We planned an afternoon on Gulf Beach after lunch to catch up on life. We never got there.

We stopped at Dive Bar & Restaurant, a place offering a great view of Long Island Sound that’s just across the street. Oddly, Connecticut’s expansive coastline offers little waterside dining. This Dive Bar is just over the Milford border in West Haven.

I started with their bloody Mary ($10), one of my go-to brunch libations since it was before noon. My dining partner had their Lemon Drop ($10).

We both ordered their chicken poke bowls ($17.95), replacing the poultry with grilled shrimp, yet I substituted a blend of arugula and romaine for the rice (+$2).

Both bowls contained carrots, edamame, avocado, pickled onion and ginger topped with cilantro, sesame seeds and sriracha aioli. Fresh and delicious to the last drop. So delicious, I requested bread to sop it up.

The staff was so friendly and the location enjoyable that instead of going to the beach, we sat there solving the world’s problems with Tito’s and tonics in hand.

I recommend Dive Bar. It’s got great views, super friendly staff with good food and potent drinks.

Dive Bar & Restaurant
West Haven
24 Ocean Ave
West Haven, CT 06516