Our interest was piqued when we learned that the folks behind NoRA Cupcake had opened up a new cocktail and comfort food joint (couldn’t resist that one) in the old historic 1850’s Pameacha Jailhouse. It’s located in a residential area off South Main Street near Middlesex Hospital. Having been upstairs several times when the building was home to the former Bread & Water, we figured we’d head straight to the basement bar around the back of the building. We spent a few hours nibbling on snacks, listening to classic rock, and sipping tasty handcrafted cocktails. We loved the El Warden, a blend of Ghost Tequila, grapefruit, and hibiscus with a rim full of chili lime salt. Venturing just outside of our cocktail comfort zone, we sampled a Lights Out, a mix of Montelobos Mezcal, Redemption Rye, Montenegro Amaro, and Elderflower.  The menu is filled with scrumptious-sounding bites but since we had already eaten our way through Middletown, we went light on the ordering. The Devil Poppers, a combo of creamy deviled and crispy fried eggs topped with bacon bits and jalapeño were a big hit. And we weren’t too full to sample the Eggplant Sliders, a trio of crispy, fried eggplant with roasted red peppers, mozzarella, and black garlic mayo.

The restaurant upstairs is open for dining and private parties in the jail cell are available upon reservation. Parking is on the street.

harriesjailhouse.com

51 Warwick Street, Middletown