I love this place, I really do. I spend a lot of weekends here, but not a lot of happy hours... perhaps that's why my last visit left a bad taste in my mouth. We went on a Friday for Happy Hour, and I threw down a tip that apparently the bar tender didn't like (we were still drinking, I hadn't planned on it being my las tip of the night or anything, and had tipped prior...) and he called us out. Legit, wouldn't serve us and when he finally came over, he told us we "had to tip better than that." WTF?! We were totally shamed in front of a good amount of people and felt super shitty..believe me, I know the value of good service and hard work... but this didn't seem like it was worth it over literally a dollar or two... We explained the situation- we're regulars, we weren't finished tipping, we live around the corner... (when really we should've flipped out at the audacity...) We decide to finish the beer we paid for and I guess he had a change of heart. We made up and he offered us an olive branch (shots!) so that was great. I still love this place, but hope that this isn't a regular occurrence for others. read more

It's nice to have a bar on Court Street that isn't a sports bar. Yay. Tight little space specializing in cocktails as well as some small craft beers. Space in the back with tables that seem to fill up quick. Doesn't take credit cards which is a bit of a deal breaker for me (I like to drink a lot?) read more

I like this bar a lot. Maybe the first time I came i was supposed to meet a friend, but I couldn't find the place, because my friend kept mistakenly calling it "Liberty" (Which I think is a great name for a bar). Anyway, the place has a warm feel to it, so much so that the front windows are usually fogged. The bartenders are on point as well as personable and interesting , specifically Amanda & Rocco. The beer selection is small but good, the cocktails are well made, they have spicy snacks and ...pop tarts. In the back are some candlelit banquettes, and the side room has tall tables where sometimes I find myself channeling Hemingway and doing some self indulgent writing. Like I said, I like this place, and I come here often. read more

Congress Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Court Street doesn't have enough bars. In fact, I can only think of a handful -- and only one that's on my rotation, Strong Place. Congress is from the same guys behind Soda Bar and Franklin Park, so it has a great pedigree. There's solid craft beer selection -- about 6 taps, if I recall. Pretty affordable cocktails at $10 (and some good ones at that). And a great top top shelf liquor selection with some pretty interesting options (pechuga mezcal!). My main gripes -- windows get really foggy. It can get pretty loud in there so the acoustics need some work. And cash only. Sorry, I don't like that. And it's especially annoying since there aren't a lot of banks in the area (and no, I'm not gonna use the bar ATM). But overall, a great neighborhood bar with friendly bartenders. Happy to live near it! read more

This place is NOT closed, I live a block away. I mean there were times in Covid that they would shut it down but that was months ago. Inside and Outside - great cocktails and beer is suss at times, no idea why no local BK IPA but that's my obsession. No food, just drinks and a chat with a bud or sig other, what's not to like? read more

The bourbon cocktails are heavenly. The staff is fun and oh so Brooklyn. I can't say more about how friendly they are. They are happy to be there, and take pride in taking care of their guests. read more

Love love love this place! Great neighborhood bar, with tasty cocktails and good music. The rattlesnakes is my fave. The ambience is a smooth for a date, couples night or girls night out. read more

Happy to see a new addition to the neighborhood, it's been a while. Cocktails are $10 each and they have a few signature choices. The Bordeaux I had has $9. The bar has around 7 stools, and there are stools across from the bar, otherwise there is a back space, and another room on the side with tables, I imagine there is only seating for 30-40 and when I got in around 11:30 on a Saturday no tables were free. It might have a been a little loud, but otherwise dark and probably better for a pair of people unless you were able to secure a table. It was more of a place where you sit and chat with your friends, not stand around and meet people. read more

Congress Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Came here on Election Day, of all days, and was very pleasantly surprised. I didn't even know this place existed, but I'm glad I do now. It's a very small and understated neighborhood bar. It's got style and flavor, but they're subtle about it, which I like. Doesn't feel forced or contrived, it just is. Chill vibe, kinda sexy but also fine for just hanging with a friend. Good mix of tunes, which I appreciate. They have a nice cocktail list as well as a well-curated beer list. The only buzz kill - and this is admittedly a pet peeve of mine - is that they're cash only. Grrrr. Otherwise I have nothing but positives to share about this place. Check it out. read more

Our go-to bar. It has very minimal seating and is pretty small but the music is at a volume that is just right.. and its always a good time here. You always meet good people and the bartenders are really nice. Super chill. read more

There are cocktail bars and there are dive bars. Congress falls solidly in the fertile ground between the two. It is a shoebox-sized, mostly-locals bar with a slightly larger backroom that is pretty good for small groups. They have a good selection of beers, ciders, wines, and a small list of tasty craft cocktails. The thing that impresses me most about Congress (besides the unpretentious attitude of the place) is the quality of their booze. My father always used to say "life is too short to drink bad wine" which I have amended to "life is too short to drink cheap booze". So, when I walk into a not-a-cocktail bar like Congress, I'm expecting your typical low-end well liquors with a few bottles of somewhat better hooch on the display shelves that you'll pay a premium for if you want to hear them splashing in your glass. I was surprised to find myself nodding in approval at everything on their display shelves and even more pleasantly surprised when nearly all of the drinks Rocco mixed for us used booze pulled straight off the shelves - not from the well. For a place that isn't a serious cocktail bar... that is extraordinary. So, if you like decent booze of any sort (beer or liquor) served in a low key venue, with some odd bar munchies (pop-tarts and rice crackers), swing by Congress. TIPS: Congress has happy hour every day - nice! The drink prices are fair... especially considering the good liquors they use in the craft cocktails. Congress is cash only... but they have an ATM in the back so problem solved! read more

Best cocktails in the neighborhood. Small, but comfortable place. Negronis, aperol then a rye drink. Loved them all.

Simply one of the best bars in Brooklyn that I've been to, very well decorated classic minimal, music is not overwhelmingly loud in contrary they actually play good music like QOTSA and Howling Wolf so you get the idea and what's more important NO TVs-thank god!!! Roco the bar tender is the MAN, very cool/ friendly and knows his drinks! Can't wait to go back. read more

These guys know how to make an Aperol Spritz, and for $11, you can't go wrong. It's odd that they don't offer table service, although this might be due to the limited space. It wasn't too packed and allowed for easy conversations where you don't have to yell across the table. I would imagine when this place gets busy its a nightmare to order drinks but other than that, a solid cocktail bar. read more

Avoid the Monday night bartender who worked on Jan. 11 at all costs. Went here with my girlfriend on a whim Monday night. Pulled up a chair at the bar and the following ensued : Bartender: "Whoa! Are you two twins?!" Me: "no we are a couple." Bartender: "seriously you guys look like twins. Are you sisters?" My girlfriend: "no. We are a couple." Bartender: "I'm not joking. You guys look identical." Me: (raised eyebrow) "maybe we should just move on" Bartender: I'm not trying to be funny. You guys seriously look related." Me: that's disgusting My girlfriend to me ("should we just go?") We pick up our bags to leave. Bartender: "you're leaving?!! Seriously?" Bartender: (screaming as we walk out the door): "F**K OFF!!" All this happened in front of the other patrons. We are now at The Chocolate Room enjoying a glass of Cava. The staff here is welcoming and lovely. read more

This is a great bar. Great cocktails. Excellent bartending. I am giving 3 stars because I have tried to come here on 3 separate weekends in the last two months during hours when it's listed as open and it has been totally closed. Lights off no sign of life. It's a short hike from my house so it kind of pisses me off that it isn't open when it says it's going to be. Note: we have tried to go on Saturday afternoons. Sitting outside it's closed doors at 2:30 on a Saturday as I write this. read more

SOLID! Great cocktails, reasonable prices, chill atmosphere, inviting bartenders. Frankly, I thought this was going to be a "trying to hard" hipster place, but it was chill and local. It's pretty small, and I wouldn't head here for a big night out, so it's more of a place to grab a pre-dinner or daytime dranks. read more

Congress is now in session! (Pretty sure I'm not the first to use THAT cheese line here), but deal with it, I'm 60% review, 40% cheese. This place hits all the right bar sweet spots in my book. Great bartenders, good happy hour, nice chill vibe, and close enough to home. Finally, something regarding the government I can get on board with! read more

Just a great bar. Top to bottom. If you don't enjoy a quiet drink, don't enjoy unpretentious bartenders, don't enjoy a 2-7 happy hour, then go to Fridays because you are an amateur. read more

Best bar EVER!!! Rocco is a fantastic bartender!! He sets the stage for a relaxing, good time. He makes amazing drinks and has a fabulous personality. I loved the decor and the vibe and the other patrons at Congress were super fun too!!! Second time there and am already hoping for another trip back to Brooklyn to make another visit!!! read more

I rarely go out in this area, but Congress Bar has changed my mind about that. I grabbed a drink here while waiting for a friend nearby. The space stretches back into a seating area, and around a corner there is a narrow room with some bar tables--so there is seating for groups and dates. I sat at the bar and was greeted warmly by the bartender. I ordered the Bohemian Fizz, which was just the right amount of tart and bubbly. I was there on the earlier side on a Friday night (around 9) so the crowd wasn't too rowdy, but the vibe was relaxed and fun. Word to the wise, they are cash only, but I'll let it slide since I liked them so much. Would love to come back again and try more cocktails. read more

Small. Dimly lit. Perfect spot to duck in out of the rain. It was not crowded street all when we arrived here for a drink before dinner at Buttermilk Channel. The Bar tender made a great Maple Retox. Decent happy hour as well. I am trying to lure friends to Brooklyn so I can pop by this place again after work. read more

Just discovered this place, and I'm so glad I did. Their bloody mary menu caught my eye so I wandered in this Sunday to check it out. Very cool atmosphere and a great drink, nice beer selection. I will definitely be back. read more

This is a very small and intimate bar. I really love their drink menu. I'm not sure if this is the place to go meet people. It's more of a place where you go with your friends after a nice dinner. Slightly pricey for a broke college grad like me but I will go back! read more

Took my sister here who was visiting New York for the first time. The lady bartender was welcoming, cool, and was knowledgeable. We asked for recommendations and she set us us well. The interior is tasteful and cute. Crafty cocktails and mellow vibes. read more

Solid cocktail bar on Court Street. The bartender was very friendly and helpful in selecting a cocktail. Drinks that we had were delicious and will keep me coming back. read more

What can I say about this abomination? It's cash only and the in-house ATM machine looks about as secure as an Automat compartment. I loved the produce store though I shopped there only four times in the 30 years I've lived in this neighborhood. I just liked knowing I could get decent produce even though I eat mostly at McDonalds. Charlene is awesome, though. Seriously. She makes a Moscow Mule that will blow you. Hence the three stars. read more

Nice new bar in the neighborhood. Totally chill & inviting. I actually came here last winter (late in writing this review) on a cold rainy Saturday night. The place was pretty full & there wasn't much room for us to sit, but just as we contemplating bailing a couple of seats opened up by the bar. Their bar selection was excellent-- a lot of high-end, quality spirits. The bartenders were super friendly & knew their stuff too. Cocktails were naturally great. The night we went they had a pot of hot cider that my bf got spiked with rum. All in all a great experience & a welcome addition to the neighborhood. Got a little crowded on the weeknight but it's worth stopping by if there's room! They also had a cool deal where if you brought in a record to play they'll give you a free shot. (So totally Brooklyn.) I keep meaning to do that next time I go! read more

So wonderful. The mood is perfect for light reading and the conversations don't get overly loud. I went there on a weekday, so I'm not vouching for how it is on the weekends. But for a bar in the middle of a bunch of bookstores, this is definitely the place. read more

Great neighborhood bar. Only issue here is Cash Only sign above the bar. Nobody likes having to go to the ATM (in back of the bar) to settle their bar tab. Beside nice locale with great drinks. read more

This bar hasn't even been open that long but has quickly become a go to. It's usually pretty quiet, drinks are reasonably priced (and they have a good happy hour), great beer selection, and the bartenders are really friendly. (A friend and I went shortly after they opened and one of us spilled a beer, so they just gave us a new one free. And also only charged us for some of the drinks we had -- if they were trying to make regulars out of us, it worked!) It's also really sweet and cozy inside with cute wallpaper and lots of different areas to sit -- at the bar, on stools at a bar next to the bar, or at tables and chairs. And they give you free snack mix on top of everything. The only downside really is that it's small -- you couldn't have a big party in there. read more

Great beers, great music, a perfect balance between crowd, ambiance, drinks and sound. A good surprise on Court street!

Best cocktails in town. Rocco is the best bartender - very attentive and nice. love this place.

I was tempted to take a star away from this place for always making me stay longer than I should, but tasty beverages, cool bartenders, and great tunes will do that. And they serve Pop Tarts? 5 stars, but only because I can't give 6. read more

The bartender, Rocco, does a fantastic job. He knows his craft and comes through with great recommendations. The Sand Bar was an interesting combination I likely wouldn't have tried, but has definitely become a new favorite of mine. The atmosphere makes this space feel very personal, and a conversation with the patron next to you is easy while you're both chatting with the bartender as well. There are a few tables and booths towards the back, as well as a pair of more private tables in a separate area. The drink prices are fair, and it isn't frowned upon to bring outside food if you don't feel like leaving this cozy spot. Only a block from the Bergen St F/G with a CitiBike dock across the street makes it wonderfully accessible as well. read more

This is only my second Yelp review ever, but Congress treated me really well the other day, and I feel that exceptional service deserves public praise. I came into the bar out of a horrible rainstorm, soaking wet, with my friend, who was visiting from out of town. We ordered Manhattans, which we expertly prepared, and then my friend proceeded to spill his all over our table as soon as we set down. The bartender, unprompted, immediately brought him a replacement drink. My friend was really suprised. "Wow! LA bars would NEVER do that," he told me. Another instance of New York's superiority over California, but more importantly - a bartender going above and beyond the call of duty to make patrons feel comfortable in his bar. I love the vibe, love the drinks, and consider this my favorite bar in the area now. read more

Love this bar, one of my favorites. The perfect atmosphere, feels like you've been transported to a small European town cafe, with great beer selections and lovely cocktails. read more

I went on a Sunday late afternoon and sat at the bar with a friend. Very friendly female bartender. No attitude or ego- friendly the way I like it. Solid cocktails plus I appreciate the cheerful bathroom too-always a plus in a bar. read more

Stumbled upon this place on opening night, knowing nothing about it. Ambiance was great, low lighting, candles and good tunes. The happy hour drink specials were great, awesome pours of wine for $7! Rocco, the bartender, was attentive without being overbearing which was particularly impressive because we were not sitting at the bar. I can't wait to go back. read more

This bar is my go-to. Yes yes and yes. The bartender Damian is the best and makes great drinks. Great ambiance and location!