History

The historic Sherman Building is the site of Union League Café which is located directly across from Yale University and steps from the historic green of New Haven, Connecticut. The restaurant is situated on the site of the home of New Haven’s first Mayor, Roger Sherman, the only American whose name appears on the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. One hundred years later, Gaius Fenn Warnier, one of the city’s leading industrialists, built his townhouse, which today forms the core of the building.

From the 1880’s through the 1940’s our site served as the Union League Club, a private civic and social club. An elegant addition in 1902 created the atmosphere our guests experience today. Designed in the Beaux Arts tradition by New Haven architect Richard Williams, the building is a New Haven landmark.

The present day’s interior continues in the Beaux Art tradition with its high ceilings and moldings, accented with mahogany mantles and archways, marble pillars and vintage stain glass windows. The walls in our Clubroom are hand painted with rich murals by acclaimed New York artist, Sally Colbert. Soft lighting, hand made wall sconces and chandeliers, along with a working marble fireplace only further highlight the historic architecture so well preserved today.

Our vintage brownstone sits in the heart of a thriving shopping and entertainment district. Distinctive boutiques, coffee shops, book stores, art galleries, renowned museums, the Shubert Theater, Yale Repertory and the New Haven Symphony are just steps away. Located 5 minutes from Interstate highways 91 and 95, Union League Café is but a short drive from suburban beach communities, Fairfield County and Connecticut valley towns alike.