Williamsburg, a one-time industrial waterfront, has become Brooklyn’s epicenter of drinking culture. This vibrant neighborhood boasts an impressive collection of breweries, cocktail lounges, and local bars that rival any drinking destination around the world. Whether you’re seeking innovative craft cocktails, rare brews and ales, or simply a low-key spot to unwind with friends, Williamsburg’s bar scene delivers experiences that are both sophisticated and authentically Brooklyn.
Craft Breweries
Brooklyn Brewery
The granddaddy of Brooklyn’s craft beer scene, Brooklyn Brewery remains a must-visit destination for any beer enthusiast. From their home in Williamsburg, the brew team here creates beers that have become synonymous with the borough itself. The $18 Small Batch Tour offers an intimate look at the brewing process, while the spacious tasting room provides the perfect setting to sample the flagship Brooklyn Lager alongside seasonal specialties with your crew.
Other Half Brewing – Domino Park
Located near the iconic Domino Park, Other Half has earned a devoted following for its exceptional IPAs and innovative brewing techniques. The taproom and brewery’s waterfront location offers stunning views of Manhattan alongside a lineup of expertly crafted beers. Enjoy beer on draft as well as a selection of wines, liquors, and select draft cocktails. Pizza and other snacks from nearby Roberta’s is also available when you’re here, and you can grab bottles and cans to go once you’re done.
Grimm Artisanal Ales
Grimm Artisanal Ales stands out as one of Williamsburg’s premier craft beer destinations, known for its experimental approach and artistic beer labels. As self-described beer freaks, the Grimm team uses historical brewing practices while innovating with cutting-edge research. The brewery made its name with its Northeast-style IPAs and then introduced dry-hopped sour ales. Now, their focus is on developing a fresh approach to American spontaneous ale. The airy taproom attached to the brewery provides ample space for groups to gather, and it’s also where you’ll find weekly events such as a Bring Your Own Vinyl night and Friday DJ sets.
TALEA Beer Co.
TALEA Beer brings a fresh perspective to Brooklyn’s brewing scene with a commitment to sustainability and community engagement. The Williamsburg taproom offers a rotating selection of seasonal ales and lagers that showcase local ingredients and creative brewing techniques. Located on Richardson Street, the Williamsburg location was TALEA’s first taproom (there are a handful of others across NYC). In addition to brewing every TALEA beer, this is where you can enjoy coffee and tea in the mornings, pizza and salads during the day, and signature cocktails, wines and ciders at night.
Cocktail Destinations
Maison Premiere
A chic spot with Parisian vibes, Maison Premiere captures the essence of New York with dashes of French culture and nods to New Orleans. The bar specializes in absinthe and oysters, creating an atmosphere that feels timeless and at the same time distinctly Brooklyn. The pina colada, in particular, has gained a reputation as one of the most popular drinks available at Maison Premiere, perhaps because it’s served in a coconut. Other cocktails with flair fill the menu, alongside wines, beer, and spirits.
Fresh Kills Bar
The team at Fresh Kills are fastidious about their cocktails, but the bar retains a reputation as an unpretentious neighborhood gem without attitude. In a jewel-box of a space, the bartenders here create exceptional takes on classic cocktails as well as fresh concoctions for every palate. Fresh Kills offers a daily happy hour from 5pm–7pm, featuring $10 cocktails of the day, as well as a selection of low-ABV beverages.
Bar Blondeau
Bar Blondeau can be found six stories up, on the rooftop of the Wythe Hotel. Panoramic views of Manhattan can be had with just a swivel of the head. This is an elevated cocktail lounge with city views and expertly crafted drinks, which you can savor from a plant-filled terrace. The seasonal signature cocktail program makes a point of highlighting local New York spirits, and drinks can be paired with shareable bites including East Coast oysters, Blondeau fried chicken, and a duck hot dog.
Antica Pesa
While primarily known as an exceptional Italian restaurant, Antica Pesa also offers one of the best bar experiences in Williamsburg, complete with a cozy lounge area outfitted with a couch, ottomans and armchairs as well as a fireplace. It’s a sophisticated setting, and even better, you can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine with your beverage(s) of choice.
Bar at Sungold
The bar at Arlo Williamsburg’s signature restaurant Sungold is a soaring yet cozy space perfect for enjoying craft cocktails. Here, you’ll mingle with Brooklyn locals as well as hotel guests, in a convivial atmosphere equal parts laidback and luxe. Come by for Lucky Hour, Monday to Friday from 4pm–7pm, to enjoy drink and snack specials, including a grown-up Happy Meal. More of a night owl? Get Lucky Hour offers more specials on Friday and Saturdays from 1am–3am.
ART Williamsburg
Fancy panoramic views of Manhattan and Brooklyn with your cocktail? Then you can’t miss ART Williamsburg, the sprawling rooftop lounge atop Arlo Williamsburg. In summer, this is a bumping poolside oasis, and at all times of year, it’s the perfect spot to catch the sunset with a signature cocktail, wine or beer. Special cabana bottle packages are also available if you’re rolling with the crew.
Other Local Williamsburg Bars
Pine Box Rock Shop
Pine Box Rock Shop has a nice selection of 16 taps, other beer in cans, plus a couple of tap wines and cider, and cocktails. The venue combines beer culture with rock music memorabilia and a robust event lineup, with open mic and trivia nights.
Radegast Hall & Biergarten
Radegast Hall & Biergarten is a lively Williamsburg staple offering German and Central European beers, sausages, and live music in a traditional beer hall setting. Locals love the communal tables, hearty food, and the impressive selection of European beers served in proper steins.
Night of Joy
With its well-priced cocktails that feature herbs and house-infused spirits like beet and dill vodka, Night of Joy is one of the more unique bars in Williamsburg. An antique-filled lounge with a roof patio, the neighborhood favorite draws locals and visitors to the city with its creative cocktails at reasonable prices.
Plan Your Williamsburg Bar Crawl
Williamsburg’s best bars and cocktail establishments are easily accessible by the L subway line, with stops at Bedford Avenue and Lorimer. Walking and biking are also fun ways to bar hop in the neighborhood. You’ll find many of these Williamsburg bars concentrated along Grand Street, Metropolitan Avenue, and the waterfront area near East River State Park. In an area like this with an abundance of bars to choose from, weekends tend to get crowded, so consider starting your bar crawl early to enjoy a more leisurely pace with better seating chances.
From rooftop terraces with Manhattan views to intimate speakeasies, Williamsburg offers drinking experiences that capture the borough’s dynamic spirit, whether you’re a craft beer aficionado, cocktail connoisseur, or simply someone who appreciates good drinks in great company.
