This list of best bars in Williamsburg was written by Yana Zaytseva, co-founder of New York Simply (an official partner of Apple Maps).
The reason I could never live in Williamsburg is the same reason I visit so often; the nightlife knows no limits. It very might well be the liveliest neighborhood in New York City. There’s no shortage of great bars in Williamsburg for you to spend your weekends (or weekdays — we don’t judge) sipping on some fine wine or cracking open a cold one. With hundreds of tempting options scattered throughout the 23 acres that make up Williamsburg, there is a lot of ground to cover and not everyone has the time.
So without further ado, here are the best bars in Williamsburg that are well worth the trek.
Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (10 Best Neighborhoods +3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.
Best Bars in Williamsburg
Table of Contents: Williamsburg Bars
Table of Contents: Best Williamsburg Bars in Brooklyn
Westlight
Website: Westlight
Address: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
What better backdrop for a photo than the sweeping views of New York City? Westlight is one of the best rooftop bars in Williamsburg located on the 22nd floor of The William Vale hotel in Williamsburg. The well-curated drinks and delicious small bites are just one of the many reasons why making to trip to Westlight is well worth the trek.
The Williamsburg rooftop bar has floor to ceiling glass panels that offer a 360° view of the city. I’ve come both during the day and at night and can’t decide which offers the better view, I’ll let you decide that one on your own. 😉 I highly recommend ordering the fries here!
Rocka Rolla
Website: Rocka Rolla
Address: 486 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Step into Rocka Rolla and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back to the era of Aqua-Net and neon-lit bars. Though less dingy than its nostalgic portrayal, it embodies the essence of an old-school neighborhood dive. Cold beer and a jukebox filled with classic rock greet you at this Williamsburg bar nestled under the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.
Arrive early to snag a spot for shuffleboard or ping-pong, but be prepared for a lively crowd as Rocka Rolla is one of Williamsburg’s most popular bars.
Radegast Hall & Biergarten
Website: Radegast Hall & Biergarten
Address: 113 N 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Radegast Hall & Biergarten offers a unique, fun experience with an old-timey European feast hall vibe, attracting a trendy Williamsburg crowd. With brick-lined walls, communal tables, and a sun-drenched skylight, it’s a top year-round spot in Williamsburg.
As a premier bar, Radegast boasts an extensive tap list featuring German brews served in steins. The menu satisfies carnivorous cravings with bratwurst and kielbasa, along with traditional bar fare like chicken wings and pretzels.
Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Radegast is one of the best bars in Williamsburg. Whether it’s casual meetings with coworkers or lively nights with friends, the high-flying ambiance makes it a favorite. Don’t miss the live music on weekends, with no cover charge. Check their website for the full schedule.
Skinny Dennis
Website: Skinny Dennis
Address: 152 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
The Concrete Jungle is home to more than one cowboy (and cowgirl, of course), and they meet at Skinny Dennis every night for drinks. The honky-tonk is a little taste of small-town life. 18 beers on tap are served amid non-stop serenading by the likes of Alan Jackson, George Strait and Johnny Cash on the speakers. It’s also one of the best bars in Williamsburg for live music so long as your into country, of course. There’s live performers nearly every day of the week, just take a look at their calendar and see for yourself.
Spuyten Duyvil
Website: Spuyten Duyvil
Address: 359 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Spuyten Duyvil is what every craft brew pub should be. Friendly and warm and with a beer list that’ll rock your socks. The Williamsburg bar has four types of beer: canned, bottled, draft and rare. The brews come from all over the U.S. as well as a few international destinations like Belgium and Germany.
But Spuyten Duyvil doesn’t only have foamy ales on tap. There’s also a selection of wine, vermouth, amaro and sherry on tap to keep you on your toes. If you like to enjoy a bite in between sips Spuyten Duyvil has a few small and shareable options to keep you satiated. Charcuterie and conservas (tinned-fish) are available and a pleasant addition to the table.
The Charleston
Website: The Charleston
Address: 174 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
The Charleston is a laid-back, lively spot in Williamsburg, perfect for those seeking a carefree vibe and good times. Established in 1933, this dive bar offers live music, games like skee-ball, and a simplistic basement ambiance. But the real draw? With every drink, enjoy a complimentary whole personal pizza during their generous daily happy hour from 12-7 PM. It’s a deal that’s hard to beat when scouring the best bars in Williamsburg.
We Got Company
Website: We Got Company
Address: 441 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
We Got Company, a chic and intimate Williamsburg bar, defies its size with a remarkable experience. Ideal for concluding a night, it offers a cozy atmosphere, though its limited space can be a double-edged sword. This slightly upscale joint exudes a sophisticated ambiance without the hefty price tag. Indulge in unique cocktails and a diverse selection that won’t break the bank, making it a standout among Williamsburg bars.
Horses and Divorces
Address: 285 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Horses and Divorces stands out as one of Williamsburg’s top dive bars, boasting a grungy 70s decor and a dimly lit ambiance accentuated by neon lights for a nostalgic touch. It’s a rarity to find this place empty, as it attracts daily crowds seeking the allure of inexpensive beer and a free round of pool.
The Williamsburg Bar fosters a social atmosphere where locals and strangers bond over games and cheers between turns. Don’t expect to have a peaceful night out at Horses and Divorces, between the jukebox and the rowdy crowd you’re in for a memorable night.
George & Jacks
Website: George & Jacks
Address: 103 Berry St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
For a fantastic experience with draft beer and a laid-back atmosphere, George & Jack’s ditches the flashy themes of trendy bars, embracing simplicity. This Williamsburg spot features a cool concrete floor, scattered tables, and a room with a pool table.
The ambiance is homey, with giant windows invoking a summer vibe. With outdoor seating welcoming your four-legged friend, a jukebox for music, and complimentary popcorn, George & Jack’s is all about enjoying good times without the fuss.
Midnights
Website: Midnights
Address: 149 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Midnights, a warmly lit and intimate bar in Williamsburg, serves up delicious cocktails at a surprisingly affordable price. With none of their drinks exceeding $15, it’s a budget-friendly find in a city where such deals are rare. Open until 4AM on weekends, Midnights stands out as one of the best late-night bars in Williamsburg, providing the perfect spot for those evenings when you’re not quite ready to call it a night.
St. Mazie Bar & Supper Club
Website: St. Mazie Bar & Supper Club
Address: 345 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
One of the most romantic bars in Williamsburg, St. Mazie Bar & Supper Club is the perfect spot for a date-night. There’s live jazz daily, which will impress your date or friends and set the tone for a fun night. Mix in a few glasses of wine or St. Mazie’s original cocktails and you won’t want the night to end.
With a comprehensive food menu available, there’s no need for separate dinner reservations elsewhere. Keep in mind that access to the jazz bar requires tickets, so be sure to check the schedule and make an online booking.
Night of Joy
Website: Night of Joy
Address: 667 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Sometimes you want to visit rooftop bars in Williamsburg strictly for the vibe, not necessarily the view. Since most New Yorkers don’t have backyards, there’s a summer itch for open-air drinks and sunsets. Luckily Night of Joy, one of the best rooftop bars Williamsburg has to offer, is open and ready to host. If there was ever such a thing as a dive rooftop bar, it’d be Night of Joy.
You won’t get jaw-dropping skyline views or feel the sway of the wind atop a skyscraper but Night of Joy is memorable nonetheless. The upstairs patio feels like a backyard where you’d lose track of time chatting with friends. And odds are you probably will. The atmosphere is unpretentious and laid back.
Barcade
Website: Barcade
Address: 388 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Ever played arcade games, buzzed? It’s one of my favorite rainy day activities for adults in New York City. Barcade is a laid-back, relaxed spot to enjoy after work brews and blow off some steam on arcade games. Tokens are 25 cents and can be used on over 70 arcade & pinball games. There’s plenty of classics, most of the machines are from the 1980’s.
And if you get hungry while chasing that high-score no need to head out. There’s classic bar food like burgers & tater tots. In sum, spending the day at Barcade, one of the best bars in Williamsburg, leaves little room for disappointment.
Fresh Kills Bar
Website: Fresh Kills Bar
Address: 161 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
A bona-fide cocktail bar, Fresh Kills Bar is a stellar introduction point to the world of mixology and craft cocktails. For starters, this Williamsburg bar has no menu. Instead you have to talk to your bartender, explaining your likes and your dislikes — leading to a personalized drink crafted by the skilled mixologist.
What sets Fresh Kills Bar apart is their commitment to quality, from hand-cutting ice to utilizing house-made syrups and garnishing drinks with truly flavorful, fresh ingredients—not mere decorations. With no need for menu QR codes, you can leave your phones behind and revel in the immersive experience of engaging with the staff and your company, providing a fun way to unwind and unplug for a few hours.
Lucky Dog
Address: 303 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Lucky Dog stands out as one of the best bars in Williamsburg, creating a welcoming space for our beloved four-legged companions It’s a great after-work watering hole, with a few noteworthy beers on tap. During the summer, Lucky Dog becomes one of the best bars in Williamsburg, thanks to its sunlit back patio where you and your canine can unwind.
Adding to the appeal is a shuffleboard table for some extra entertainment. My only complaint is that the dogs will often leave a “territorial marking” right at the door, but hey – it comes with the territory, right?
Did you know? The New York Simply team has written a self-guided food tour of Williamsburg! The guide will take you to 10 unique restaurants that make the neighborhood a pillar of Brooklyn’s food scene, explaining what to order at each and what makes them so special. Visit our Etsy store to download your copy!
Quick Recap of the Best Bars in Williamsburg NYC
- Rocka Rolla
- Radegast Hall & Biergarten
- Skinny Dennis
- Lucky Dog
- Fresh Kills Bar
- Barcade
- Night of Joy
- St. Mazie Bar & Supper Club
- Midnights
- George & Jacks
- Horses and Divorces
- We Got Company
- The Charleston
- Spuyten Duyvil
- Westlight
Further Reading for Williamsburg
Bakeries in Williamsburg: 15 Wonderful Bakeries in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (Local’s Love)
Best Pizza in Williamsburg: 10 Spots to Grab The Best Pizza Williamsburg Has to Offer
Where to Drink in Williamsburg: 22 Bustling Bars in Williamsburg
Things to Do: 18 Wonderful Things to Do Williamsburg Brooklyn
Further Reading for Brooklyn
Things to Do in Brooklyn: 25 Best Things to Do in Brooklyn (Perfect for First Time Visitors)
Best Pizza in Brooklyn: 12 Best Brooklyn Pizza Spots That’ll Keep You Coming Back!
Where to Find the Best Bagels in Brooklyn: The 10 Best Bagels in Brooklyn (The Local Foodie)
Breweries in Brooklyn: 10 Thirst-Quenching Brooklyn Breweries Guaranteed to Impress
Best Bars in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (Helpful Map)
And there you have it, our list of the best bars in Williamsburg. As always, don’t hesitate to let us know if we missed anything. Cheers!
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