by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: May 18, 2009   Last Updated: May 25, 2009

South Norwalk is one of the most historic areas in Norwalk. It survived the threat of demolition in the 1970's to become one of the most vital areas in southwestern Ct. When you are looking for a great bar, SoNo is the place in Norwalk that you want to be.

Donovans and Mackenzie's

138 Washington Street

There was a collective cheer in SoNo in January 2009 when Donovan's came back to its former location. It has a new name but not much else has changed. Richie Ball came back out of retirement after three years when his former location became available, for the residents of SoNo it is like having an old friend back. This time with Paul MacKenzie as his partner he is prepared to reach new heights in the culinary area.

People come here to sample the chowder which is the specialty of Richie's wife Patti and the hamburgers. The decor is fight themed and this is bar food at its finest, a little upscale but still very affordable with the steak and ribs topping the list under $20. The drinks are generous, the atmosphere is friendly and the pub food is great, what more can you ask for?

The Loft Martini Lounge

97 Washington St

If you are looking for a chic and classy location with good looking bartenders and fantastic martinis you have arrived at the correct location. The Loft is the place to people watch and to be seen in South Norwalk.

The martini menu is extensive and the chocolate martin was voted best chocolate indulgence by the Food Network. No matter what form your chocolate martini fantasy takes you will most likely find it here. Whether it is white chocolate, chocolate raspberry or plain chocolate you will find it here along with coconut, oatmeal or a pineapple upside down cake martini. This is just the tip of the proverbial martini iceberg and you can certainly spend several very enjoyable evenings just sipping your way through the menu. You can sample their munchies, dance to the live entertainment and just be there, which for many people really is enough.

O'Neill's

93 North Main Street

If you are feeling like a visit to the Old Sod and you don't have time to head to Dublin a stop at O'Neill's in South Norwalk is sure to satisfy that urge for all things Irish. Whether you want to cozy up to the fireplace or dine on the outside patio you will find that this bar has a place to make you feel at home. The happy hour specials include $1 off drinks as well as $3 domestic bottles and $5 appetizers. Enjoy the frothy head on your Guinness or a Harp Lager as well as a nice selection of domestic and imported beers both on tap and in bottles.

The dinner menu is heavy on appetizers and offers lots of favorites including wings, skins and the ever popular mini burgers. The pies and things are straight from Ireland with Shepherd's pie, fish and chips, Guinness stew and Irish chicken curry. There is lots more to the menu and a Sunday Brunch to boot. This is a bar and restaurant where you can hang with the guys or dine with the family.

SoNo is a vibrant and revitalized section of Norwalk. This is just a small sampling of what you will find in the area. Come on down, day or night, you are sure to find something to please.

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