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A rotating selection of craft beers and numerous small-batch spirits, nightly live music (never a cover charge), a stellar jukebox, and an expansive year-round backyard (heated in winter) have made Bar Chord a favorite since it opened in 2013. Check out the collection of vintage guitars from the 1950s to the '70s for sale up front.
1008 Cortelyou Rd., Brooklyn, New York, 11218, USA
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Park Slope
Outstanding regular performers, such as the Django Reinhardt-channeling Stephane Wrembel, as well as events like the all-women Latin collective La Manga or the Slavic Soul Party, spin threads of folk and global into 21st-century music. Performances take place in the back room, while up front the somewhat musty, Parisian-like bar has a laid-back vibe and a full cocktail menu.
376 9th St., Brooklyn, New York, 11215, USA
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Park Slope
Homemade bitters, syrups, and ginger beer make every carefully made cocktail here all the more tasty. Try the house favorite Smoky Mary's, with chipotle tequila, agave, and an alderwood smoked salt rim. The warm atmosphere is mid-century modern meets old Western hotel, and in summer you can sip your tiki-style drink on the back patio. An impressive menu of small dishes is served until 2 am. All breads and desserts are made in-house.
196 5th Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11217, USA
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Boerum Hill
One of Brooklyn's oldest and most unassuming bars, the Brooklyn Inn doesn't rely on gimmicks: it just serves reasonably priced beer and mainstay cocktails. The formula must work, because the place dates back to the 19th century. With high ceilings and large windows in front—there's a pool table in back—this is the quintessential neighborhood spot.
148 Hoyt St., Brooklyn, New York, 11201, USA
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East Williamsburg
You wouldn't think a premiere live music venue would be in such a secluded, industrial district, but perhaps that it's Brooklyn appeal. Formerly a steel factory, this venue from the Bowery Presents group hosts many rock and indie acts to large space that holds 1,800 guests across its main floor, balcony, and three bars.
319 Frost St., Brooklyn, New York, 11222, USA
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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Greenpoint
Locals flock to this favorite neighborhood bar with Prohibition-era speakeasy vibes, known for creative concoctions and oysters served daily. Its dimly lit, art deco aesthetic sets the mood, whether you settle into a booth or cozy up to the bar, for cocktails that change seasonally, including the rum-based, toasted marshmallow-topped Après-ski in the winter, and the popular smoked paloma in the summer. Warm months also bring the opening of the pleasant yard in the back.
179 Nassau Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11222, USA
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This cocktail bar bills itself as "an elegant space for dirty kids"—that is, just because you like nice things doesn't necessarily mean you want to dress fancy. And Donna certainly is elegant, with a white vaulted ceiling, a long curved bar, reclaimed-wood benches and tables, and beautiful people drinking fabulous cocktails like the signature frozen Brancolada (a piña colada riff with Branca Menta). Tacos and other Latin fare provide the terrific, appropriately downscale nibbles. DJs spin most weekend nights.
27 Broadway, Brooklyn, New York, 11249, USA
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East Williamsburg
The cocktail list at this small spot is full of the hits you'd expect at a bar run by the experts behind the two Weather Up spaces in Manhattan and Prospect Heights. Part of the allure, though, is that bartenders will mix a cocktail to your precise specifications. Prime time here is late night. Finding the entrance is part of the fun: look for the painted feather and the three-story-tall mural of a boxer.
135 Graham Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11206, USA
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Brooklyn Heights
Comfy sofas, a relaxed scene, and large boccie courts have made this bar a neighborhood staple. And while the beer cheese dip is memorable, locals flock here for the solid selection of drafts and bourbons, plus weekday happy hours and other specials like the ever-popular bucket of assorted beer by the can. The same folks run Union Hall in Park Slope and the Bell House in Gowanus.
131 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11201, USA
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We could tell you this place has history—Freddy's has been in South Slope since 2011, but it occupied its previous home in Prospect Heights for almost a century (relocating when the Barclays Center took over the area)—but what you really want to know is that Freddy's is a good time. There's pretty much always something going on, whether it's live music, comedy night, or live band karaoke. There's a full menu, too.
627 5th Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11215, USA
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Boerum Hill
Housed in a former corner market, this easygoing neighborhood craft beer and cocktail bar, led by head bartender Patty Dennison, changes their cocktail roster seasonally, each with funny names to go along with the season's quirky theme. The kitchen keeps up, preparing light bites to pair with them.
336 State St., Brooklyn, New York, 11217, USA
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A barbecue-chicken joint was the previous tenant of this laid-back bar with a large patio on an industrial stretch of Atlantic Avenue—hence the name. Stake out a picnic table for a group of friends, or just hit it up as a casual date spot. There's a small menu of tacos to go with the drinks, which is good, because once you're here, you won't want to leave.
546 Clinton Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11238, USA
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It's easy to miss the unmarked entrance to this cocktail bar on Berry Street, but head to the entrance on North 9th Street and you'll feel whisked away to an old-world parlor. Despite the name, this isn't a hotel, though the owners were inspired by lobby bars. Patrons imbibe cocktails around marble-top tables or at the curved bar, where bartenders blend fresh fruit and homemade syrups into classic and original libations. Jazz and dim lighting make the place feel intimate.
82 Berry St., Brooklyn, New York, 11211, USA
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Williamsburg
Transport yourself to New Orleans in this dimly lit, yet lively cocktail and oyster bar, known for an extensive absinthe selection, a food menu spanning light fare to hearty braised beef cheeks, and above all, an impressive selection of oysters hailing from both east and west coasts. Cozy up at the horseshoe-shape bar or dine at a cast-iron table inside—or in the back garden on warm days.
298 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11211, USA
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Coney Island
Patrons from around the world have been drinking at this boardwalk mainstay since much-beloved local boy Ruby Jacobs opened it in 1972. The bar, tables, wainscoting, and ceiling are made from the original 1920s boardwalk wood. Grab a seat and watch the action on the boardwalk, or join the regulars at the 45-foot-long bar and peruse the photographs depicting the neighborhood and the bar's habitués. The jukebox has a great selection of classics.
1213 Boardwalk, Brooklyn, New York, 11224, USA
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On Grand Street nearly abutting the highway is the 1920s-style St. Mazie, which presents excellent gypsy jazz and flamenco music to a crowd that favors listening over dancing. The cocktails are simple but done right. The intimate cellar, a speakeasy during Prohibition, serves European-inspired cuisine for dinner and weekend brunch.
345 Grand St., Brooklyn, New York, 11211, USA
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Red Hook
This intimate dive bar is a Red Hook landmark, known for its laid-back atmosphere and live bluegrass and jazz. The music is in the back room; up front is the bar and a few banquettes. The small, leafy side patio has eclectic thrift-store furnishings.
253 Conover St., Brooklyn, New York, 11231, USA
Nightlife Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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It's a bar, it's a flower shop—and it's the perfect neighborhood hangout. Be lured by the small-batch bourbons, American craft beer, and locally distilled spirits, as well as fun events like dance parties, live and DJ'ed music, and bingo. A rotating list of food vendors set up on the back patio (tented in winter). There are nightly happy hours and drink specials, like the popular $10 beer-and-bouquet deal; Thursday means $2 off all New York City products.
1118 Cortelyou Rd., Brooklyn, New York, 11218, USA
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One of the top music venues in the borough, the Bell House hosts big-name rock musicians, cult comedy acts and live podcast recordings, and weekly trivia and karaoke in the bustling front bar area. Brooklynites (and Manhattanites, too) come not only for the performances but also for the excellent beer selection.
149 7th St., Brooklyn, New York, 11215, USA
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Located on a quiet block off busy 5th Avenue, this intimate wine bar—named for the nearby waterfront park—was inspired by a love for wine, food, and design. Exposed-brick walls, a polished tin-stamped ceiling, and a chalkboard wall displaying the day’s carefully selected pours, craft beers, and small plates (made from locally sourced ingredients) give the place a casual vibe. Look for the mural out front, painted by a local artist.
479 74th St., Brooklyn, New York, 11209, USA
