The 5 Best Brooklyn Bars
Brooklyn Brewery
79 N 11th Street (between Berry St & Wythe Ave)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 486-7422
brooklynbrewery.com
If its beer you're wanting, just go straight to the source. Not only will BB make you a frothy beverage, it gives you a nice picnic like environment to sip it in. Daily happy hour is done on a token for beverage system: one beer tokens is $4, or buy 6 for $20. The lounge area gets crowded quickly, so get there early to reserve a spot for sitting, and bring some board games and your favorite takeout menu, the brewery welcomes dinner by delivery.
Quarter
676 5th Avenue
South Slope/Windsor Terrace
(718) 788-0989
quarterbarbrooklyn.com
This tiny Brooklyn bar has a fairly standard issue beer and wine menu; it's the cocktails that set it apart from its fellow neighborhood dives. Old fashioned cocktails are muddled and mixed with precision before your very eyes. The space is small, dimly lit, and generally uncrowded--a good place to bring a first date if you actually want to hear what they're saying.
Zombie Hut
273 Smith Street (between Degraw St & Sackett St)
Carroll Gardens
(718) 875-3433
See Also: NYC's 4 Best Tiki Bars
Tiki-tastic, Zombie Hut is about as kitschy as you can get while still being able to sip your scorpion bowl with self-respect (and a super long straw). Inside you'll find bamboo covered walls, grass skirts, Christmas lights, and Polynesian masks. You'll also find some highly intoxicating tropical beverages. They may taste like juice, but they pack a punch, so sip slowly. If colorful cocktails aren't your thing, there are $2 PBRs available for your drinking pleasure.
Barcade
388 Union Avenue
Williamsburg
(718) 302-6464barcadebrooklyn.com
See Also: Best NYC Arcades | NYC's Retro Bars With Games
It's a bar and arcade. If you're looking to channel that long lost youth of yours, or just show that Ms. Packman who's boss, this bar is definitely a must. Beer enthusiasts will be in heaven, Barcade offers 25 beers on tap, and even more bottles to choose from. Oh, and the bartenders won't be shy about giving you a suggestion. Remember to bring quarters, Frogger needs you.
Union Hall
702 Union Street (between 4th Ave & 5th Ave)
Park Slope
(718) 638-4400
unionhallny.com
Cavernous would be one way to describe this preppy Park Slope oasis. At 5,000 square feet, Union Hall definitely wins the award for most leg room. At first glance, you're sipping scotch and soda in a distinguished library complete with dark wood paneling, painting of dapperly-dressed older gentleman, and a lot of books. Walk a little further and you'll notice a full size bocce court, then more classy couches to lounge about in. Union Hall is also host to a regular stream of comedians and local bands in their downstairs bar area.
