Arts & Entertainment

Eating Out In New Haven Just Got Less Expensive

A new pilot program offers free garage parking to diners of participating restaurants.

Heralded as the first of its kind in Connecticut, the City of New Havenhas unveiled a new pilot program that is designed to draw more diners to its downtown.

Through a partnership between 16 restaurants and Park New Haven, which manages 8,000 public parking spots in the Elm City, diners at participating restaurants can now park in two garages for free.

According to a press release from the City of New Haven, the cost of the program is funded through a 50/50 split between Park New Haven and each participating restaurant, with each restaurant paying for a $4 validation per patron who parks in one of the two Park New Haven downtown garages. 

The two garages are located on Temple and Crown streets.

The special $0 Restaurant Rate will begin each evening at 4 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. Dining patrons may leave their cars in the garage and enjoy Downtown New Haven up until 3 a.m., the release states.

Participating restaurants are:


Program is a 'Game-Changer'

In announcing the program, David B. Panagore, Acting Executive Director for Park New Haven, said, “We see this program as a game-changer for both our downtown restaurants, and for those coming into New Haven for dinner.”

The City's mayor, John DeStefano Jr., said, “New Haven is known across the nation for its superb dining options and people from all over come here to enjoy what we have to offer. Taking down the perceived barrier of the cost of parking to go out to dinner further extends the Elm City’s welcome to diners from around the state and the region."

What do you think of the program? And what's your favorite restaurant in New Haven?


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