The Compass

A Graduate Student Guide to Yale and New Haven

Presented by:

The Graduate Student Assembly (GSA)

2014-2015
2 The Compass

An Introduction

In recent years, the Elm City has undergone an urban renais-

sance, encompassing a boom in new bars, clubs, restaurants, the-
aters, and housing developments. Today, New Haven is the culturally
richest city in Connecticut.
In an effort to help you get your bearings and make the most of
the city, the Graduate Student Assembly (GSA) presents The Com-
pass: A Graduate Student Guide to Yale and New Haven. Compiled
by and written for graduate students, The Compass provides infor-
mation on all that Yale and New Haven has to offer.
The Compass has five sections: Life, Travel & Transportation,
Academics, Entertainment, and Dining. Life covers everything from
New Haven neighborhoods to taxes. Transportation gives details
on how to get to, from and around the city. Academics contains
important contact information as well as general survival tips. En-
tertainment surveys everything from movie theaters and museums
to bars and clubs, and Dining includes options ranging from brunch
to late night munchies. We hope that you will find The Compass a
thorough and helpful guide to the community.
Note: The views expressed herein are not intended to reflect
the perspective of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
 3

The GSA

GSA Mission Statement

The Graduate Student Assembly is an elected body of Yale stu-
dents in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. The Assembly’s
goals are to identify the needs and concerns of graduate students,
consider possible solutions and present these to the Dean of the Grad-
uate School and other administrators. We also discuss, propose and
advise on possible changes to Graduate School policy with the ad-
ministration. The Assembly provides a means for communication
and deliberation both among graduate students and between grad-
uate students and other members of the Yale community. For more
information, please visit our website at http://gsa.yale.edu or e-mail
us at gsa@yale.edu.
What specific issues does the GSA address?
The GSA deals with a wide range of issues and concerns:
Academics, Teaching, Mentoring and Professional Develop-
ment, Financial Aid, Health Care, Childcare, Housing, Dining Ser-
vices, Information Technology, Transit, Security, and Athletics.
How does the GSA effect change?
The GSA appoints graduate students to Graduate School
and University-wide committees which include the GSAS Academic
Grievance, Executive, and Regulations & Discipline committees and
the University’s Disabilities, Diversity and Equal Opportunity, Hous-
ing and Transportation, Library and Review committees as well as
the Yale Health Plan’s Member-Advisory Committee and Student
Coverage Task Force, Diversity and Equal Opportunity, Housing &
Transportation, and Library committees, and also the Yale Health
Plan Advisory Board.
4 The Compass

Additionally, GSA representatives are often asked to serve on

ad-hoc university committees dealing with issues ranging from re-
structuring employee insurance programs to university reaccredita-
tion.
Standing Committees
The GSA has several Standing Committees: Academics &
Professional Development, Elections, Facilities & Health-
care, Publicity, Steering, Summer Steering, and Transit &
Security. These committees are open to all graduate students and
help generate policy that the Assembly approves and then recom-
mends to the administration.
Conference Travel Fellowship
The GSA administers the Conference Travel Fellowship (CTF).
Each year we distribute $60,000 to graduate students across four cy-
cles. Apply early and often at http://gsa.yale.edu/conference-travel-
fellowship. The maximum award amount is $750.
Where can I get more information about the GSA?
You can find our charter, bylaws, minutes, information on
initiatives and your department representative(s) at our website:
http://gsa.yale.edu. GSA meetings are open to the public and grad-
uate students can serve on any of the GSA’s standing committees.
How are the GSA representatives selected?
Graduate students in each department elect representatives in
the spring and vacancies are filled in the fall election. If you are
interested in representing your department, check the GSA website
and contact us at gsa@yale.edu.
How can I contact my GSA representative?
You can find a list of current representatives at http://gsa.yale.
edu. If your department does not have a representative, contact us
at gsa@yale.edu.
 5

How can I attend GSA Meetings?

GSA meetings are typically held every other Wednesday starting
the first week of classes in room 119 in HGS at 7 PM. Check the
website http://gsa.yale.edu for updated meeting schedule. They are
open to all graduate students. Dinner and beverages are provided.
6 The Compass

Table of Contents
Academics 8
GSAS Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
GSAS Offices & Committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
States of Your Life as a PhD Student . . . . . . . . . . 20
Funding Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Mentoring Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Life in New Haven 28

New Haven Neighborhoods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Apartment Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Sports, Exercise & the Outdoors . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Laundromats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Markets (Super & Specialty) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Liquor & Wine Stores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Bookstores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Retail Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Barbershops & Salons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Travel & Transportation 59

Getting Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Biking In New Haven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Owning a Car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Traveling Out of New Haven . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Day Trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Weekend Trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Entertainment 80
Yearly Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Museums & Art Galleries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
 7

Live Theater & Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Movie Theaters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Bars, Pubs, & Clubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

Dining 97
Restaurants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Additional Resources 115

The Bulldog Challenge 119

8 The Compass

Academics
 9

GSAS
Administration

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences has a full-time staff

dedicated to helping you develop and succeed during your time at
Yale, and here we list some of the people and offices that may be
helpful.
Website http://www.yale.edu/graduateschool The most impor-
tant academic links are Forms and Publications at the very top of
the page.
Lynn Cooley - Dean of the Graduate School Dean Cooley
is responsible for the educational mission of the Graduate School,
the quality of its programs, and the welfare of graduate students.
She is also the C. N. H. Long Professor of Genetics and Professor
of Cell Biology and Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology.
Dean Cooley received her B.A. in Zoology from Connecticut College
in 1976, before earning her Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University
of Texas in 1984.
Tamar Gendler - Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Dean Gendler is responsible for governing the Faculty of Arts and Sci-
ences including overseeing appointments, promotions, and the bud-
get. She is also the Vincent J. Scully Professor of Philosophy, Pro-
fessor of Psychology and Cognitive Science, and Deputy Provost for
humanities and initiatives. Dean Gendler received her B.A. in Hu-
manities and Mathematics and Philosophy from Yale College in 1987
and her Ph.D. in Philosophy from Harvard in 1996.
10 The Compass

Academic Deans

The academic associate and assistant deans of the Graduate

School are responsible for the administration of graduate programs,
normally in consultation with the Directors of Graduate Studies.
They oversee academic performance and the regulations and policies
of the Graduate School, conduct various fellowship competitions, and
coordinate admissions and financial aid.
If you are having any issues with your program, another stu-
dent or a faculty member, or you are simply confused about what is
expected of you, we cannot stress enough that these are the people
to see. Meetings with the Deans are confidential and they will never
pursue a course of action without your permission. The Deans work
in two teams: One team consists of Deans Schirmeister, Ladouceur,
and di Bonaventura and the other team of Deans Sleight, Harper-
Mangels, and Hashimoto. The most efficient way is to get in touch
with the specific team that is responsible for your program, but you
are of course free to talk with whomever you are most comfortable.

Pamela Schirmeister - Associate Dean HGS 136, 203-432-

7598, (pamela.schirmeister@yale.edu) Besides being an associate
dean, Pamela Schirmeister is also Dean for Special Projects at Yale
College. Her responsibilities include the academic affairs of the grad-
uate programs in the humanities, African American Studies, Eco-
nomics, Management, Political Science, Sociology, as well as mas-
ter’s programs in African Studies, East Asian Studies, European &
Russian Studies, International & Development Economics and In-
ternational Relations. She oversees the Graduate Writing Center,
Graduate Career Services and the Graduate Teaching Center. She
also serves as the Title IX coordinator for both the College and the
Graduate School and sits on a number of University advisory com-
mittees that provide academic support, student services and resource
management. Dean Schirmeister received from Yale both her B.A.
and Ph.D. in English and currently serves as Lecturer in Yale College
where she has taught courses in English, Comparative Literature and
 11

the Humanities.
Richard Sleight - Associate Dean HGS 132, 203-432-2744,
(richard.sleight@yale.edu) Richard Sleight’s portfolio includes the
central campus science departments, the School of Engineering and
Applied Sciences, the School of Forestry and Environmental Sciences,
the Medical School, the Nursing School and the School of Public
Health, as well as the departments of Anthropology, Psychology,
Linguistics and Statistics. He has research expertise in lipid bio-
chemistry and the intracellular transport of lipid molecules. Dean
Sleight received his B.S. in Biology from the University of Southern
California and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Purdue University.
Allegra di Bonaventura - Assistant Dean HGS 135, 203-432-
2628, (allegra.dibonaventura@yale.edu) Allegra di Bonaventura deals
with the academic affairs of the graduate programs in the Human-
ities, African American Studies, Economics, Management, Political
Science, Sociology, as well as master’s programs in African Studies,
East Asian Studies, European and Russian Studies, International
Development & Economics, and International Relations. She ad-
vises students regarding financial aid, exchanges and leaves, and she
oversees funding competitions sponsored by the Graduate School.
Dean di Bonaventura received a Ph.D. in History from Yale and a
J.D. from Yale Law School. She also holds a B.A. in History and an
M.A. in German from Middlebury College.
Robert Harper-Mangels - Assistant Dean HGS 133, 203-432-
1884, (robert.harper-mangels@yale.edu) Robert Harper-Mangels’ re-
sponsibilities include the academic affairs of the graduate programs
in the Sciences and Engineering, as well as Anthropology, Linguis-
tics, Psychology, and Statistics. He is the campus advisor for grad-
uate and professional students applying to the Fulbright student
award, the Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Award,
and the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
Program, as well as liaison to the Graduate Student Assembly. Dean
Harper-Mangels earned his B.A. in Music and Psychology at Wes-
leyan University and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience and Behavior at the
12 The Compass

University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Carl Hashimoto - Assistant Dean HGS 134, 203-432-2746,
(carl.hashimoto@yale.edu) Carl Hashimoto deals with the adminis-
tration of the Gruber Science Fellowship Program, special projects
to enhance graduate education and training, and academic affairs of
graduate programs in the sciences and Engineering. Dean Hashimoto
is also professor and director of graduate studies in the Department
of Cell Biology at the Medical School. He received his A.B. in Bio-
chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, and his Ph.D.
in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale.
Robin Ladouceur - Assistant Dean HGS 137, 203-432-8093,
(robin.ladouceur@yale.edu) Robin Ladouceur is in charge of commu-
nications for the GSAS including the website and social media as
well as administer academic programs and fellowships. She received
her B.A. in Russian Literature from the University of California,
Berkeley and Ph.D. in Slavic Languages and Literature from Yale.
Two administrative assistants support the academic deans:
• Alicia Grendziszewski, HGS 134, 203-432-7598, alicia.
grendziszewski@yale.edu, (Schirmeister, di Bonaventura)
• Theresa Dio, HGS 134, 203-432-2744, theresa.dio@yale.edu,
(Sleight, Harper-Mangels, Hashimoto)
 13

GSAS Offices
& Committees

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is much more than

just the Dean’s Office. It is a place to study, to socialize, to improve
your teaching, and, of course, to address any issue that does not fall
within the direct purview of the Dean’s Office. It has a full-time
staff dedicated to helping you develop and succeed during your time
at Yale, and here we list some of the people and offices that may be
helpful.

Center for Language Study

The Center for Language Study (370 Temple Street, 203-432-

6456, http://cls.yale.edu) offers a range of specialized programs that
supplement and extend the work done in Yale’s language depart-
ments. These include the English Language Program, Directed In-
dependent Language Study (DILS), advanced-level language study
within the context of students’ academic area of focus (Fields), for-
eign language tutoring, and language courses for special purposes.
The CLS is run by Nelleke Van Deusen-Scholl (Director of
the Center for Language Study, nelleke.vandeusen-scholl@yale.edu).
General Inquiries may be directed to cls@yale.edu.

English Language Program 370 Temple Street, Room B29, 203-

432-6806, http://cls.yale.edu/english-language-program The En-
glish Language Program is a part of Yale’s commitment to inter-
nationalization, and supports academic communication and the cul-
tural and professional development of the Yale international commu-
nity. Offering a program centered on assessment of needs, advising,
instruction, and consulting, it draws on the expertise of its instruc-
14 The Compass

tors and staff, as well as a network of English language resources

across Yale. ELP also administers the SPEAK test, an English lan-
guage assessment that is required to obtain a teaching position on
campus. This test may be waived under certain circumstances.
The ELP is run by James Tierney (Director of the English Lan-
guage Program, james.tierney@yale.edu).

Graduate Writing Center

The Graduate Writing Center (35 Broadway, Room 210,

203-432-4723, http://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/writing/index.
html) helps graduate students become prolific and successful aca-
demic writers. It offers assistance through academic writing work-
shops, panels with invited speakers, and individual consultations be-
tween students and writing tutors. GWC also offers dissertation
support groups, boot camps and peer-review writing groups in order
to reduce the stress that students often encounter during the process
of writing a dissertation. Its staff works with faculty and students of
all departments to understand and address their specific disciplinary
cultures.
The GWC is run by Elena Kallestinova (Director of the Grad-
uate Writing Center, elena.kallestinova@yale.edu).

The McDougal Center

The McDougal Center (http://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/

mcdougal/index.html) has services and facilities designed specifically
for graduate students and postdocs. Created in 1997 through a gen-
erous gift from Alfred McDougal ’53 and his wife Nancy Lauter,
its mission extends beyond the walls of HGS throughout Yale and
New Haven. The Center is a great physical space, with a neo-gothic
Common Room, meeting rooms, a children’s play area and family
resource room, a computer cluster, and offices for the Graduate Stu-
dent Assembly and the McDougal staff and fellows. The Blue Dog
Cafe, staffed by G&P students, is open during the fall and spring
 15

semesters and is a favorite coffee spot for many graduate students.

The McDougal Center is the umbrella organization over the following
offices.
Graduate Student Life HGS 126/125, 203-432-2583, (http://
www.yale.edu/graduateschool/studentLife) Graduate Student Life
directs programs organized by the McDougal Fellows and supervises
events such as New Student Orientation and Commencement. The
office coordinates graduate student services; serves as the students’
advocate and liaison for graduate housing, dining services, health
services, athletics, security, parking and transit; and provides confi-
dential consultations to address student questions and complaints.
Graduate Student Life is headed by Lisa Brandes (Assistant
Dean for Student Affairs and Director of Graduate Student Life,
lisa.brandes@yale.edu) and Jennifer Mendelsohn (Associate Director
of Graduate Student Life, jennifer.mendelsohn@yale.edu).
Yale Teaching Center HGS 120, 203-432-2583, (http://www.
yale.edu/graduateschool/teaching) The Yale Teaching Center (YTC)
provides a wide array of teaching enhancement services, from individ-
ual consultations to University-wide events like “Teaching at Yale”
Days and the Spring Teaching Forum and Innovation Fair. YTC
courses and workshops combine peer-led discussions of teaching ex-
periences with the introduction of expert teaching methods in all
aspects of pedagogy. YTC also works with academic departments
and programs to help their graduate students succeed in the class-
room. They also offer a Certificate of College Teaching Preparation,
a comprehensive teaching program in effective college teaching. The
program requires completion of several workshops, teaching evalua-
tions, and development of a teaching philosophy. The program not
only provides practical skills but makes you a more competitive aca-
demic job candidate. Visit http://teaching.yale.edu/.
The Yale Teaching Center is currently directed by Risa Sodi
(Director of the Yale Teaching Center, risa.sodi@yale.edu).
Graduate Career Services HGS 122, 203-432-2583, (http:
//www.yale.edu/graduateschool/careers) Graduate Career Services
16 The Compass

(GCS) is a career center for students and alumni of Yale University’s

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Through individual advis-
ing, programs and a library of resource materials as well as internet
resources, the office assists graduate students and alumni with ca-
reer planning and decision-making. GCS consults with directors of
graduate studies to develop programs that supplement the depart-
ment’s role in the professional development of students pursuing an
academic career. For graduate students considering careers beyond
academia, GCS initiates programs and develops links with employ-
ers who seek the skills of our students and alumni. They also offer
a free 2 year subscription to the dossier service, Interfolio. This is
an invaluable service when you start applying for grants, fellowships
and jobs.
The GCS is currently undergoing major changes to improve and
help meet the needs of graduate students in both the professional and
academic development, so please check for announcements as the year
progresses.

Office for Diversity and Equal Opportunity

The Office for Diversity and Equal Opportunity (HGS 127,

203-436-130, http://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/diversity), more
commonly referred to as ODEO, provides support and resources at
all levels to all graduate students in an attempt to foster a sense
of understanding and respect among students from diverse socio-
economic, racial, ethnic, religious, political, cultural and lifestyle
backgrounds. The Office is under the administrative direction of an
Assistant Dean, and operates collaboratively with departments and
programs to proactively recruit and support the needs of diverse stu-
dents as they pursue graduate study at Yale. Individual confidential
advising sessions are also available with the Assistant Dean.
The ODEO is run by Michelle Nearon (Assistant Dean and Di-
rector of the Office for Diversity and Equal Opportunity, michelle.
nearon@yale.edu).
 17

Office of Financial Aid

The Office of Financial Aid (OFA) (HGS 129, 203-432-

7980, http://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/financial) is a resource
to graduate students, departments, and non-Yale organizations need-
ing guidance or assistance regarding financial aid policies and the
administration of fellowships and student loan programs. The of-
fice oversees and maintains financial and data management systems
and disburses all graduate student financial aid. If you ever have a
problem with your stipend pay check, this is where to go.
The OFA is run by Jennifer Brinley (Director of the Office of
Financial Aid, jennifer.brinley@yale.edu).

Registrar’s Office

The Office of the Registrar (246 Church Street, 3rd floor, 203-
432-2743, http://www.yale.edu/sfas/registrar) maintains the aca-
demic records of all students in the Graduate School. In addition, the
office develops course and classroom schedules and oversees registra-
tion, tuition charges, academic holds, dissertation submission, final
clearance at graduation, and release of diplomas for Commencement.
Students should consult this office to report changes in name or Social
Security number, to request transcripts, or to certify their enrollment
in the Graduate School. Students can change their address listing at
www.yale.edu/sis.
The Registrar’s Office is run by Stephen Goot (Deputy Regis-
trar, registrar@yale.edu).

Teaching Fellow Program

The Teaching Fellow Program (HGS 139, 203-432-2709, http:

//www.yale.edu/graduateschool/academics/program.html) provides
opportunities for graduate students to develop teaching skills un-
der faculty guidance through active participation in the teaching of
Yale undergraduates. Throughout the year, the TFP office works
18 The Compass

directly with graduate students to answer questions about teaching

fellowships and match interested students to teaching opportunities
in departments and programs other than their own. Teaching fel-
lows who have questions about any aspect of their appointments at
any time during the semester are encouraged to contact the direc-
tor of the TFP office or their Associate Dean. Decisions regarding
the program are made in close collaboration with the Deans of the
Graduate School and Yale College, as well as with the Chairs, Direc-
tors of Graduate Studies (DGSs), and Directors of Undergraduate
Studies (DUSs) of the arts and sciences academic departments and
programs. Major changes are underway after the review of the TFP
by the GSAS in 2013-2014 so anticipate improvements and modifi-
cations to the TFP throughout the year.
The TFP is run by Judith Hackman (Associate Dean for As-
sessment and Director of the Teaching Fellow Program) and Howard
el-Yasin (Assistant Director of the Teaching Fellow Program). You
can reach them at teaching.fellows@yale.edu.

Committees

Currently, four standing committees are concerned with the

policies and procedures of the Graduate School. As with all standing
committees, their deliberations are confidential. Student members
of these committees are selected by the Graduate Student Assembly
(GSA).
The Executive Committee A committee of faculty members and
graduate students, chaired by the dean, advises the dean on broad
matters of policy and procedure and makes recommendations to the
faculty of the Graduate School.
The Degree Committees There are three degree committees,
serving the divisions of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Biological
and Physical Sciences. The degree committees, composed of mem-
bers of the division’s faculty and chaired by the dean, meet twice a
year and are responsible to the faculty of the Graduate School for
maintaining standards of graduate education in the School and for
 19

recommending candidates for degrees. They review special academic

problems of individual students and, when appropriate, the educa-
tional programs of the departments.
Dean’s Advisory Committee on Student Grievances Com-
posed of three graduate students, three faculty members, normally
one from each division, and one administrator of the Graduate
School, the committee reviews complaints brought by graduate stu-
dents against a member of the faculty or administration of the Grad-
uate School (see Grievance Procedures, under Policies and Regula-
tions).
The Committee on Regulations and Discipline Composed of
three graduate students, three faculty members, normally one from
each division, and an associate dean, the committee reviews viola-
tions of the regulations governing academic and personal conduct
(see Personal Conduct, under Policies and Regulations).
20 The Compass

States of Your Life

as a PhD Student

In the beginning of your time as a graduate student in the Grad-

uate School of Arts and Sciences, you will be taking classes with as-
signments and exams, on a different level but close in spirit to the
coursework that you have done during your studies to obtain your
first degree(s). Depending on your program, there may be a mini-
mum number of courses that you have to take or there may be re-
quirements to write term papers related to the courses. During your
coursework years, you may have to take additional Comprehensive
Exams. The end of your coursework years is marked by Qualifying
Exams, which may be oral or written exams.

At some point during your coursework years (in most depart-

ments), you will have satisfied the requirements to petition for a
master’s degree (MA or MS, depending on the program) from the
Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. You will obtain this degree
”en route” to your Ph.D.

After you have passed your Qualifying Exams, your next hur-
dle is the Dissertation Prospectus, a document in which you outline
your dissertation plans. A defense of the Dissertation Prospectus is
also required for some programs. Moreover, your program may im-
pose additional requirements between the Qualifying Exams and the
Dissertation Prospectus.

Having passed your Qualifying Exams and after having your

Dissertation Prospectus approved, you are now ABD, which means
“All But Dissertation”. You have now advanced to Ph.D. candidacy
and you can petition for yet another master’s degree from the Grad-
uate School of Arts and Sciences, a M.Phil. (Master of Philosophy).
 21

After having advanced to candidacy, you will now work with

your Dissertation Committee, which is a group of professors in charge
of supervising and mentoring your dissertation research. During this
time, you will be asked each year to fill out the Dissertation Progress
Report (DPR). The Dissertation Progress Report is designed to en-
courage interaction and discussion between the student, advisor(s),
and DGS. You should discuss your plans with your advisors prior
to completing the report, and advisors are encouraged to provide
meaningful feedback.
The final step to your Ph.D. is the submission of your Dis-
sertation. In some departments, this step is accompanied by an oral
examination, the Dissertation Defense. After completing this step,
you can petition for a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) in your field of
study. The deadlines are October 15th for a December graduation
and March 15th for a May graduation.
22 The Compass

Funding
Opportunities

There are sources of support available both at Yale and beyond

campus for graduate students to conduct their research and develop
as professionals. The Graduate School and the Graduate Student
Assembly promote opportunities for students to fund their work at
a variety of levels.
Grants and Fellowships http://studentgrants.yale.edu This
website brings together in a comprehensive, searchable resource those
grants and fellowships funded and/or administered by Yale. Most of
these are open only to Yale students and are available from Yale’s
schools, departments, and programs, while others are national com-
petitions to which Yale nominates candidates.
For links to additional funding programs for graduate stu-
dents, including Beinecke Library Pre-Prospectus and Dissertation
Fellowships, MacMillan Center for International Area Studies fel-
lowships, the Center for British Art Assistantships and Yale Univer-
sity Art Gallery Assistantships, please visit http://www.yale.edu/
graduateschool/funding/programs.html.
Conference Travel Fellowship http://gsa.yale.edu/conference-
travel-fellowship The Conference Travel Fellowship (CTF), adminis-
tered by the Graduate Student Assembly, supports the professional
development of graduate students (enrolled in the Graduate School
of Arts and Sciences). Financial assistance is awarded on a com-
petitive basis to students who are presenting papers or posters at
conferences. Funding is allocated four times per year.
Dean’s Fund http://www.yale.edu/graduateschool/funding/
colloquia.html The Dean’s Fund was established to support student-
organized research workshops, seminars and colloquia, in order to
 23

encourage ongoing dialogue between students and faculty pertaining

to their scholarship and research. This program also offers graduate
students practical experience in developing and administering aca-
demic series and events. Proposals can be sent via email directly to
Dean Allegra di Bonaventura.
24 The Compass

Mentoring Programs

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the Graduate

Student Assembly are committed to promoting the mentoring of
graduate students, because we share the strong conviction that good
mentoring is a cornerstone in the development of a graduate student
into a creative and successful scholar in their field of study. There
are currently three programs to promote the mentoring of graduate
students:

FEAST (Free Eating Attracts Students and Teachers) The

Graduate School’s FEAST program allows faculty course supervisors
and their teaching fellows (TFs and PTAIs) to discuss pedagogical
issues over lunch at the HGS or Marigolds dining halls or the KBT
Cafe. Each group of faculty and teaching fellows is eligible to meet
up to twice per term through this program.
In order to obtain FEAST cards, faculty members should con-
tact Sandra Foley in the Graduate School Reception & Information
office. The e-mail request must include the faculty member’s name,
the number and title of the course, and the number of teaching fellows
who will attend the lunch. Please call 203.432.2770 for additional in-
formation.

M4M (Meals for Mentoring) The Graduate School’s Meals for

Mentoring program provides a forum for informal discussion between
graduate students and their faculty advisors and mentors regarding
research, academic goals, and professional development. Students
enrolled in a degree program in the Graduate School of Arts and
Sciences and ladder members of the Graduate School faculty are
eligible to obtain two Meals for Mentoring tickets per term. Each
ticket provides a free lunch for one faculty member and up to two
graduate students at the HGS or Marigolds dining halls or the KBT
 25

Cafe.
Tickets are available at the Graduate School Reception & In-
formation office in HGS 140 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30
p.m. on weekdays. Tickets must be obtained in person at this office
by a student or faculty member. A Yale ID card must be presented
in order to claim tickets. Please call 203-432-2770 for additional
information.
Common Grounds Common Grounds is a program run and orga-
nized by the Graduate Student Assembly. Similar in spirit to M4M,
it also provides a forum for informal discussion between graduate
students and their faculty advisors and mentors regarding research,
academic goals, and professional development. Any student enrolled
in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences can obtain a maximum
of two vouchers per semester to invite a ladder member of the Grad-
uate School faculty for up to $8 at the Blue Dog Cafe at HGS, the
Bass Library Cafe, Marigolds, Ground Cafe, KBT Cafe, and West
Campus Dining.
For vouchers, please email treasurer.gsa@yale.edu. Vouchers
will subsequently be made available at the Graduate School Recep-
tion & Information office in HGS 140 between the hours of 8:30 a.m.
and 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. Tickets must be obtained in person
at this office by the student. Feel free to contact gsa@yale.edu for
further information.
26 The Compass

Glossary

Department Chair The chair is the head of a department. They

are encouraged to be in close communication with administrators in
the graduate school and student representatives.
Departmental Registrar This is the chief administrator for the
graduate program in your department. You will go to them when
you have course conflicts, exam conflicts, or have questions about
teaching assignments etc.
Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) A senior faculty member,
appointed by the dean, serves as director of graduate studies (DGS)
for each department or program. The directors of graduate studies
are responsible for the satisfactory administration of the programs of
graduate study and function as advisers and guides to all graduate
students in their respective departments and programs. They help
graduate students plan an appropriate course of study and research,
and advise on and approve course schedules. The DGS acts as the
liaison between each student in the department or program and the
Office of the Dean.
Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) The Director of
Undergraduate Studies fulfils a role analogous to the Director of
Graduate Studies, but for the undergraduate population. The DUS
is in charge of the administration of majors in your department.
GPSS http://gpss.yale.edu Contact gpss@yale.edu. The Gradu-
ate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS) is composed of elected
representatives from each of the thirteen graduate and professional
schools at Yale. Any student in one of these schools is eligible to
run for a senate seat during fall elections. As a governing body,
the GPSS advocates for student concerns and advancement within
Yale and facilitates interaction and collaboration among the schools
 27

through social gatherings, academic or professional events, and com-

munity service. GPSS meetings occur on alternating Thursdays and
are open to the entire graduate and professional school community,
as well as representatives from the Yale administration. GPSS also
oversees the management of the Graduate-Professional Student Cen-
ter at Yale (GPSCY).
GPSCY http://gpscy.net GPSCY is the on-campus bar located
at 204 York St open to graduate and professional students and their
guests. You must have your Yale ID and a valid state ID or form
of government identification for proof of age. During the evening, it
opens at 8pm, and the facility is 21+. There is a private lounge for
rent that is perfect for department events, birthday parties and other
celebrations. During the day, GPSCY and GPSS provides office and
event space for student organizations, and the facility is open to those
under 21. Visit http://gpss.yale.edu for details on how to book space.
GPSCY is closed on Sundays all year as well as Mondays during the
summer.
GSA Please visit http://gsa.yale.edu or contact gsa@yale.edu.
Students in the Graduate School are represented collectively by the
Graduate Student Assembly, which provides a forum for students to
address issues across the Graduate School and University. It con-
sults with the dean and other administrators on proposed changes
in Graduate School policy, raises concerns expressed by the student
body, nominates the student members of all Graduate School stand-
ing committees (open to all GSAS graduate students), and admin-
isters a conference travel fund for graduate students. Representa-
tives to the assembly are elected by students in individual depart-
ments and degree programs. Each department or program has at
least one student representative, with additional representatives al-
lotted proportionally by size of the student population. The GSA
has four standing committees: Academics and Professional Develop-
ment, Healthcare and Facilities, Transit and Security, and Publicity.
H, HP, P, and F “Honors, High Pass, Pass, and Fail” is the
specific grading system used by the GSAS.
28 The Compass

Life in New Haven

 29

New Haven
Neighborhoods

New Haven has a variety of unique neighborhoods, each with

its own character, architecture, and experiences.

Campus, HGS, and Science Hill

The area around campus and the Hall of Graduate Studies

(HGS) is the center of university life. The neighborhood is within
walking distance of Payne Whitney Gym, downtown, and the strip
of stores and restaurants that line Broadway.

The East Rock Neighborhood

With gorgeous early twentieth-century homes, well-manicured

lawns, and gourmet markets, East Rock is one of the most beauti-
ful areas in New Haven. The center of the neighborhood is Orange
Street, bustling in the warmer months with joggers, bikers, and fam-
ilies out for a stroll. Renting an apartment in one of the multi-family
homes isn’t cheap, but a crafty apartment hunter can find a deal. A
neighborhood full of front porch get-togethers and backyard BBQs:
it’s definitely worth consideration. Very popular with graduate stu-
dents. Mostly leased by small landlords.

Upper State Street

Right on the edge of East Rock and a frequent stop for the
night shuttle, Upper State Street is home to several popular bars and
restaurants and also has liquor stores, coffee shops, laundromats, and
markets. It abuts I-91 and I-95, which can be noisy. The apartments
30 The Compass

are generally smaller than those in East Rock, but can be significantly
cheaper without adding much time to your walk. Mostly leased by
small landlords.

Wooster Square

The heart of New Haven’s vibrant Italian-American commu-

nity, Wooster Street is lined with good restaurants and famous pizza
joints Pepe’s and Sally’s. The area around Wooster Square Park is
quiet and family friendly, particularly from Chapel to Green Streets
between Academy and Olive. The daytime Yale shuttle does not
have stops in this area, so a bike is a must. Mostly leased by small
landlords.

The Arts District

Located between East Rock and campus, the Arts District has
limited housing and what is available tends to go for Downtown
prices. Highlighted by shops, restaurants, and cafes along Whitney
and Audubon (particularly Anna Liffey’s, Willoughby’s, and Kof-
fee), the Arts District is a great place to visit. Mostly leased by
small landlords.

Ninth Square

Ninth Square has been completely overhauled in the past ten

years and offers great restaurants, bars, clubs, and shops in the city.
Apartments in Ninth Square are generally modern and on the high
end of rental prices in New Haven, but it’s a great place to live if you
can swing it. The recently opened Elm City Co-Op offers a great
selection of produce, meat and baked goods in addition to two other
markets: Million Asian Market and 9th Square Market.

Downtown
 31

The heart of the Elm City has just about everything you would
expect including restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, theaters, and the
hustle and bustle of an urban center. The New Haven Green, next
to Old Campus, offers a delightful setting for public gatherings, or
throwing a frisbee. The area includes a mix of managed high rises
and Yale-owned housing run by Elm Campus Housing.

Medical School/Hospital Area

New Haven Towers, which dominate the area, are a little on the
expensive side with slightly outdated interiors. Close to the medical
school, Yale’s main campus, and downtown New Haven this neighbor-
hood has a convenient location but limited parking and restaurants.

Chapel West District

Between York and Dwight Streets, from North Frontage to

Whalley, this neighborhood is home to undergrads, grads, and lo-
cals, giving it a local New Haven feeling just minutes from campus.
With a host of bars and restaurants, a number of reasonably priced
apartments, and ample parking, this neighborhood is worth explor-
ing.

Westville/West Rock

On the far end of Whaley Avenue, Westville is a trek to and from

campus. It has plenty of parks, shopping, and restaurants including
two of the best brunch places in New Haven: Bella’s and Lena’s.
Edgewood Park and the Yale athletic facilities including the Yale
Bowl, golf course, and recreation fields are but a few of the recreation
spots available. Rent is relatively inexpensive and the neighborhood
is very charming, but is far outside the shuttle routes. In some cases,
the Yale Security Escort will still provide a ride.
32 The Compass

There are also many smaller landlords all over New Haven who
own only a few property holdings. This is typically the case outside
of the high-rises found in downtown. Visit the Yale Off-Campus
Housing websites listing search (http://offcampushousing.yale.edu/)
to see open listings with landlord ratings. Many students have also
found apartments through Seabury Hill Realtors
For more information on New Haven’s neighborhoods check
out these websites:
http://www.yale.edu/onhsa
http://www.yale.edu/gateways/visitors.html
 33

Apartment Life

Apartment Hunting

Most graduate students move at least once while at Yale, and

many students move multiple times. In the sport of apartment hunt-
ing, the New Haven area is one of the toughest divisions. There
are three housing options you can choose from: on-campus hous-
ing, Yale owned off-campus housing, or off-campus housing.
Yales Graduate Housing Office website, http://gradhousing.yale.edu
is a great resource for on-campus housing. Also linkable through
the Yale Graduate Housing website, Elm Campus Partners, http:
//www.elmcampus.com, manages Yale owned off-campus housing.
Likewise, http://offcampushousing.yale.edu is a valuable resource for
off-campus listings through private landlords.

Furniture and Apartment Furnishings

Ikea 450 Sargent Drive, 203-8654-4532 http://www.ikea.com New

Haven has its very own low-budget, space-saving Swedish furniture
superstore, located right off Exit 46 on I-95. Check out their selection
online or browse through the miles of showroom space.
Tag Sales You probably know them as garage sales or yard sales,
but in Connecticut they’re tag sales. These are in abundance in
the Spring and Fall, especially in East Rock. Signs posted in yards
and on telephone poles are hard to miss, and there are often online
listings as well.
Salvation Army and Goodwill Usually a little more expensive
than tag sales, there is a Salvation Army thrift store located at 1359
Dixwell Avenue in Hamden. The Hamden location is larger and
34 The Compass

carries more furniture. Goodwill, a similar non-profit organization,

is located at 2901 State Street, 61 Amity Rd in Westville and 472
Foxon Blvd.
Old Campus or any Neighborhood When the smell of spring is
in the air it can mean only one thing: dumpster diving on Old Cam-
pus! When the undergrads move out they often leave behind expen-
sive furniture and apartment furnishings. Watch the piles forming
on sidewalks and near the dumpsters that Yale brings in for the
move-out. Great stuff gets left behind.
Bob’s Discount Furniture 515 Boston Post Rd., Orange, 203-
799-9010 http://www.mybobs.com If you want moderately-priced
furniture, Bob’s Discount Furniture is probably your best bet. You
need a car or a bus to get to one of their many locations, but they
have a reasonable selection.
New Haven Craigslist Like most college towns, New Haven has
a very active Craigslist. Check it out at: http://newhaven.craigslist.
org. (If you are from the SF Bay Area and are used to everyone and
their dog using Craigslist, be aware: it’s a little sketchier out here)

Hardware Stores

Hull’s Art Supply and Framing 1144 Chapel St., 203-865-4319

Home Depot 1873 Dixwell Ave., 203-248-5925
Lowes 115 Foxon Blvd., 203-468-3068 & 50 Boston Post Rd., 203-
891-2038
 35

Moving & Storage

2 Young Studs This is a New Haven local moving company. Don’t

let the name fool you - you can hire 1 - 3 studs for your move. They’re
a great option for in town moves, and they have plenty of experience
with those 3rd floor attic apartments East Rock is full of. Book early
because their schedule fills up in spring to fall.
The Experienced Movers (TEMS) The New Haven based mov-
ing company arrives on time and is very professional. They are very
careful with your belongings, but have a minimum requirement of 3
hours of service per job.
New Haven Self Storage Located in an old factory, the two main
advantages of this unit are the free introductory month and the free
use of their truck to move your stuff into your unit. They offer
climate-controlled units, but the industrial fans & high ceilings keep
most of the units cool. The neighborhood is a little out of the way
but the staff is professional & and the units are clean & safe.
Dixwell Self Storage Close to campus (even though it’s techni-
cally in Hamden), this is a popular storage option for many grad
students, especially those looking to store their belongings for long
periods of time. The units are clean and the owner is friendly and
helpful.
UHaul Go-to place to rent a moving truck. You can also hire a
crew to load your truck for you.

Dealing with your landlord

New Haven has a high occupancy rate, which gives landlords

an advantage over tenants. Rents tend to see a slight year to year
increase. Start your apartment search early and keep your options
open. Before signing your lease, you can refer to Yale’s Off-campus
Housing website (http://offcampus.yale.edu/you-sign-lease), which
has helpful information regarding apartment contracts.
36 The Compass

If you have any serious problems with your landlord, the GSA
has worked hard to make laywers available for free consultations
through the Ask-a-Lawyer program. For information, visit http://
gsa.yale.edu/ask-a-lawyer.
 37

Security

Safety has improved dramatically in New Haven over the last

decade, but it’s still prudent to take a few simple precautions. Yale
offers several resources to make enjoying the benefits of New Haven
easier and safer. This section lists some of these as well as tips from
the administration and graduate students. Yale Police and Security
will always come to the aid of students. Officers are helpful and
available to assist with issues ranging from the mundane (letting you
into the office you locked yourself out of) to the serious. Yale Police
Security patrol the campus 24/7 on foot, by bicycle and in vehicles.
• Pay attention to your surroundings and be aware of people
and resources in your vicinity. Distracted walkers miss clues to
changing conditions. Be alert.
• Avoid walking alone at night except when necessary. Walk in
well-lit, well-patrolled areas. This may seem obvious, but it’s
often overlooked.
• Yale Security has a great walking escort service. Call 203-
432-WALK (9255) 20 minutes before departing and a security
officer will escort you from your point of departure or your
destination so long as one of these is Yale property.
• Yale offers a night time door-to-door shuttle service from 6pm
to 6am seven days a week. Call 203-432-6330. Dial 3 when you
get the recording. You just need your Net ID and pickup and
drop-off locations. Wait times vary considerably based on time
of year and weather.
• Blue phones are interspersed throughout campus and adjoining
neighborhoods. In the event of an emergency they can be used
to alert Yale Security or to call 911. You can find a map of
blue phone locations at: publicsafety.yale.edu/blue-phones
38 The Compass

• As always, if you see something, say something. To report

suspicious activity, call Yale Police at 203-432-4400.
More information on safety and related services can be accessed at
Yale’s Public Safety website http://publicsafety.yale.edu.
• For emergencies call 911.
• To contact Yale Police, call 203-432-4400.
• To contact Yale Security, call 203-782-5555.
Connect with YPD on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/
YalePolice. Follow Chief Ronnell Higgins on Twitter @YPD1, visit
http://twitter.com/#!/YPD1.

Bulldog Mobile

Bulldog Mobile allows students, faculty and staff to use their

smart phones as personal security devices with options like Emer-
gency GPS Locator, Escort Timer (if the timer is not deactivated),
Yale Police will be notified, and Speed Dial to Yale Police. Students
can register at http://publicsafety.yale.edu/bulldog-mobile.
 39

Sports, Exercise
& the Outdoors

Payne Whitney Gymnasium (PWG)

70 Tower Parkway, http://www.yalebulldogs.com/information/

facilities/index

School Year Hours Summer Hours

Monday-Thurs.: 6:00am-10:00pm Monday-Thurs.: 6:00am-9:00pm
Friday: 6:00am-8:00pm Friday: 6:00am-8:00pm
Weekends: 9:30am-4:30 pm Weekends: 10:00am-2:00pm
Fitness Center Located on the fourth floor with treadmills, el-
liptical machines, stair masters, stationary bicycles, rowing ma-
chines, stretching mats, abdominal devices, nautilus weights, and
free weights. If you go during the workday or after 7:30, it’s rarely
crowded.
Swimming Pools There are two pools at PWG: a 50 meter pool
on the third floor and a 25 meter pool in the basement. Both are
regularly available for lap swimming. Their schedule is posted on the
PWG website.
Pick-up basketball PWG has six courts for pick-up games, four
regulation courts located in the Lanman Center on the first floor and
two smaller courts on the fifth floor. Solid competition can be had
weekdays after 5:30pm. Serious ballers should ask around about a
weekly coaches game.
Pick-up volleyball The basketball courts can be set up for vol-
leyball. One of the courts holds a competitive pick-up game most
Tuesday and Thursday evenings as well as Saturday mornings.
40 The Compass

Squash Yale is home to the Brady Squash Center, a world-class

facility – arguably the finest in the country – with fifteen regulation
courts and a full-service pro shop.
Intramurals Many departments have intramural teams. If
your department doesn’t have a team for a particular sport,
it’s easy to find a team looking for players. Check out
this website for the intramural calendar to see what’s offered
and when: http://www.yalebulldogs.com/information/intramurals/
graduate-professional/calendar.
Classes PWG offers year-round classes for all experience lev-
els. Activities include ballroom dance, Pilates, Zumba, spin-
ning, and many more. Personal training is also available. To
see all of the available classes, click classes at the website
below: http://sportsandrecreation.yale.edu/facility/payne-whitney-
gym/payne-whitney-gym.

Group Exercise

Balanced Hot Yoga Studio http://www.balancedyoga.us/

1079 Whalley Avenue, New Haven, CT
info@balancedyoga.us, (203) 980-1356
This has been referred to as “New Haven’s hottest new yoga studio”
and you will find that they are not just another “hot yoga” experi-
ence. They offer a nurturing environment where, through a number
of different yogic practices ranging from hot vinyasa to cooling yin,
students at all levels can discover the mental and physical benefits
of holding and flowing poses. Discounted rates for Yale students
Breathing Room Yoga http://www.breathingroomct.com/
Telephone: (203) 562-5683
817 Chapel Street. Unit 2F, New Haven, CT
info@breathingroomCT.com
Breathing Room, a new yoga studio in downtown New Haven, is a
breath of fresh air for all looking to expand their yoga experience.
An intimate studio, Breathing Room is a personal and inviting space
 41

to practice. With a variety of classes for students of all levels, this

studio puts emphasis on your practice as an extension of your life,
and works to create a space for you to learn and grow with yourself
and a community of like-minded individuals. Discounted rates for
Yale students
The Fitness Haven http://www.thefitnesshaven.com
938 State Street, New Haven CT
thefitnesshaven@gmail.com, (203) 562-BUFF (2833)
Group exercise classes including: Sculpt Fusion, Body Blast, yoga,
cardio kickboxing, Zumba, belly dance, Piloxing
Fresh Yoga http://www.freshyoga.com/
Erector Square: 319 Peck Street, New Haven, CT
Ninth Square Downtown: 49 Orange St, New Haven, CT
info@freshyoga.com, (203) 776-YOGA (9642)
Fresh Yoga offers a variety of yoga styles (Forrest, Baptiste Power,
OM, Jiyamukti, Anusara, Buddhist meditation & Tai Chi, Ash-
tanga). The Fresh philosophy is find what works for you. Students
are encouraged to go inside and feel out which styles and methods
resonate with them. Discounted rates for Yale students
New Haven Fitness http://www.newhavenfitness.com/
900 Chapel St New Haven, CT
(203) 789-8887
Full service gym on Chapel Street with air conditioning. Look out
at the green while watching tv and running on the treadmill. Classes
such as Zumba, Step, Spinning and Yoga are included in the monthly
fee.
New Haven Strength & Fitness http://www.
newhavenstrengthandfitness.com
214 Wooster Street, New Haven, CT 06511
newhavenstrengthandfitness@hotmail.com, (203) 562-3267
New Haven Strength & Fitness is a group fitness exercise studio
specializing in a wide variety of fitness classes. NHSF is the only
facility in the New Haven area featuring LesMills Body Pump and
LesMills Body Attack. They offer fitness classes for all fitness levels
42 The Compass

and have certified personal trainers and certified nutritionists on

staff.
Sarah Aldrich Pilates http://www.aldrichpilates.com
New Haven, Connecticut
info@aldrichpilates.com, (203) 787-8FIT
SAP aims to provide all of their clients with access to warm, highly-
qualified and approachable instructors trained in a variety of back-
grounds (Classical, Stott and Kane School Methods.) Thorough
knowledge of Pilates principles & basic biomechanics so that you can
employ smart movement both in the Pilates studio and throughout
your everyday life. A sense of curiosity, fun and improvement in your
Pilates practice. Inspiration to inhabit your best body. Discounted
rates for Yale students
Workout On Whitney http://www.workoutonwhitney.com/
29 Whitney Ave 203-488-1800
The most convenient option for East Rock residents, this studio offers
a wide variety of classes including Hip Hop, Indoor Cycling, Pilates
Fusion, Turbokcik and Zumba. Check out their advertisement in the
back for new student discounts.
 43

Jogging

With scenic sidewalks, large parks, and running tracks, New

Haven is a great place to run. As well, enjoy the newly opened
Farmington Canal Trail that runs from Hillhouse to Temple and then
north through the city. Once a few miles out, enjoy the trail north
to Northhampton, MA (84 miles).
East Rock/East Rock Park Take a left at the north end of
Orange Street to jog through either a wooded trail or on blacktop.
The route takes you to summit of East Rock.
Edgewood Park Great for jogging, photography, and strolls, this
park is small but scenic.
Wilbur Cross High School Track Wilbur Cross High School on
Cold Spring St. has a rubberized track that is rarely crowded.
Prospect Street College Street turns into Prospect at Woolsey
Hall and runs uphill. It’s a safe and scenic workout.
Indoor Track PWG has a 1/8th mile indoor jogging track above
the Lanman Center.

Hiking

New Haven’s parks are a great hiking resource. Check out East
Rock Park at the corner of Livingston and Cold Spring. West Rock
Ridge Park off of Wintergreen Ave. in Hamden has several trails. If
you’ve got a car, the 15 minute drive to Sleeping Giant State Park in
Hamden is well worth it, with a large number of trails for a variety
of levels.

Outdoor Sports

You can find all manner of pick-up games around New Haven.
The fields at the Yale Bowl often have soccer or ultimate Frisbee
games next to the tennis facilities. On the grounds of Wilbur Cross
44 The Compass

High School (Cold Spring and Foster Streets) you can find soccer,
outdoor basketball, and tennis courts. Rice Field, next to East Rock,
has regular evening soccer games.

Yale Golf Course

Consistently rated among the top collegiate courses in the na-

tion, the Course at Yale is a must for golfers of all abilities. A day on
the links is only $25 for students and $60 for guests, with half price
tee times after 3:30pm. Lessons are available and the staff is always
happy to see students. The 19th Hole, Widdy’s, at the clubhouse is
a great spot for a cold beer.

Yale Corinthian Yacht Club

In addition to being the home of Yale’s accomplished Varsity

Sailing Team, the YCYC – known as the Yic-Yic – is a great public
facility. Open all summer, with a sizable fleet of small boats, it’s a
great opportunity to keep your skills sharp or pick up a new, decid-
edly Yale-appropriate hobby. A $200 summer membership gets you
(and guests) unlimited access to the boats. They also offer lessons
for a reasonable price.
 45

Laundromats

Bubble and Squeak 165 Willow St., 203-498-8537 & 130 Park
St., 776-3450
Howe Laundromat 96 Howe St., 203-562-5458
Precision Wash and Dry 523 Elm St., 203-498-7627
Top Kat Super Laundromat 1289 Whalley Ave., 203-389-1306
The Wash Tub 40 Foster St., 203-776-3598. During especially
stressful weeks, this is a great, affordable spot to drop your laundry
for an overnight wash.
Wooster Tub, LLC 208 Wooster St. #1, 203-498-0878

Dry Cleaners

Blue Jay Cleaners 51 Broadway, 203-777-2546

Jet Cleaners 687 State St., 203-777-0742. Yale student discount,
and email monthly coupons.
JJ Cleaners 528 Orange St., 203-776-2581.
Ted’s Cleaners 57 Grove St., 203-777-8214
Quality Dry Cleaner 135 Dwight St., 203-785-0011
46 The Compass

Markets
(Super & Specialty)

Super Markets

Elm City Market 777 Chapel St., New Haven, http://www.

elmcitymarket.coop. New co-op in downtown within walking dis-
tance of Yale. Great selection of meats, vegetables and baked goods.
Membership is not required.
ShopRite 2100 Dixwell Ave., Hamden, http://www.shoprite.com.
This location has a good natural foods section.
Stop & Shop 150 Whalley Ave., New Haven (and also one way
up Dixwell), http://www.stopandshop.com. Stop & Shop also offers
“Peapod,” an online ordering and delivery service for orders over $20.
http://www.peapod.com.
Trader Joe’s 560 Boston Post Rd., Orange, http://www.
traderjoes.com. Trader Joe’s specializes in gourmet, natural foods
and reasonable prices.
Whole Foods Market 1686 Boston Post Rd., Milford, http://
www.wholefoodsmarket.com

Local Markets

Hong Kong Grocery 71 Whitney Ave. The Hong Kong Grocery

is hands down the best Asian market in town. Great prices and a
wide selection – it’s a good spot to get produce and seafood.
Nica’s Market 603 Orange St. Nica’s is a popular market in East
Rock that graduate students frequent on their way back home from
 47

classes to grab dinner or pickup a few things to make dinner with. It

gets very crowded, but the patio is great. Their breakfast sandwiches
and panini are a must. http://www.nicasmarket.com/
P and M Orange Street Market 721 Orange St. Cheaper than
Romeo’s or Nica’s. To some extent you get what you pay for, but
for the staples it’s a good spot to avoid the rush and the price of the
gourmet shops. http://pnmorangestreet.com/
Romeo and Cesare’s 771 Orange St. A classic gourmet shop
with good cheeses, produce, a full deli, breads, and flowers, its deli
sandwiches and hot items are especially good.
Skappo Merkato 51 Orange St. Gourmet meats, cheeses, pasta,
sauces and homemade preserves, chutneys and jams in the heart of
9th Square. http://www.skappomerkato.com/
Edge of the Woods 379 Whalley Ave. A hippie favorite, Edge
of the Woods combines crunchy and quality. They specialize in bulk
goods including rice, beans, tea, and spices, but you’ll need a vehicle
or bicycle to get them back as it’s halfway to Westville on Whalley.
http://www.eotwm.com/pages/home.html
Million Asian Market 15 Orange Street Small but extensive gro-
cery in the heart of downtown with fresh produce and many items
for Asian cooking. It was just recently expanded to fit even more
items!
9th Square Market 72 Orange Street Mom and pop owned mar-
ket downtown with your run of the mill corner market items.
48 The Compass
 49

Liquor
& Wine Stores

Connecticut has restrictive alcohol laws. The curfew for liquor

sales is 9:00pm Monday-Saturday, and 5:00pm on Sundays. Though
by no means exhaustive, this list includes liquor stores in the major
neighborhoods of New Haven.

Amity Wine and Spirit Co. 95 Amity Road, 203-397-9463

Hailed by grad students as one of the least expensive shops in town
with a large selection of beer, wine and spirits. If you’re throwing a
department function or a good-sized house party, make a beer run out
here. They have good prices on kegs. http://www.amitywines.net/

Bottle Shop 492 Orange St., 203-772-1111 This store has the
widest selection in the East Rock neighborhood. Its location is great
and its prices match, and it’s a good spot to hit for East Rock
denizens on the way home from a day at the office.

La Bella Vita 175 Wooster St., (203) 777-7572 A Wooster Square

staple with a nice selection of wines.

Odd Bins Bottle Shop 1 Whitney Ave, 203-562-7714 With

friendly and knowledgeable staff and a location close to campus,
this family-owned shop is a great pre-party pit stop. Unlike a lot
of spots, they’re more than willing to sell you a cheaper bottle of
higher quality. Visit http://oddbinswineshop.com/

The Wine Thief 378 Whitney Ave., 203-865-4845 & 181 Crown
St., 203-772-1944 This store arguably has the most knowledgeable
staff and largest selection of wines. The Wine Thief is the ideal neigh-
borhood wine, liquor, and beer shop. Visit http://www.thewinethief.
com/
50 The Compass

Orange Street Liquor Shop 717 Orange St., 203-865-9622 A

clean and friendly liquor shop with a good selection. They also sell
tobacco.
Gag Jr’s Liquor Shop 1183 Chapel St., 203-824-1630 The selec-
tion isnt large, but its dependable and the service is kind. Not the
best choice to stock up your wine supplies before elegant occasions,
but a great place to grab a chilled six-pack on your way to a party.
 51

Bookstores

New Haven has some very nice bookstores. Some of the lesser-
known places on our list are charming, local, and inexpensive. Re-
member, The New Haven Public Library (133 Elm St., 203-946-
8130 ) is free as long as you bring a bill with proof of New Haven res-
idence. Also, the Yale Library has almost any book you can imagine!
Atticus Bookstore and Cafe 1082 Chapel, 203-776-4040 Atti-
cus has a great but select collection of new books and a “bargain
basement,” where you can find some fantastic used volumes. Enjoy
your new book at their indoor cafe.
Booktrader 1140 Chapel St., 203-787-6147 This used bookstore
also has a small, somewhat-pricey cafe with outdoor seating. Some-
times, if you show up right at close and ask nicely, they’ll give you a
bag of day-old pastries and breads.
Neverending Books 810 State St., 203-865-6507 This “hole-in-
the-wall” shop is filled with used, free and set-your-own-price books.
Be sure to call for hours!
Yale Bookstore 77 Broadway, 203-777-8440 A college bookstore,
this Barnes & Noble carries everything from books to umbrellas,
much with the Yale insignia. Visit http://yale.bncollege.com/.
The Institute Library 847 Chapel, 203-562-4045 One of the na-
tion’s last subscription libraries, members find it a great place to
study. Their regular used book sales are not to be missed.
52 The Compass

Retail Shopping

Audobon Arts District Located at the beginning of Whitney

Avenue, this cute area of shops is just a few blocks over from Hill-
house and includes a plethora of lunch options. It also features art
galleries with regional artists and if you are in the mood to get crafty,
there is Knit New Haven.
Broadway Near HGS you’ll find one of New Haven’s better shop-
ping spots. In addition to the Yale Bookstore, this area has Origins,
J. Crew, Urban Outfitters and American Apparel. Across the street
you’ll find preppy New Haven original Gant.
Chapel Street A host of small stores lines Chapel Street between
College and York. You’ll find primarily clothes, jewelry and home
boutiques.
Clinton Crossing and Tanger Outlets I-95N to exit 63 for Clin-
ton, exit 65 for Westbrook. Clinton Crossing and Tanger Outlets are
two of New England’s largest and most popular factory-outlet malls.
Dixwell Avenue If you don’t have a car, taking the D Public Bus
up Dixwell Ave. is your best bet. Along the route you’ll find a Wal-
Mart, Bob’s Stores, Old Navy, Kohl’s, and T.J. Maxx. It’s also home
to the bulk of New Haven’s auto care stores.
North Haven Exit 8 off I-91 leads you to the closest Walmart,
with a Lowe’s next door. Exit 9 off I-91 brings you to Montowese
Ave, where you’ll find Target, Home Depot, Barnes & Noble, and
many other popular chain stores.
Boston Post Road Exit 39B off I-95S will take you to the be-
ginning of a stretch of strip malls on the Boston Post Road (Rte.
1) with just about every type of store you can imagine – furniture,
sporting goods, retail clothing, electronics, and more.
 53

Connecticut Post Mall The closest mall is Connecticut Post

Mall, which offers a variety of typical mall stores as well as an ex-
tensive food court and movie theater.
54 The Compass
55
56 The Compass

Barbershops
& Salons

While the city seems to have a glut of barbershops and salons,

quantity does not imply quality, so be on the lookout for tonsorial
talent. The list below was assembled by our editorial board and input
from current GSA reps. Caveat emptor – or buy a set of clippers.
Broadway Hair 59 Broadway, 203-777-2795 It is well reviewed
for men’s short haircuts and centrally located, but be aware that if
you ask for an inch they’ll take a mile.
Capture Salon 100 Crown St, 203-424-0395 One of the newer
salons in town, clients rave about the premier salon that offers hair,
nail, makeup, spa, skin care, and bridal services. Hang out with the
cute Yorkie the salon owner has while you get pampered.
David Ryan Salon 1201 Boston Post Road, Milford, CT, 203-
878-3529 Located in the Milford Mall, this spot is cheap, running
$25-30 for a woman’s haircut. Haircut quality varies, but tends to-
wards the poles. They take walk-ins, but you’re unlikely to get the
same person twice. That said, it’s hard to complain at these rates.
Deluxe Salon/Studio 93 Whitney Ave., 203-785-1655 Indepen-
dently owned and operated, Deluxe Studio is home to stylist Griffin
Laengle. It’s a great place for a woman who wants a basic cut, or a
hip, edgy style but it comes with a price. Check out her website at
http://www.deluxenewhaven.com.
Hair Niche on Chapel 1151 Chapel St., 203-773-0005 Located
on the first-floor of the Hotel Duncan, the Hair Niche is simple and
easy. The cuts are affordable and straightforward. Ask for Nancy.
JoBella Salon & Spa 155 Temple St, 203-865-5911 www.
jobellasalons.com Well reviewed, especially for color jobs, Jobella
 57

is located in the Omni Hotel. Valet parking is only $3 if you get your
ticket validated inside. The staff is friendly and thoughtful always
making sure your experience is enjoyable (they also offer complimen-
tary coffee or tea). Perfect for a full-day pamper including a haircut,
manicure, pedicure and threading. They take walk-ins, but you may
have to wait. Ask for the Yale student discount.
Karma 263 College St., 203-777-6333 www.karmasalon.com For
a while, Karma was the only deluxe game in town. Located at the
base of the Taft, the location can’t be beat. The prices, however,
definitely can: cuts run north of $50, so worth a shot only if you’re
willing to shell out. Still, they have a devoted following. They serve
complimentary tea, coffee, and wine. If you mention you’ve been to
the website, you receive 10% percent off your first haircut.
Phil’s Barbershop 82 Wall St., 203-865-9187 A New Haven es-
tablishment, Phil’s is a blast from the past. It’s extremely convenient
– located next to the original Blue State on Wall St. – but quality
varies. The shop runs on a first-come, first-cut basis so you have to
hold out if you want a particular barber. Resist the pressure. The
quality varies enormously.
Phil’s on Broadway 17 Broadway, 203-865-9182 Now under new
ownership and separate from the original Phils on Wall Street. Phils
on Broadway is tucked away upstairs next to Gourmet Heaven.
While not the most glamorous looking place, they do great work
on all styles of hair, especially difficult to cut straight hair. They
offer a full array of services at great rates. If you are looking for a
great cut that wont break the bank stop in and ask for Alexis.
Rimage Salon & Spa 1210 Chapel, 203-562-4247 Rimage gets
mixed review and even their fans admit that the stylists are “hit or
miss” especially for wavy hair. That said, the staff are extremely
welcoming and clients can count on a complimentary glass of tea,
coffee, or wine with each cut.
Salon J 168 York St., 203-782-4755 Salon J has a great loca-
tion near campus and reasonable prices ($22-25 for men’s, $50-65 for
women’s). They offer a 10% discount to students and you can usually
58 The Compass

walk in without having to wait (though it doesn’t hurt to have an

appointment). Jenna, the owner, is recommended for women’s hair.
Salon Lulu 839 Chapel St., 203-562-1456 A newcomer to New
Haven, Salon Lulu is seriously upscale. They offer spa and massage
services and their website – http://www.salonlulu.com – can only be
described as intense. Men’s haircuts go for $40 and women’s for $60.
But if you’re looking to be pampered, this is the spot.
Soho 916 Whalley, 203-387-6799, http://sohohair.com Great for
curly and short hair, Soho is not as warm as all of its competitors.
Those with long hair are advised to look elsewhere.
Y Haircutting 49 High St, 203-562-5623, http://www.
yhaircutting.com Without a doubt, Y is the fastest haircut
you’ll get in New Haven. It’s also above the average for New Haven
barbershops and the staff is generally competent. Men’s cuts run
for $16. It’s not glamorous, but it gets the job done.
 59

Travel & Transportation

60 The Compass

Getting
Around Town

Getting around town can seem like quite the obstacle, but the
transportation options website has a full set of solutions to navigate
New Haven at http://to.yale.edu. If you don’t have a car in New
Haven, there are still plenty of options, which are listed on their “car-
free” page at http://to.yale.edu/car-free. Here are some additional
resources:
The Daytime campus shuttles stop at major destinations
throughout the campus and city, including stops at the Medical and
Divinity Schools and the East Rock neighborhood. There are sev-
eral different fixed routes, indicated by different colors. The shuttles
may run a few minutes early or late; be sure to view the shuttles in
real-time using the URL below or the “Transloc” app for your smart
phone. For route maps, check the website.
After 6pm, the Nighttime Blue and Orange shuttles will pick
you up from designated stops and take you home within the shuttle
system boundary until 1am or 11pm, respectively.
The Weekend Blue Shuttle service runs every half hour, from
8:15am to 5:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. The shuttle services
Stop & Shop on Whalley Avenue and Union Station as well as other
stops throughout the Central and Medical campuses. After 6pm, the
Weekend Blue Shuttle reverts back to its nighttime route. See a map
of the route to.yale.edu/weekend-routes and track it in real time on
your computer or smart phone using the “Transloc” app.
For the times, stops, and maps for each route, go to: http:
//to.yale.edu/shuttle
In order to see where the shuttles are in real time, visit: http:
//yale.transloc.com/info/mobile
 61

If you don’t have a smart phone, visit the following link to

learn how to receive updates via text message: http://yale.transloc.
com/t
To receive emergency notifications about disruptions of the
shuttle routes, go to: http://mailman.yale.edu/mailman/listinfo/
transit emergency notification
Daytime weekend shuttle route information can be found at:
http://to.yale.edu/weekend-routes
If you prefer to walk to your destination, don’t hesitate to use
the 2walk service, which will provide you with a Yale security escort.
Call (203) 432-9255.
Nighttime Door to Door shuttles are available from 4pm to
7am. Simply call 203-432-6330, dial 3 at the prompt, and provide
the dispatcher with your netID, location, destination, and number
of riders. You’ll be given a bus number and estimated wait time.
When the shuttle arrives you’ll receive a phone call notification. For
additional details for both services, visit: http://publicsafety.yale.
edu/nighttime-safe-rides-walking-escort-service

When to use which service?

• Always use the fixed routes when possible.
• If you’re only going a short distance, consider using the 2walk
system to have a security officer walk with you to your desti-
nation.
• If it’s after 6pm and your destination is off the fixed routes,
call the nighttime door to door shuttle.
Zipcar Zipcar is a car share program that’s very popular on cam-
pus. As a member, you’ll have 24/7 access to Zipcars parked around
campus, as well as in other convenient locations like Union Station.
You reserve a car online, let yourself in with your Zipcard, and drive.
You can pay either an hourly or daily rate, and this includes gas
and insurance. Yale students receive discounts when signing up.
http://www.zipcar.com/yale
62 The Compass

CT Transit The CT Transit bus can get you around town or out
into the surrounding areas. Fares are $1.30 each way or purchase a 10
ride ticket for $11.25. Want to know if its going to your destination?
Use the transit option in Google Maps! It’s been loaded with CT
Transit routes and timetables. http://www.cttransit.com
Taxi Services Taxis in New Haven are relatively expensive, but
the city is small enough that rides are generally no more than $10-
$15. See to.yale.edu/taxi for a complete list. Try one of these ser-
vices:
• Metro Taxi: 203-777-7777
• Yellow Taxi: [ph203-777-7770
• Equamex Taxi: 203-624-3333
Rental Cars Yale offers a discount on major brand rental cars.
Information, along with discount codes is available at: http://www.
yale.edu/ytravel/ground/ground car companies.htm.
 63

Biking
In New Haven

New Haven isn’t exactly Portland or Minneapolis, but it has an

active bike culture that’s working with the city to make cycling here
easier and safer. There’s no faster way to get around campus, and it’s
a great way to fit exercise into your schedule. Visit to.yale.edu/bike
for additional resources.
Need a route? All the Yale Cycling Team’s maps are on
their website, http://www.yale.edu/cycling/ or http://www.yale.
edu/cycling/ridemaps.html. Or, explore the Farmington Canal Trail,
which offers a beautiful tree-lined path starting at Sachem Street.
The City of New Haven’s “Smart Cycling Handbook” shows marked
bike plans and routes, and explains the local rules of the road at
www.cityofnewhaven.com/streetsmarts.
Unfortunately, New Haven has a problem with bike theft. We
recommend using a heavy duty U-lock and switching out all quick-
release skewers with bolts. You can legally lock your bike to parking
meters; be careful with wooden railings (even on your porch) that
can be sawed and street signs that can be pulled out of the ground.
Take your bike indoors at night when possible. There’s a video ex-
plaining the best locking technique at to.yale.edu/bicycle-parking-
and-security. To get involved in cycling/bike culture and politics
visit http://elmcitycycling.org.
If you need to borrow some bike tools, the McDougal Center
has a great stand and all the basic tools. To use it, talk to Mary in
HGS 129.
64 The Compass

Bikesharing at Yale

Yale has partnered with Zagster to provide a number of shared-

use bicycles for the community. Similar to Zipcar, students pay a
membership fee of $30/year to be granted access to the bicycles. If
students attend the Bike Safety class offered by Yale Environmental
Health and Safety, $20 of the membership fee will be reimbursed.
The first four hours of a rental are free with each additional hour
costing $3, up to a maximum of $24 per day. Bicycles can be found
at ten locations from the Medical School to Science Hill. For more
information, see http://to.yale.edu/yale-bikeshare.

Bike Shops

Devil’s Gear 151 Orange St., New Haven, (203) 773-9288 This
local shop is the engine of the bike culture in New Haven. They sell
a bit of everything, from high-end racing bikes to Dutch commuters
and fixies. They are great for used bikes and repairs. http://www.
thedevilsgear.com
Zane’s Cycles 330 East Main Street, Branford, CT 1-800-551-
2453 Difficult to get to without a car but worth the drive, Zane’s
has the best selection in the area for high-end racing bikes. Visit
http://www.zanes.com
College Street Cycles 252 College St., New Haven, 203-865-
2724 This bike shop looks small, but they have a ton of bikes
(used and new) downstairs and will work with you to find what
you are looking for. The guys that work here are always helpful
and friendly. College St. Cycles isn’t as flashy as Devil’s Gear,
but you’ll get a more personal service and some great advice. Visit
http://www.collegestreetcycles.com.
Craigslist This is definitely the cheapest option for finding a used
bike. http://newhaven.craigslist.org/bik
 65

Owning a Car

Mechanics

In a 2010 field test, we took the same car to twelve different area
mechanics. Ten of them found problems that weren’t there, and four
of those wanted diagnostic fees. Listed below are the three shops
that did it right and came in with the most reasonable estimates.
Mike’s Auto Clinic 1312 Whitney Ave., Hamden, 281-3171
When we went into Mike’s it took them about twenty minutes to
throw the car up on the rack and diagnose the problem. They charge
for diagnoses but their labor costs are generally cheaper. Also, if you
need a head or tail-light replaced, they’ll just charge you for the part
(most shops charge 15-30 min of labor).
Meineke Car Care 845 West Main St., Branford, (203) 488-1158
& 1175 Whalley Ave & 404 Boston Post Rd. These guys (at the
Whalley address) were super courteous. They did a fantastic job on
an oil change and a horn repair. The Branford store is said to be
similarly reliable.
CT Car Care 2520 Whitney Ave., 281-7780 Straight up Whitney
Ave in Hamden, this is the place to get the quickest oil-change and
car wash around.
There are several national chains in and around New Haven,
such as Firestone and PepBoys.

Registering your vehicle in New Haven

It’s great having a car, but New Haven makes it an expensive

proposition with taxes, ticketing, towing, parking and security. If
66 The Compass

you’re not set on having a car, you can definitely survive without
one. Also, Connecticut drivers are notoriously bad, so make sure
your insurance is up to date.
New Haven charges property tax on your car. Taxes can be
nasty, but tax penalties can be worse and drivers who do not change
their registration are frequently caught and fined. You are also able
to write off these taxes on your CT Tax Form, so think twice before
trying to dodge these taxes. Here is a list of things you should have
with you when you go to the DMV to change your plates.
If you are changing your residence and your car’s license
plates:
• Old driver’s license and either a birth certificate or passport
• Social Security card
• Old title and insurance policy for the car
• Current bill or tax bill listing your current address
• An emissions test certification/VIN certification (just about
every car shop is rated to give you one of these)
• The form at: http://www.dmvct.state.ct.us/h13form.htm
• A Connecticut auto insurance policy
• Your check book with at least $200 in your account and/or a
credit card (Visa or Mastercard)
If you are just changing your car’s license plates:
• Current driver’s license
• Old title and insurance policy for the car
• Current bill or tax bill listing your current address
• An emissions test certification/VIN certification
• The form can be found at: http://www.dmvct.state.ct.us/
h13form.htm
• A Connecticut auto insurance policy
• A signed letter with Yale letterhead from your Registrar or
Director of Graduate Studies stating that you are a current
full-time student
• Current Yale student ID
• Your check book with at least $200 in your account and/or a
credit card (Visa or Mastercard)
 67

If you want to leave your car registered in your home state

(which many insurance companies will let you if you are a full-time
student) where insurance rates might be a little cheaper than in New
Haven, you are still legally required to pay New Haven property tax.
It’s a hassle, but it’s even more of a hassle if you don’t do it and are
caught and charged back taxes for some arbitrary amount of time.
To pay your property tax, go to the Assessor’s Office at City Hall.
Make sure you bring your registration in with you, because they use
this to determine your vehicle’s value, which is then multiplied by
the city’s current mill rate to determine what you owe. If you live
in a neighborhood with zoned parking, you can take the paperwork
from the Assessor’s Office across the hall to the tax collector, pay it
(with cash) plus $10 to get your zone sticker. If you don’t need a
zone sticker, they will mail you a bill to pay twice a year. You can
claim up to $300 of personal property taxes on your tax return come
April, so if you don’t have a fancy new car, it will likely all come out
in the wash.
68 The Compass

Parking

Parking is at a premium in New Haven, so we’ve included some

resources to help you find a spot for your vehicle no matter where
you are in town. The best policy will always be to check on-street
signs for parking limitations.
Downtown Most spots are metered downtown, although some
streets utilize parking voucher stations. Most meters accept credit
cards, while the older styles only accept change. Meters are free on
Sundays and holidays, and after 9pm the rest of the week. Visit
http://nhparking.com for information on paid lots in New Haven.
On June 6, 2005, the City of New Haven became the fourth city
in the United States, and the only city in Connecticut, to pass an
ordinance allowing free metered parking for hybrid and alternative
fuel cars. You must register your hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle
in person at City Hall, 165 Church Street. You must bring proof
that your vehicle is eligible and that it is currently registered in New
Haven to receive a decal which will be attached to the vehicle. Visit
http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/TrafficParking/hybridparking.asp.
Residential neighborhoods While some streets have free park-
ing, others require permits. Information on Residential Park-
ing Permits can be found at http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/
TrafficParking/residentialzones.asp.
Yale Garages While pricey (about $800 − 900 per year), Yale
does provide students the option to park in one of their garages
around campus. Details and rates can be found at http://to.yale.
edu/student-parking.

Tickets & Towing

The City of New Haven raises a lot of revenue from towing.

You’re most likely to get towed for parking in a street sweeping/snow
plowing zone or for unpaid parking tickets. You can pay tickets by
phone or in person at City Hall (165 Church St). Visit http://www.
 69

cityofnewhaven.com/TrafficParking/ParkingPrograms.asp. To avoid
being towed for interfering with sweeping or plowing, pay close atten-
tion to the small signs present on every street in town announcing
the regular sweep schedule. Also keep an eye out for temporary
signs announcing sweeping: the City sometimes posts these for reg-
ularly scheduled sweeps. The appeals process is laborious and rarely
worth the time and effort, so if you’re going out of town, be sure to
have a friend watch your car. You can check the sweep schedule at:
http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/PublicWorks/sweep/index.asp.

Car Theft & Break-ins

Car break-ins are not uncommon in New Haven, so parking in

a lot is advisable. Be sure not to leave charging cables, change, or
valuables visible, and always remove your GPS mount, even in the
better parts of town. If someone breaks into your car, call the New
Haven Police Department at (203) 946-6316. It’s unlikely they’ll
be able to do anything about it, but reporting the event will help
them with patrolling and enforcement. NHPD has more helpful tips
at the following website: http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/police/
crimepreventionsafety.asp#AutoTheftPrevention.
70 The Compass

Traveling
Out of New Haven

There are a number of opportunities for travel outside of New

Haven. New York City and Boston are the obvious choices, but
Connecticut and surrounding states are full of interesting options for
a weekend getaway. Here are some resources for planning how to get
there.
Yale’s Travel Website http://www.yale.edu/travel Is an excel-
lent on and off-campus travel resource offered through Yale Travel
Services.
MTA Metro-North Railroad http://www.mta.info/schedules
and click on “Metro-North Railroad.” Metro-North offers train
service to New York City. Trains depart every hour (every half-
hour during peak) from 5:00am to 1:30am. A roundtrip to Grand
Central costs $31 off-peak ($44 peak), and parking is available at
Union Station, as long as you get there before 8:00am. A better
bet is to take the Yale Shuttle or the free Union Station Shuttle
at www.cttransit.com/routesschedules/unionstation.asp. The Union
Station Shuttle runs continuously every 20 minutes, from 6:05AM
until 10:15PM, Monday through Friday.
Amtrak http://www.amtrak.com More expensive than MTA, Am-
trak offers a wider range of services, including to Boston and Newark
Airport.
Connecticut Limo http://www.ctlimo.com CT Limo offers bus
service to and from Bradley Airport, JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark.
$30-$70 for a one-way ticket.
Go Airport Shuttle http://www.2theairport.com Offers shuttle-
service to and from JFK, LaGuardia, Newark and White Plains-
 71

Westchester. The fare is about $50 one-way with the student dis-
count.
Bradley International Airport North of Hartford and about 45
minutes away, flying out of Bradley is easier than flying out of New
York or Boston. To get there, take I-91N to exit 40 and follow the
signs. On holidays, Yale College sponsors special airport shuttles.
Tweed New Haven Airport 155 Burr St., New Haven, http://
www.flytweed.com About ten minutes away, Tweed is a New Haven
traveler’s dream. It’s a tiny airport with service to Philadelphia only,
but it’s worth checking. To get there take I-95N to exit 50, right at
the second light, then left at the next light. Parking is available at the
airport, but is pricier than at Bradley. For a map and complete list
of local airports (and how to get there) visit http://to.yale.edu/fly.
CTTransit Bus http://www.cttransit.com As mentioned above,
the CTTransit bus lines can get you to the areas surrounding New
Haven for $1.30 each way. Various lines run through the city, but
buses can be quite crowded at peak hours.
Peter Pan Bus Lines http://www.peterpanbus.com For stops in
New England, Peter Pan is the way to go. Tickets are affordable and
the busses are generally clean. Most of the Service runs north of New
Haven to points in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.
BoltBus http://www.boltbus.com Combined with an MTA ticket,
the Bolt is the cheapest way to get to Philadelphia and DC. Their
buses depart from four locations in the City and offer low fares, lots
of legroom, WiFi, and plug-ins.
Megabus http://us.megabus.com Serving New Haven to Boston
(via Hartford), Megabus charges a fare between $1 and $15 each
way, depending on how far in advance you book the trip.
72 The Compass

Day Trips

Finding an entire weekend to take off for a trip to the Berkshires

or northern New England might be tough, but if you need to get away
without really getting away here are a few suggestions.

Beaches

Gulf Beach Milford, CT In addition to sand and swimming, this

beach offers a concession stand, a fishing wharf, and an observation
deck looking out over nearby Gulf Pond for a $5 fee.
Hammonasset Beach State Park This is the largest of Con-
necticut’s shoreline parks with a two-mile long beach area and facil-
ities for camping, picnicking, fishing, and swimming. Parking from
$9-$13 for in-state licenses, $15-22 for out-of-state cars, and rates
drop after 4pm. You can expect this park to be crowded on week-
ends.
Lighthouse Point 2 Lighthouse Rd., New Haven This 82-acre
park on Long Island Sound offers the closest beaches to campus.
If you’re not a swimmer, try one of their nature trails or relax in
the picnic area. The beach is crowded and not often clean, and
the recently-imposed alcohol ban is a serious bummer. But the
scenery is lovely. Parking is free with New Haven registered vehi-
cles, 20f ornon − residentvehiclesand30 for out-of-state vehicles.
Silver Sands State Park Milford, CT The beach at Silver Sands
is especially fun during low tide, when you can walk through tidal
pools and sand bars all the way to Charles Island.
West Haven Town Beaches West Haven, CT, (203) 937-3651
With four miles of continuous beach, West Haven is one of the most
popular summer spots for New Haven residents. The $10 parking fee
 73

drops to $5 after 4 pm.

Misquamicut Beach Rhode Island Long Island Sound helps
break Nor’easters headed for New Haven, but it limits the avail-
ability of good waves. Fortunately, the only place nearby to surf
happens to be a high quality beach. With warm water, a sandy bot-
tom, and no seaweed, Misquamicut has waves easily big enough for
boogie boarding and often for surfing, yet not big enough to clobber
you. One of our contributors – a native Californian – swears that
for surfing Misquamicut is “way better than anything out West. . . I
would spend all summer here if I could.” Rentals and lessons are
available in Narragansett. See: http://www.riparks.com/Locations/
LocationMisquamicut.html

Parks

East Rock Park East Rock Park, entrance at the corner of Orange
and Cold Spring Streets, is your neighborhood getaway spot. It offers
over 10 miles of hiking trails, a picnic area, and a view from the
summit that will knock your socks off.
Edgerton Park 75 Cliff Street, New Haven A sprawling green-
house filled with plants from around the world is the highlight of
this 22-acre park.
Sleeping Giant State Park 200 Mt. Carmel Ave., New Haven
When you see it from a distance, you’ll understand why it’s called
Sleeping Giant. The two miles of mountains look like a man lying
on his back. A half-mile trail will take you to the stone observation
center on the top of Mt. Carmel and a breathtaking view of New
Haven and Long Island Sound.
Mystic Seaport Eat Mystic Pizza, go to the aquarium, or enjoy
the scrimshaw at Mystic Seaport. Mystic is an old tourist trap,
but there’s stuff worth seeing and charming views. Going during a
chowder or oyster festival is strongly encouraged.
74 The Compass

Amusement Parks

Lake Compounce 822 Lake Avenue Bristol, CT, (860) 583-3300

http://www.lakecompounce.com An amusement park built right
next to a beach, Lake Compounce offers roller coasters, water rides,
picnic areas, restaurants, and live entertainment. Full day rate is
$24.50 for adults. Parking is $6.
Quassy Amusement Park 2132 Middlebury Road, Middlebury,
CT, (203) 758-2913 http://www.quassy.com Quassy offers bumper-
cars, a whirligig, water slides and a variety of attractions for kids.
They also get into the Halloween spirit throughout October. Their
pricing and hours vary so check out their website for more details.
Six Flags New England Route 159, 1623 Main Street, Agawam,
MA http://www.sixflags.com/NewEngland Located just over Con-
necticut’s northern border, Six Flags offers lots of rides and family-
friendly entertainment. A day pass is $56.99. Parking is $20. Check
their website for specials.

Other Outings

Thimble Islands http://thimbleislands.com/ or http:

//thimbleislandcruise.com The Thimble Islands, located in the
Long Island Sound, provide an excellent afternoon get-away during
those hot New Haven summer days.
Bishop’s Orchards 1355 Boston Post Road Guilford, CT (203)
453-2338 http://www.bishopsorchards.com A fantastically fresh
farmer’s market, the best part of Bishop’s Orchards is picking your
own fruits and vegetables. Their 24-hour phone information line, 203
458-PICK, is updated daily during the season. In the fall, they have
a corn maze, pumpkin carving, and fresh kettle corn. They can get
very crowded at this time of year, however.
Lyman Orchards 32 Reeds Gap Rd, Middlefield, CT (860) 349-
1793 http://www.lymanorchards.com Lyman Orchards offers pick-
 75

your-own fruits in the summer and fall, locally sourced foods, a golf
course, family fun, and a general store. Call (860) 349-6015 for a
24-hour pick-your-own hotline.
CT Wine Trail http://www.ctwine.com Connecticut is home to
not one but twenty-five bona fide wineries, all of which offer free
tastings and tours.
CT Art Trail http://www.arttrail.org The Connecticut Impres-
sionist Art Trail is a journey that will take you to nine different towns
and cities throughout the state, where you’ll find museums and his-
toric sites dealing with the work of leading American Impressionists.
Yale Outdoor Recreation Center 298 Upper Pattagansett
Road, East Lyme, CT http://www.sportsandrecreation.yale.edu/
facility/outdoor-education-center/outdoor-education-center This fa-
cility features a small lake and offers hiking, swimming, fishing, vol-
leyball, cookouts, canoeing, campfires, basketball, and ping pong all
for a daily fee of $6! Campsites and cabins are also available for a
fee.
76 The Compass

Weekend Trips

In addition to New York and Boston, New Haven is close to some

great venues for skiing, camping, sightseeing, or just plain snuggling.
For more information, visit http://www.visitnewengland.com.
Berkshire Mountains http://www.berkshires.org Just over 1.5
hours away, the Berkshire Mountains are a great year-round getaway.
You can find skiing in the winter and hiking and camping during the
spring and summer.
Newport, RI Also about 1.5 hours away are the decadent histor-
ical mansions and beaches of Newport, Rhode Island. This website
will get you started: http://www.gonewport.com.
Providence, RI About 100 miles up I-95N, the city of Providence,
RI is easy to get to and very affordable. Five colleges and univer-
sities in one small city give it an eclectic mix of people and RISD
contributes to its strong arts scene.
Skiing and Snowboarding The serious skier/snowboarder
should check out the trails of Vermont and New Hampshire. It will
take you anywhere from two to four hours to reach them by car, but
the powder and the scenery are well worth it. Many resorts offer
student and group discounts. If you’re new to skiing/snowboarding,
try Powder Ridge in nearby Middlefield, CT (99 Powder Hill Rd).
It’s only 15-20 minutes up I-91 (exit 18) and is great for learning.
Mt. Washington, NH This mountain is the highest point in
the northeastern United States and held the record for the highest
wind speed ever recorded on Earth at 231 mph or 372 kmh (though
this is contested). Its scenery is fantastic and majestic. One can
reach the summit by hiking, by car, or by cog railway. See http:
//www.thecog.com for more details.
 77

Montreal, Canada It’s about a seven hour drive and you’ll need
a passport, but Montreal is one of the hottest cities in North Amer-
ica. French and English collide to present a wide array of shopping,
dancing, live music, and fantastic food. In early June, Montreal hosts
an amazing three-day music festival and the High Lights Festival in
Winter.
78 The Compass

Accommodations

If you have out of town guests visting or simply want to check

out amentities hotels have, New Haven has several venues you can
choose from.
Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale 155 Temple St., (203) 772-
6664, http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/new-haven-yale Located
in the heart of downtown, the Omni Hotel is one of the more premiere
hotels in New Haven with many amentities. Enjoy dinner and drinks
on the 19th floor at John Davenport’s over breathtaking views of New
Haven, then roam the streets with your guests. John Davenport’s is
accessible to non-hotel guests and is a must.
The Study at Yale 1157 Chapel St., (203) 503-3900, http://
www.studyatyale.com The Study at Yale, in downtown New Haven,
has great ambiance and a premiere price tag. The Heirloom restau-
rant is a favorite for many to grab drinks or dinner in a spiffy space.
Courtyard New Haven at Yale 30 Whalley Ave., (203)
777-6221, http://www.courtyardmarriottyale.com/ Situated farthest
from downtown, the Courtyard New Haven at Yale is nice during the
day to explore New Haven. However, when the sun goes down and
the businesses near the hotel close for the night, one should exercise
caution when walking around.
New Haven Hotel 229 George St., (203) 498-3100, http://www.
newhavenhotel.com/ Located downtown, the New Haven Hotel is
great for those who are on a budget. The street the hotel is located
on does get a little deserted at night so caution is recommended after
exploring the city.
79
80 The Compass

Entertainment
 81

Yearly Events

Connecticut Open Tennis Tournament http://www.ctopen.

org Every year in the middle of August, New Haven hosts the Con-
necticut Open Tennis Tournament (formerly the New Haven Open),
where you can catch your favorite pro tennis stars in their final tune-
up for the U.S. Open.
City-Wide Open Studios http://www.cwos.org Every October,
New Haven hosts a city-wide open studios event for all of its resi-
dent painters, sculptors, photographers, and other artists. Check the
website for dates, times, and locations.
Leaf Peeping Come autumn, people take to the countryside to
look at leaves. And they say Connecticut wants for entertainment! In
all seriousness, northwest Connecticut has some spectacular foliage
in the early fall. If that’s your thing, head up to Litchfield Hills to
take in the sites and pick pumpkins. You’ll feel like you’re a million
miles from New Haven, and you’ll only have to drive an hour on
Route 8 to get there.
Halloween Halloween is one of the most raucous times of year at
Yale, with parties and other masked gatherings occurring during the
week of October 31st. The GPSCY party is an absolute must, one of
the only times during the year when all three floors of the building
are open and absolutely packed. Come in costume but be prepared
to wait in line and pay a small cover fee (more expensive without a
costume!).
Harvard-Yale Football Game “The Game” as it is commonly
referred to in these parts brings tens of thousands of people every
other year to the Yale Bowl to see the Yale football team take on
archrival Harvard. In odd years, the oldest rivalry in the nation
continues in New Haven, while in even years it travels north to Cam-
82 The Compass

bridge. Be sure to catch an early shuttle out to the Yale Bowl in order
to partake in the pre-game free food and drink festivities! Students
and partners get in free with their ID.

Winter Ball On a weekend in February, the McDougal Center

offers grad students the chance to dress up and eat delicious desserts.
Think Prom for graduate students!

Spring Fling Each spring, Yale hosts an outdoor concert known

as the Spring Fling festival to celebrate the end of classes. Past
headliners include Macklemore, Passion Pit, and even Ja Rule. This
concert is free to students and is held on Old Campus. As an added
feature GPSCY usually hosts a BBQ and dance party with drink
specials after the concert.

Concerts on the Green http://www.infonewhaven.com

Throughout the summer, the city of New Haven presents weekly
concerts on the enormous green in the center of downtown. From
Dave Brubeck to Boyz II Men, they offer a bit of everything, all for
free.

International Festival of Arts and Ideas http://artidea.org

For sixteen days every June, New Haven becomes the home of a
variety of cultural and artistic events from all over the world including
theatre, dance, music, art shows, and poetry readings. Everything
that has anything to do with the arts is put on display in venues all
over the city. You can find schedules and maps in just about every
city publication at the beginning of June.

Elm Shakespeare Company http://www.elmshakespeare.org

Shakespearean works are performed right here in New Haven’s own
Edgerton Park (see “Parks”)! Every summer the ESC puts on 1-2
plays in August for the low price of “suggested donation.” Bring a
blanket, snacks, and bug spray.

New Haven Jazz Fest http://jazzhaven.org Coming on the heels

of the Arts and Ideas Festival, the New Haven Jazz Fest is a seven-
day event that highlights the city’s love of jazz in early August.
 83

Milford Oyster Festival http://www.milfordoysterfestival.org

Each summer, downtown Milford hosts the Oyster Festival where
you can buy fresh raw oysters harvested from New England, grilled
oysters with crab toppings, fried shrimp, oysters, and clams, and
even lobster rolls! The Milford Green has hundreds of vendors in a
pop-up market for you to browse. MetroNorth stops in the middle
of downtown Milford for easy transportation even if you don’t have
a car.
CT Food Truck Festival Summer 2014 was the first year of this
festival, with over 25,000 people in attendance at the North Haven
Fairgrounds from all over Connecticut. You can enjoy all sorts of
goodies including lobster rolls, tacos, grilled cheese, gypsy cuisine,
BBQ ribs, pulled pork, gourmet sandwiches, chicken and waffles,
and more!
84 The Compass

Museums
& Art Galleries

With one of the premier art schools in the country, and a vibrant
local art scene, New Haven is an art lover’s dream. If you’re not into
art but love history, check out one of the city’s historical museums.
Here’s a list:
Artspace 50 Orange St., 203-772-2709 http://artspacenh.org A
non-profit that champions emerging artists and building new audi-
ences for contemporary art. The space offers several public galleries
with work from local artists and sponsors a number of exhibitions
and programs thorugh the city, including the City-Wide Open Stu-
dios festival each year.
ALL (Arts and Literature Laboratory) 319 Peck St., 203-
671-5175, http://www.allgallery.org Offering visual and performance
pieces as well as a variety of educational programs and cultural out-
reach projects, the ALL gallery is one of New Haven’s most under-
appreciated artistic resources.
Creative Arts Workshop 80 Audubon Street, 203-562-4927,
http://www.creativeartsworkshop.org Within walking distance from
East Rock, the Creative Arts Workshop is a community art cen-
ter and school with an active exhibition schedule in their prominent
Hilles Gallery.
Eli Whitney Museum 915 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, 203-777-
1833, http://www.eliwhitney.org One of the most charming museums
in New England, they focus on the history and future of technology.
Knights of Columbus Museum One State Street, 203-865-0400,
http://www.kofcmuseum.org This museum is dedicated to the ac-
quisition, reservation, interpretation, and exhibition of materials rel-
 85

evant to the history and activities of the Knights of Columbus and

Catholicism.
New Haven Museum 114 Whitney Avenue, 203-562-4183, http:
//www.newhavenmuseum.org This is the museum, library and his-
torical society responsible for the collection, preservation, exhibition
and interpretation of New Haven history.
Peabody Museum of Natural History 170 Whitney Av-
enue, 203-432-5050, http://peabody.yale.edu The Peabody Museum
houses a phenomenal collection of dinosaur and mammal fossils, spec-
imens of minerals, meteorites, insects and birds, as well as regularly
changing special exhibits. Free entry with your Yale ID!
Yale Center for British Art 1080 Chapel Street, 203-432-
2800, http://britishart.yale.edu The most comprehensive collection
of British art outside the United Kingdom, free and open to the
public.
Yale University Art Gallery 1111 Chapel Street, 203-432-0600,
http://artgallery.yale.edu A collection of 85,000 works of art that
includes pieces from all cultures and periods, free and open to the
public.
White Space Gallery 142 Temple St, Ste. 101, 203-495-1200
http://www.whitespacegallery.com Established in 2004, White Space
Gallery is a fine art gallery located in beautiful downtown New Haven
showcasing hand-signed, limited edition lithographs by Surrealist
Masters, particularly Dali.
Hill Museum of Arts 210 West St Opened in the Summer of
2013, this museum features towering pencil drawings of city scapes
by local artist, Krikko Obbott. Amongst them is a 20x15 feet original
drawing of New York City. This tiny museum is truly a hidden gem.
Shoreline Trolley Museum 17 River St, East Haven, 203-467-
6927 http://shorelinetrolley.org Named the ”Best Trolley Museum”
by Yankee Magazine, a trip to the museum includes a ride on a re-
stored historic trolley car down the scenic Branford Electric Railway.
86 The Compass

Live
Theater & Music

New Haven has long been regarded as the premier theatre lo-
cation between New York and Boston. Whether you’re looking for
drama, comedy, musicals, or original plays, New Haven is the place
to be.

Yale Repertory Theatre 1120 Chapel St., New Haven. 203-432-

1234, http://www.yalerep.org The Yale Rep is recognized as one of
the country’s top theaters with famous writers, directors and actors
(including recently Paul Giamatti as Hamlet) frequently debuting
new plays before they hit Broadway. They offer everything from the
classics to contemporary plays. Single student tickets range from
$15 (previews) to $25 (weekend nights). Also, once per production,
the Rep offers “Grad Night,” with refreshments and a pre-show dis-
cussion for Yale’s graduate students. Only $60 for a season pass for
graduate students.

Yale Cabaret 217 Park St., New Haven, 203-432-1567, http:

//www.yalecabaret.org Yale Cabaret provides a great deal ($10 for
students, $6 if you purchase a flex pass) and a perfect date, including
a full dinner if you’d like to eat while you enjoy the show. Produced
by students from the Yale School of Drama, they have everything
from serious dramas to lighthearted musicals. Get there early to
grab a great seat.

Long Wharf Theatre 222 Sargent Dr., New Haven, 203-787-

4282, http://www.longwharf.org The Long Wharf Theatre produces
fresh and imaginative revivals of the classics and modern plays, as
well as original works. Tickets are $20 with student ID.
 87

Shubert Performing Arts Center 247 College St., New Haven,

203-562-5666, http://www.shubert.com The Shubert is a Broadway
house that presents a wide array of programs and series including
dance, cabaret, opera, and family entertainment at sub-Broadway
prices.
In addition to being a great theatre town, New Haven is also
a hotspot for live music, both at Yale and off campus. From Grad a
cappella groups performing at Mory’s to jazz jams at Cafe Nine on
Saturdays, New Haven offers something for everyone. Below is a list
of the Yale ensembles. However, many local bars also offer regional
and national acts (see “Bars” below).
The Yale Jazz Ensemble and The Yale Concert Band http:
//www.yale.edu/yaleband Both of these bands are well directed and
consistently put on fantastic free shows. The Jazz Ensemble offers
two shows a year in the Morse Hall of Sprague Hall. The Yale Concert
Band offers four shows per year in Woolsey Hall.
Yale Glee Club http://www.yalegleeclub.org The Glee Club is a
mixed chorus of about sixty singers dedicated to the performance of
great choral music.
Yale Citations http://www.yale.edu/citations The Citations is a
co-ed a capella signing group composed of students from the Yale
Graduate School. Enjoy them at matriculation and throughout the
year.
Yale Symphony Orchestra http://yso.commons.yale.edu Con-
sidered one of the premiere college orchestras in the country, the
YSO includes about eighty musicians and performs every year at
Woolsey Hall. Their Halloween concert is a must-see event.
Philharmonia Orchestra of Yale http://music.yale.edu/
philharmonia The Philharmonia is one of the country’s finest music
school ensembles. The orchestra gives several concerts during the
year.
Yale School of Music http://music.yale.edu The Yale School of
Music presents many concert series throughout the year that are free
88 The Compass

to the public. Starting in 2010, the YSM has screened the Met Live
in HD opera performances in Sprague Hall. Admission is free to
students.
 89

Movie Theaters

Criterion Cinemas 86 Temple St., 203-498-2500, http://www.

bowtiecinemas.com Criterion was made for grad students. In addi-
tion to the usual Hollywood productions, they show all those movies
you’ve heard about but can’t find without taking the train to Man-
hattan – indy flicks, foreign films, thought-provoking dramas, doc-
umentaries, and more. Every Friday and Saturday night at 11:30
the $5 “Insomnia Theater” shows a popular older movie, and Sun-
day mornings feature “Movies and Mimosas.” Student discounts run
Monday through Thursday. With a Criterion Club card, you are
eligible for a Tuesday ticket discount ($6).
Cinemark North Haven 12 550 Universal Dr., North Haven,
203-234-8100 Showcase has twelve screens, blockbuster releases, sta-
dium seating, snacks, and a huge parking area. Be sure to check out
Bargain Tuesdays, when tickets are just $5.50. Or, bring your Yale
student ID for discount pricing anytime.
Rave Cinemas Connecticut Post 14 1201 Boston Post Road,
Milford, 203-783-1404 Located in the Connecticut Post Mall, they
offer 14 screens (including IMAX) and have access to the entire mall
food court. Discount tickets are available for $5.05 on Tuesday and
student discounts are available anytime.
Regal Cinemas Branford Stadium 12 325 E. Main St., Bran-
ford, 203-481-4069 If you can’t find the show you’re looking for at
any of the other larger theaters, you can drive a little further (about
15 minutes) to this one, which also has IMAX & 3D screens.
Cine 1-2-3-4 371 Middletown Ave., 203-776-5546 This quaint and
tiny theater is usually populated by customers over 60. They don’t
play every blockbuster, but the experience is charming: $8.00 for
first-run films and second-run films for only $3.50. The only show-
90 The Compass

times are 7:30pm.

 91

Bars, Pubs, & Clubs

So many new bars have opened in New Haven in the last several
years that keeping track of them all has become impossible. Below is
a short run down of some of the more popular spots in town. The top
spot is the local graduate student bar, GPSCY, since it is arguably
the most important! After that they proceed in alphabetical order.
GPSCY 204 York St., 203-432-2638, http://gpscy.net The Grad-
uate & Professional Student Center at Yale, also known as Gryphon’s
Pub and GPSCY (pronounced “gypsy”) has a dance floor on the up-
per level, pool tables and an HD TV on the lower level. The beer
garden in the back is available when weather permits, the drinks are
cheap, and the company is almost always good. They have a lounge
on the 2nd floor available for rent ($50) any night of the week but
Thursday. Yearly membership here is $15, which lets you avoid the
cover charge every night except for Halloween and Mardi Gras. If you
plan to go more than three times a year, buy the membership! The
annual Halloween Party is a staple of the graduate student calendar.
168 York Street Cafe 168 York St., 203-773-1776,
168yorkstreetcafe.com The Cheers of the NH gay community,
with happy hour and dinner Monday through Saturday. Also an
under-appreciated brunch spot just off campus.
Alchemy 223 College St., corner of Crown, 203-777-9400,
Alchemy claims it has the “hippest happy hour” in town. A lounge
by day and night-club by night, the upstairs – called “Elevate” –
bumps on weekends.
The Anchor 272 College, 203-865-1512 http://www.
anchornewhaven.com Serving most beers by the bottle or can,
Anchor has a great location and the only decent jukebox in town.
The downstairs Mermaid Room is good for a quieter night, while
92 The Compass

the upstairs is usually packed with grad students and locals. You
will spend time here.
Anna Liffey’s 17 Whitney Ave., 203-773-1776, http://annaliffeys.
com A cozy Irish pub, on Friday and Saturday nights people pack
Liffey’s stonewall basement to drink, sing and be merry. Saturdays
often bring cover and Celtic rock bands. Don’t miss trivia on Tuesday
night and during rugby and soccer season, Liffey’s does a proper Irish
Breakfast on weekends. If you’re a soccer fan, there’s no better place
to watch a game.
Archie Moore’s 188 Willow St., 203-773-9870, http:
//archiemoores.com/new-haven The perfect neighborhood bar,
Archie’s serves both lunch and dinner. The wings are cheap and
plentifu (and yearly win ”Best Wings” in CT)l, and the pulled-pork
nachos are solid.
BAR 254 Crown St., 203-495-8924, www.barnightclub.com
Though also mentioned in the dining section, the nightlife at BAR
also deserves recognition. On Wednesday, BAR hosts a live band
night. Do not miss dance club nights Thursday through Saturday.
Barcelona 155 Temple St., 203-848-3000, http://www.
barcelonawinebar.com/newhaven.htm Barcelona is the place to
go when you crave a wide selection of fine wines, delicious Spanish
tapas, and a classy, modern atmosphere. Half priced bottles of wine
every Sunday.
Cafe Nine 250 State St., 203-789-8281, http://www.cafenine.com
Cafe Nine is a favorite among locals for its awesome live music and
inexpensive drinks.
Cask Republic 179 Crown St, 475-238-8335, http://caskrepublic.
com Owned by the same people who run the The Ginger Man in
Greenwich, Cask is a great place to enjoy specialty beers for happy
hour, with dinner, or later in the evening. An American tavern with
53 rotating taps and 80+ bottles, they’re sure to have something
to please any palate. Happy Hour is Monday-Friday from 3pm-7pm
including $2 off draft beers and liquor.
 93

Cave A Vin 975 State St, 203-777-6206, www.caveavinwinebar.

com/ Enjoy a nice glass of wine from their impressive wine list or
their signature sangria with an appetizer inside or outside at this
adorable neighborhood gem. A great place to unwind or to take a
date.
Christopher Martin’s 860 State St., 203-776-8835, http://www.
christophermartins.com From the goat cheese and walnut salad to a
turkey Reuben, Christopher Martin’s is the place to go for a casual
dinner and a solid beer. It’s also a low-key spot to watch a game on
their projector.
C.O. Jones 969 State St, 203-773-3344, http://www.c-o-jonesct.
com A Mexican bar with the wittiest name in town, C.O. Jones serves
fantastic half-price margaritas along with a free burrito bar during
happy hour Monday through Friday.
J. P. Dempsey’s 974 State St., 203-624-599, http://www.
jpdempseynewhaven.com Friendly folks and free peanuts make
Dempsey’s a distinctive place to have a relaxing drink. Pitchers
are affordable and a wide selection of food from soups and salads to
wings and steaks. Food available to go and for late-night. Make sure
to enjoy a drink on their patio and toss the shells on the floor!
Firehouse 12 45 Crown St., 203-785-0468, http://firehouse12.
com An old, converted firehouse, this bar has a trendy, modern feel,
and also features jazz on weekend nights. Thursday nights they have
cheap beer specials.
Empire 130 Crown St., 203-498-CITI This bar features a state-of-
the-art sound system with a New York style lounge and a mahogany
and marble bar. Empire is open Wednesday through Saturday, and
they have Gay night on Saturdays. The dancing runs until the wee
hours of the morning, but the crowd varies tremendously from night
to night.
Geronimo’s 271 Crown St., 203-777-7700, http://www.
geronimobarandgrill.com This rustically-decorated bar/restaurant
features an outdoor patio and a bar stocked with nearly a hundred
94 The Compass

kinds of tequila (largest selection on the East Coast). Their specialty

margaritas, while pricey, are delicious.

Ordinary 990 Chapel St., 203-907-0238, http://

ordinarynewhaven.com Ordinary is a newly opened bar run by
the owners of Caseus. It’s a great place with a classic vibe to match
the beautiful mahogany decor without being stuffy or overpriced.
Features fantastic cocktails and hand pies. Half priced bottles of
wine on Tuesday.

Mory’s 306 York St., 203-562-3157, www.morys1849.org Mory’s

is a private membership organization steeped in Yale tradition. As a
member (or the friend of a member), you can eat and drink at this
unique establishment. The Mory’s experience isn’t complete without
ordering a Mory’s Cup.

Owl Shop Cigars 268 College St., 203-624-3250, http://

owlshopcigars.com The only place to smoke indoors in New Haven,
the Owl Shop offers a large selection of tobacco products. Humidors
line the walls and the friendly staff is eager to please. Live blues on
Tuesdays and live jazz on Wednesdays make this an appealing spot
for nonsmokers who don’t mind the haze.

Rudy’s 1227 Chapel St., 203-865-1242, http://www.

rudysnewhaven.com Formerly at the corner of Park and Howe,
Rudy’s has moved and got a facelift in the process. Although some
stalwarts miss its dingy dive bar past, the new Rudy’s has the same
great food – especially the Belgian frites and burgers – but with a
selection of beers that extends beyond the old Schaefer tallboys.

Toad’s Place 300 York St., http://www.toadsplace.com This bar

brings in some great bands and eclectic clientele, though mostly it’s
full of undergrads, and the dance floor is usually full. It is literally
next to HGS and Mory’s. If you’re a TF be warned: there’s a good
likelihood you’ll encounter some of your students. Wednesday and
Saturday night are dance party nights – frequented heavily by the
kids up at Quinnipiac University, who get bussed in by their school.
 95

116 Crown 116 Crown St., 203-777-3116, http://www.116crown.

com Certainly the most sophisticated bar in new haven, with spe-
cialty cocktails you wouldn’t believe. This is the place to go if you
need a little fancy in your night life. Half priced bottles of wine on
Sunday.
96 The Compass
 97

Dining
98 The Compass

Restaurants

New Haven (and the surrounding area) has over 350 eateries.
For a detailed look at nearly all of them, buy a copy of The Fearless
Critic ($14.95 at Atticus or the Yale Bookstore). If you just want
to know where the grad students like to eat, then check out our list.
Basically, if it’s in these pages it is so good, so cheap, or so close to
campus or East Rock that we felt it was important to include it.

Restaurant Week

Twice a year, the Elm City takes a cue from Manhattan and
offers New Haven Restaurant Week. For seven days each semester,
about 30 of the city’s best restaurants offer three-course prix fixe
menus consisting of an appetizer, entree and dessert at the amazing
bargain price of $18.60 for lunch and $32 for dinner. It’s a great way
to test out fancy places without breaking the bank. For more infor-
mation check out: http://www.infonewhaven.com/restaurantweek.
Happily, New Haven has rubbed off on the rest of Connecti-
cut. Hartford, Hamden, South Norwalk, Stamford, Ridgefield, West
Haven, and Westport now all boast restaurant weeks of their own.
As many of these towns have good restaurants, it’s worth keeping
an ear to the ground or checking out all of Connecticut’s Restaurant
Week offerings at http://www.connecticutrestaurantweek.com.

Specialty Drinks and Sweets

Chocolat Maya 47 High St., (203) 214-7059 Offers tantalizing

desserts and hand-made chocolates; provides the perfect cozy atmo-
sphere for a thick hot chocolate in the cold winter months.
 99

The Green Teahouse 1008 Chapel St., (203) 562-6000 The

Green Teahouse is a must for tea lovers. Enjoy an afternoon sipping
a cup of tea while indulging in Asian food. The service is excellent
and the ambiance is relaxing. This is a wonderful place to escape!
Go Greenly 48 Whitney Ave., (475) 202-6096 There has been
quite an explosion of froyo in New Haven and Go Greenly is among
the best. Enjoy their original yogurt with fresh fruit or get adven-
turous with their red velvet or cakebatter yogurt.
Insomnia Cookies 1143 Chapel St., (877) 632-6654, https://
insomniacookies.com They sell cookies, brownies, and ice cream for
pickup or delivery (for a small fee). They are opened until 3am so
you can sate your late night sweet tooth any night.
Katalinas 74 Whitney Ave., (203) 891-7998 Looking for a deli-
cious afternoon snack, then check out Katalina’s creative cupcakes,
cookies, brownies and bars. The Chocolate Nutella and Red Velvet
will keep you coming back for more.
Marjolaine Pastry Shop 961 State St., (203) 789-8589 This
bakery has wonderful pastries, and is conveniently located in East
Rock.
SnoJoy Cafe 9 Whitney Ave., (203) 752-1888, http://www.
snojoycafe.com Move over Froyo! There’s a new treat in town. The
recently opened SnoJoy Cafe specializes in flavored shaved ice. If
you’re in the mood for something else, try out their crepe, bubble
tea, or share a Honey Brick Toast with a friend! Look for their ad
and coupons on the very last page.
100 The Compass

MAKE
T DAY
1143 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT
877-63-COOKIE (6654)
www.insomniacookies.com
101
102 The Compass

Chinese

Great Wall of China 67 Whitney Ave. (203) 777-8886 Try this

place for a great Mongolian hot pot conveniently located near Helen
Hadley Hall (HHH).
New Haven’s Taste of China 954 Chapel St., (203) 745-5872
For upscale dining and delicious classic schezuan, check out this latest
addition to Chapel Street.
Ivy Noodle 316 Elm St., (203) 562-8800 This noodle house is
convenient and cheap, though many prefer the York Street Noodle
House.
York Street Noodle House 166 York St., (203) 776-9675, http:
//www.yorkstnoodlehouse.com A decent Chinese noodle house with
inexpensive but tasty dishes. The service can be less than perfect.
This place is packed at lunch, so expect a short wait.

Diners

Cody’s Diner 95 Water St., New Haven, (203) 562-0044, This

24/7 diner is hidden all the way past Wooster Street toward the
Route 34 overpass. It’s one of the only all-night places in the city. If
you’re going super-late make sure to bring a crowd as it isn’t in the
nicest part of town.
Orangeside on Temple 25 Temple St., (203) 773-1000 Popular
for its breakfast and bakery items. Make sure to check out their
famous square donuts!

French

Le Petit Cafe 225 Montowese St., Branford, (203) 483-9791,

http://www.lepetitcafe.net Definitely a bring-your-folks place, the
prix fixe French-inspired meals are tasty but expensive. The menu
changes often, but the truffle butter is always there and delicious.
 103

With only two sittings per night, make sure you call ahead to make
reservations. The gregarious chef wanders the dining room and has
a knack for remembering names.
Union League Cafe 1032 Chapel St., (203) 562-4299,
http://www.unionleaguecafe.com The swankiest of the swank, Union
League is a place to bring the folks for a French-style, sometimes
stuffy meal. If the folks aren’t in town, you can take advantage of
the excellent sandwiches on their cheaper lunch menu.

Indian

Kamal 140 Howe St., (203) 498-2801 http://www.

kamalindianrestraurant.com Royal India is one of the better
Indian restaurants in town, but it tops the list in value, and their
all-you-can-eat lunch buffet is the highlight of Howe Street.
Sitar 45 Grove St. (203) 777-3234 http://sitarnewhaven.com
Sitar has a great Indian buffet lunch for $10. Although a few paces
from central downtown, this is a must-try among the (generally high
quality) Indian food in New Haven. Not a bad place for a date either!
Tandoor 1226 Chapel St., (203) 776-6620 Located in an old silver
diner car, Tandoor has a great Indian buffet lunch.
Thali Orange St., (203) 777-1177, http://www.thali.com Thali is
a bit more original (and a bit more expensive) than the other Indian
restaurants in town, so if you’re in the mood for something different,
give it a try. Also consider its sister restaurant, the less expensive
Thali Too (see below in “Vegetarian”).
Zaroka 148 York St., (203) 776-8644, http://www.zaroka.com
With some of the best Indian food in town, Zaroka is a grad stu-
dent favorite. Their Paneer dishes are out of this world and, if you
don’t mind a little spice, the chili chicken is great.
Tikkaway Grill 135 Orange St., (203) 562-1299, http://www.
tikkawaygrill.com India’s answer to Chipotle, this place offers a de-
licious and quick revamp of traditional indian places. You can order
104 The Compass

Indian wraps, rice bowls, or salads including sweet and tangy sauces,
meats, and veggies.

Italian

Basta 1006 Chapel St. (203) 772-1715 A charming, intimate

restaurant adjacent to Old Campus. Enjoy the patio seating and
a refreshing caprese salad during nice weather.
L’Orcio 806 State St., (203) 777-6670 Right on State Street, you’ll
find one of the better Italian restaurants in New Haven. With two
floors of dining and a relaxed, homey atmosphere, it’s a bit expensive
but worth it.
Portofino 937 State St., (203) 562-1414, http://www.
portofinosnewhaven.com An Italian restaurant on State Street,
Portofino’s atmosphere is much better than its food, and it’s a little
less expensive than L’Orcio.

Japanese

Kampai 869 West Main St., Branford, (203) 481-4536 This hi-
bachi place offers a meal and a show all at the same time. Chefs
prepare your dish at your table, performing knife-flipping, volcano-
making, salt-shaker-tossing tricks that will leave you asking for more.
If you’re in the mood for a good show, a solid meal and a great price,
Kampai is it. Think Benihana.
Kumo 7 Elm St., (203) 562-6688, http://www.
kumohibachisteakhouse.com One of the best - and affordable -
sushi options in New Haven, they have half-priced sushi (even the
speciality rolls) Monday-Friday 4:30-11, an all day Sunday. It’s
worth the walk if you’re in the mood for sushi that won’t break the
bank. For those of you who like your imbibing to require hand-eye
coordination, they offer sake bombs.
Miso 15 Orange St., (203) 848-6472, http://www.misorestaurant.
com Trendy, upscale, and with menu selections for everyone. Miso’s
 105

prices have gone up a bit in recent years. But if you’re looking for
atmosphere with your sushi, this is the place to go.
Miya’s Sushi 68 Howe St., (203) 777-9760, http://www.ebibaba.
com This fusion-Japanese restaurant is on the pricy side and doesn’t
have the most “authentic” sushi in town, but it’s a grad favorite.
The menu offers a huge selection of dishes including a variety of
vegetarian and vegan offerings.
Sono Bana Japanese Restaurant 1206 Dixwell Ave., Hamden,
(203) 281-4542, http://www.sonobana.com Sono Bana may be a lit-
tle further away than most restaurants we’ve listed, but it’s here for
a reason. Simply put, it offers decent sushi at a good value. Eat-in
or take-out.
Sushi Mizu 47 Whalley Ave., (203) 777-9888 One of - if not the
- longest standing sushi in town, this place is well worth the trip.
Walk in a group or jump in a cab for $5 cab ride and enjoy the best
all-you-can-eat buffet...ever.
Sushi on Chapel 1022 Chapel St, (203) 776-4200 Located next
to old campus, Sushi on Chapel is a lunch must. It’s not the best
sushi in the world, but it’s never bad and Yale students get 10% off.
Try the Roll for Two.

Mexican

El Amigo Felix 8 Whalley Ave., (203) 785-8200 This restaurant

offers low-end Mexican fare. It’s convenient and not too expensive.
Plus, they claim to be the originators and sole distributors of the
famous ”Crunk Juice.”
Geronimo 271 Crown St, (203) 777-7700 This spot is year-round
favorite. Good food, great drinks, and superb location for any night
of the week!
La Cocinita 177Park St., (203) 772-1020 Most authentic in town,
and the most reasonably-priced without compromising on quality.
Come hungry, leave for a siesta.
106 The Compass

Mezcal 14 Mechanic St, (203) 782-4828 The only real Mexican

place in East Rock (C.O. Jones doesn’t count), Mezcal has the mar-
ket cornered and exploits it. The food is good, and sometimes even
worth the prices. The margaritas on the other hand are worth double
their price and the bar has a good selection of tequila. They treat
their regulars well.

Oaxaca Kitchen 228 College, (203) 859-5774 Oaxaca kitchen has

good food, but the prices would have you believe it has great food.
The drinks are good but overpriced.

Viva Zapata’s 161 Park St. (203) 562-2499 The food is bad, the
margaritas are cheap and huge, and the staff is a riot. Avoid it on
Thursdays when it gets overrun by underage undergrads. Eat else-
where first and come prepared for a serious morning-after headache.

Pizza

Sally’s and Pepe’s 237 Wooster St., (203) 624-5271& 157

Wooster St., (203) 865-5762 The two main players in the pizza war
of New Haven, Sally’s and Pepe’s are two of the oldest pizza joints in
town. Located on Wooster St, these two restaurants have been bat-
tling for the title of “Best Pizza” for as long as they’ve been around.
We suggest that you try them both and decide for yourself, but be
ready to stand in line.

BAR 254 Crown St., (203) 495-8924, http://www.barnightclub.

com We love BAR’s mashed potato and bacon pizza, but if you’re
into a more conventional pizza experience, they offer delicious normal
varieties as well. BAR has a fantastic dining room and microbrews
on tap. The service is generally prompt, but can get slow with huge
weekend crowds. You can check out their drink specials on-line.

Modern Apizza 874 State St., (203) 776-5306, http://www.

modernapizza.com Modern has the best take-out pizza in town.
We’re not sure what it is about Modern, exactly, but we could eat it
forever and never get tired of it!
 107

Kitchen Zinc 966 Chapel St., (Temple Plaza, behind Zinc) (203)
772-3002, http://kitchenzinc.com Kitchen Zinc specializes in creative
combinations, a night-time happy hour, and dessert pizzas. Nice
atmosphere, outdoor seating, and some of the least greasy, most
flavorful pizza in town. Try it once you’re sick of Pepe’s.
Wall Street Pizza and Restaurant 90 Wall St., (203) 776-9021
Wall Street Pizza (formerly Naples) came under new management in
December 2007, and with it came a number of innovations including
an expanded menu and home delivery. But for many, it’s still the
same old Naples Pizza, offering quick, cheap food, cold drinks, and
deep booths.
Yorkside Pizza and Restaurant 288 York St., (203) 787-7471,
http://www.yorksidepizza.com Yorkside has probably the thickest
crust pizza in town but it’s not phenomenal. On the upside, they’re
close to HGS, their calzones can’t be beat, and the Michelob pitchers
are cheap.
Brick Oven Pizza 122 Howe St., (203) 777-4444 One of the bet-
ter pizza places near campus, Brick Oven offers delicious thin-crust
slices at all hours of the night. Their menu includes salads, hot
sandwiches, and fried goodness.
Da Legna 858 State St., (203) 495-9999 Fantastic wood-fired
pizza and dozens of other eclectic, Italian-inspired menu items, cou-
pled with a bar stocked with craft beers and house-infused liquors.
Great for vegan fare and gluten-free options as well!

Steakhouses and Burgers

Carmen Anthony Steakhouse 660 State St., (203) 773-1444,

http://www.carmenanthony.com A bit better than Central; the at-
mosphere is chill but the bill won’t be.
Shake Shack 986 Chapel St.., (203) 747-8483,
http://www.shakeshack.com Straight out of NYC. One of many new
additions to Chapel Street, including Panera, Chipotle and the Co-
Op. Yale specific offerings and, oh, the CEO’s kid is a Yalie.
108 The Compass

Prime 16 Tap House & Burgers 172 Temple St., (203) 782-
1616, http://www.prime16.com Prime 16 offers the classic burger
with a twist and has a huge selection of beers – over 40 craft brews
in the bottle and over 20 on tap. Be warned: it gets busy. Half price
beers and appetizers during happy hour.
Temple Grill 152 Temple St., (203) 773-1111, http://www.
templegrill.com Great burgers, great ahi-tuna burgers, and amazing
fries complement the more elaborate dishes on the Temple Grill’s
menu. They also offer a “build your own salad” option and have one
of the better patios around. The only downside is the price: though
not expensive, Temple Grill’s menu is a price point too high for the
quality – especially with Prime 16 next door.

Thai

Bangkok Gardens 172 York St., (203) 789-8684 This is the best
Thai place in town. Bangkok Gardens is less greasy and more inno-
vative than most of your Thai alternatives. It sits within throwing
distance of several other Thai spots, so if you don’t like it, walk half
a block down and try one of its competitors.

Vegetarian

Claire’s Corner Copia 1000 Chapel St., (203) 562-3888,

http://www.clairescornercopia.com Claire’s Corner Copia has been
a New Haven institution since 1975, and with good reason. They’ve
got a variety of fresh vegetarian dishes, and are equally famous for
their cakes mounded high with homemade buttercream frosting, and
their innovative beverages. The Lithuanian Coffee Cake is a must-
try.
Thali Too 65 Broadway, (203) 776-1600, http://www.thalitoo.
com Similar – but not identical – to Thali, Thali Too specializes
exclusively in vegetarian Indian cuisine and is much less expensive
than the original. They provide tasty food at reasonable prices with
a great atmosphere.
 109

Other Great Cuisine

Bentara 76 Orange St., (203) 562-2511, http://www.bentara.com

With tasty dishes ranging from vegetarian to a steak and portabella
combo, Bentara is a wonderful Malaysian restaurant with a great
wine list and a delightful atmosphere.
Caseus 93 Whitney Ave, (203) 624-3373 Caseus has a small but
fantastically stocked cheese shop at the front, an intimate restaurant
in the back, and great patio in the warmer months. Their amazing
mac & cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches certainly deserve the
hype, but also try some of their fish dishes and specials. Oh, and the
poutine.
Heirloom 39 High St., (203) 865-1933, http://www.studyhotels.
com/heirloom Expensive but extremely delicious, this hip bar and
restaurant inside the Study Hotel offers creative American food.
Check out the baked ricotta appetizer and enjoy a creative cocktails
from their expert bartenders! Open for brunch on Sundays.
Istanbul Cafe 245 Crown St., (203) 787-3881, http://www.
istanbulcafect.com A low-key Turkish restaurant, this is a great place
to go with a group of friends so that you can share dishes. The food
isn’t too expensive, and the atmosphere is cozy.
Lalibela 176 Temple St., (203) 789-1232, http://www.
lalibelarestaurant.com New Haven’s Ethiopian restaurant. All
dishes are served with a tasty sourdough flatbread by friendly
servers.
Mamoun’s 85 Howe St., (203) 562-8444 Offering solid, inexpen-
sive Middle Eastern food way past midnight, Mamoun’s has become
a New Haven institution. They also rent Hookahs.
Pitaziki Mediterranean Grill 170 Temple St., (203) 773-5000
Completely revamped and renamed, Pitaziki is the recently opened
Mediterranean restaurant that has quick and friendly service. Choose
a wrap or a bowl, pick your protein, and then select tasty toppings
of your choice!
110 The Compass

Mory’s 306 York St., (203) 562-3157, http://www.morys1849.

com While members-only, the rate to join is very cheap for graduate
students and worth the one-time fee. Enjoy the traditional dining
room or the Temple Bar in the back, where you can enjoy cocktails,
a special bar menu, and a great patio.
Pacifico 220 College St., (203) 772-4002, http://www.
pacificorestaurants.com Pacifico offers Latin American food
with a great bar. The price tag can get a little hefty. They also
have salsa dancing on Saturday nights.
Soul de Cuba 283 Crown St., (203) 498-2822, http://www.
souldecuba.com Soul de Cuba has reasonably priced tasty Cuban
food with a cozy, relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy the mojitos that are
pretty cheap or the sangria that is great as well.
Street Food Carts Corner of Cedar and York & Corner of
Prospect and Sachem On weekday afternoons starting around 11a.m.,
the corners of Cedar and York, and Sachem and Prospect Streets be-
come temporary lunch cart metropolises. Cart-goers are extremely
partisan and loyal, so The Compass will pass no judgment on any of
them. Trial and error is the way forward here.
Editor’s Note: The wings and pub food in New Haven are also
spectacular but are mentioned in Entertainment. Please check out
bars, pubs, and clubs for great wings and nachos!
 111

Phone
(203) 498-2822

283 CROWN ST. | NEW HAVEN, CT | www.souldecuba.com

Comfort Delivered
Inquire about delivery to your area
112 The Compass

Brunch

New Haven has a number of restaurants that serve delicious

weekend brunches. Here are a few of the gems.
Bella Cafe 896 Whalley Ave., (203) 387-7107 With superb food
and a light atmosphere, Bella’s definitely rivals The Pantry for the
best brunch in the city. They offer all sorts of delicious fare, from
goat cheese omelets to designer chicken sausages. It’s just on the
pricey side and there is usually a wait, but it’s worth it.
Lena’s Cafe 873 Whalley, (203) 397-5885 Across the street from
Bella’s, if you find yourself facing a wait, this isn’t a bad alternative.
The lines are usually much shorter and the fare is solid, if straight-
forward. And unlike at Bella’s, you can kick back in the seating area
and enjoy a bottomless mug while you wait for your table.
Patricia’s Restaurant 18 Whalley Ave., (203) 787-4500 Across
from the Yale Bookstore and Payne Whitney Gymnasium, this family
diner has cheap and good food. While not as exotic as the Pantry, it
is, and feels like, a local family owned diner. Cash only; solid basics.
The Pantry 2 Mechanic St., (203) 787-0392 The Pantry offers
one of the best brunches in New Haven. Everything is first rate
– the pancakes, eggs, waffles, granola, even the fresh berries that
they’ll include with any dish. The only problem is the weekend line;
get there early or wait!
Anna Liffey’s 17 Whitney, (203) 773-1776 If you love blood
sausage, bangers and mash and heartburn, there’s really no better
option during the fall. It is also a great place to watch soccer and to
enjoy a pint.
Delaney’s 882 Whalley, (203) 397-5494 Delaney’s morphs be-
tween a tap room, a restaurant and a brunch spot depending on
the time of day. With ample seating, those making the trek out to
Westville and getting no love from Bella’s and Lena’s would do well
to look across the street to Delaney’s. As an added bonus, it’s the
only place in Westville with outdoor seating.
 113

Thali Too 65 Broadway, (203) 776-1600 A nice prix fixe brunch

on weekends allows unlimited ordering from $15.
Box 63 338 Elm St., (203) 821-7772, http://www.box63.com
Sweet and savory brunch options abound with a nice ambience, but
the best part of their brunch... all you can drink Mimosa’s or Bloody
Mary’s for $11.63.

Interesting Area Options

Sometimes, you just want to get out of New Haven. It’s cool.
We understand. Here are some area spots to check out when you get
the itch to hit the road.
Abbott’s Lobster in the Rough 117 Pearl St., Noank, Ct. (860)
536-7719, http://www.abbotts-lobster.com Great lobster rolls, rea-
sonable prices, BYOB, and a pretty harbor setting make Abbott’s a
highly recommended spot for an afternoon’s relaxation. Soak up a
real Connecticut experience.
Chick’s Drive Inn 183 Beach Street, West Haven, CT, (203) 934-
4510 Enjoy seafood on the beach with Morse Park at your back.
West Haven used to have scads of beachfront restaurants, but Chick’s
is the last holdout of the old type.
Griswold Inn 36 Main St., Essex, CT, (860) 767-1776,
http://www.griswoldinn.com The Gris could be accused of historical
obsession, but the restaurant attached to the colonial house is an
experience. It serves traditional American food and its lunch menu
is significantly cheaper than the dinner version. We’re told sitting
next to the fireplace in the evening is very romantic.
Lenny’s 205 S Montowese St., Branford, CT, (203) 488-1500,
http://www.lennysnow.com Lenny’s is a restaurant/bar with a great
outdoor seating area that periodically features live bands, and always
has amazing seafood and burgers. A great place to go in the middle
of the summer to enjoy good tunes, cold beer, and great seafood,
Lenny’s offers an old school New England experience.
114 The Compass

Lobster Shack 50 Maple St., Branford, CT, (203) 483-8414 Rec-

ommended to The Compass by way of a native “Connecticutter” (we
prefer Connectican), the Lobster Shack in Branford can stand up its
lobster rolls to anyone in the state and come out ahead.
The Place 901 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT, (203) 453-9276,
http://theplaceguilford.com We’ve told you about “the place for
this” or “the place for that.” But only The Place is, well the place.
It’s a rustic outdoor barbecue joint where patrons sit on tree stumps
or roughhewn benches. Only open in the summer, they serve deli-
cious grilled vegetables, steak, lobster, clams and the like. Moreover,
the Place is BYOE, where E is for everything: sides, drinks, appetiz-
ers, etc., are up to you. It’s a great spot to take a group of people.
Good nights start at The Place. Cash or check only; ATM nearby.
Wentworth’s Ice Cream 3697 Whitney Ave, Hamden, CT, (203)
281-7429 The world is full of ice cream shops, and frankly, they’re all
pretty much the same. Wentworth’s has very good ice cream to be
sure and some novel configurations. Plus it’s got great old-fashioned
charm. But it really carries the day because it sits at the base of
Sleeping Giant State Park, at the end of the Farmington Canal Trail.
Nothing marks the end of a long and scenic (albeit mostly flat) bike
ride like two scoops of Reese’s butter cup ice cream topped with hot
peanut butter and hot fudge.
 115

Additional Resources
116 The Compass

We have tried our best to provide the most useful information to

being a graduate student in New Haven, but if we haven’t provided
answers to your questions, or if you just want to do a little more
digging, check out these resources. If there are topics that you think
should be included in future versions of The Compass, please let us
know at gsa@yale.edu! We would like to create as useful a guide as
possible.
City of New Haven http://www.newhavenweb.com Contrary to
popular belief, there are a lot of things to do in New Haven that
are not connected to Yale. These include concerts on the Green,
Shakespeare in the park, canoeing down the Quinnipiac River and
taking nature hikes in East and West Rock parks. Further details
about these options and more can be found on this website.
Health http://www.yale.edu/yhp The Yale Health Plan (YHP)
has a medical center on the Yale campus. YHP offers a wide va-
riety of healthcare services for Yale University students, faculty, and
employees. Spouses, same-sex domestic partners and children are
eligible for coverage for a fee. Services include internal medicine,
pediatrics, counseling, obstetrics, gynecology, pharmacy, on-site lab
services, radiology, physical therapy, an inpatient care facility, an
urgent care department which is open 24/7 and 365 days a year
(203-432-0123), and specialty care clinics such as allergy, dermatol-
ogy, orthopedics, etc. Upon referral, members also have access to an
extensive network of clinicians and services at other area facilities.
Sexual Misconduct http://smr.yale.edu Yale takes the issue of
sexual misconduct very seriously and strives to promote a safe and
respectful environment for all members of its community. To learn
more about the definition of sexual misconduct and familiarize your-
self with Yale’s policy on teacher–student consensual relations, please
visit http://smr.yale.edu/. This website will also provide you with a
list of resources on how to seek support or file a complaint if you be-
lieve yourself or another person to be a victim of sexual misconduct.
Housing http://www.yale.edu/gradhousing Thinking about mov-
ing to a new home? This website offers information about the on-
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campus graduate housing provided by Yale, as well as a newly re-

vamped searchable list of off-campus housing; you will need your
NetID and password to login. Offices are located at 420 Temple
Street, 203-432-2167.
Restaurants You can pick up the most comprehensive restaurant
guide in town, The Fearless Critic, written specifically for and about
New Haven. It sells for $14.95 at Atticus or the Yale Bookstore.
Travel http://www.yale.edu/ytravel An excellent on and off-
campus travel resource is offered through Yale Travel Services, 764-
9200 or 432-9911. This website will even help you book your own
travel.
Yale Bulletin & Calendar http://www.yale.edu/opa/arc-ybc/
v32.n32/index.html The Bulletin & Calendar contains information
on events ranging from concerts and talks to art exhibits and group
meetings. We strongly recommend browsing through it every couple
of weeks to see what is going on campus.
Best of New Haven http://www.ctnow.com/advocates/best-of/
new-haven If you don’t know where to find a shop that sells what you
want, or a place to go out for the evening, check out their website.
It’s updated yearly by the New Haven Advocate.
Daily Nutmeg http://dailynutmeg.com Sign up for the Daily
Nutmeg and each weekday, you’ll get an insightful community high-
light or special offer designed to help you get the most out of New
Haven.
The GSA Website http://gsa.yale.edu Be it about study, fund-
ing, research, teaching, or life, the GSA wants to hear from you and
works to communicate issues to the graduate school and university
in order to solve problems.
New Haven Info Center http://www.newhaveninfo.com At the
corner of College and Chapel Streets, you’ll find this intimate infor-
mation center that offers more free literature about the city than you
can carry.
118 The Compass

Yale Chaplain’s Office http://www.yale.edu/chaplain Also lo-

cated at the corner of College and Chapel (in Bingham Hall), the
Yale Chaplain’s Office offers information on religious resources both
at Yale and throughout New Haven, as well as general counseling
and help for students.
Yale Office of International Affairs http://world.yale.edu/
about/contact.html Located on Prospect St., this office and site
contain information for both international students and experiences
abroad, from housing in New Haven to work space at the Interna-
tional Center.
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The Bulldog Challenge

120 The Compass

The Bulldog Challenge: How Yale are you? A list of 100

things every Yalie should do before graduating.

 1. Visit the Yale University Art Gallery

 2. Discover amazing actors before they get famous at the Yale
Repertory Theater
 3. Enjoy a day in NY
 4. Take a trip to Boston
 5. Eat a meal at the Commons
 6. Go to a McDougal event and/or first friday
 7. Go to a Yale a capella concert
 8. Check out the brains at the Cushing Center in the Yale School
of Medicine library
 9. See a planetarium show at the Leitner Family Observatory and
Planetarium
 10. Befriend a member of the Yale University Guild of Carillon-
neurs and witness the ringing of the 54-bell Yale Memorial Car-
illon in Harkness Tower in person
 11. Shop at the first Ann Taylor, opened in1954 on Chapel Street
 12. Pick a favorite New Haven pizza place
 13. Play squash at the Payne Whitney Gym
 14. Find your favorite food cart at Science Hill and the Medical
School
 15. Try all the fancy restaurants you can’t normally afford during
New Haven Restaurant Week
 16. Party at Toad’s Place
 17. Sate your midnight munchies with a Wenzel at Alpha Delta
Pizza
 18. Pet Handsome Dan
 19. Watch a tennis match at the Connecticut Open
 20. Go on an official tour of Yale
 21. Review all the froyo shops in New Haven and pick your favorite
one!
 22. Play pool at BAR
 23. Get a drink at the Briq rooftop
 121

 24. Try the wings at Archie Moore (rated best in CT!)

 25. Attempt the Caseus food truck grilled cheese sandwich chal-
lenge (or maybe you shouldn’t...)
 26. Grab a taco from the food trucks along Long Wharf
 27. Enjoy a night out (or twenty) at GPSCY
 28. Attend a Harvard-Yale football game
 29. Drink a Manhattan in Manhattan at the Yale Club
 30. Share a Mory’s Cup with friends
 31. Take a tour of the New England Brewing Company
 32. Own a piece of Yale clothing
 33. Attend the Spring Fling
 34. Have a drink at John Davenport (19th floor of the Omni) while
enjoying the view of New Haven
 35. Have breakfast at the Pantry
 36. Get to know a Nobel laureate
 37. Befriend an undergraduate student
 38. Befriend a graduate student from another department
 39. Pick fruit at a local orchard
 40. Vote in a GSA election
 41. Read the Yale Daily News
 42. Visit the Yale Peabody Museum
 43. Meet an alum
 44. Eat lobster at the Place in Hamden while sitting on log benches
 45. Hang out with the therapy dog at one of the Yale libraries
 46. Rub the statue of Theodore Woolsey
 47. Watch a Yale hockey game
 48. Row in the rowing room at Payne Whtiney Gym
 49. Have a hamburger at the birthplace of hamburgers! Louis
Lunch.
 50. Play polo on the wooden horse in the polo practice room at
the Payne Whitney Gym
 51. Use the walking escort
 52. Use the door-to-door shuttle
 53. Vote in the local New Haven election
 54. Visit the Yale Center for British Art
122 The Compass

 55. Watch a musical at the Shubert Theater

 56. Go to the Yale Symphony Orchestra Halloween concert
 57. Try to get invited to a dinner at a secret society
 58. Have Shabat dinner at Slifka Center
 59. Run in a 5K or 20K at the Stratton Faxon New Haven Road
Race
 60. Get your face painted at the Saint Patrick’s Day parade
 61. Participate in trivia night at Anna Liffey’s
 62. Seranade someone at Karoke Heroes
 63. Try a square donut at Orangeside on Temple
 64. Go for a painting party at Art Plus Studio (BYOB)
 65. Sign-up for (and actually go to) a gym class at the Payne Whit-
ney Gym
 66. Check out the Cherry Blossom Festival in Wooster Square
 67. Fly out of the Tweed Airport
 68. Attend a GSA meeting
 69. Go to the Farmer’s Market in Wooster Square
 70. Check out the multi-dimensional public art painting, Square
with Four Circles, in downtown New Haven on Chapel Street
 71. See the original Handsome Dan bulldog taxidermy at the Payne
Whitney Gym Membership & Services office
 72. Participate in the annual Yale Day of Service
 73. Explore the Marsh Botanical Garden
 74. Watch the sunset from inside the Beinecke Library
 75. Get lost in the stacks at Sterling Memorial Library
 76. Study in the Law School Library
 77. Hike up East Rock
 78. Ride the carousel at Lighthouse Point Park
 79. Go on a tour of the Grove Street Cemetery
 80. Bike to Sleeping Giant on the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail
 81. Hike up Sleeping Giant while you’re there
 82. Spend a day at Hammonasset Beach
 83. Spend a day camping, canoeing, swimming, or fishing at the
Yale Outdoor Education Center
 84. Take sailing classes at the Yale Corinthian Yacht Club
 123

 85. Eat in the cafe at the newly built Evans Hall

 86. Go sledding on Divinity Hill
 87. Watch a Bridgeport Bluefish baseball game
 88. Go on a Schooner sunset harbor cruise
 89. Attend a concert on the New Haven Green
 90. Play a round at the Yale University Golf Course
 91. Have a BBQ in College woods
 92. Hike up West Rock
 93. All the world’s a stage...or at least Edgerton Park is one during
their Summer Shakespeare performances. Go see one!
 94. Watch the 4th of July fireworks in East Rock
 95. Check out the International Festival of Arts and Ideas in June
 96. Get an undergraduate to take you to brunch at Silliman College
 97. Strut your stuff at a monthly Yale Swing and Blues Dance
 98. Go to a naked party
 99. Have your horizons broadened at the Yale Cabaret
 100. Shake hands with President Salovey
124 The Compass

We want feedback!

The GSA can be contacted via e-mail at gsa@yale.edu or by visiting

http://gsa.yale.edu.

Join the GSA!

Join the GSA! For information on open representative positions

and the fall and spring election cycles, visit: http://gsa.yale.edu/
elections.

Acknowledgments

This guide was compiled by the Graduate Student Assembly,

with special thanks to: Ankit Disa, Joori Park, Wendy Xiao, Colton
Lynner, Brittany Angarola, Kyle Skinner, William Ruff, Elizabeth
Salm, Rachel Love, Lucie Tvrznikova Deborah Ayeni, Federico Es-
posito, Erin Heim, and all previous Compass editors and staff.
Cover photo credit: Andrea Stavoe
125