernApizza FrankPepePizzeriaNapoletana
BESTSPORTSBAR
Bar 3ThirtyThree
County Runner-Up
MyBar&Grille
County Finalists
TheBreakwall
Sally’sApizza DoublePlayCafé
BESTSUSHI
DaikoJerrySan’s Sushi Bar
County Runner-Up
WasabiJapaneseRestaurant&SushiBar
County Finalists
TakumiSushiRamen&Lounge LumiAsianFusion
HachirokuHandrollBar&Tapas
To my long-time clients thank you for trusting me year after year—and to all new clients, you are always welcome. I look forward to continuing to grow with you and keeping you feeling your absolute best
BESTTACO
Jalapeño Heaven
County Runner-Up
MyBar&Grille
County Finalists
DonReneTaqueria
SeñorPancho’sMexicanRestaurant
VivaZCantina/VivaZapata
NicoleDinihanian
BESTWINEBAR
Haven PizzeriaNapoletana
CountyRunner-Up
PearlWineBar
CountyFinalists
Tap&Vine
TheEssexBrasserie
VyneRestaurant&Bar
BESTWINERYORVINEYARD
Rose Vineyards
CountyRunner-Up
GouveiaVineyards
County Finalists
RosabiancaVineyards
ParadiseHillsVineyard&Winery
StappaVineyard
BESTof NEWHAVENCOUNTY2026
MikeDeLuca Publisher
AshleySanderson SpecialSectionsDesigner
SusanShultz
SponsoredContentProducer
ADVERTISING
©2026 Hearst ConnecticutMedia Group JUNE 2026
CountyRunner-Up
CountyFinalist TheStudyatYale
CountyRunner-Up
•Expert
•Science-backedtraining
•Semi-privategym
•InBodycomposition
•Strength
•Sportsperformancetraining
•Supportive
•Results-drivenapproach
BESTBIKESHOP
Zane’s Cycles
CountyRunner-Up
TheDevil’sGearBikeShop
County Finalist
Tony’sBikes&Sports
BESTCONSIGNMENT SHOP
Consignment Originals
CountyRunner-Up
WitchBitchThrift
CountyFinalists
MissDallas’Shop
UptownConsignment
Cindy’sUniqueShop
BESTFURNITURE STORE
Consignment Originals
CountyRunner-Up
ComfortSleepSystems
County Finalists
Jordan’sFurniture,NewHaven
KaoudRugs&Carpet
FairhavenFurniture
BEST GAMING HOBBYOR
COMICBOOKSTORE
Conspiracy Gaming
CountyRunner-Up
ElmCityGames
CountyFinalists
EncoreBilliards&GameRoom
BlueberryCatCollectibles
BEST GIFTORSPECIALTY SHOP
TheGreyGoatFarmtique
CountyRunner-Up
CottageatMain
CountyFinalists
BonAppetit
MissDallas’Shop
Flutterby
BEST HARDWARE STORE
Page Hardware &Appliance
CountyRunner-Up
Goody’sTrueValueHardware
CountyFinalists
RWHineAceHardware
CountryPaintandHardware
BEST INDEPENDENTBOOKSTORE
The SpiceCabinet
CountyRunner-Up
RJJuliaBooksellers
CountyFinalists
AtticusBookstoreCafe
BreakwaterBooks
MermaidBooks
BESTJEWELER
Consignment Originals
CountyRunner-Up
CelliniDesignJewelers
CountyFinalists
TheAlwaysBusyMama
WaterStreetJewelers
Arnold’sJewelers
BESTLOCAL GROCERYSTORE
Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market &Winery
CountyRunner-Up Caron’sCorner
CountyFinalist
EastCenterMarket
BEST MEAT MARKETOR BUTCHER
Ferraro’sMarket
CountyRunner-Up
Forte’sGourmetMarket &Catering
County Finalists
ItaliaImportingCo. ProvisionsonState
BEST MEN’SCLOTHING STORE Consignment Originals
County Runner-Up Gentlemen’sSocialOutfitter&Supply
County Finalists
UptownConsignment
AngieLu Enson’sMenswear RaggsForMen&Women
BEST PETSALON OR BOUTIQUE AHairof theDog
BEST RECORD CD SHOP Static Era Records
CountyRunner-Up RedscrollRecords
CountyFinalists
ElmCitySounds ExileonMainStreet
BEST SECONDHANDOR VINTAGECLOTHING STORE Consignment Originals
CountyRunner-Up WitchBitchThrift
CountyFinalist UptownConsignment
BEST TOYSTORE Blueberry Cat Collectibles
County Runner-Up
Jordie’sToyShoppe
CountyFinalists
PebblesToys&Gifts
Jesse’sToyShoppe
BEST WOMEN’SCLOTHING STORE ConsignmentOriginals
County Runner-Up
OdeonBoutique
CountyFinalists Slate SplashBoutique MaterialGirlsBoutique
