Keys to The City @ Terminal 110

How is this place still open? To put it nicely, it sucks now. It’s really just for corny bachelorette parties and meh. Not into it. I don’t even think the upstairs is open anymore.

Poor service, false advertising and the place is very hard to find.
Not only will your GPS bring you to the wrong place, but when you do eventually find signs to get here, you’ll be driving around the middle of nowhere along sketchy, windy roads.
Maybe that was a harsh opening, but get a load at what happened last Friday night. A group of co-​workers got together to come here for food, drinks and dueling pianos. Keep in mind it was early evening and the place was not too busy.
Food: The service was painfully slow. About 45 minutes for nachos to come out and one of the orders had chicken added extra for a guy who did not ask for chicken. Other food items were never brought out at all and we had to keep hounding the waiter (s).
Drinks: They were okay and while the happy hour prices were good, nothing about the drinks was all that special.
We waited for an hour after the dueling pianos were supposed to start, but they never did. We kept getting told that the wait would be a «little longer.» They even had a guy come out on a mic at start time to say things were getting started. Bizarre, nothing ever began.
The time it took from asking for the bill to actually getting it was absurd. (like another 20 minutes). It’s as if they were purposely being slow all night, or perhaps they just lacked interest in serving us.
I don’t like giving 1-​star ratings, but there was nothing good about our visit at all. Everyone in our group was very disappointed.
Perhaps the worst was having to pay a cover, most likely for the performances that never even took place.

Went for the second time on a Saturday night with a group of 10 ladies. As other Unilocalers have mentioned, this is definitely a better spot to go as a group, whether it be a girls’ night out, birthday celebration or bachelorette party. It is also the most fun when people in your group are outgoing and brave enough to jump onstage and get involved in the show (as were in my group).
I did not eat (fyi kitchen closes at 11pm), but was impressed with their huge list of bottled beers, draft beers, and mixed drinks. Waitress was great – nicely offered to do individual bills by taking our names at the beginning of the night to keep her orders organized – so helpful! She was pleasant, attentive and stopped by often to check on us. She also dropped off a free draft beer that was an extra pour from the bar.
I would have liked to check out the dance floor upstairs, but it wasn’t open. And yes, parking is weird and sketchy, but once you go, you know how to get there for the next time. This isn’t a weekly go-​to spot, but worth the trip for a special occasion… maybe 1 – 2 times a year.

We went here last night after my last endeavor the week they initially opened. Well, we went here after 4 attempts to find the entrance to the parking lot. They have zero signage until you’re already behind the hotel and see a small yellow sign with an arrow pointing left. That part could use work and it’s one of the reasons I gave the place 4 stars. Lots of parking, but terrible location/​signs.
Once in the bar, after our $ 7 cover, we pretty much stood most of the night because we didn’t make a reservation. What got me is that some tables had 6 chairs and only 2 patrons. Too awkward to ask to sit there or borrow a chair. I feel that they could make better use of seating areas. smaller tables? I’m not sure. Most of the piano area was filled with larger parties, mostly birthdays, which was to be expected. We stood in the bar area because anywhere else would’ve been in the way.
Now onto the music! I really enjoyed the piano playing, the showmanship, the crowd participation. I’m sure the guys do a lot of the same shtick each night (calling the birthday girls up on stage, etc.) but I had a good time. Not often do you get to hear Tupac on the piano. We knew all the songs they played last night and had fun singing along. Drinks seemed to be an average price — $ 5 for a plastic cup. Not sure why plastic. never a fan of places that either run out of glasses or don’t think you can handle them. Bartenders were ok and occasionally distracted by patrons. But staff made sure to mix with the piano players in case things weren’t super lively.
Overall we had a pretty fun time, stayed a bit over 2 hours. I’d come back again, maybe for something like a birthday party, but due to the nature of the bar (repetition of songs, jokes, sight gags) it’s probably not something I’d go to every week. But I also probably wouldn’t go to see the same band every week without some changes or new material. I think this place has a good niche market as it’s one of the only dueling piano bars in the state, so I think they’ll probably keep up the good work.

You have to call to get reservations before hand. There were six of us and we got a table just to the side of the piano. The night started very slow as our server took absolutely forever to bring us our first round of drinks. She did apologize and was a little more attentive later. But we decided to just get one of the 100oz beer towers so thy we would not have any delay in getting our next beers. $ 32 you get about 8 – 10 beers, not a bad price, and there is a cooling device in the center of the tower to keep beer cold. There happened to be a breast caver fundraiser that night, so that was a plus. Very festive people, although some clearly had had a few too many. Pianists were very good and played a variety of songs. Kind of difficult to get to this pace, just follow the arrows on the sign. Good beer selection, but my magic hat #9 was flat. Service slow. Some out of control patrons. But overall was a fun time to hang out with a group of friends.

Went there last Saturday night for a birthday party. $ 7 cover charge. Our group was in the corner of the room which was VERY dark. Couldn’t see people, let alone the food that was being brought out!
Food was «ok», tasted like typical frozen bar food.
Piano players were fun and engaging. Good place to go with a group of friends.
Went upstairs afterwards to dance… Wasnt very busy at 11:00PM. Our group didn’t stay long.

I really have mixed feelings about this place. I had been looking for a good piano bar to go to while on a recent visit to CT. Entertainment-​wise, I love it (I used to play piano). The piano players know a variety of songs and will do their best to entertain and interact with the crowd.
I did not like the location AT ALL. I can understand that they are near one of New Haven’s landmarks (Long Wharf) and that they want to make parking available to patrons, but honestly, at 11 pm at night, it has to be one of the sketchiest areas I’ve been in.
The website states that they are difficult to find through GPS. That’s because you have to drive through the IKEA parking lot and behind random warehouses to find the place. I haven’t been to this place when it was downtown, but I wish it stayed there. It would have a much more fun vibe if it did.
Upstairs is a club. We went on a Saturday night and there was barely anyone there. Nothing special at all.
I would have given this place two or even one stars if it wasn’t for the dueling pianos.

Let me just be honest about something: This place is a DUMP (an absolute DUMP) that’s been renovated into bar. The location is on some dead end street and shares a building with some saugage/​hot dog factory (no joke). Parking is near a chain-​linked fence on gravel or unswept concrete. You then pay for tickets at a ticket booth outside that makes you feel like your paying for some sleazy adult entertainment. From the outside the windows are all covered with old spray-​painted wood so that you can’t see inside.
Now, once you get inside you can tell that people obiously have a good time here. It’s very dark and has an industrial/​garage feel. The furniture is unkept and the food is awful. However, the entertainment is pretty damn good. These guys can really play the pianio and encourage interaction with the crowd. The only thing that I was surprised with is that everyone pays a cover, but then they still want constant tips for playing songs. I would only recommend in large groups, not a really good setting for a romantic date.

The place it self is nice. Food not great. Be FOREWARNED: If you buy the
$ 20 for $ 40 deal, despite the fact it says in the disclaimer (before purchase) «good one per person», and physically on the printout the same thing, they only allow one per tab. So if you got two people on one tab, and each person has a
deal, they will only allow one. I politely stated that is not what it said, but they weren’t going for it. I could have argued the point with the waitress how it is illegal to advertise one thing and offer another thing in the state of ct — but typically arguing with a waitress or manager will get you thrown out of any place. If we (8 of us) didnt have the
fiasco, it would have gotten 3 stars.

The dueling pianos are great, and the performers never disappoint. But it’s usually an experience marred by drunk bachelorettes hounding the piano players and requesting the worst songs ever written, and drowning your sorrow over this sad circumstance in alcohol is not a great option because the drinks are heinously overpriced.
I also felt like I was driving into an abandoned parking lot to be killed when I was trying to get to this place. It just doesn’t feel safe, aside from being WELL out of the way of every other bar in New Haven, making bar hopping impossible so that going there involves a level of location commitment I’m not often comfortable with.
In short, I liked the former downtown location much better, but no matter what the drinks are a rip-​off. Thank you, though, to the reviewer below who gave the useful tip that on Friday nights ladies get their first drink free; that’s something, I suppose.

Great place to enjoy a night with friends, celebrate an occasion or just head for a drink!
Fridays and Saturdays Keys has a dueling piano show from 7:30pm to 1:00am. All the players I’ve seen there are great. they interact with the crowd a lot, including giving out free shots!
The wait and bar staff are friendly and fast. The food is very good and so are the drinks.
The price are good and the cover is minimal. Its a great place to have a fun night!

Went to keys to the city for a birthday party and had a really good time. The pianists were REALLY awesome and talented. They played a whole variety of songs. The crowd was pretty good too. My only complaint was the location. It’s in a really sketchy area of New Haven. Definitely did not feel safe walking around there at night.

Had been wanting to go to this place for a while. I think moving Keys to the City behind the Long Wharf theatre lot is a better location, where bachelorette parties, birthday gatherings, and other large groups can drink 40’s in a bag or have tall cylinders full of beer.
Went with a large group of people. It’s wise to reserve tables as they fill up quickly. The waiter service was a bit inconsistent, so many of us had to go to the bar.
The pianists here are very talented — from playing Lady Gaga to Elton John to of course, Journey, they really kill it. They have an amazing amount of energy. I hope they get paid well. My voice is hoarse from yelling so loudly to the songs (yes, yelling, there’s no «singing» the songs)
We had a VIP section in the club upstairs, so we had to leave. I was disappointed as I could have listened to the pianos all night long. I can go to a club anytime.
Upstairs was full too, with drunk club goers dancing to the beat of the 90’s tunes playing on the screen.
Although we had a VIP section, the waitress didn’t come by too consistently, so just expect a place to relax (a plus), and having to go to the bar. I don’t mind this, but when you request VIP service, service should be better.
I would go back, but not for the club upstairs. Pianists who have an abundant amount of energy in them get my vote any day.

I love this place. Every time i go its something new & out of the ordinary. so far i have seen 2 freestyle (old S Puertorican 80’s music) concerts, Ive had dinner there with friends wile enjoying the dueling pianos, & Ive gone to a comedy show.
What i love the most about this place is the crowd. the people that come here for the most part, are dressed to impress, they are looking not have a good time, laugh, sing, dance with no drama on their mind. Ive been there about 5 times now each time there were no fight or even arguments, but there were some dance battles, who can out shake their booty to beat all the others .
I love this place & Ill keep coming here till I move out of ct, this place is the Beez Neeze!

**Friday nights at Keys to the City ladies get their first drink free!**
I’m surprised to see so many reviews with less than 4 stars. I thought this place was so much fun! Went here with my husband and 2 friends that like to go here. They reserved us a table in the piano bar and we were right in front of the stage! Great seats. I also had another friend (that didn’t go that night but likes it there) that had 2 free cover passes and called them in for us. So we got the $ 10/​person cover for free which was a nice bonus. I would pay the cover other days though b/​c the place is just good old fun.
So they do «Keys to the City» there which are a few guys that take turns playing on the dueling pianos. We went on a Friday night… July 4^th weekend. It wasn’t as packed as I’d thought it would be on a Friday night, but I believe this is due to it being a holiday weekend. My friends said it’s usually much busier. I was happy that it wasn’t slammed though b/​c we had plenty of room to enjoy ourselves.
There was a bachelorette party at the table next to us, and they were having a blast. Asked our guys to do a couple of the things to help the bride check off from her «to do» list, and we laughed and let them borrow them for a couple of pics.
It was 80s night on the pianos… which was awesome for me b/​c I love the 80s. You can request any song you want with $ 1 and they’ll play it. We had about 5 songs played that we wanted to hear. Fun times. We were singing and dancing and loving life!
We met the owner of the bar. He was cool, funny, and bought us a round. Later on the boys chatted with him outside for a bit and he ended up inviting us to come VIP to another cool spot he DJs at. So we’ll head there at some point.
They also serve food here. Lots of options… prices are moderate, and food was good. My friends got nachos and chicken fingers and I tried the nachos and it had some grilled chicken on it that was really tasty.
We went upstairs for a little bit which is more of a club than a lounge. We’re don’t usually go to clubs so we left after about 10 minutes up there. Overall though, I’d go back. It was a great night and I’m sure I’d have a good time a second time!

I thought this was so much fun! It was my first time and also everyone in my group’s first time. If you like to sing along and have a good attitude towards fun, this is definitely for you.
Beware of many many DRUNK people. Everyone goes there for bachelorette parties and birthdays which seems to be a free pass for acting like an idiot. But still a great time.
I also like how diverse the ages in the crowd were. I am 36. There were people from 21 to 51.
Food was only okay. Drinks were strong. $ 10 cover charge plus if you want a song played, you need to tip the pianists so bring lots of small bills.
I will definitely go back!

Went about 4 times since they moved and the first time I saw a huge fight break out in the parking lot where bouncers were pushing girls down and beating on people… WOW OK shit happens so maybe that was just a one time thing… NOT! Went back again with friends saw another fight upstairs same thing bouncers over acting and being way to physical. Ive worked in bars and nightclubs before and that’s not the way you act. The last time I went the DJ seemed drunk and all he did for 2o minutes was complain about 93.7 radio station and the music they play??? Made it sound like he was mad at them for maybe not giving him a job? lol IDK…
I do like the inside outside patio upstairs.

I have been to Keys to The City @ Caffe Bottega twice. Both times Dave Weissman was at the piano. He no longer plays there so I’m hesitant to go back. The atmosphere is extremely supportive of everyone getting wasted — which, if you’re in the mood for that, is a lot of fun. People are pulled up on stage occasionally and they take requests. It’s a lot of fun, although this is depending on who’s playing the piano that night.
If you’re with a large group, get a table and do the drink minimum. If it’s just two of you, stand around the bar. Once everyone has seven drinks in them, you can meander up front and take a seat.
Again, Dave Weissman is amazing at his job and makes the joint worth going to! Haven’t experienced the new pianists.

Relentless hipster word of mouth has finally broken through the walls of suburban Jericho. Move over, Hula Hank’s, this is the new early-​twenties hot spot for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, etc.
A business model built entirely around the idea of slowly siphoning money from wallets in many more ways than just alcoholic beverage purchases. I’ve jokingly asserted that the only way to truly enjoy this place would be to show up with a pocketful of counterfeit hundred dollar bills.

Please don’t ever make me come here again. Off-​key singing, humiliating audience participation, $ 7 cover, subpar menu, and we got there at like 9, so it’s not as though we were showing up around last call or anything. This was just a bad scene and I was thrilled to get to Prime 16 across the street quickly.
That being said, we were there for someone’s birthday party, so I guess as long as I have friends who like this stuff, I’ll probably keep going to these types of places. But save yourselves!