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The Ultimate Guide to the Williamsburg Bar Scene

The Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, New York, is filled with culture. For decades, it’s drawn artists and influencers. It’s a spot where cool people want to live, work and hang out and is a hub for music, art, fashion, and of course, food!

With that much culture, it should come as no surprise that Williamsburg bars are some of the best in the United States. From classic dives to modern wine bars to dance clubs and literally everything in between, this tiny area has a ton of excellent bars on nearly every block.

If you like a lot of draft beer options? Williamsburg bars have you covered. Craft cocktails? Frozen drinks? Awesome shareable plates? That’s right! Williamsburg has options for every palate and mood.

group of friends enjoying cocktails at a bar in Williamsburg

So come with me and let me take you on a tour of the area. I’ll show you just a few of my favorite bars, hangouts, and other spots where to get a drink in the Williamsburg area.


Maison Premiere

298 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Phone: 347-889-5710
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Maison Premiere
Source: Maison Premiere

We start our tour on Bedford Ave at Maison Premiere. Maison Premiere is an oyster bar with a decidedly New Orleans feel. Guests can expect an upscale vibe and a menu focusing on cocktails, fresh oysters, and shareable small plates.

I love the Chancellor Cocktail at Maison Premiere. It’s a mix of Black Bull Scotch, Tawny port, vermouth, and orange bitters. It’s a complex treat for sure. And it’s a perfect match for sampling some of Maison Premiere’s more than 20 available fresh oysters. The steamed mussels are expertly cooked and a spectacular dish to share with friends while you sip.


Luckydog

303 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: 347-294-4971

Source: Luckydog

We’ll stay on Bedford Ave and head over to Luckydog. From the outside, Luckydog looks like a dive bar. And in a lot of ways, it is, but it’s the most incredible dive bar around. Dogs aren’t just welcomed but encouraged, and Luckydog offers a backyard and games to keep you entertained all night long.

Luckydog has an expansive beer menu, so you have many options from the tap or the bottle. If you want something mixed, though, check out the 1-pound margarita. It’s a delicious, cold margarita, and there are 16 ounces of it. What else could you possibly want?


Spuyten Duyvil

359 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: 718-963-4140

Spuyten Duyvil
Source: Spuyten Duyvil

Spuyten Duyvil is a neighborhood in the Bronx, but it’s also the name of this classic, hip-feeling beer bar. Spuyten Duyvil offers plenty of space as well as a garden. It’s an enjoyable spot to enjoy some of the best beer you can find in Williamsburg.

Spuyten Duyvil specializes in rare Belgian and other European beers. No matter what you get, you’re guaranteed an exciting beer that’s full of flavor. The bar offers different pates and cheese plates so that you can get the whole experience of flavors. It’s a spot you simply have to get yourself to.


The Commodore

366 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: 718-218-7632
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The Commodore
Source: The Commodore

Located just a few steps from the Metropolitan Ave stop, The Commodore is an easygoing saloon. You go up and make all your orders at the bar, but the bar is light and airy with a super fun vibe. It’s a great place to hang out for happy hour.

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The Commodore does a great job with classic cocktails, but I wholeheartedly recommend the fried chicken. Get it as a plate with biscuits and sides or as a sandwich. It’s hand-breaded and fried in-house and always comes out juicy and delicious. That and a beer, and I’m in heaven.


Rocka Rolla

486 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Rocka Rolla
Source: Rocka Rolla

If you like loud rock music and beers served out of giant, heavy mugs, Rocka Rolla is the place for you. This upscale dive bar focuses on fun and music. You’ll find an outside space and games, with rock and metal blaring out of the speakers all the time. It’s a great atmosphere.

You’ll have so much fun at the bar that drinks are almost an afterthought, but don’t worry! Rocka Rolla has a great beer list with tons of options. If you want a mixed drink, Rocka Rolla has tons of spins on the classics, and they make them strong!


Skinny Dennis

152 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
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Skinny Dennis
Source: Skinny Dennis

Skinny Dennis calls itself New York’s best honky-tonk bar, and it’s hard to disagree. It’s as authentic a Nashville experience as you’re going to find in the heart of Williamsburg. Country tunes and tons of wood make Skinny Dennis an enjoyable place to be.

I don’t usually love frozen drinks, but I make an exception for Skinny Dennis’ world-famous Willie’s Frozen Coffee. Named after Willie Nelson, this concoction is a slushy mix of coffee and bourbon, topped with coffee grounds and, you guessed it, even more bourbon. It’s chilly, and it’s addictive, and it’s one of the best drinks in the city.


484 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: 718-609-0484
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Union Pool

Union Pool
Source: Union Pool

You might think that Union Pool is a pool hall, and you’d be wrong! Union Pool is actually an excellent neighborhood spot that opened in a former pool and pest control shop. Fortunately, all those old supplies are gone in favor of a happening place that has a pinball machine and live music most nights of the week.

I’m particularly fond of Union Pool’s signature JJ Ginger Julep, made with Knob Creek bourbon, ginger syrup, lemon, and soda water. Then I like to go to the taco truck, which is permanently parked out back, and make a meal of it.


Night of Joy

667 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
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Night of Joy
Source: Night of Joy

Night of Joy, on Lorimer Street, is a bar experience that you won’t find anywhere else in New York. The main floor feels like you’ve stepped into your grandparents’ living room, with antique rugs and furniture all over the place. Head up to the roof patio, though, for some hip and well-thought-out cocktails.

At Night of Joy, the botanicals and herbal infusions are the stars. As an example, check out the Basil-Lime Gin Gimlet. Gin is infused with fresh basil and lime before being made into a classic gimlet. The botanicals add some different flavors than you’re used to!


Fresh Kills Bar

161 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Phone: 718-599-7888
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Night of Joy
Source: Night of Joy

Over on Grand Street is Fresh Kills Bar. This place just screams “cool.” From the marble-looking benches to curved wooden ceilings to a beautiful bar, Fresh Kills just feels like a place you want to see and be seen at.

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Fresh Kills prides itself on serving adapted versions of the classics, and I’m happy to tell you that they do so very, very well. The Jet Fuel is one of my favorites. It’s a take on a rum tiki drink but made with the best rums and freshest ingredients. Everything truly sings. That’s the case for every cocktail at Fresh Kills.


Pokito

155 S 4th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: 917-909-1542
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Pokito
Source: Pokito

Pokito is a cozy spot nestled near the Williamsburg Bridge. At Pokito, the calling card is their cocktail menu. Enjoy a fusion of Latin and Asian flavors every time you go to visit. The dining room is whitewashed brick and very comfortable.

Pokito’s margarita starts with a base of tequila, orange liqueur, and lime, which is traditional. However, the Himalayan sea salt rim is anything but! It adds a great depth of flavor. The Spider Cider is another favorite on a cold day, served hot with dark rum, apple, pomegranate, ginger, lemon, and spices. It’ll warm you up for sure!


Ba’sik

323 Graham Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: 347-889-7597
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Ba’sik
Source: Ba’sik

Over on Graham Avenue is Ba’sik. Ba’sik is the pronunciation for “basic.” This bar definitely focuses on going back to the basics. A sleek-looking bar is home to a chill atmosphere where diners can hang out with friends and have some cocktails and bar bites. An outdoor garden area is great during warm weather.

For a drink with a kick, try out the From Dusk ‘Til Dawn, which comes with vodka, coffee, horchata, and nutmeg. The Chai Old Fashioned provides a modern interpretation of a classic, with scotch, apple brandy, chai tea, and bitters. The hot dogs and pretzels are excellent!


Radegast Hall & Biergarten

113 N 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Phone: 718-963-3973
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Radegast Hall & Biergarten
Source: Radegast Hall & Biergarten

Radegast Hall & Biergarten sits just a couple of blocks from the East River. When you go to Radegast, you’ll feel like you’ve made your way to a German Oktoberfest celebration. This place is vast and boisterous, with banners all over the walls and schnitzel and steins of beer as far as the eye can see.

Radegast offers up a rotating selection of European beers on tap, which you can get in liter-sized glasses. Classic treats like the pierogi or Munich pretzel act as great starters. The veal schnitzel is wonderfully prepared. You’ll raise your glass for sure when you’re at Radegast.


Hotel Delmano

82 Berry St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: 718-387-1945
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Hotel Delmano
SourceL Hotel Delmano

Hotel Delmano feels like a space out of time, and that’s a really cool thing. Everything from the cocktail menu to the food to the decor feels like a nod to the New York of a century ago. Lots of wood and antique mirrors make Hotel Delmano an elegant spot.

When you go to a spot that feels like a classic, you have to get some of the classic cocktails. They’re all handcrafted and a perfect preparation. Hotel Delmano also offers up the Grand Hotel Platter, which comes with a selection of oysters, clams, shrimp, and even half a lobster.


Westlight

111 N 12th St 22nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Phone: 718-307-7100
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Westlight
Source: Westlight

Westlight is a rooftop bar that sits on the 22nd floor of The William Vale hotel. Go to Westlight for the selection of unique cocktails, but also the breathtaking skyline views. Guests can either sit on the terrace or enjoy the views from an inside lounge.

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I love Westlight’s Cranberry Crisp, a vodka-based cocktail with cranberry juice, an allspice dram, Grand Marnier, and soda. They also offer a great twist on a gin and tonic, with theirs being served with Bombay Sapphire, chamomile, hopped grapefruit bitters, and soda. You also have to try out the butternut squash hummus with charred pita.


Black Flamingo

168 Borinquen Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: 347-335-0838
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Black Flamingo
Source: Black Flamingo

The first word that comes to mind with Black Flamingo is “fun.” This happening bar serves up great cocktails, along with a vegan-friendly menu of tacos and small plates. Black Flamingo is also a discotheque, so you can expect dancing and music whenever you go.

Black Flamingo offers several variations on the beloved margarita, and my favorite is the Watermelon Margarita. Tequila Blanco, fresh watermelon, lime, and agave honey come together to make a drink that’s everything you love about margaritas with a mellow sweetness that will leave you ready for another round. Of course, any of the vegan tacos are worth your money as well!


The Dram Shop

339 9th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Phone: 718-788-1444
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The Dram Shop
Source: The Dram Shop

The Dram Shop is on 9th Street, right between 5th and 6th Avenue. This homey space has pool and shuffleboard tables, plus a really relaxing vibe.

The star of the menu is a 60-year-old family recipe hamburger. Two patties, American cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, diced onion, pickle, mustard, and mayonnaise all come together perfectly on a buttered, toasted bun. It’s a great burger.

Beer and burgers are like peanut butter and chocolate, so it’s no surprise that The Dram Shop also has a terrific selection of beer, whether you want a draft or something in a bottle or a can.


The Four Horsemen

295 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: 718-599-4900
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The Four Horsemen
Source: The Four Horsemen

Our final stop is over on Grand Street at The Four Horsemen. This wine bar and restaurant is owned by James Murphy of the band LCD Soundsystem. Light woods and a cozy setting are perfect for the wine and small plates you’ll get here.

At The Four Horsemen, fresh dishes are the key, so the menu changes daily, meaning it’s always a new experience. If you’re lucky enough to have the warm house bread available, know that you’re in for a great evening. The servers are all super knowledgeable about wine pairings as well. Every glass there is a treat!


So there you have it! That’s nearly 20 of the best spots in Williamsburg to grab a drink. Although, to be honest, this list could be five times as long and still not cover all the excellent bars in Williamsburg.

Any of these spots are a guaranteed good time, and if you’re not feeling one, chances are there’s another terrific spot right down the street in Williamsburg. So, jump on the Metro or grab a cab, get out and find your perfect place!

Did we leave a restaurant out of this list? Make sure you leave us a comment, and we’ll check it out!

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Written by Kyle Green

Kyle lives never passes up the opportunity to try a new restaurant. As a former New Yorker of 7 years, he enjoys regular trips to NYC to visit friends and enjoys all the restaurants and activities the city have to offer. He also spends time on the road tasting and reviewing other restaurant scenes around the country.