The best bars & nightlife in Groton

24 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Nightlife · 24 places · showing the latest additions first

Glitzy bowling alley & lounge serving creative comfort fare & craft drinks in the Foxwoods Resort.

350 Trolley Line Blvd (MASHANTUCKET)

Glitzy bowling alley & lounge serving creative comfort fare & craft drinks in the Foxwoods Resort.

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From clean, no-fuss bottles to barrel-aged releases and craft cocktails, South County Distillers keeps the good stuff local. Based right…

63 Canal St (Westerly)

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, September 14, 2026

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Longtime supper club & cocktail lounge with a basic American menu & dancing to live roots music.

35 Railroad Ave (Westerly)

Longtime supper club & cocktail lounge with a basic American menu & dancing to live roots music.

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Perks & Corks

Nightlife

Intimate, relaxed hangout offering coffee, martinis & local wines, plus live music most nights.

62 High St (Westerly)

Intimate, relaxed hangout offering coffee, martinis & local wines, plus live music most nights.

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Run a Groton business? Two pinned spots a day — $10 here, $25 adds the newsletter. Advertise →

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

8 Mechanic St (Pawcatuck)

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

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

7 Airport Rd (Westerly)

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

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Outer Light Brewing Company has been a Groton staple since 2015, pouring a diverse beer lineup in a laid-back, welcoming taproom that feels…

266 Bridge St

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 New London newsletter, September 10, 2026

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

577 CT-12

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 New London newsletter, September 8, 2026

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Dutch Tavern

Nightlife

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…

23 Green St (New London)

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 New London newsletter, September 16, 2026

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The Oasis Pub

Nightlife

Small but lively, The Oasis Pub nails the sweet spot with 20 drafts, 60+ cans, plus quirky canned cocktails, social tonics, and CBD or…

16 Bank St (New London)

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.

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Small-batch, apple-first pours from Tapped Apple Cidery & Winery hit that sweet spot between crisp hard cider and smooth, fruit-forward…

37 High St (Westerly)

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 Norwich newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Comix Comedy Club keeps this week lively with national headliners, comedy magic, Story Warz, Last Comix Standing, plus drag bingo and bull…

1 Mohegan Sun Blvd (Uncasville)

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, September 10, 2026

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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…

2020 Norwich-New London Turnpike (Uncasville)

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, August 28, 2026

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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…

36 Main St (Versailles) · ✓ checked Sep 10

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.

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When your week needs a proper pint and some comforting Irish fare, The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House brings Gaelic flair and that…

1 Mohegan Sun Blvd Space 116a (Uncasville)

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, September 15, 2026

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Mohegan Sun

Nightlife

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…

1 Mohegan Sun Blvd (Uncasville)

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, September 16, 2026

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Craft beer brewed on-site and elevated pub fare served in a rustic, industrial-chic tavern, These Guys Brewing at American Wharf is the…

1 American Wharf Rd (Norwich)

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, September 4, 2026

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Sip Wine Bar

Nightlife

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

85 Main St (Old Saybrook)

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

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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…

86 Water St (Norwich)

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, August 30, 2026

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When the week calls for extra, Sugar Factory Foxwoods brings the spectacle with candy-filled goblets, over-the-top Insane Shakes, stacked…

350 Trolley Line Blvd (Mashantucket) · ✓ checked Aug 13

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 Norwich newsletter, August 20, 2026

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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…

543 W Thames St (Norwich)

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, August 17, 2026

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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,…

42 Town St (Norwich)

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, August 24, 2026

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Cozy farm for craft ciders, along with apple wine, snacks and occasional food trucks.

23 Petticoat Ln (East Haddam)

Cozy farm for craft ciders, along with apple wine, snacks and occasional food trucks.

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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…

Willow Tree Plaza, 381 W Main St (Norwich)

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, September 8, 2026

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