The best bars & nightlife in Groton

When you want a laid-back pint and unfussy comfort food without crossing half the city, David's Cafe nails the small-town vibe with friendly regulars, solid pub staples, and that "see-you-next-week" feel that keeps locals coming back.

From the Norwich newsletter, November 1, 2026

High Rollers Luxury Lanes & Sports Lounge brings a nostalgic Vegas vibe to Foxwoods with PBA regulation lanes, plush banquettes, and wall-to-wall screens for games and music videos.

From the Ledyard newsletter, October 1, 2026

When you want something cold and fun, The Neon Palm Daiquiri Bar at Foxwoods serves mix-and-match frozen flavors like piña colada, mango and frosé, all available booze-free too, plus insulated souvenir cups or the 35 oz yard so you can keep sipping as you wander the concourse.

From the Ledyard newsletter, September 21, 2026

Holmberg Winery turns their own orchards and vineyard into crisp grape and fruit wines plus light, English-style sparkling ciders that actually taste like fruit. Think Pinot Blanc and Gewurztraminer, off-dry fruit wines with 0 to 4% residual sugar, and 16 oz tall boy ciders in six flavors for backyard hangs.

From the Norwich newsletter, October 17, 2026

From clean, no-fuss bottles to barrel-aged releases and craft cocktails, South County Distillers keeps the good stuff local. Based right here in Westerly, their lineup pops up around Rhode Island and Connecticut... perfect when you want quality spirits without leaving the neighborhood.

From the Westerly newsletter, October 24, 2026

Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island keeps Westerly stocked with award-winning pours, from easygoing year-round staples to seasonal and limited releases that disappear quick. Voted Best of Rhode Island three years running, their passionate crew makes it an easy go-to when you want a fresh pint and zero fuss.

From the Westerly newsletter, October 10, 2026

Beer’d Brewing Co. - The Mill makes a wide range of craft beers, from longtime favorites to creative small-batch experiments, with a welcoming approach that isn’t just for hop heads. It’s a fun place to find a new favorite, even if you’re still learning your IPAs from your ales.

Old-school charm meets lively blues, soul, and roots at The Knickerbocker Music Center, where the Knickerbocker All Stars and touring acts keep the storied Knick dance floor buzzing. If your week needs a proper shake up, grab friends and go move to real deal live music.

From the Groton newsletter, October 11, 2026

Grey Sail Tap Room is the home base for Westerly’s own award-winning brewery, pouring year-round favorites, seasonals, and limited releases from folks who clearly love what they do. Voted Best of Rhode Island three years in a row, it’s an easy go-to when you want fresh beer and friendly faces without leaving town.

From the Westerly newsletter, October 18, 2026

Saltwater Farm Vineyard makes award-winning wines shaped by the coastal Connecticut soil and climate, with a tasting room and live music for a relaxed local outing. The property also preserves its roots as farmland and a WWII-era private airport, so there’s a little history alongside your pour.

Dawnlands is a wine bar with a creative streak, dedicated to growing art, music and culture right here in town. It’s the kind of spot where a casual glass turns into conversation, new ideas, maybe a collab... and another pour if the playlist’s hitting just right.

From the Westerly newsletter, October 27, 2026

Perks & Corks nails that cozy-but-lively sweet spot... an intimate martini lounge and coffeehouse with local wines, clever cocktails, and regular live music that actually suits a Tuesday. Celebrating 25 years, it’s the kind of place you pop in for one drink and end up closing tabs.

From the Westerly newsletter, September 29, 2026

Laid-back spot for pub grub & a full bar offering 28 tap beers, plus pool & sports on 20 TVs.

Kid-friendly pub chain offering classic fare like burgers, wings & salads in informal surrounds.

Stonington Vineyards makes wines shaped by the nearby Atlantic, with tastings and tours that offer a good excuse to slow down and savor the landscape. It’s also a lovely local pick for seasonal events, from candle-making workshops to movie nights, because wine is even better with a little plot.

From the Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region newsletter, October 28, 2026

Back Track Bar and Grille does the small-town trifecta: inexpensive, tasty plates whenever you want them, a Keno lounge with scratch tickets, and a clean, friendly spot to catch up. It’s where locals meet for breakfast-for-dinner, a little lottery luck, and low-key games without the fuss.

From the Westerly newsletter, October 13, 2026

Groton’s Dark Waters Distillery has been turning locally sourced grain into small-batch whiskey, brandies, and vodka since 2018, leaning on old-world know-how and modern precision.

From the Groton newsletter, October 16, 2026

Tuskers nails that dark-and-cozy energy with live music, expertly crafted cocktails, and vibrant, shareable bites with an Asian fusion bent. Think tuna tacos, the BKK Roll with spicy mayo and kimchee sauce, and a solid Manhattan, perfect for Waterford locals ready to trade the couch for an elevated evening.

From the New London newsletter, October 21, 2026

Tox Brewing Company is a brewer-owned New London hang blending craft and science into carefully crafted, experimental beers that go down easy. Hit the coffee bar or pizza, then stick around for special releases and community events... it’s a versatile spot when the group can’t decide.

From the New London newsletter, October 15, 2026

Outer Light Brewing Company has been a Groton staple since 2015, pouring a diverse beer lineup in a laid-back, welcoming taproom that feels built for after-work catchups and weekend hangs, and their brewer-to-beer-lover oath shows in every pour.

From the Groton newsletter, October 27, 2026

If you're into no-frills pints, friendly regulars, and the kind of place where the staff remembers your usual, Ryan's Pub in Groton calls itself "The Best Little Dive" and backs it up. Expect straightforward drinks, bar bites from their menu, and a laid-back spot to unwind after work or catch up with neighbors.

From the Groton newsletter, October 20, 2026

Game Time Sports Bar and Restaurant packs wall-to-wall sports, arcade vibes, and weekly karaoke/live music into a spot perfect for catching every matchup with friends.

From the Groton newsletter, October 31, 2026

Since 1933, Dutch Tavern has been the kind of neighborhood spot where cold beer, a no-fuss lunch, and plenty of baseball chatter keep the day humming. If you want history with your pint and stories from regulars who actually remember it, this is your place.

From the Waterford newsletter, October 29, 2026

Small but lively, The Oasis Pub nails the sweet spot with 20 drafts, 60+ cans, plus quirky canned cocktails, social tonics, and CBD or mushroom drinks. Emerging bands and DJs on the weekends keep it loud in the best way, so you can drink local and hear tomorrow’s favorites first.

From the Waterford newsletter, October 11, 2026

Small-batch, apple-first pours from Tapped Apple Cidery & Winery hit that sweet spot between crisp hard cider and smooth, fruit-forward wine. Their signature First Bite and the limited Bramble Raspberry are calling, so grab a friend and find your new go-to this week.

From the Westerly newsletter, October 20, 2026

Comix Comedy Club keeps this week lively with national headliners, comedy magic, Story Warz, Last Comix Standing, plus drag bingo and bull riding under the same roof. Slide in for dinner and drinks at the Roadhouse, then stick around for the kind of chaos Norwich friends text about.

From the Norwich newsletter, October 22, 2026

Whether you want to catch the game or make it the main event, Longshots Sports Cafe is an entertainment complex with a legit sports bar vibe, sturdy burgers, messy wings, nachos, and beer. Peep their events calendar for bands and sports traditions this week, then rally the crew.

From the Norwich newsletter, October 31, 2026

When you want a grown-up dinner that actually feels special, Prime 82 Restaurant & Bar nails it with expertly crafted steaks, chops, and seafood, plus a thoughtful wine list in a relaxed, elegant setting right here in Norwich. Save it for a birthday, or just celebrate surviving Monday.

From the Norwich newsletter, October 30, 2026

Casual, neighborhood bar favored for its wings and fries as well as its dartboards, beer and sports viewing.

JD’s Roadhouse Bar & Grill is the spot when you want messy-good burgers, saucy wings, and a mic with your name on it. Swing by for karaoke bragging rights or catch live music, then debrief over another basket of fries because balance.

From the Norwich newsletter, October 30, 2026

When your week needs a proper pint and some comforting Irish fare, The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House brings Gaelic flair and that friendly public-house energy to Mohegan Sun. Settle in for hearty classics, cold beer, and the kind of atmosphere that turns neighbors into mates.

From the Norwich newsletter, October 27, 2026

When you want epic variety without leaving our corner of CT, Mohegan Sun packs two casinos, a 10,000-seat arena, the Wolf Den and a comedy club into one playground. Add over 35 dining spots, spas and an 18-hole championship golf course for a weeknight that actually feels like a weekend.

From the Norwich newsletter, October 30, 2026

Craft beer brewed on-site and elevated pub fare served in a rustic, industrial-chic tavern, These Guys Brewing at American Wharf is the easy yes when friends ask where to meet. Lunch and dinner menus, beers on tap, cocktails and wine, plus events or private bookings when plans escalate.

From the Norwich newsletter, October 6, 2026

Relaxed eatery featuring wine-by-the-glass options, flights and build-your-own charcuterie boards, plus cheese plates.

If your week needs a vibe upgrade, Strange Brew Pub packs live entertainment, 100+ beers, and a full bar into a space that doubles as an art gallery, game room, and lounge. Rally your crew, catch a set, discover a new favorite pour, call it a win.

From the Norwich newsletter, October 2, 2026

When the week calls for extra, Sugar Factory Foxwoods brings the spectacle with candy-filled goblets, over-the-top Insane Shakes, stacked burgers, and old-school sundaes. Grab a couple friends, lean into the sugar rush, and turn an ordinary night into a mini celebration.

From the Ledyard newsletter, October 15, 2026

Whether you're craving true wood-fired pizza from a stone-brick oven or a laid back bar and grill hangout, Modelo Bar & Grill is part of the Bella Fiore family right here in Norwich, doing it right since 1993. Slide in for Italian comfort food, sip something nice, and make this week easy.

From the Norwich newsletter, November 2, 2026

36 Town Grill & Tap is your move when the week needs a win, with giant burgers, hot lobster rolls, baked stuffed shrimp, fish and chips, ribeye, and cozy hitters like lobster mac and cheese, meatloaf, and pot roast. Settle in, bring a friend, leave happy.

From the Norwich newsletter, October 22, 2026

Yankee Cider Company keeps it honest with New England style hard ciders pressed from East Haddam apples, always gluten free and poured in a relaxed taproom for tastings, growlers, and bottles to go. Easy local pick for crisp weekend sips, with occasional food trucks, simple snacks, and the option to sample apple wine.

From the Groton newsletter, October 14, 2026

Fat Cat Grill & Bar is that reliable Norwich go-to when you want a legit burger, a surprisingly good pizza, or a plate of Italian comfort like Chicken Parm without fuss. Weekend brunch is lively, and online ordering makes busy weeknights easier. Expect easygoing vibes and big-flavor bar classics.

From the Norwich newsletter, October 13, 2026