Inside: Prime 16

The portions are big, the beer selection is plentiful and the price is right

By Jodie Mozdzer

Critic's Rating:

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Prime 16 specializes in two things: beer and burgers. With only those to focus on, it's no wonder they are both so well done (no pun intended). The new tap house and restaurant on Temple Street in downtown New Haven is a mix between fine dining and backyard barbeque. With western décor and beef straight from Montana, the American cowboy feel is there for sure. But Prime 16 pulls if off with class.

Like when they say beer, they mean a range of imported and specialty beers, not just a frothy mug-full of the regulars.

And when they say beef, they're talking cows raised on all organic crops, and burgers served on wheat or pretzel rolls, if you wish.

The look: Dark wood tables topped with glowing tea light candles give the small restaurant a romantic feel, while more rugged details make it scream Wild West. The liquor sits atop glowing steps along the bar, while bottled beer is displayed in a case framed by 100-year-old oak pulled from an old barn. Even the white porcelain bull's head mounted on the wall between the dining area and the bar plays on both themes. The restaurant is dark—blood red walls in the bathrooms, dark burgundy and dark brown in the restaurant (rare, medium and well done, perhaps?).

The eats: The menu seems simple enough—16 different burgers (hence the name) and a few different sandwiches, plus appetizers and salads. But when you dig into the options, you'll see the menu covers all the bases. Take the wasabi glazed salmon burger, covered in ginger and sesame, or the veggie and chicken burgers for those who don't want beef. And then there are the several variations on the typical beef burger—like the Southwest Burger topped with Canadian bacon and a fried egg, or the New York Steakhouse Burger with blue cheese on top, spinach on the bottom and a whole lot of meat in the middle.

The booze: Ahh, the booze. Prime 16 has 20 beers on tap every night, rotating choices that include the Prime 16 light lager, which is brewed for the restaurant at the Opa-Opa Brewing Company in Southampton, Mass., and the Imperial Stout, also brewed in Massachusetts, with 8.5 percent alcohol content.

Then there are the 50 bottled beers, hailing from Mexico, Germany, Belgium and beyond, ranging in price from $4 to $26 a pop. But, don't get overwhelmed by the variety. The bar staff is quick to tell you the background story on any of the beers, an impressive feat that can help you narrow down your choices. Prime 16 also has a full bar. But what goes better with a burger than a beer?

The vibe: Laid back and relatively quiet, Prime 16 draws a variety of people—from the softball team to couples to businessman stopping by after putting in some overtime. Several groups lingered long after the food was gone. While the staff was friendly and knowledgeable, it took a while to get the food. We heard stories from other patrons that they waited 45 minutes for a meal once. We thought the food was worth the wait.

The damage: Your bank account can escape Prime 16 largely unscathed. Burgers run from $9 to $11 and come with a side. We suggest the sweet potato fries. Appetizers range from $3 to $9. We tried the blue potato crisps, which were really more brown than anything else. But double dipped in spicy ketchup and garlic mayonnaise, they were worth the $6.95 for a bowl. If you're not careful, that bar tab can really hurt the wallet.

The bottom line: It won't be hard to convince your friends to join you at Prime 16. The portions are big, the beer selection is plentiful and the price is right. You're sure to leave full, buzzed and happy.

What other people are saying...

1 comment | Add Your Own

etrnlife from New Haven County - August 23, 2008 at 11:00 PM

Been to Prime 16 and LOVE IT!! I tell all my friends that the beer on tap is the best. Oh the burgers are great too..but the beer, is off the chart.

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