Paul Kushner
Brooklyn, the vibrant and ever-evolving borough of New York City, is a melting pot of culture, creativity, and culinary delights. In this bustling urban landscape, you’ll find a remarkable array of bars that cater to every taste, from classic speakeasies to trendy rooftop lounges. Our journey through the best bars in Brooklyn is a testament to the borough’s unique charm and its reputation as a hub for mixology innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned local or a visitor looking to explore the dynamic nightlife scene, Brooklyn has something for everyone. Join us as we traverse this eclectic borough, unveiling hidden gems and iconic watering holes that capture the spirit of Brooklyn’s diversity and dynamism, where cocktails, craft beers, and ambiance intertwine to create unforgettable evenings.
Clover Club
210 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 855-7939
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Clover Club is a retro, trendy cocktail bar near Boerum Park where you can get your favorite classics and try something ultra-innovative. I love the self-titled Clover Club Cocktail, which mixes gin, lemon, and raspberry flavors and tasty dry vermouth.
Maison Premiere
298 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
(347) 889-5710
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Maison Premiere is a simultaneously classy and hip New Orleans-style cocktail and oyster bar near El Museo de Los Sures. I love the romantic, speakeasy feel of the space, as well as their caviar oysters, lobster rolls, and— of course — specialty cocktails! I recommend the Maison Pina Colada because it’s delightful.
The Long Island Bar
110 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 625-8908
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The Long Island Bar is an intimate, casual watering hole that looks unassuming but serves some of the best cocktails in town. Located by the Dog Park on Hicks Street and is one of my favorite places to get both burgers and martinis simultaneously.
Westlight
111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
(718) 307-7100
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If you’re wondering where to get a drink with a view in Brooklyn, look no further than Westlight, located near the East River by McCarren Park. This rooftop bar has a gorgeous panoramic view of the skyline, small and big bites for every appetite, and decadent cocktails. I highly recommend the Lavender Lake cocktail that mixes lavender, pineapple, and lime.
Goldie’s Bar
195 Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
(718) 389-2348
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Goldie’s Bar is one of the best bars in Brooklyn, New York, for affordable drinks. This bar, near McGolrick Park, has a friendly, casual, throwback feel, making it a top spot to hang out with friends and enjoy each other’s company. They have creative cocktails, but I usually go with beers on tap, like the Goldie’s Lager.
TØRST
615 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
(718) 389-6034
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TØRST is a Danish bar near Greenpoint that takes its craft beer offerings very seriously. With 24 taps of rotating local and international craft beers, as well as a bottle list that will make your head spin, there’s something for everyone at TØRST.
Sunny’s
253 Conover St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
(718) 625-8211
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Sunny’s is a local favorite that’s been around since the 1890s and holds as much character as you would expect from such a historical gem. I love going to this Red Hook saloon to drink whiskey on the rocks and listen to some excellent live music, which they offer five days a week. I’m a fan of the bluegrass bands in particular.
Leyenda
221 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
(347) 987-3260
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Leyenda is a Latin-American restaurant and bar near Boerum Park that offers so much goodness in a relatively intimate, cozy space. I appreciate sitting on the patio to enjoy both the food and drinks here. I recommend ordering guacamole and chips to share, fish tacos for yourself, and margaritas to get the party started!
Sycamore Bar + Flower Shop
1118 Cortelyou Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11218
(347) 240-5850
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If you’ve ever wanted to grab a drink and get a bouquet of flowers to take home in the same sitting, head to Sycamore Bar + Flower Shop, located in the Kensington neighborhood. This bar is one of the top choices for bourbon lovers, as they have an extensive list to choose from, but I also like ordering their Painkiller with rum, pineapple, and coconut cream.
Brooklyn Social
335 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
(718) 858-7758
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Brooklyn Social gets its name from its former role as an Italian social club. Nowadays, it’s a speakeasy-style bar in front of Carroll Park that serves classic cocktails. I like enjoying the friendly atmosphere, playing pool, and drinking one of their specialty cocktails, such as Matt’s Ginger Old Fashioned, which incorporates real muddled ginger.
The Commodore
366 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 218-7632
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The Commodore is a nautical-themed bar located by McCarren Park that’s well-known for its excellent fried chicken. This bar, near St. Mazie Bar & Supper Club, is one of my favorite places to go when I’m looking for an affordable, casual place to drink and eat with friends. The fried chicken plates are great for sharing!
Grand Army
336 State St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 643-1503
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Grand Army is a bar in Boerum Hill that’s perfect for happy hour or a night out on the town. This bar has a sophisticated feel, yet it’s still relaxed enough to have a good time. I recommend ordering one of their creative cocktails, such as the Aristocrat with blended scotch.
Diamond Lil
179 Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
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Diamond Lil is a small, artsy bar with low lighting and a chic vibe. Located near McGolrick Park, this intimate bar with green velvet booths and hand-painted green wallpaper provides a lovely space to enjoy oysters and cocktails. I recommend coming here for date night or with a small group of friends to relax.
Someday Bar NYC
364 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
(929) 480-8454
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Someday Bar NYC, between Boerum Hill and Downtown Brooklyn, is one of the most fun places to go out in Brooklyn due to its cool, friendly atmosphere, funky nighttime lighting, great happy hour deals, and extensive craft beer list. I usually get one (or two) of their craft beers, but I also recommend their cocktails, such as Why So Salty with lemon or Queen of the Bahamas with caramel and coconut.
Pokito
155 S 4th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
(917) 909-1542
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Pokito is unassuming on the outside but creatively decorated on the inside with florals and funky lighting. I enjoy going to this cozy Latin Bar in Williamsburg near La Guardia Playground to eat Latin foods like empanadas, listen to cool Latin music, and sip on margaritas.
The Rockwell Place
31 Rockwell Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11217
(917) 909-1093
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The Rockwell Place, near BAM Strong, offers a sleek, industrial-chic space for cocktails, local beer, and elevated bar bites. This spot is a wonderful option for pre-drinks, especially with a date or a small group of friends. They have excellent negronis, Manhattans, and gimlets.
Sunken Harbor Club
372 Fulton St, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201
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Near Columbus Park, you’ll find Sunken Harbor Club, a funky bar filled with knick-knacks and lively, tiki-style drink vessels. It has a speakeasy vibe without being pretentious, and the staff is incredibly attentive and kind. You can’t go wrong with cocktails here, but I recommend trying the White Zombie or El Diablo.
Sweet Polly
71 6th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
(718) 484-9600
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Sweet Polly, near Dean Playground, is a classy yet cozy cocktail bar serving excellent wine, local beer, and small plates. It’s an excellent spot to go if you’re looking to combine wine and cheese, cocktails and oysters, or beer and elevated bar bites.
Tooker Alley
793 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
(347) 955-4743
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Looking for a hip, retro spot near Prospect Park? Head to Tooker Alley. You’ll get great jazz music, a speakeasy atmosphere, and well-crafted cocktails like the Pineapple Rye Crusta with muddled pineapple and orange rum or the Bijou that incorporates green chartreuse.
Bohemien Bar
97 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
(347) 844-9895
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Bohemien Bar is a spacious, well-designed listening bar in Brooklyn Heights. The gorgeous, golden space itself makes you want to hang out there for hours, and the tasty food and cocktails will ensure you do! I love their chicken and fish tacos the most, paired with one of their specialty cocktails like the Gold Dust Woman with mezcal and mango or the Phase Shifter with vodka and butterfly pea.
Zig Zag
382 Marcus Garvey Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11221
(718) 484-4341
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Zig Zag, in Bedford-Stuyvesant near the Raymond Bush Playground, is a tiki bar that maintains a sophisticated, non-kitschy feel, which is impressive. I like that the design is fun yet elegant, inviting a cool, cheerful crowd. I typically go for the IPAs or whiskey sours here, but try out multiple drinks while here!
Bearded Lady
686A Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
(469) 232-7333
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The Bearded Lady is a bar in Prospect Heights near The Brooklyn Botanic Garden that specializes in American whiskey and craft beer. It has an updated 50s-diner-style feel, making it a cozy space for brunch. I love getting their bloody marys or hot toddies, then pairing my drink with oysters, nachos, or even loaded hot dogs!
Bed-Vyne Cocktail
305 Halsey St #2411, Brooklyn, NY 11216
(347) 365-9619
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Bed-Vyne Cocktail, or Bed-Vyne Brew, is a craft beer pub with rustic decor near Herbert Von King Park. I like going here with a large group of friends on the weekends and dancing the night away because the DJs are always playing great music! Don’t miss out on their homemade sangria — it’s delicious!
Dick and Jane’s ®
266 Adelphi St, Brooklyn, NY 11205
(347) 739-1027
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Dick and Jane’s, right by Fort Greene Park, has a speakeasy feel because the door is unmarked, which I love. I also appreciate their expert bartenders, more like mixologists, because they’re always coming up with new and creative cocktails. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask for a recommendation!
Skinny Dennis
152 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
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Skinny Dennis, next to Nitehawk Cinema towards the East River, is a fun, lively honky-tonk bar. I love jamming out to live country music while sipping on frozen coffee (spiked with bourbon) and snacking on their free peanuts.
Why should you trust us?
We use our own local experience and contacts in the city to know which places to include in our lists. We also researched the web and read 6 reputable blogs and websites, including timeout.com, punchdrink.com, theinfatuation.com, tripadvisor.com, cntraveler.com and yourbrooklynguide.com. So that you can be sure you’re receiving the best of the best. We compiled all the results in one spot and ranked them according to how frequently they were referenced.
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