They serve Strongbow Cider, which is a favorite of mine. The bartenders are friendly and personable. I love the high ceilings and the wooden decor. We were here when the Golden Globes were on and the bartender happily obliged our request to see it and turned the CC on. An excellent bar, with a good selection of beer. read more

I LOVE Banter. Loads of beer on tap, tvs, and not the loud, busy hipster crowd that you'll get if you want a couple more blocks towards bedford. The other customers keep noise at a reasonable level and are a respectful crowd. The bartender (who has been the only one there the 3 or 4 times we've came) is one of the sweetest and friendliest I've ever encountered. He asks you about your day, and is happy to either have a nice conversation or let you drink in your own thoughts. They also have great drink specials. Amazing! read more

We stopped off at Banter to grab a beer before an early dinner, having read that they had a good beer selection and happy hour every day of the week. It was a little disappointing to discover that there were only two happy hour options, but the bartender was friendly and helpful. The decor is ripped straight from the collective unconscious in regards to what any European pub should look like. Their chief hook seems to be in a sort of media focus. They showcase various soccer/football matches and were running a Breaking Bad marathon when we were in. A chalkboard advertised PS3/Xbox 360 FIFA Soccer on Tuesdays. I saw someone else in a review describe the beer selection as "unique". I'm pretty sure that person is either working for them or has just never been to another bar. Don't get me wrong, they had a nice range of taps, but not much more diverse or unusual than many other bars in Brooklyn. We were slightly miffed after drinking our two beers that there was a $20 minimum for cards, especially when a) it wasn't posted anywhere and b) federal law allows up to $10 minimum at most. But the bartender gave us two shots of Jameson and only charged us the $20, so they're decent folks. Overall if you're looking for a place to gather with friends and watch a soccer match or the latest episode of whatever tv show is most massively popular, it's probably a good spot for you, but I generally prefer my bars TV-free. read more

I never write views, but Banter is seriously the best pub in Williamsburg. With all the loud and yuppy bars in Williamsburg, Banter is the shining light for what a pub should be. Besides the awesome location, the beautiful wood interior and huge selection of beers and whiskey, the staff is phenomenal. The owners are amazing and hospitable, always down to share a drink with any of their patrons. The British tender, Conrad, is always nice, knowledgeable and apt to help any of the patrons choose a new beer. The American, Todd, is also extremely knowledgeable and eager to serve and help out as much as possible. It seriously is the best pub in Williamsburg and so far the best I've seen in Brooklyn. I haven't had much experience with the women of the pub, but I'm sure they're amazing as well. read more

Last summer I was in Brooklyn visiting from Portland. I wanted to see the Timbers game but it wasn't on TV. The bartender got a laptop for me so I could watch the game. I thought it was pretty f'ing awesome!! I'll be there tonight to watch the PTFC play in the finals. read more

Without a doubt, Banter is the cleanest bar I have been to in my 20+ years of visiting bars. Conor and Chris are top notch owners and the bartenders are cool and efficient. The panini and savory pies are outstanding! Looking for a great craft beer selection and a filling lunch? Check them out. I go here once or twice a month for lunch when I am in the area. Lots of big screen TVs for watching soccer as well and these guys are big fans and show all of the big games. I'm a suit and tie businessman and I am usually surrounded by locals who are not suit and tie guys and we all talk like pals because that is the environment Banter has. You feel like an old friend after a visit. read more

If you are a football fan, this is the place for you. In from out of town with my brother in law on a "guys weekend" gift from our brides. So where do we decide to go..bar with tons of football. Owner was our bartender. Great service and super cool atmosphere. Beer selection was very local but can't speak to the food as it was a liquid diet for us. Been to England pubs and if you close your eyes you would think yo are there. Definitely will repeat when back in town. read more

Banter is an easy going bar in South Side Williamsburg. It is one of my favorites. They have a great selection of beers on tap which rotates. Happy hour $3-$4 pints of good quality beer, also rotating. Solid selection of whiskeys from your japanese to your glens. Bartenders are always great, friendly - ready to chat or just to serve. Small food service, with mediocre sausages, and decent pretzels. However, try and resist them as when they're cooking up sausage in the kitchenette connected directly to the bar the delicious aroma permeates the place. Banter loves its football and connects a PS3 to their projector for midweek Fifa open to whoever wants to play. Otherwise, it seems like they favor their turner movie classics or whatever football is playing for the night. DJ sets on the weekend - not the best DJs. The place doesn't get dance-y as there is no real dance floor nor do I think they need one - this is a proper bar; not night club. Weekends do get busy. Weekdays seems like its the bartenders selection of music, typically indie rock. Very little to no rap, hip hop. Every once in a while they'll have a special evening event like an Ethiopian food night. Outdoor seating on small, red tables. Good for enjoying a drink outside and people watching on havemeyer. Personally, I believe the best time to make it to Banter is for an after work drink - you can take advantage of the beers on tap or the whiskeys on shelf, not have to worry about crowds, and when it's mellow enough for you to be heard talking to your buddies across from you. What makes Banter special is that it provides consistently good quality of service; a friendly, clean place to gather with your friends; a good selection of beers and whiskeys; and absolutely no pretentiousness or attitude in a 'burg known for it. read more

Was excited to try this place for its big TV's, nice selection of board games and decent draught list. Came on a Saturday mid-afternoon and the place is PACKED. There was a soccer (futbol, whichever preferred) game going on, which is apparently a thing here. Crowd made it hard to get a drink, but managed after 16 minutes. Wanted to try the board games out but would have been hell to ask the bartender for that request. On the plus side, did manage to snag a table near the back, but the place was loud. I think keeping a huge TV behind the bar is a mistake, since everyone will crowd around there, making it hard for people who actually want to order something. Wouldn't mind coming back if they're playing a game I want to watch, but seems like a standard sports pub. read more

stopped in here for an hour or two while my dog was getting groomed down the street, 3 dollar well drinks during happy hour Looks like they got some sweet sausages as well I will be here again read more

It's getting two stars for the "meh" - an expression I hate but one that absolutely sums up Banter. It's fine. Decent beer selection but not incredible - this is Brooklyn, plenty of places have a good beer selection. It's mainly for the self-described 'soccer bar' it thinks it is. It for sure is home to plenty of soccer enthusiasts and that's cool but the small tvs in the front wall don't make for easy match viewing. Everyone at the bar has to sit with either their left or right side against the bar; depending on whether you're watching one of the small tvs up front or the large screen in back. If you choose the face the bar and sit like a human, you have to keep your neck twisted to see the matches. Therefore. Meh. read more

They show all the soccer games! They have Schneider Weiss and Bitburger! Try their paninis. I like the prosciutto one and the turkey and leeks one. Really cool crowd every time I go there. All the staff is nice and the space is beautiful. read more

My go to bar for soccer. All EPL, Champions League, MLS, etc. I've even seen them hook a laptop up to their screens for some second tier league games. Friendly staff, good beer selection, relaxed vibe. read more

Banter manages to be 2 different bars. 1. Mornings / afternoons it is one of the best pubs to watch Soccer. Big crowds for the Premier League games and knowledgeable fans. 0% angry morons which is nice. 2. Late night they have some awesome DJ events and really quality music. What always stays the same is great staff / owners and 24 beers on tap that constantly change. If you like pubs / bars, you will like this place. read more

Went back to Banter a few more times. Had to up their rating because the food is still great! The staff is just incredibly nice. And the happy hour on beer and drinks just mind blowing. $3 for a beer during happy hour! They now do hot pretzels! Delish! Their mushroom panini and polish sausage is full of flavor. I suggest trying it! read more

One of the best football / soccer bars in Brooklyn. I've been coming here since it opened. The owners and staff treat the customers really well. The place isn't obsessively sports oriented so it's good to have a drink or meet friends at a weekend. Beer selection is great as are the pies. read more

Went to Banter a week ago for my husband's birthday (he's a huge soccer fan and we live in the hood).. .it was an absolute blast. There is a really cozy "private" nook up at the front of the bar that we were able to take over and claim as our own. it was nice because all our people were in one area. all our beer obsessed friends were thrilled with the beer list and our non-local friends were pleased it was close to the L and G trains. I spoke with the bartenders and they were really sweet to help us with the cake I brought. Overall a great bar - we will definitely come back just for fun now that we know about it. read more

Rude bartender. A/C advertised, not accurate. Hot!! Only saving grace is their decent beer selection.

Great atmosphere for any football fans. Tottenham supporters gather here. Great TV Placement. And love the projector. Amazing beer selection too. Will be back for more matches. read more

Totally solid new bar from Iona vets. Great beer selection, friendly bartenders, low bullshit/douche factor. Bonus points for the free tullamore's shot buyback at the end of the night (that I didn't need). read more

The place to go to watch any sporting event. On the weekends they open so early for the soccer games and offer a few breakfast options that are great. They also have a great mimosa where you get a personal mini champagne bottle. Super friendly service too read more

Can't wait to go back! Came by last Friday for a quick drink before dinner. The bartender was super friendly the minute I walked in. Super reasonably priced happy hour and great selection of beers. Next time i'll be sure to take an entire tour of the place, place games and maybe stick around for more than 2 drinks. Hopefully this will become my new spot to grab drinks in williamsburg! read more

Impressive beer selection at reasonable prices. Super nice and accommodating bartender. I came on a Monday night after a Yelp Elite Event and it was (refreshingly) not busy. I am sure it gets crazy on weekends because it's a great space. Great mix of porters and sour beers etc - you will surely find one you love. read more

Make sure you look at your bank statement after coming here. This place charged me $20.00 for one beer that was only $8.00 with tip. I called and they said they couldn't find my receipt and that I would have to physically come in to sort it out. I went there twice and the manager wasn't there. This place will rip you off if you're not careful, giving 2 stars cause I used to come here a lot. read more

Banter had closed the doors by 2 on a Tuesday, tho with a slight tug the doors opened, & the bartender welcomed us, as well as anyone who followed us in. The place is beautiful. The bartender Leo from Leon, France, was a doll & very friendly! ...definitely consumed a lot of whiskey, as planned, so unfortunately don't have much more to say except that I'll be back! read more

A true diamond in the rough. Best new bar in the Williamsburg scene. Awesome beer selection, amazing service, and great food. You can't go wrong here. read more

The crew is great, very polite and super fun. My favorite place after a long day. They have premier league games early on the weekends and last week they had fifa night on Tuesday,great music, awesome drinks and soccer games what else anyone can ask for? read more

Gotta love having a go-to bar for watching your favorite soccer team play! I went here to watch an NYCFC away game, and though it wasn't very busy, the bar was lively. The bar had a solid beer selection, and I liked the currywurst a lot. The TVs had a few hiccups with satellite issues, but the staff worked hard to resolve the issue within a few minutes. That was much appreciated! read more

Trivia on Monday nights(8:30pm) is the best. Great selection of questions and a very fun music round. I make sure to go every week. Winners get the customary bar tab. read more

I came here for Happy Hour and was in love with the huge beer selection. When you walk in there are two tables behind high walls in the front that sit about 6-8 people. Other than that, Banter is occupied by one long bar. TVs at different angles will allow you to not miss any play of the game that will be on TV. Besides the never-ending drink menu? Def order one of their large pretzels - they are def a good side to a delicious cold beer. read more

I came here with a group of friends on a Sunday afternoon. I can't really say much about the drinks because beer is beer and my vodka tonic turned out to be a vodka soda, which I hate, but still drank because... alcohol. They have outdoor seating, which was convenient because I brought my dog. And they had a water bowl, which was perfect. read more

I came here at about 5:30 on a Friday while waiting for an event to start nearby and was happy with the choice. Good selection of beers on tap and good specials, although I opted for a $6 IPA because it's impossible to find in Colombia, where I now live. The bartender was super friendly and the atmosphere was comfortable. If I ever find myself back in Williamsburg, I'll stop in again. read more

A beautiful bar for the beautiful game. $3 Kelso Nut Browns during happy hour and Stellas and a bartender who's the appropriate amount of friendly make this a perfect spot for watching futbol. Plenty of screens to have a vantage point from anywhere in the bar and tons of beers on tap -- does what it needs to do correctly to be an above-average soccer bar. Good looking out, Banter. Sadly, because it's the only soccer bar in the area, it can get a little overcrowded so don't show up at halftime lamenting the lack of seats available. No one likes that dude. read more

One of the first bars that gets my 5 stars since moving to New York! Lots of TV's showing all Premier League games: tick Amazing bartender that always remembers what you're having and suggests new beers you might like: tick Will put tennis etc on one of the smaller TV's if you ask nicely: tick Lots of great beers on tap: tick read more

One of the best bars to watch TV. I watched the Olympic here and they do TV showings here. Also they have Bloody Mary specials. Definitely want to come back for those. read more

Saturday mornings at Banter with Guinness and football is the best way to start the weekend,

My favorite local pub! Many beers on tap married with good pricing make this an ale lovers haven. They consistently change the tap lineup. Whiskey lovers will be delighted as well. The bartenders are always friendly and ready to strike up a conversation. They know how to make you feel right at home. Service is always great and they have wifi incase you feel inclined to do some work while watch a match on their projected screen. They even open up super early so you can catch your favorite team/league and enjoy a pint at 7am! The food is just OK but its hard to resist when that grill is sizzling up a sausage. A great place to come with a few friends to knock back a few. In warmer weather they have outdoor seating on the block so you can take in some vitamin D with a pint. read more

Best name ever. Be you truly want to hand here and banter. The owners are happy go lucky, the beer selection is Best and I even love the food. That was a surprise, wasn't expecting great food. read more

I don't know what that last review was talking about... I go to Banter with my boyfriend on super early weekend mornings and the staff has always been great. I think I was there for that particular morning too and thought the bartender was nice. She kept coming over to bring us coffee and that gets my vote. The selection is great for food and drinks and there are always great games on. Overall, there is really nothing negative to say about the bar other that the fact that it is so close to our apartment so my boyfriend can not be convinced to just sleep in on a Saturday morning. read more

Love the staff and great beer selection best of all they paltry football (soccer) live amazing