First, if you use I-395 South follow it to the end and get onto I-95 South.

If you use I-84 West, just before hitting Hartford get onto I-91 South

Both I-95 South & I-91 South lead into New Haven and there will be plenty of signs signifying this.

>From I-95 South take Exit 47 the Downtown New Haven Exit

>From I-91 South take Exit 1 the Downtown New Haven Exit both these exits lead to the same expressway connector. (The directions from here are now the same, no matter which way you entered).

Once you're on the connector get over into the far right lane and take Exit 1 , the Railroad Station/Coliseum exit (this is a different Exit 1 than the Exit 1 on I-91 South)

At the bottom of the exit you have 3 options, the 1st right is a U-Turn type, the second right is a normal 90 degree right, or go straight (now these are bunched at the bottom and you have to react quick)

Take the 2nd right (which looks like it's the middle of the intersection). This will put you on Orange St (though it's not marked with any Rd. signs) follow Orange St. past the front of the New Haven Coliseum (an aging Dinosaur that hosted it's share of Big time Arena rock bands of the 70s) and under the overhead parking garage to the first light.

At this light take a right onto George St. (again, unmarked by a street sign) go through your first light (which is State St. going one way from left to right) get in left lane and proceed to the 2nd light (which is State St. going one way from right to left) take a left

Stay in the left lane and take your fist left which is clearly marked Crown St. come to the light and you are at the corner of Crown & State - CAFE` 9 is on your right & a parking lot is on your left.