The Hard Hat Cafe in North Haven is the place that locals always frequent and foodies always find. A no-frills local favorite, we make delicious food in a pub atmosphere. The highlights of the Hard Hat's menu are the "Doob" wings - fresh chicken wings and drumsticks seasoned, fried, and grilled, making them a smoky twist on the classic buffalo wing.
Our burgers and sandwiches are gourmet, and we carry a selection of specialty fries made to order. Our chefs are always looking to bring out new flavors and to bring in seasonal items through our weekly specials. With twelve beers on tap and over 25 varieties of bottled beers ranging from local brews, to craft beers, to the American classics there is no end to the combinations of food and drink at the Hard Hat.
Our burgers and sandwiches are gourmet, and we carry a selection of specialty fries made to order. Our chefs are always looking to bring out new flavors and to bring in seasonal items through our weekly specials. With twelve beers on tap and over 25 varieties of bottled beers ranging from local brews, to craft beers, to the American classics there is no end to the combinations of food and drink at the Hard Hat.
Services
Cold beverages are a Hard Hat specialty. With our broad selection of beers, liquors, wines, and our specialty cocktails there is something for everyone. If you are looking for an American classic to enjoy while you watch the game, like Bud Light or Sam Adams, or a local brew crafted to satisfy your thirst for something more, like Sea Hag IPA, the Hard Hat has you covered.
The cheeseburger I got here was mouthwatering, one of the better burgers I've ever had. The Ceasar salad with Cajun chicken was tasty too. I sipped a cold draft beer as I watched the Red Sox game on one of the HDTVs in the bar room. A nice little joint, and if I'm ever hungry again in North Haven, I'll go back.
Reviews (21)
Mark Mundle
Jan 24, 2022
Report
Burton P. Vitale
Dec 30, 2021
Report
Elizabeth A.
Dec 24, 2021
Report
We have ordered take out from here twice and have not been disappointed. The doob and honey bbq wings are our favorite. The nachos were a close second and the portion was huge. We didn't care for the Philly cheesesteak egg rolls as they were very dry. I'm looking forward to trying more items off the menu.
Elle Woods
Dec 19, 2021
Report
Deborah T.
Nov 09, 2021
Report
Marianne Stone
Sep 26, 2021
Report
C. Zwick
Sep 25, 2021
Report
Aedan Moran
Sep 25, 2021
Report
Mirela H.
Jul 14, 2021
Report
Jan B.
Apr 25, 2021
Report
Young Abstract
Mar 30, 2021
Report
Haven’t been to Connecticut in years. Found out about this place doing some work around the area. The Brunch Burger is to die for. Custom ordered it to have Mushrooms. Also ordered the sweet potato fries. Both were made extremely well. They definitely know what they’re doing. The syrup that comes with the brunch burger literally completes it. This is the place you go for a high quality burger.
Greg S.
Oct 24, 2020
Report
Martin G.
Sep 20, 2020
Report
Sorry.. wasn't a fan. Came here with a small group for lunch. The wings were so incredibly salty, and the burger you could tell had been frozen and cooked straight from the freezer. It was a hockey puck.
Not sure if they were having a bad day, but probably better to stick to somewhere else for food.
Not sure if they were having a bad day, but probably better to stick to somewhere else for food.
Ted Keyes
Jun 22, 2020
Report
Jeffrey G.
Feb 25, 2020
Report
Had the opportunity to try out this true, mostly guys, work a day bar. Staff was great, as we're the wings and poppers. Large screen sports all around. Loud, engaged crowd. Few couples, did not observe this as suitable for families, although I am sure they would be welcome. Bar, back room and outdoor tent seating.
Maria A.
Dec 13, 2019
Report
Vinh N.
Aug 13, 2019
Report
Amazing food, service and music. The wings are really crunchy and flavorful. Waitresses are super friendly and attentive. They have music playing on weekend. First time going there and we are in love. Hysteria rocked the stage and made our night so much fun. Highly recommended and definitely be back and try some different food
John K.
Mar 13, 2019
Report
Molly
Jul 01, 2018
Report
I would give this place a zero if I could. I’m not going to say it because of the food or drinks. Both are ok. It’s about the pictures on the wall. I really don’t get worked up about things, I could care less about 90% of the things a lot of people care about. The pictures here however are of a few older men (the owner I assume) and their hunting adventures. Big game hunting is whatever but there is a Rhino, and an elephant and these two goons standing by proudly for having shot them. Not ok. These animals are critically endangered and because of foolish acts like these they will be gone
Kevin M.
Jun 02, 2018
Report
Looking for a not so quiet dive in North Haven? Come here. The food is very good. Their clam chowder is spot on as is all of their burgers, I love the couch potato burger. You cant go wrong ordering the steak and cheese egg rolls. Their NY style fried calamari is always great with a beer.
The bartenders are great and always have a smile.
The bar area is a little small and when all the tables are full and it is hard to move.
Their claim to fame, Doob Wings! Grilled and fried, absolutely delicious.
There is a larger dining room in the rear and a large outside dining area. The outside area is like
The bartenders are great and always have a smile.
The bar area is a little small and when all the tables are full and it is hard to move.
Their claim to fame, Doob Wings! Grilled and fried, absolutely delicious.
There is a larger dining room in the rear and a large outside dining area. The outside area is like
Dan R.
Feb 04, 2014
Report
The music was so freaking loud, I thought my head was going to split.
The servers sing karaoke at the top of their lungs.
Its a very small place with zero atmosphere -the quintessential dive bar.
But........
The wings were absolutely tremendous.
The bar menu was pretty extensive.
My Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wrap was pretty good.
The service was very friendly.
They have a dining room in the back away from the bar volume.
I have to say I saw a ton of happy folks really enjoying themselves and having a blast.
Look, this place isn't for everybody.
It's just not my cup of tea.
The servers sing karaoke at the top of their lungs.
Its a very small place with zero atmosphere -the quintessential dive bar.
But........
The wings were absolutely tremendous.
The bar menu was pretty extensive.
My Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wrap was pretty good.
The service was very friendly.
They have a dining room in the back away from the bar volume.
I have to say I saw a ton of happy folks really enjoying themselves and having a blast.
Look, this place isn't for everybody.
It's just not my cup of tea.
