Jakes Tavern in Wallingford

Conveniently located in Wallingford's downtown on Center street, you have a better shot at getting on street parking with a short walk compared to the limited parking on Main. Walking into Jake's is reminiscent of a classic NYC or Boston local with the dark wood tones and vaulted ceilings. Deceptively large based on it's minimalist exterior, the space starts with an open bar area to the left and large seating area to the right for regular table service. The back of the tavern explodes into a spacious room that can serve for private functions or networking events (reason for this visit). Open with a small stage in the front corner and baby grand in the other, I imagine it works well for performances for solo or small group musicians. The back half of the room is fitted with a cluster of 4-tops and another regular sized full service bar. Draft options in the back were limited but overall is a fantastic space.

Visiting the area and loved it! Great prices, food, drinks and service ! And so happy it's gay friendly!

The food was amazing!! Staff was great as was the atmosphere!

Great local. Specials are super

I love to go to Jake's for good beer and good bar food. This place can get loud, but every time I've gone, the food was good and I love that they have micro brews. It's a nice bar to sit at, if you can get a seat, and sometimes they put out free food for happy hour. There's a lot to look at and the bar tenders are usually pretty friendly, but busy.

We love wine Wednesday's. A nice night out for two, a bottle of wine with dinner and not too loud-you can carry on a convetsation.

Great band. So fun. Great atmosphere. Good bar service

Very friendly, food was good , crab app was great

I love Jake's! They always have some interesting beer on tap and their food is really good. It's almost always busy, but it's a fun atmosphere!

Good service. Fantastic food. Extraordinary drinks. By far, my favorite place to eat and drink in Wallingford.

Stopped in just for a few drinks. We ordered a few moscow mules, the drinks came in regular glasses not copper mugs. If I was in a dive bar this would not of been a big deal but when I'm paying $10+ for a drink I would expect better, especially because I noticed another customer order one shortly after and relieve it in a copper mug. The drink was also pretty bad, the ginger beer they used must have been flat because you can barely taste it. Our server was great, just expect a higher quality of drinks for the price.

The food is so good that I couldn't even wait until we left to write this review... we're still at the table!! We got the grilled steak crostini and calamari for appetizers, and the mac and cheese with pulled pork as well as grilled chicken sandwich for entrees. Everything was delicious. Who knew a grilled chicken sandwich could be so dang tasty?? I can see why it's so busy here on a Friday night. Check this place out... it's not to be missed!!

I often go just for the bands. They bring in some great cover bands and it's never super busy. The beer selection is very standard fare, so if you're a beer snob, this isn't the place for you. I haven't had food there, so can't comment on that.

Always a good spot for a quiet night

I love the food, staff, and atmosphere. The steak tartare is the most delicious bite of food I'd ever had!

Nice seating areas in the bar area; Not over crowed. Area in the back with music does not interfere. Good food and service.

Great local place to hang out with friends and enjoy local bands. Check out their website for the entertainment lineup.

Jake's is a great place for live bands

Nice atmosphere and great staff! Food is delicious and fresh!

Came here on a Saturday night trying to find a quick drink. We were able to grab a seat in the bar and got served pretty quick. Was a little nervous that the live band would be to loud to hold a conversation, but the layout of the bar makes that a non issue. The front bar is separated enough where you can hear the music but it is not over powering.Poutine was pretty good, just wish there was more of the meat inside.

Great food, great crowds, great music

Love the fact there is no cover here We drive nearly 40 minutes to see certain bands who play here. Fast service and always a decent mixed crowd.

Had a company Christmas party here. Food and upstairs bar were great. Everyone had a good time.

It's a great place! I highly recommend it.

The bartender here really knows his stuff. Drink specials are priced well and worth it. I'd recommend the french onion soup if you're getting something off the menu as well.

Just had a small impromptu office party and it was amazing, great staff, great food, great prices.

I tried to order a drink, cause that's what you do at a bar right?...instead a bald guy with glasses called me a "young man" clicked his heels and then proceeded to perform a leprechaun-like curtsy...He tipped his imaginary tophat at me and before I knew it he was gone. Was I dreaming? No. Where am I? Oh yeah, Jake's. This is Jake's. I once witnessed a man wearing a balaclava and a falconery glove while snapping a bull whip in the center of the street in front of this place. I would be baffled by this anywhere else on the planet...but again, this is Jake's... I hope you happen to carry around bitcoin or Mars rocks, otherwise you might have difficulty making a transaction. If you want to get in scuffle with the lead singer of White Snake, this is the place for you... It's like walking into an underfunded 80's Bowie film...5 stars...

Good burgers at a good price

Good food, good drinks, nice atmosphere, very friendly stuff, we like it

The menu and service were beyond my expectations. We really liked the ambience of this place. Great spot to take the family out for dinner.

A great weekend place to have a cocktail and listen to live music

If The Holy Smokes are playing at this bar and you are not attending I don't want to be friends.

Very appealing food and drink menu. Have yet to eat or drink anything that I didn’t like. Staff and service do an fantastic job. A fun atmosphere with great bands on weekends and live Acoustic in the bar area on Thursday’s!

Good time. Lots of laughs.

Unbelievably funny bartender. Great atmosphere and good food.

Wonderful ambiance with friendly, attentive staff. The bartenders all make amazing martini's. The food is always fresh and delicious no matter what you order. I LOVE their short rib poutine. Stop in and give it a shot, you won't be disappointed. Somewhat pricey, but worth it.

Awesome.service,.great drinks and a fun atmosphere on a Friday night!

Good food and I love the atmosphere. My kinda place!

Great time. Good food. Good music. Good service. Thanks Chris

Great beers. Nice atmosphere.

Great food and atmosphere! Quality live music on weekends! Drinks are on point!

Great place. Just bring your ear plugs. Back room where the band play is crazy loud.

Good service and excellent food and entertainment

Great service from start to finish. The greeter was friendly and kind and our waitress was outstanding. We let them know we were trying to eat quick to make an appointment and they were so accommodating. Fast food service, we had the wings which were delicious and flavorful. A fun date spot!

Nice place to visit after work and grab a bite to eat. The chili was really good! 🔥

Our networking group meets at Jakes once a month. The waitress takes wonderful care of all of us.

Awsome music and drinks

Ordered a $13 burger to be served on Texas toast, it came out on untoasted cold white bread, it was horrible. While the beef was of good quality, i ordered the burger to be well done and it came medium rare, to rare. Again horrible. And the French fries were oily, soggy and cold. Overall a negative experience for my first time. Will not return.

HOLY SMOKES ! AWESOME BAND!

Great bar great food and usually great bands on Friday and Saturday nights