The trapezoidal bar, mirrored ceiling, and slate-gray walls give Barbakan, the newest club in New Haven, a definite Bladerunner feel. Or so say three-quarters of The Donner Party, whom I spotted at the bar this Tuesday night. The guys were expecting to turn around and see the Star Wars band jammin' in the far corner. Sorry guys, during the week you'll have to be content watching selections from the Video Jukebox or David Letterman on the numerous TV screens. On the weekend, however, Barbakan opens up the top floor, stacked with another bar and a dance floor playing a mix of European, and more widely recognized American, dance music.
Being the hustler that I am, I immediately found a pool table in the back: good felt, good cues, but a little small - the table and the room. The price for a game is a little steep at $1.50 a go, but the cheap alcohol definitely makes up for it. Barbakan offers drink specials almost every night in celebration of their opening last weekend. You can't beat Thursday night 50-cent drafts. Whether there is a special or not, look for Kevin behind the bar - he'll be sure to hook you up with whatever you want. In no time, the lot of us sitting atop the bar stools had decided we were set to become regulars. What better time to start than when the bar itself does? Walk yourself and all your friends over and join us at Barbakan, on the corner of Park and Crown, next to Viva's.
-- Allyson Bowen
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