Union League Cafe Restaurant - New Haven, CT

Union League Cafe

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Address:
1032 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT 06510

Neighborhood:
New Haven

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Cuisine:
French

Price: $31 to $50

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Union League Cafe Details

Dining Style: Casual Elegant
Website: http://unionleaguecafe.com
Phone: (203) 562-4299
Hours of Operation: Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:45am - 2:30pm; Dinner: Monday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 9:30pm, Friday - Saturday: 5:30pm - 10:00pm
Payment Options: AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Cuisine: French
Executive Chef: Jean Pierre Vuillermet
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
Additional Details: Banquet/Private Rooms, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Fireplace, Full Bar, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine, Wine Bar
Catering: Please inquire for details.

Getting there

Cross Street: College Street
Parking: Public Lot
Parking Details: The parking lot may be entered from crown street. Additional parking may be found at the Schubert Theatre garage at the corner of college and crown streets, or in an additional parking garage found at the corner of crown and high street. These parking spaces are less than a block away from Union League Cafe and all three are within walking distance of the restaurant.

A word from Union League Cafe

Reminiscent of a Paris brasserie it is where old world charm meets the new. Warm and welcoming to New Haven's cafe society it is located across from Yale University old campus. The restaurant offers menu and ambiance in a casual elegant style. Always using the best ingredients of the moment, Union… League Café's food combines French classical traditions with a more contemporary approach to flavors, textures and native ingredients. Local and organic fish, meats, cheeses and produce from the Yale Sustainable Garden Project help our chefs create our award-winning cuisine.Continued

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Awards voted by OpenTable diners

Diners' Choice WinnerBest Overall
Diners' Choice WinnerBest Ambiance
Diners' Choice WinnerBest Food

Diner Reviews

"Much too long a wait between courses. The basic salad was totally unimaginative, had very little color interest and some brown lettuce. They forgot to give us some of our leftovers. Our entrees were left to cool on a tray we could see from our table So they were not especially hot when we got them. And even though we were there 2 hours ahead of show time , the slow service did not allow us time for dessert."
Dined on 3/1/2014
"This is a lovely old school (in the heart of Yale) restaurant. It is pricey but the food is of the highest quality, expertly prepared without over salting at the end which is a real food peeve for me, presented elegantly and though the portions are appropriate it is a dining experience, not a buffet. You will feel the history of the building and decor as well as enjoy the top quality food and service."
Dined on 3/1/2014
"The Union League Cafe is the most romantic, most beautiful restaurant I've ever been in. My wife and I celebrate almost every anniversary there. The service is impeccable, the food is outstanding, and we always feel reconnected after our experience (which is tough after 11 years and 3 kids). I really love this place. I NEVER give full stars on anything, but in this case, ULC deserves it."
Dined on 2/28/2014
"Union League is in par with any great Paris or New York restaurant....and I have been to a lot of them. It's the only one in New Haven at this level of quality and service."
Dined on 3/1/2014
"We loved eating at Union League Cafe. The room was old-world classy and elegant but not stuffy. The tables were set apart so it was not noisy. The room was gorgeous with its stained-glass windows and high wooden arches. The waiter was friendly and attentive but not overly so. They started the meal with some sort of little bread cheese puffs. The bread was delicious--always a crucial factor in whether or not the meal will be good. I had a great salad to start, but can't remember what it was because of bad memory of the middle aged, but my main dish was lobster with mushrooms and chestnuts. Fantastic. My husband had a fish dish; also delicious. We were too full for desert, but the wines suggested by the waiter were also excellent"
Dined on 2/27/2014
"One of the best French influenced restaurants I have experienced. Everything was exceptional, unique, great! The service was also extremely good, beyond what we would have expected."
Dined on 2/28/2014
"Excellent, thoughtfully prepared and interesting food. Top notch service in a spectacular setting."
Dined on 2/28/2014
"Our server was very knowledgeable and made excellent recommendations for wine and our food. The food was proportioned adequately and was absolutely delicious. The price was $200 but that is expected. We go once a year so it is worth every penny. A place like this is not for budget minded diners. However you will get your moneys worth."
Dined on 2/27/2014
"Always a pleasure to dine here. The food is wonderful, the service impeccable ! I cannot speak highly enough of this restaurant. Menu changes seasonally but is always exceptional! Always worth it. A perfect night from the moment we were greeted at the door to the moment we left...well fed and satisfied."
Dined on 2/27/2014
"This is a wonderful special occasion restaurant. I have never been disappointed."
Dined on 2/26/2014
"Service is outstanding. An excellent choice for a special occasion. My second time at Union League reinforced my feeling that it was a comfortable, tasteful restaurant with easily the best service in New Haven- just remember you pay for it. The food was better as well. I'd recommend the crab/grapefruit salad and the lamb."
Dined on 2/22/2014
"Union League has been variable over the years. Service is sometimes ok, sometimes very good. The cocktails are fairly uneven. Food is generally quite good, but there are dishes that disappoint."
Dined on 2/22/2014
"Our son has been attending Yale for three and a half years, and this is the first time that we dined here. We were so delighted that we will certainly be back a few more times. I loved the food and the wine parings."
Dined on 2/22/2014
"The gougères were impeccable. The oysters were full of precious liquor. I had the filet of sole. My partner, the bouillabaisse. Each one was executed flawlessly. Our meal ended with chocolate drizzled profiteroles (whose aromatic vanilla was wonderfully present) and chocolate truffles with light coffee notes. Everything was done with classical French culinary precision, indeed, this type of French restaurant is hard to find in America these days. The service left also nothing to be desired. Ludovic and the staff were a pleasure--cheerful, attentive. My glass never was less than half full. We shall be back to try lunch!"
Dined on 2/20/2014
"Union League Cafe has exceeded all my expectations. Our sever, Rob was attentive and knowledgable about all menu and wine selections. We both truly enjoyed the Sunchoke soup as an appetizer, I had the Cod special and my friend had the Croque Monsieur; both were absolutely amazing. The decor and ambiance of the restaurant competely enchanced the experience as a whole. We will be back soon."
Dined on 2/19/2014
"This is an outstanding restaurant that never disappoints. A must for us whenever we are in New Haven."
Dined on 2/18/2014
"Perfect restaurant! The food was incredible and the service was flawless. We can't wait to go back, and we can't stop thinking about our meal!"
Dined on 2/17/2014
"Thoroughly enjoyable meal. Chris our waiter gave superb service A wonderful place to go to."
Dined on 2/17/2014
"All was well for a Valentine Day daytime out, service was great and food was impeccable except desert where they can work more on varied choices. We enjoyed the experience."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Union League has been a favotite of ours for Special Occasions for many years."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Food was very delicious! The place was very crowded for Valentine's but over all good experience."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"My wife and I went for valentines lunch. The food was very good, but the service was extremely slow and our server was in attentive. For the price I would expect excellent service."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"Everything was just what you would expect from this fine resaurant--first class. Can't wiating next visit."
Dined on 2/14/2014
"I went here with the intention of getting engaged and I couldn't have asked for a better place to do it. Union League Cafe assisted with all of my requests and helped to make the evening perfect. I couldn't be happier with how things turned out and we are looking forward to our next dining experience there."
Dined on 2/12/2014
"ULC has always piqued my curiosity. I'm glad we went in. Our pre-theater "appetizer and a drink" turned into a nice sampling of the appetizer menu with dessert. Although we sat at the smaller tables in the bar area, we never felt like we were in a dark corner. LOVE the ambiance, the food was memorable and the service was prompt and professional. We will be back."
Dined on 2/8/2014
"We frequent quite a few 4/5 Star restaraunts and find Union League one of our favorite spots. Food is fantastic, Service the finest."
Dined on 2/8/2014
"Loved the menu selections. The night I was there the seasonal items included venison which was included in our order and was outstanding. My bouillabaisse was very good. Little cheese puffs are offered at the beginning of meal. Very tasty. We ordered 3 appetizers and all were excellent. My cocktail was delicious and good sized. Definitely will return."
Dined on 2/8/2014
"This is one of the best New Haven restaurants- very classy, French and not too pretentious. Food is imaginative, setting is great- maitre d' was animated and friendly. Their sister ship, Bar Bouchee, Madison, is a local gem, including a genuine French zinc bar."
Dined on 2/6/2014
"Beautiful location and experience. The service and food were impeccable, everything one would hope for from an upscale restaurant. Classic dishes, very fine. As wonderful as the meal was, the wines, recommended by our very attentive server, were above and beyond, the part of the meal that lingers in my mind, perfectly matched to the meal, yet surprising and unique. Highly recommend."
Dined on 2/6/2014
"Our waiter (I forgot his name - he's a ballet dancer) was extremely knowledgeable about the cuisine and the wine list. Throughout the meal we requested he pair wines with each course. Each wine was perfectly paired and made the meal that much more enjoyable. Excellent food paired with excellent service. Nothing better than that!"
Dined on 1/27/2014
"We were a party of 6 at a round table. Pros: Architecture of this restaurant is priceless and stately; Food is superb; Wine selection is exquisite -You can get fantastic affordable wines or you can go over the top; Pastry Chef prepared a special birthday cake for our party - it was the most delectable cake I ever had in my life! Cons: We were escorted to our table but we could barely sit down in our chairs because there was no room to get in - Packed like sardines until everyone else vacated the restaurant; Noise level of restaurant: probably loudest place in New Haven County; Parking was difficult - they should offer a valet parking service. Be sure to leave extra travel time for parking; Our waiter was mediocre at best, slow service"
Dined on 2/1/2014
"I'd been hearing about Union League Cafe from my work colleagues for ages, so we decided to give it a go for my friend's birthday. I had requested a special table through the Open Table website, but upon arrival, we were given 2 choices- one in the bar, and the other quite near another couple. Clearly the request had not been honored. The dining room is lovely, but the service was just average. Our waiter forgot my coffee and my husband's amaretto. I had also requested a special birthday dessert which never appeared. I ordered the spinach salad (at $10.95) which was unspectacular. It had very little dressing, and large pieces of cold bacon on the sides. Main courses- Beef filet, and cod were pretty average and not worth the price IMHO."
Dined on 2/1/2014
"We heard about this restaurant from a google search and had an unexpected night with no plans....so we decided to take the drive to New Haven. And what a dinner! Our food was wonderful, our server was exceptionally attentive and the atmosphere was romantic without being stuffy. A great experience and we will be going back!"
Dined on 2/1/2014
"It was a wonderful lunch. The food parallels the service. It's a pleasure dining there."
Dined on 1/31/2014
"This was our second visit to this restaurant. We had taken our daughter to dinner for her 19th birthday and had a great experience last year-great food and great service. We made a reservation again based on our previous experience and was disappointed the second time around. We were seated promptly with a great person at the front. It was downhill after that point. My husband had a question about the side dishes and he was told that they were listed on the menu. He also directed us to the menu when we asked about the specials. Several times during the meal, the busboy came to take away our plates when there was clearly food on our plates and we had not placed our utensils on the plate. This was very unprofessional."
Dined on 1/31/2014
"Union League Café continues its long established home at the very pinnacle of wonderful dining - in New Haven and Connecticut. This very well managed restaurant features an extensive wine list, incredibly professional and engaging wait staff and delightful treasures from the menu. Never a disappointment, always the very best."
Dined on 1/31/2014
"The food is delicious. The beautiful presentation, imaginative menu, and inclusion of seasonal offerings also led to my rating of the food as "very good." The quiet atmosphere in an historic building paired with unpretentious yet attentive service, however, actually out-shined the food! We had a wonderful dining experience. Although pricey, which you can clearly see from the online menu so that is really no surprise, you definitely get what you pay for."
Dined on 1/28/2014
"calm and elegant atmosphere adds to the joy of lovingly prepared dishes! Always an experience to be anticipated."
Dined on 1/28/2014
"Great food, fabulous service. You never feel rushed or pushed. The "bar area " is my favorite for most meals. It is more quiet, and a tad informal. I say "kid friendly", because the staff is uniformly friendly and welcoming and the kitchen as accommodating as only a fine restaurant can be. That said, I would only bring a child for a special time....on best behavior !"
Dined on 1/25/2014
"Delicious food, professional and knowledgeable staff and beautiful historic ambiance. A perfect, elegant experience!"
Dined on 1/24/2014

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