Night Haven

The five-block stretch of Crown Street between State and High has been New Haven's nightclub nirvana since at least 1991. That's when the bookends of the district -- the comfy “musician's living room,” Cafe Nine, and the spacious dance club/ brewpub/pizza restaurant BAR -- both opened, soon followed by Gotham Citi. In between the flashy nightspots lie intimate bars, like the haute-hip 116 Crown, and late-night eateries like the legendary Louis Lunch.

Bob Handelman

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Semi-clad club crawlers can zip straight to whichever dance destination fits their tempo, style, or budget. But if they really want to be seen, the block to dawdle on is between Temple and College. The club shown here, Hula Hank's, has succeeded with a tropical beach-party vibe in a building that long ago housed a seedy XXX movie house.