Chef Emily Mingrone Opening Tavern on State, A Classic American Tavern, in New Haven

Chef Emily Mingrone (of Fleisher’s, Match & Jesup Hall) is turning a long time dream into reality with the upcoming opening of her own restaurant, Tavern On State. Tavern On State will be a classic American tavern with a modern twist, located in the East Rock, New Haven, neighborhood. Mingrone had been working on this project for years, but she couldn’t find the right location. When her old drinking haunt, Cojones, became available, she knew it was meant to be.

“I’ve learned so much working with Chefs Storch and Taibe, and I’m so grateful for those experiences,” says Mingrone. Now it’s HER time. We are thrilled to see another female chef in the Connecticut restaurant scene, and we are excited to see what this seasoned chef has in store for us.

Mingrone describes the vibe at Tavern on State as having a “simple concept in menu and design.” “One of my biggest frustrations as a consumer is sometimes you just want a really good steak or delicious shrimp cocktail, and there is no place to get really great classic American fare. At Tavern On State, I want to make simple flavor focused, properly made tavern food.”  Think oysters on the half shell, but garnished with yuzu vs mignonette; interesting versions of the classic shrimp cocktail, grilled octopus, burgers, and sexy steaks.

Mingrone hopes to “create a fun simple menu, a restaurant where people know what to expect.” She plans to leverage her relationships with local butchers and farmers, forged from her many years in the Connecticut food world. Copps Island Oysters, Fleishers, Sport Hill Farm, and Holbrook are just a few of the producers she plans to engage at Tavern.

And what about cocktails, you may ask. Mingrone has partnered with another Jesup Hall alumna, bartender Shane McGowan, to create simple classic cocktails…that are really freakin’ good.

The look and feel of Tavern On State will include lots of nice texture, exposed bricks, and rough wood. There is outdoor seating for 20 guests in the alley patio, and the dining room seats about 45.

Chef Mingrone hopes Tavern will be a destination as well as a neighborhood spot. She is shooting for May for the opening date. We will keep you posted as the big day gets closer.

Tavern On State, 969 State Street, New Haven