From its early days in 1939, The Anchor Spa has been more than just a cocktail bar—it has been a cornerstone of New Haven’s nightlife. Originally established by restaurateur Al Levett, it quickly became a gathering place for actors, artists, and Yale students, creating a space where stories were shared over expertly crafted drinks. The bar’s distinct Art Moderne façade, deep ocean-blue tones, and inviting curved booths became an iconic part of the city’s landscape. Over the decades, it evolved while holding onto its maritime roots, with its legendary jukebox, autographed photos of Hollywood stars, and even a hidden speakeasy known as the Mermaid Room. The Anchor’s commitment to the craft of cocktails and community made it a beloved institution, a place where history and hospitality merged seamlessly.

Through changing times and different hands, the space never lost its charm. It was a refuge for generations of guests looking for great drinks and great company. Whether it was serving up classic rum punches inspired by sailors of old or providing a backdrop for late-night conversations, it remained a symbol of authenticity. Its reputation for quality cocktails and its welcoming, unpretentious vibe made it a rare gem in a city that continued to evolve around it. For more than 75 years, it stood as a place where every guest, whether a local, a traveler, or a familiar face, felt like they belonged.

Even the most legendary places are not immune to change. After years of shifting tides and challenges, The Anchor closed its doors in 2015, marking what many feared was the final chapter in its story. The outcry was immediate—locals, longtime patrons, and industry insiders lamented the loss of a true New Haven institution. A petition to save the bar circulated, gathering nearly 1,200 signatures from those who understood its significance. More than just a bar, it had become a meeting place for generations, a melting pot of backgrounds and experiences where friendships were made over the clink of glasses.

Despite being recognized as one of Esquire magazine’s “Best Bars in America” in 2014, the closure seemed inevitable. Social media flooded with memories, tributes, and a collective mourning for a space that had shaped so many nights out. But the passion of its loyal community proved that this was more than just nostalgia—it was a call to preserve a piece of history. And while the original Anchor may have gone dark, its story was far from over.

In 2016, The Anchor Spa was given a second life, thanks to the vision of Yale alumnus Karl Franz Williams. With deep respect for its past, he set out to restore the space while breathing new energy into it, ensuring that the essence of what made it great would remain. The iconic façade was refreshed, the beloved booths stayed in place, and even the jukebox found its home once again. The goal was not just to revive a bar, but to rekindle a legacy—a place where old and new could coexist, where history could meet innovation in every cocktail poured.

Today, The Anchor Spa stands as a tribute to its past and a celebration of its future. While honoring its maritime and theatrical history, it now embraces bold Caribbean flavors, a globally inspired cocktail menu, and a commitment to creating an elevated yet welcoming atmosphere. It continues to be a space where every guest, whether drawn in by nostalgia or discovering it for the first time, feels at home. This is more than just a bar—it’s a living story, one that continues to be written with every drink, every conversation, and every night spent in its warm, storied embrace.