Don’t tell anyone, if you walk down an alley off Main Street in South Norwalk, and you’ll find an unassuming door with the words “Global Entry Passport Photos” on it. Once you’re through this door you’ll see a plain-looking wall with brochures hanging on it. But if you look closely, you’ll find a secret button that causes the wall to slide and leads you to a unique speakeasy space.
Welcome to Shhh at The Haven, a cocktail bar that also features wood-fired individual pizzas. The speakeasy is part of a new South Norwalk culinary project that
also includes an event space, rooftop bar and cafe with coffee, smoothies, and health-conscious food.
The Haven’s co-owner, Christian Burns, is a longtime force in the Connecticut culinary scene and a pioneer in bringing high-quality craft beer to the state through his Cask Republic and Ginger Man restaurants, and now he’s turned his focus to cocktails. He had previously operated Evarito’s and The Pompano in the building that is now home to The Haven. This latest project is a collaboration between Burns and restaurateurs Joe and Aldo Criscuolo, who own the building where The Haven is located. A while back, the trio was discussing what to do with the space and hit upon a few concepts, among them an opportunity to explore craft cocktails by providing an immersive speakeasy experience.
“This cocktail culture is running strong, even though you hear lately that people are drinking less,” Burns says. The Haven also features many non-alcoholic options that have become popular with visitors.
Espresso Martinis remain one of the most popular cocktails anywhere, and that’s true at The Haven. “We’re brewing up a really good espresso that we’re going to be serving at the cafe. So I think people are digging that,”
Burns says.
These martinis are served without Bailey’s liqueur, but it is available on request. “We also have a Lychee & Yuzu cocktail, which has been super popular,” Burns adds.
Then the bar features many martinis, including a smoked dirty olive martini, served with either gin or vodka. Burns’ personal favorite is the cucumber black pepper gimlet. “It’s gin-based, with fresh cucumber with a little cracked black pepper on top,” he says.
Shhh at The Haven is about more than just the drinks, though. The menu features shareable small plates, including egg yolk ravioli, whipped cashew dip. We have the wood-fire pizza oven, and that’s been very well received,” Burns says.
The speakeasy is only the beginning of The Haven’s offering. The Haven Cafe was scheduled to open shortly after we spoke with Burns. There will also be a redesigned and somewhat enclosed rooftop space, so it can be open rain or shine. “We’re going to have amazing cocktail options up there and a coastal-style menu for the whole summer and into the fall,” Burns says.
As for how exactly to find the button and entrance that reveals Shhh at The Haven, Burns doesn’t like to spoil the surprise. Even so, it’s pretty clear that when it comes to this new spot, the secret is definitely out. •
