Your Guide to Navigating the Second Phase of Reopening

We’ve Got Your Guide to Feeling Safe and Staying Informed of Downtown Bridgeport’s Reopening

 

Updated September 4, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. Thank you for continuing to support Downtown Bridgeport businesses and “loving your local” shop or restaurant while maintaining safe social distancing practices. This guide aims to share information to help you feel safe and stay informed for the second phase of re-opening and the specific rules that eligible businesses must follow to reopen.

This guide includes information on what to expect, and how to stay safe, whenever you choose to go out for indoor or al fresco dining, pick up that new pair of kicks, or let the professionals repair that at-home haircut or manicure you are hiding from the world. If you are not yet ready to come back Downtown, many of our restaurants are open for pickup and delivery; retailers have offerings ready to purchase online; you can buy a gift certificate or pay ahead from personal service businesses; and you can support your favorite arts venue in a variety of ways. Check out what’s available below. Please help us to spread the love in colorful Downtown Bridgeport and share these ways to “love your local” in-store or from home!

Restaurants and Food Businesses

Per Governor Lamont’s guidance, restaurants can open indoor dining at up to 50% capacity, and tables must be spaced at least six feet apart. Outdoor dining is still encouraged with physical distancing standards maintained. Customers are required to bring and wear masks or cloth face coverings that completely cover the nose and mouth. Strict cleaning and disinfection protocols will be enforced. Also, hand sanitizing stations must be available to you. Only paper (disposable) menus or menu items are to be posted on a display board. The Governor is encouraging individuals over the age of 65 or with other health conditions to not visit restaurants, but instead continue to stay home and stay safe. Learn more about the State of Connecticut’s Rules for Reopening Restaurants here. These Downtown Bridgeport Restaurants are Open for Dining, Pickup, and Delivery:

  • Bagel King of Bridgeport: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 330-0755.
  • Bocados Espresso: Check out their Instagram or call the store at (203) 612-7100.
  • Brick and Barrel: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 612-7991.
  • Downtown Cafe: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 362-5148.
  • Dunkin Donuts at 979 Main St: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 335-8550.
  • Dunkin Donuts at 815 Lafayette Blvd: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 366-1605.
  • EAT Noodle: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 612-8355.
  • El Pueblito: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 334-9002.
  • Fruta Juice: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 522-4565.
  • Funchal Americana Buffet: Call the store at (203) 332-3331.
  • Gather Tap & Tavern: Check them out on Facebook or call the store at (203) 690-1670
  • Grill II: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 612-7601
  • Panda Chinese Restaurant: Check them out on Facebook or call the store at (203) 368-3888.
  • Park City Grill at the Holiday Inn Hotel: The restaurant will reopen for dine-in and to-go orders on June 20th with limited menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Call the hotel to place to-go orders at (203) 334-1234, extension 5181.
  • Joseph’s Steakhouse: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 337-9944.
  • One Love KV II: Call the store at (203) 332-1660.
  • Leisha’s Bakeria: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 557-8652.
  • Metric Bar and Grill: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 576-6903.
  • Miss Thelma’s Soul Food: Check them out on Facebook or call the store at (203) 337-9957.
  • Ralph ‘n’ Rich’s: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 366-3597.
  • Rum & Tequila Fusion: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 330-3388.
  • Signature Caterings at Murphy’s Law Bar and Grill: Check them out on Instagram or call the store at (929) 331-6698.
  • Star Istanbul Restaurant: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 923-8100.
  • Sweet Treats Bakery: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 290-5718.
  • Trattoria ‘A Vucchella: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 383-2837.
  • These wonderful spots are not yet open, but you can buy a gift certificate to show your support…think of it as ordering way in advance!

Retail

Retail businesses can open at up to 50% capacity. Social distancing markers should be visible and clearly encouraging customers to stay six feet apart. All retail locations must have physical barriers installed at checkout, as well as encourage the use of contactless payment. Employees and customers are required to bring and wear masks or cloth face coverings that completely cover the nose and mouth. Strict cleaning and disinfection protocols will be enforced. Also, hand sanitizing stations must be available to customers. The Governor is encouraging individuals over the age of 65 or with other health conditions to not go shopping, but instead continue to stay home and stay safe. Learn more about the State of Connecticut’s Rules for Reopening Retail here. Shop these Downtown Bridgeport Retailers In-Store or Online:

  • Academy Books & Records: Check them out on Facebook or shop the store on eBay.
  • An’s Jewelry & Fashion: Call the shop at (203) 331-3008.
  • Blossoming Blessings Florist: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 908-3530.
  • Bob’s Discount Furniture: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 337-5100.
  • Bridgeport Community Pharmacy: Call the store at (203) 330-9191.
  • City Lights Vintage: Check them out on Facebook or shop the store on Etsy.
  • City Sound: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 332-1220.
  • Collab Exchange: Check them out on Facebook or call the store at (203) 690-1676.
  • Contempo Suits: Order from their website or call the store at (800) 561-1708.
  • Dancer’s Price: Check them out on Facebook or call the store at (203) 362-5933.
  • dertbag clothing: Check out their website or their Instagram.
  • Lee’s Beauty Supply: Call the shop at (203) 336-9022.
  • Fairfield Uniform Company: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 335-9941.
  • JB Beauty Supply: Call the shop at (203) 579-4440.
  • Jimmy’s Hip Hop: Check them out on Facebook or Instagram or call the store at (203) 333-3939.
  • Junior’s Jewelry: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 368-9959.
  • Park City Wireless: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 610-6771
  • Parodox Ink: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 521-8681
  • Ruben Marroquin Weaving: Check out their website or Facebook.
  • Phyto Haus: Check out their website.
  • The Archive: Check out their website or call the store at (203) 441-5678.
  • United Roots: Check them out on Facebook or call the store at (203) 366-3103.

Personal Services

These include hair salons, nail salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors, and massage therapy. Hair salons and barbershops have been open since June 1st. All personal services are allowed to reopen at 50% capacity by appointment only, with waiting rooms closed. Any service that would require removal of a facemask (e.g., beard trimming, lip waxing, etc.) is prohibited, and blow drying only when necessary. Learn more about the State of Connecticut’s Rules for Hair Salons and Barbershops Reopening here. Nail salons, tattoo parlors, and massage therapy reopen on June 17th. All employees and customers are required to bring and wear masks or cloth face coverings that completely cover the nose and mouth. Strict cleaning and disinfection protocols will be enforced. Learn more about the State of Connecticut’s Rules for Expanded Personal Services Reopening here. Book an Appointment or Purchase a Gift Certificate now to Enjoy Later:

  • Creative Instinkts Tattoo: Check out their website or call the shop at (203) 384-2645.
  • Evolution Tattoo: Check out their website or call the shop at (203) 333-9100.
  • Forever Custom Tattoos: Check out their website or call the shop at (203) 367-3837.
  • Lafayette Barber Shop: Contact them on Facebook or call the shop at (203) 334-9725.
  • Lane’s Hair Designs: Contact them on Facebook or call the shop at (203) 576-9785.
  • Middle Street Barber Shop: Contact them on Facebook or call the shop at (203) 333-9313.
  • Posh Beauty Bar: Check out their website or call the shop at (203) 334-0282.
  • Preventative Healthcare Solutions: You will have that great massage to look forward to at the end of this wild spring! Contact them on Facebook or call the shop at (203) 870-8008.
  • Rapha Massage: Check out their website or call the shop at (203) 808-0047.
  • Victor’s Tailor Shop: You’ll need to tailor those pants after all that working out at home! Contact them on Facebook or call the shop at (203) 333-2922.
  • Jerry’s Printing: Print up a celebratory t-shirt or poster. Check out their website or call the shop at (203) 384-0015.

Arts and Entertainment

Museums and indoor recreation, such as movie theater, establishments are limited to indoor and outdoor areas at 50% capacity. Any food service taking place at indoor recreation venues will adhere to the Sector Rules for Restaurants. Gift shops may resume provided that all rules in effect for retail businesses are followed. All establishments must encourage the use of contactless payment. Employees and customers are required to bring and wear masks or cloth face coverings that completely cover the nose and mouth. Strict cleaning and disinfection protocols will be enforced. Learn more about the State of Connecticut’s Rules for Reopening Museums and Zoos here and check out Rules for Reopening Indoor Recreation here. You can also support your favorite music / art / comedy / gaming / culture spot by purchasing tickets in advance and/or donating:

Hotels: Hotels are open to guests with reservations. Hotels must exercise caution throughout the phases of reopening, ensuring strict adherence to the protocols listed here. Those businesses that are not able to meet the rules listed here by June 17, should delay opening until they are able. Check out the State of Connecticut’s Rules for Reopening Hotels here. The Downtown’s Holiday Inn Hotel will open on June 20th, but the swimming pool will not be open. Contact hotel staff for more information by phone at (203) 334-1234, or by visiting their website here.

Professional Offices: Governor Lamont’s task force recommends employees continue to work from home where possible. For those of you who may need to visit a professional services office, check out the State of Connecticut’s Rules for Reopening Offices here.