Make a Night of it!

Inside information from a local, who’s lived here for over a decade (me!):

There is someplace awesome to go in Wallingford, with an amazing deal for almost every night of the week! I LOVE my little local community and frequently walk to the businesses in the center in my spare time. Here are all the places and things I recommend, sorted by proximity to the studio:

Places to walk to:

Six One Nine Supper Club- https://sixoneninewlfd.com/ Best deals: Taco Tuesday with $5 margaritas, Girl Dinner Wednesdays ($30 martini, fries and a salad), Sunday Brunch (best for adults and if booked in advance, it sells out). Social Hour 3-5pm from Monday to Friday. Kitchen closes at 9pm but sometimes later! Call to inquire.

The Gilded Curtain- https://www.thegildedcurtain.com/ (their social media has more up-to-date info about events and specials than their website). Open Weds-Saturday only, fills fast, great spot for a great drink before class.

Favios Trattoria- https://faviostrattoria.com/ Happy hour 2:30-5pm Tues-Sunday. Their tapas menu has the perfect sized items to bring to class! So much to choose from, always made from scratch and you can taste the difference. Pairs well with Gilded Curtain as it is right next door- food here, then drinks there is a classic combo.

The Eatery- https://www.wallingfordeatery.com/ Great for morning and afternoon events, as they are open 7:30-3 Mon-Fri, and 10-3 Saturdays (closed on Sundays). Also great for catering your private parties and events at the studio!

The Cranky Coqui- https://www.crankycoqui.com/ Fabulous fairly-priced drinks and small bites! The empanadas are to die for… so many flavors and all handmade. Try the pernil, you won’t regret it! Occasional specials, but their platform is all about affordable home cooked food in a classic setting. Bar is open late weekends.

A little drive or walk toward the center:

La Piazza- https://lapiazzawallingford.com/ Best deals: Monday and Tuesday “Date Night”, $29.95 a person for a 3 course meal from their preselected menu. We love enjoying this on their patio in warm weather! Seasonal drink menu changes and is usually announced on their social media. Highly recommend. They also do a lunch special 3-course for $21.95 as well.

Gaetanos- https://gaetanostavern.com/ Their events change often and aren’t always reflected on the website- but the owner Deb Pacileo cross-posts to the Wallingford forums often, and you can always call and see what specials there are that day! A classic Wallingford local hangout. They have karaoke on Tuesdays from 6-10pm. Outdoor seating in nice weather.

Knuckleheads- https://www.knuckleheadstaproom.com/ Another Wallingford staple. We love them for being open late for a drink after class. Their social media always has more info than the website. Great spot for burgers, bites and beer. Outdoor seating in nice weather.

Archie Moores- https://www.archiemoores.com/wallingford-menu Full menu 7 days a week, 11:30-late! I don’t usually include chain restaurants in this list, but the reason WHY I’m including it, is because it doesn’t behave like one. The bartenders are amazing and vibe truly fits into the locally owned center of town. You can’t beat it for late night bites! Very casual, with outdoor seating in nice weather.

Michaels Trattoria- https://michaelstrattoria.com/ They just renovated their entire space and it’s so much bigger now, but with the same amazing food, and more outdoor seating than ever before. Their specials change constantly and happy hour is only available in the bar Mon-Fri. For late night bites, Thurs-Sat kitchen is open late.

The Library Wine Bar and Bistro- https://thelibrarywinebar.com/welcome A little slice of history with your meal, this location was once the home of Wallingford’s library before it moved to a new location nearby. It’s a little LOUD in there, but so are the flavors and the drinks! Outdoor seating on the scenic front lawn under the big tree during the warmer months is always a treat, and their crackling fireplace in the winter warms the soul. Truly a place we have never once had a bad meal or experience, and they always change out their specials from week to week. Check social media for the most up—to-date info about happy hour and their seasonal offerings.

A little drive or walk straight toward the train station:

Los Mariachis- https://www.losmariachisgrill.com/ Our absolute favorite spot to go! If parking is tight, go across the street to True Value. Best Deals: $2 taco Tuesdays yes you heard that right, $6 margarita Mondays, $6 Classic Mojito Wednesdays, Thursday $6 Sangrias, Sunday $30 margarita pitchers, and you just can’t beat any of it on their beautiful patio during the warmer months. They also just debuted a new late-night menu for the weekends, Mon-Thurs 10-close, Fri/Sat 11-close, no Sunday… so if you’re hungry after class, THIS is the place to go!

Hard Hat Cafe Wallingford- https://www.hardhatcafect.com/wallingford/ Be sure to put the Wallingford address in your GPS- there are 3 of these around CT! Best deal: $5 cocktail Thursdays, and $15 for 20 wings… yes TWENTY wings for $15 on Sundays during football season only! You will need to plan to eat your wing tubbies in the restaurant before class, as they do not allow this special for carryout. Easily the best deal on wings around… we recommend Doob flavor, trust us!

A longer drive, but so worth it:

Malachy’s Public House- https://www.malachys.com/ Your classic Irish pub, transplanted into the former site of local classic, Tap & Vine. The interior has been completely redone and so has the menu! Reuben Egg Rolls and Boxty Bites are chef’s kiss! The vibes are fun, and they have trivia Mondays, Live Music Saturdays, and most importantly a pretty big offstreet parking lot. Closed Tuesdays.

Christo’s Pizza- https://christospizzawlfd.com/ Hands down our favorite pizza spot in all of Wallingford, and not too far of a drive! They have a cute bar area where you can grab a drink and snacks. Remember, a pizza is not a great candidate for food to bring TO the studio, but eating there before class would be an amazing meal! They have smaller handheld bites that are great choices for class snacks, too, and great salads as well.

Westbrook Lobster- https://www.westbrooklobster.com/wallingford-menu This is the longest drive on the list, but if you’re going on a Thursday and you love seafood, it’s the absolute best deal ever- $1 oysters. Only Thursdays, and only until they’re gone. We love it here, and especially on their patio during the warm weather, overlooking a scenic river… ahhh, the vibes.