Briq

Not that I was ever a fan of Briq, but Briq is now closed and Elm City Social has replaced it:

Came here on wednesday night. We were seated right away without a reservation on the rooftop. Its a cool roof, small but has a good amount of tables and a good space for the bar, the building looks like an old house or apartment building convereted into a reautrant, good vibe.
The bartender was the only person on the roof, so she was bartending and waitressing but seemed to be doing okay when we got there. She explained they were under new managment and if we had any questions about changes to let her know. We ordered our drinks, which took a bit longer than Id expect but again she was the only person up there. We ordered our food, as a promotional party for a company in new haven was showing up. The place got very crowded very quickly, multiple tables seated after us got their food, so eventually we got the waitress attention and she relized out ticket never got sent to the kitchen.
Normally I’d be pissed, to say the least, we had been waiting for our food for about 45 min at this point. She appologized profusely and told her mangaer who also came over and apologized, explaing the sitution they were in (apperently old managment never told new managment about this party, had no idea this was happening until the party showed up, so they were understaffed for the night), but he also explained that was no excuse, and took care of the situation and continued to than check on us throughout the rest of our meal.
The food was actually really good, minus waiting forever, we order the corn, hummus, and flatbread, it was all delicious. The signature cocktails I ordered was too sweet for my liking, but supposedly people enjoy it, summary cocktail gin drink (cant remember the name).
Normally that experience would of made me write off this place, as I have zero tolerance for bad service, (I worked as a waitress in college, its not easy but its a job in hospitality), but since the waitress and manager were apilogetic and took care of the situation promptly after relizing the mistake, I would definitely go back. I also recomend it to anyone looking for a good bar with outdoor space in New Haven.

I want to start by saying that I really appreciate someone has chosen to tackle the challenge which is making this really cool, really beautiful space work; which it has not since Franco and Suzette moved onto other projects.
The new team appears to be very motivated and invested, from bar management through the kitchen. They have a fire in them and I really like seeing that even though I can empathize with the stock issues. Folks trust me, there is NOTHING a chef or a bartender likes to say less than «we’re out of_​_​_​_​_​.» Its actually worse than having to tell someone on their first date that a card bounced… please believe me.
I will say this.
Drinks — Excellent, really, excellent, down to spec, nice and smooth. I really LOVED the Aperol Lemonade. Just the thing to wake up your taste buds. The Green Monster was equally as enjoyable, and the beer list (when fully available) is actually quite good for a place that specializes in cocktails.
People — Awesome, I mean downright awesome. I would not hesitate to throw back a shot or 14 with any of them. Very welcoming, very kind, simultaneously though — not stuffy. It’s an upper scale place, but you can actually talk to everyone and I really appreciated that so far in between a certain someone poking me liberally.
Food — It’s the halftime menu, so it’s somewhat short a list, but the items I’ve had so far were all acceptable. The burger was a little bit on the salty side possibly due to the cheddar whip… but cooked perfectly and all over my face… no pun intended.
I sincerely wish everyone involved in this re-​vamp the best, and will send as many of my friends here (though most are LA) to check it out. The cocktails are AMAZING, the beer selection is great (KONA!!!) and the folks working here actually help me decompress after my 7 – 9 hour shifts.
Give them a chance. They most certainly deserve it.
Shout out to Brian, Ryan, Dan, Amanda, Leeann/​Lianne (idk), and that random punky girl with a half-​shave. You guys are my standby «chill t f out crew.»

While under new (mis)management, it’s the same poor service and uninspired, watered-​down cocktails as before. Seriously, you run out of a common staple liquor that’s used in one of your on-​menu drinks? 10 dollars for what amounted to ice, lime juice, and a cucumber slice — hardly any alcohol at all. If, you’re looking for a quality cocktail, go to Ordinary, where although the drinks are equally expensive, you certainly get what you pay for. Even the rooftop area is sad — uncomfortable furniture, inadequate lighting and a closed (?) bar. Hopefully someone will buy this property and turn it around.

DON’T DO IT! The food was awful, I actually got sick. They just went under new management, so hopefully it will improve.

This place went all kinds of downhill. My husband and I went there a year ago and had a great experience, he raved about the steak tartare. Fast forward to a few nights ago. We arrived at 530 (we had a reservation) and the place was empty. In fact, some tables weren’t even fully cleared from the previous evening. Even though it was empty, we were asked if we’d like to sit on the rooftop. Are you kidding me? It was 48 degrees outside! When we asked to be seated inside, the hostess had to get the manager to deliberate.
Okay, we’re seated in the dining room and waited 15 minutes for a glass of water. Still, no waiter in sight. The hostess – who was very sweet, it wasn’t her fault – assured us that a waiter would be by soon. Another 10 minutes. We were just ready to leave when one did appear. He was very nervous, seemed new to the job. Again very sweet and not his fault.
Then we were told that they were out of white wine and salads and a few other items on the already minimalist menu. That’s when we left. And went to Pacifico (which has been consistently excellent for ten years).
From this experience, Briq has all of the signs of a place ready to close its doors very soon.

Truly disappointing experience. I have never had to walk out on a table before, but my experience at Briq warranted it. I actually did not have a problem with the waitstaff, who were kind and apologetic. Of note, multiple servers had said that it was just their first week on the job, so I suspect the management cleaned house very recently.
What made the experience so unbelievably bad was the fact that they ran out of SO many items: maybe 4 or so wines from the wine list, and another 3 entrees or sides (out of a not really extensive menu). We tried to play along, but the appetizers were unacceptable: wilted, past their prime greens in the salads, we were served minestrone soup when we ordered butternut squash bisque, and the sriracha hummus tasted like it was store-​bought Sabra brand.
On top of all this, we were unable to speak to the manager because, when the servers when to get him, we saw him yelling at them «I AM UNAVAILABLE TO YOU FROM NOW ON» and I guess he locked himself in his office from that point forward.

Briq! What is wrong with you? We have frequented this place several times. The establishment has such a great space in New Haven, especially the roof top, however, it does not deliver on food or service. THE ROOFTOP IS NEVER OPEN. Either there is a private party or it’s not in season or there is a maintenance issue. How do you market yourself as having a rooftop if it’s never open?
The inside of the restaurant is semi-​trendy and welcoming, however, the food is mediocre and the service is poor. It’s just a frustrating place because we feel like it has great potential and we want to drink outside (in a town where outside boozing is at a premium), but the availability of the space and the quality of the food do not deliver.
Tonight, after being seated, we literally waited 15 minutes to speak to someone, who was actually the hostess and not even the waitress! She was sweet, but we then waited another 15 minutes for the actual waitress to come by. She filled our water glasses. 10 minutes later the hostess came back, and when we ordered two drinks from her, she (honestly) told us that would take quite a while. So we left. Sorry, 116 Crown, we do love YOU.

I have been to Briq many times, and their food is delicious each and every time.
The problem is that the service is terrible, each and every time. I went last night with a friend for Cinco de Mayo (Taco Tower, anyone?!) and the service was just atrocious — worse than it has ever been in the past. They were busy, but not overwhelmingly so. The problem was that they only had one server on staff (which is always the case!). This is a huge misstep by management because the poor girl was in the weeds all night. The hostess even tried helping out, but it didn’t speed up the process because the bar was behind as well.
Once we were seated by the hostess, it was a solid 25 minutes before the waitress came to get our drinks or even give us water. We probably should have just left then, but we really wanted to try their Taco Tower.
We ordered our drinks and Taco Tower at the same time, however our drinks (2 Briq margaritas) didn’t come out until after our meal.
We needed more tortillas for the Taco Tower, and that took another 20 minutes to come — after we reminded 3 different people (the waitress, the hostess and the bus girl).
Less than half way through our meal we saw our drinks were getting low, so we preemptively ordered another round, assuming it would take a while to come out to us… we finished our meal and the drinks still hadn’t come — even though the hostess had asked the bartender for the drinks twice. We ended up canceling the drinks and skipping out on dessert (I was eyeing that nutella banana crêpe) because the whole «dining» experience was going on 2 hours.
I ended up disappointed because I had entered the restaurant on Cinco de Mayo hoping to get all hopped up on margaritas and tacos. Due to the excruciatingly slow service, I only had one margarita and cold tacos (we had to wait so long for the tortillas to come out the meat was cold for the tacos). The ticket was probably half of what it could have been if they had just had somewhat decent service.
Again, I love the food at Briq and I will be back for that reason — but the service made the entire dining experience frustratingly slow. It wasn’t the waitress’ fault, it was clear that management needed to schedule more people. Every time I go to Briq they only have one server on staff and the service is very slow — I think they need to reconsider their staffing methods.

My husband and I came for dinner last night.
Very sexy vibe in there, plays music like Interpol, just chill, relaxing and dark. Had 6:30 reservations and were seated immediately. We thought it was kind of dead in there for a Saturday night, but then again there was a good amount of snow falling outside.
I had The Rubus cocktail and he had an Old Fashioned, both were perfectly made. We split the Bacon Mac and Cheese to start. OMG. It was to die for. Since that was the first thing we had, we joked saying that we should have just ordered like 4 or 5 of those as our meal. I had to actually stop myself from scraping up every last bit of the cheesy goodness.
We then had the Taco Tower for 2, uniquely presented. Typically comes with chicken, shrimp and beef but since my husband doesn’t eat seafood, we requested more chicken and beef instead and were easily accommodated. Everything was very fresh.
I’d love to come back when it’s warmer out. Not sure why all the harsh reviews on here, we had a great experience.

Brought in by a Living Social deal:
The ambiance of the restaurant is lovely. The wood-​paneled walls and subtle light accents make the dining area cozy but cool, regardless of the five cop cars that arrived on the scene across the street…
The bread was not made in house and deemed off limits for those with nut allergies. This eliminates every item on the menu made with any sort of bread, such as the eggplant crostini, beef tartare, or warm ricotta. The Korean fried chicken could not be prepared without nuts either, so immediately, the menu was limited for those with allergies. However, three of the four dessert offerings were nut-​safe, including the delicious chocolate mousse cake.
The deal included two small plates, one medium plate, one salad, one entrée, and one dessert split between two people. The bibb salad was followed only one minute later by the skinny fries, lobster mashed potatoes, and roasted carrots. With the small table, we literally had to stack plates on top of each other, and personally, potato on potato was not an ideal serving combination. Mashed and Carrots would have been better regarded with our entrée.
The skinny fries are more like julienned fries, but were salty and delicious. The spicy aioli only enhanced the flavor. The carrots had a divine glaze grilled to perfection. The mashed potatoes were very disappointing– the potatoes cold and the lobster tasteless and in desperate need of seasoning. As an item described as «simply amazing!» On the menu, I would expect something more (and warm!).
The espresso pork had a nice crust that kept the meat juicy and tender. Sides were, again, lacking seasoning.
Fine experience for a living social deal, but would have left disappointed had we paid the full $ 80 for the meal.

I come here mainly because my friend does live performances from time to time. The venue itself is beautiful. Some very unique interior décor and the rooftop bar is fantastic when the weather is appropriate. The wait staff is friendly and attentive as well.
The ambience is great, the drinks are solid, but where this place falls flat is the food. It’s just okay. The menu selections sound extremely appetizing but just don’t deliver: seared scallop crudo (⁴⁄₅), pan seared scallops (³⁄₅), charcuterie plate (³⁄₅), Korean fried chicken (³⁄₅), skinny fries (³⁄₅). Nothing I’ve tried here has been horrible but it’s hardly been memorable either.
Cool vibe, great look, but the food is just «meh» for the price.

Went for restaurant week.
I was not very impressed by my first experience at Briq. When walking into the restaurant it smelt very musty and seemed to have no ventilation being located next to a cigar bar.
The wine was good but VERY tinny portion for the price of the glass around $ 8-​$ 10. Almost not even worth it.
Beat salad appetizer lacked amount of goat cheese. Was sprinkled with about 2 tinny crumbles of cheese. Was not proportional at all.
The Korean fried chicken appetizer was actual «chicken wings» which was not written on the menu. And Risotto dish was ice cold when served to the table.
Although my Salmon dish was absolutely delicious, great portion, cook to perfection.
The Nutella banana dessert was alright. There was almost no Nutella in the entire thing. More marscapone cheese than anything.
Before leaving I stopped in the ladies room and noticed light switches were very hard to find in the unmarked stalls. Very strange bathroom with almost no privacy.

Stumbled in here when our go-​to spot was too full. I think we discovered this place just in time to enjoy the roof top bar/​lounge. A few more weeks and it would be too cool. Servers were very accomodating to our last minute part of six, which I am always impressed by. Food is pricey, but yummy.
As always though, the vibe is what will bring me back. You can’t beat a roof top feel.

I’ll definitely give Briq another go. I came in here for a drink on a rainy day– it was a ghost town, which can leave you one of two choices. Drink at the bar and chat up the bartenders or leave. So I attempted the first one but the bartenders were not really the type to chat. That’s ok, drinks then! The drinks were ok. The décor is definitely perfect for a date, however, but maybe stick to simple drinks and the apps menu.

Sadly disappointed
I liked bespoke better
We had Mac n cheese, needed more cheese, crispy broccoli, overly greasy, beef carpaccio, a little too sweet but good, and the taco tower, which was good.
Had dessert because we were still hungry– creeps– banana was the best part, and was still below average.
Only place to sit was rooftop bar– everything else is closed.
Waiter is pretty crappy, no personality and seems like he’s rather be home or sitting on his iPhone like the bartender.
Place is empty.
Got the bill and we were charged $ 4 for ice because we ordered a drink on the rocks. No joke.
Sadly won’t be back.
The place next door is a cigar place so the smell has creeped over :-(
Go to Pacifico instead. Similar menu and better– much better– and only like four doors down.
My dinner companion said «they took the CL out of the word class». Sad.

Went there for dinner after work. It was a nice day out so we loved the idea of eating on the rooftop! Overall, I’d give them a 4 for the atmosphere (décor, setting, etc) and 2 for the food.
We had The Lobster Mashed Potatoes and were disappointed. The mashed potatoes tasted like they came from a box.
The patio area was pretty cool. For a minute, I forgot that I was in New Haven. The place has great potential!

Though I can’t comment on the food, I was really impressed with the patio. What a little Haven in the middle of the big Haven!
The candles are such a sexy touch and the atmosphere just couldn’t get any more chic on a warm summer night.
Going on a first date? Come here and prepare to get lucky.
This place certainly sets the mood.

I ventured up to the rooftop at Briq after a concert on the green. The rooftop is pleasant enough, but the vibe is mellow-​awkward first Tinder date with a mix of tables of women who just broke up with their boyfriends and «just need a girls night out.» I actually didn’t even want to stay for a drink after a few minutes waiting for our server up there. If you want a very quiet, mellow date vibe, it’s great. However, to me, rooftops beg for lively atmospheres with dancey jazz in the background and creative cocktails. And Briq is just not that.

Dear Briq, your rooftop is so sexy. The low lighting, soft music, fresh air, and glorious view of the stars above are bewitching. You have the power to turn an otherwise humdrum date into an enchanting experience. For this, I thank you.
Your specialty cocktails are inspired, my favorite being the cilantro mojito (it was cool and refreshing). May I suggest adding a nice Cava or Champagne to the menu? In a place so sexy, a little bubbly just ups the ante.
Sadly, your menu left me longing for something more. We toiled over the menu for several minutes searching for dishes that would capture our palettes as the atmosphere had capture our mind. But alas, there was no such dish to be found. The shrimp salsa is in need of a spicy kick to make it live up to its potential and the Thai chicken meatballs were meh, bland.
In closing, your allure is intoxicating and your drinks satisfying. I will go elsewhere for a delicious meal but run to you for that extra dose of sex appeal.