still stinky and i'm still the number one pool shark in the city- good sized pool table, not those small chintzy ones- and at $2 a pop - that's a great deal in 2025!!!- Great DJ too. Wish people danced more, practice your moves at this spot ;) read more

This is a classic neighborhood dive bar offering a casual place to hangout and have drinks with friends. It's cash only and pretty affordable. The bar is very spacious and good for groups. There's plenty of room to either sit at the bar, stand around in a group or even dance. There's even a pool table in the back. The Dj that was there that night only had vinyls so she said she couldn't take music requests. The music she played wasn't my vibe so that's something to take into account. I'm not sure if they serve food here, but it didn't seem like it. They have a photo booth that charges you to take photos and then charges you again if you want the photos printed out which I felt was very odd. It's a fine place to grab a cheap drink and hangout, but nothing to write home about. read more

The place was a dive bar and was giving very much so. It was dark and moody. They had tables that people can sit and drink at. They have enough room for dancing. They had table games in the back to play. They don't sell food. They only take cash but the drinks are reasonably priced. The music they were playing the day I went, which was a Saturday night, was old songs from vinyls. I would have preferred more current music. read more

Cool vibe and bar in Williamsburg. The inside is pretty big and I like the outside patio. The decor is fun and there's even a photo booth. It wouldn't accept my card for some reason though so I had to go and exchange some cash with someone for exact change. I heard that you can grill on the back patio so that's cool. A lot of people I was with said it's not a real dive bar and was too nice to be one. I don't think that's a bad thing though. Not a fan of the smells of people puffing weed outside but still a cool place. Also has a pool table inside and service was quick. read more

East River Bar - the outside of the restaurant - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Relaxed neighborhood bar. I initially thought it was called Easy Rider Bar because I saw so many patrons with bicycles there. Fair variety of beers on tap with a focus on macros. Lots of popular whiskeys with the most interesting to me being Michter's. They've got a few TVs and a pool table in the back for entertainment. Lots of beer and shot specials. Bartender was very friendly, super accommodating, and attentive. read more

Relatively quiet place where I'd definitely enjoy coming to catch up with friends, maybe play some pool or hop in the photo booth. Drinks were fairly priced and there was a good selection. Also they advertised $2 hot dogs but for some reason I was charged $3 for mine. Sadly it was cash only when I went, and I don't usually carry too much cash. read more

East River Bar - hot dogs and beer on a table - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

No frills bar that has an excellent backyard. Grab your beer of choice and head outside. I personally love coming here alone with a good book, rolling up my sleeves, taking in the blue sky, vibing out to the distant sound of the J train cruising across the Williamsburg bridge read more

East River Bar - VibeZ - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This bar could be great. They have a pool table and Buck Hunter, and both take dollars. It's $6 for a nice, strong mixed drink. They have a huge patio strung up with lights, equipped with a grill that looks like it's open for anyone's use. But then there's the clientele. Now, I don't want to call them unattractive, because we all know I'm no prize myself. And I don't want to call them poorly dressed, because people in glass houses are extremely vulnerable to those bearing rocks. However, a snappier-dressing, better-looking man might say these things. I, on the other hand, can only testify to the fact that they were fucking rude. I'm not sure if that's the norm at East River Bar, but everyone I encountered or observed on this particular night was a dick. The night was full of them, but here are two specific examples. 1. As we sat and chatted on the patio, what appeared to be two old friends spotted each other from across the way. They decided to use our table as a meeting point, and suddenly three people decided to literally stand around my friend's chair as they screamed over her in excitement about snapaway pants. Oh, I get it. They're fantastic, you just pull and suddenly you're pantsless. It's a dream come true. But the place was almost empty. Plenty of seating. Go have your inane conversation elsewhere. 2. There was an entire table of people who clearly had an all-day BBQ. East River Bar, you ROCK for providing a grill for your patrons. These people obviously took advantage of this, and in the process, created an enormous mess. When they were done, instead of cleaning up all the plates, plasticware, napkins, cans, condiments, etc., they just switched tables. They didn't even leave. Just took their drinks to a different table, and the poor sweet bartender was forced to clean up after them because they decided the filth they created was too annoying to drink around. Normally I don't worry about what other people doing, but the entire bar seemed to have gone crazy on this night. Maybe MaryAnn the Clawed Bull Lady was casting some kind of spell outside in her car. Or maybe I'm getting old and crotchety. read more

3.5 stars... This place has a lot going for it despite initially coming off as a pretty dingy dive bar. They have a big outdoor patio space, a good portion covered in case of rain, pool, fuseball, photo booth, a digital juke box, a number of comfy booths, and some great happy hour specials. Came here on Tuesday around 6 and a Coney Island Pilsner (Pale Ale) was $3. Happy Hour runs till 8 and features 1/2 prices drinks from what I can tell. On Monday night they offer 2 for 1 drinks. They're cash only but there is an ATM on premises. The only major downside on my visit was that the music was ridiculously loud, there were only like 4 people there at the time so completely unnecessary. read more

My poetic journey continues at East River Bar to be one of the many feature performers. A separate room on the upper level encompasses pool tables and two wall lighted Bingo boards. The DJ is incompetent who uphold extremely poor sound equipment as the microphone delay lag for the sound skips and is completely off. Technically difficulty, equipment malfunction, stereo on the blink, buffering... blah, blah all emit excuses! Ergo, avoid requesting the DJ to play tracks directly from a CD as the sound is also off for a Concorde to fly over one's head by skipping lyrical versus. I highly advise to bring your own microphone with speakers and stand to avoid the house's ill-advised sound system. There is ample space for a 5-pc band to perform and spectators to root, perhaps even possibly dance. For one glass of Malbec at $7.00 the quality was good lasting all night. No food exist but patrons are permitted BYOF of choice. One unisex facility exist in true dive bar fashion as the wall is plastered with graffiti and writing in all offensive language imaginable, but contains the basic amenities in a relative clean state. This bar sits on a industrial-like street of limited retailers and little to none restaurants/cafes for food options. Prepare to intake food prior to venturing East River Bar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. read more

East River Bar - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I love the service omg wish I could live here love Wednesdays n Saturday service Tuesday's rule!!!!

I visit East River Bar every time I'm in Brooklyn and even if I haven't been there for months, I am always welcomed as if I'm a regular. The atmosphere is so warm and the bartenders are always very attentive. I never have to wait for a drink or stand around awkwardly hoping that the bartender notices me. Drinks are priced decently and always made very well but it's really the employees and atmosphere that keeps me coming back as often as I can. Highly recommend this bar if you're ever in the area. read more

Dear East River Bar, I write this as I look at photos from the Saturday before last. I am looking, with horror, at myself in a plastic bag, on the sidewalk, hamming it up for the camera. I am now looking at myself AND my friend, together, in this clear plastic bag, hamming it up for the camera. Good thing I wore those bike shorts under my dress. WAIT -- Is that a leaf on my crotch? OKAY... So, ERB (Can I call you that?), it looks as though you put me in a compromising position. Luckily I have a sense of humor. And an appreciation for a bar that plays awesome music for the dancing, serves up the booze real cheap (2 kamikaze shots for $4.00? Please remind me why I took advantage of this deal. Oh. I was DRUNK.), has BUCK HUNTER and a SIQQQQQQQ FOOD TRUCK! Dude, seriously. This food truck. AMAZING! Yes, I was trashed. But this burger was JUICY! It had BACON! It was SAUCY! IT WAS EVERYTHING I NEEDED...and more. AND BY GOLLY - to my slurry surprise...the fries were fuckin' badass! Seasoned to perfection, the insides melted in my mouth after I penetrated their magically golden crispy exterior. GAWDDAMN! And the truck dudes are fuckin' awesome! They seriously made my night! They listened to a drunk girl bitch about her failing kidneys and didn't outwardly judge me! SUPERB!!! SUPERB!!! THANK YOU...for the good times. And hey, bouncer. You still owe me a game. I'm going to bring the PERFECT SITES!!! JUST YOU WAIT!!! Love, Briana read more

East River Bar - this is what happens outside of east river bar when you close the bar - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Im so sad that Kate has left. But, the bar is solid. great drink specials, especially on Monday. HUGE enough outdoor space to avoid the weed smoking regulars. And cool enough spot to hang out, party, or whatev... read more

I cannot BEGIN to tell you how much I love ERB. First and foremost, the bartenders are exceptional. Kate and Jill are lovely. The "regulars" are friendly and sweet. The backyard is incredible and drink specials/beer selection can't be beat anywhere in Brooklyn, best happy hour hands down. Jukebox, photo booth, pool, everything inside is killer. As a result of all this, we decided to have them host our wedding and after party. Bear with me while I gush... First, planning our event with Marek (the owner) was a breeze and he was more than accommodating and chill and kind. He is the greatest. Second, Johnny was our bartender and main coordinator for the event and there aren't enough compliments in the world to do him justice. He handled 80 guests by himself and everyone LOVED him. He is a rockstar and works on Tuesdays :) Third, we were allowed to order in pizza, bring in donuts, have our sound system out back and though the bar opened at 5, we felt we had the "run" of the place. Everyone who came in addition to our wedding party added to the vibe and was considerate, not at all interfering in anything. Our wedding was PERFECT. All our friends are now saying how it was the best wedding they've been to and we were able to save money and do everything on our terms. Marek and Johnny are our angels! This bar is perfect for events, parties, happy hour, literally anything in the world. Thank you guys for everything and we can't wait to chill and just be regulars from now on. :) 10 out of 10 stars. read more

I am for sure a fan. I walked in here with a bunch of friends on a Saturday afternoon as was like "um, can we use your grill?" and they let us use a big green ceramic egg to cook some burgers. What is not to love? Here's the scoop on grilling here: Generally, you should call ahead to do so. Bring your own charcoal and fixings. Go to town. Drink all the beers as a way of saying "Thank you for being my backyard when I can't have one of my own." read more

East River Bar - Ceramic egg grilling - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

My wife and had a blast in here last night, the Dj was killing it, the vibe was super chills. It was our anniversary and we was in our bubble because vibe was so chill in this joint read more

Great local bar. Go when Kate is working, she's a pro and always takes care of the regulars.

Super cool chill spot, good music and they allow you to bring your own food in, and they drinks are cheap and the staff is friendly.

Pro: Great bar. Con: Disgusting bathroom. Pro: Nice pool table. Con: Obnoxious dudes. Pro: Stiff drinks. Con: I don't know, I blacked out. read more

Could somebody please turn down the Patsy Cline??? OK, I get it. You guys and gals are hipster-neo-rock-a-billys. Cool. Indeed, a new hipster sub-species has been found. And, they are fond of spacious, dirty,dive bars perfect for groups who like to sit around drinking PBR or playing pool...while drinking PBR. A great place if you bring the party with you. read more

Hello, East River. Will you be my new Southside girlfriend? The well whiskey changes periodically & is currently Traveller's Club ($5, stiffly poured). Ten High apparently cycles into rotation on occasion and I put in a request for some Cabin Still, so let me know if they start carrying it. The Big Buck Hunter Pro game (no Caribou) is perfectly calibrated and has low reigning high scores. After owning 4 of the 5 Bighorn Sheep screens that we played, I asked the bartender if the machine was just super-new and she said that the internal computer gets reset every month or two because of excessive electrical interference from the bridge. Apparently the television & the jukebox go a bit wonky on occasion and also need to be fixed. Oookay. But hey, the upshot is that frequent resetting = a quite playable experience. The musical selections in the brief time that I stopped in included my favourite Smiths song, my favourite Ramones song, and the Monkees. I will be back. read more

Reply to Briana B & Kim B So when you go to a dive bar,you buy beer before you go to said bars back yard ,especially it being not a service bar.labeling a bar racist just because you couldn't be bothered to be a paying customer is not fair to the poc(like me) who are indeed welcomed here and do come here. Next time you go to a bar,buy a fucking beer,first and foremost ,and I'm the meantime figure out what racism means ,your feeling ain't racism . read more

After getting something to eat in the area we decide to stop by for drinks, A friend had mentioned this place so we decide to check it out. it's a little confusing to find since it's kind of tucked away, on arrival not much to be said at first impression. we got a round of drinks Bottle top beer I think it was called ? not bad a bit of a bitter taste but not terrible over all. we walked around a bit to check the place out & I have to say it's pretty interesting kinda feels like those high school movies when u see specific groups of people hanging out in little groups too funny. we made our way to the back yard area , hung out there for a bit then headed inside because it was a bit cold. once we made our way inside we found seats by the bar & decide to hang there this place is the true definition of odd not in a bad way but definitely funky. crowd wise i'd have to say everyone sort of looks the same ?? kinda funny not sure if this is done on purpose or its just the dynamic of the area. standing by the bar is a bit of a hassle people are a bit rude basically all on top of u & in your face with their arms & bags seems like every one is in their own world & doesn't bother to excuse themselves , I guess you can probably expect a lot of this here since it does seem to get pretty crowded. not much to be said decor wise very funky & dive bar , service at the bar was good price wise not bad at all $12 dollars for two beer can't go wrong. unfortunately this place is cash only , I have to say I am always surprised when I come across something like this , this day & age am surprised anyone even carries cash. This place serves its purpose to just hang out for a few either before or after your main plans for the evening. read more

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I've been writing about dive bars a lot recently. I spend a great deal of time in many dive bars, especially in Brooklyn. There are a ton, and they're all amazing. It takes a special skill to execute a dive bar that is high on dive and yet people still want to go there. Everyone needs their local dives for nights they don't want to go into the city or out somewhere nicer in Brooklyn, and so cue--among a few others--East River Bar. East River Bar hits all the pegs, so I'll assemble this review as a walk-through tour of sorts. Okay, so you walk in, there's a Big Buck Hunter to your right, and a juke box, to your left- a large bar that serves up cheap beers, pints of nicer beers or the go-to cheap Yuengling. What they also serve is the most potent Long Island Iced Tea I've ever laid eyes (and mouth) on. It's a pint glass. Of liquors. With a splash of iced tea. No exaggeration from this side of the blog. They will get you drunk. Moving backwards, there's an upwards bar area, some booths and a large pool table. Outside, there's a huge covered back patio area, with lots of tables, grills, and... if you're lucky... a FOOD TRUCK. Glory be, this is the best place in the world. Daytime, nighttime, summer, winter, rich, poor... We Brooklyn residents are thankful for a place like East River Bar. read more

East River is a CLASSIC bar. There is pool in the back, a lamp and chairs in the front, some arcade hunting game and a good full bar. So saddle yourself up to the bar and the actual NICE bartenders and have a drink or one thousand. The last time I was there I think I did have one thousand. Yes, they buy back drinks and no, there was no line for the bathroom. The music is good mostly, there is a great outdoor space for summer, but it's pretty spacious anyway. It's also right below the Willie B bridge and is really funny to see all the people runnin' and riding bikes along the ramp while you're drinking your troubles away. It's a staple. read more

I came here for a friends' party on Friday night so eloquently entitled "The gates to a world of grotesquerie seem to be opening." I think this was, like, a metaphor for the bars on the door leading into this netherworld of dive bar. Or something. The music was a dj proclaimed mix of hooligan house, slang-rap, drug rock, pop and heavy metal. It was great. I suspect the bar was extra fun because of this. read more

East river bar is my favorite! As a cyclist, I feel welcome. The DJ is always fresh. The beer is flowing. The bartenders know their stuff. From a draft to a cocktail, it's all good. Once a regular you're always welcome. The back yard is awesome! Summer is like a neighborhood party. Come hang out! read more

I don't think I can top Peter's review, but I just wanna say that it was apparently a sock hop the night I was at East River Bar. I don't think the bartender was a rockasilly (oh wait, I'm sorry, rockabilly) dude, but he was definitely dressed like he was a T-Bird and playing all doo-wop and suchlike. Which is fine; I love The Platters, but lettermen jackets and quaffed hair? I just had to LOL a little. Okay, a lot. Despite his getup, our bartender was nice enough. It was evening, happy hour, and we got "one free on me," which was an excellent deal for my tap beer and Erin M.'s whiskey ginger. The funny part was, he didn't tell us this right away, and so I thought it was $7 for my beer straight up, during happy hour-time, and was a little traumatized for a moment until the bartender returned with free drink tickets for us. Sneak! There seemed to be only dudes in here, and as Peter mentioned, and none of them were attractive. There were definitely snapaway pants. I'd like to go back to see if it is always a sock hop, or if it was a special night, or if that particular bartender just refuses to believe that it is not 1951. This is a great location right on the border of hipster/Hasidic Williamsburg, and it's a nice dark bar to get lost in after work. As long as they have other music options, I'm good to go. Word from the bird, man! read more

Kate is the best bartender! Such a sweet fun nice person, she welcomes you to this fun atmosphere. She's the best!

If there was a choice to do less than one star I would indicate that in this review. Since this isn't a choice, one star should be considered a gracious rating. My friends and I visited this bar this evening. It was barely full at 8pm, no customers, no line, nothing. We sat down in the patio and engaged in a conversation. The "bouncer" - a large white male with long dreads, awkwardly circulated our table. We were busy in our conversation but were planning on grabbing drinks. The second time he approached our table he said, "you guys can't say here. You have to leave." We were taken aback. He seemed incredibly out of it so we thought he was joking. He wasn't. He went on to explain that the owner wouldn't appreciate us sitting there without drinks. We went back and forth with him but he wouldn't let up. Turned off, we left. By the way this guy was a joke. Probably on drugs or drunk.... Never did we indicate that we were not interested in purchasing drinks. Never did the waitress or bartender approach us or ask us about what we were interested in ordering. I have NEVER been treated this way. We immediately got up to leave and complained with the bartender. She didn't seem to care and the bouncer creepily followed us to the bar. My instinct is that this place is racist and discriminates against their customers. I was with a group of girls that were of mixed ethnicities - white, Latina, black and Asian. Disgusting. This place isn't even all that. Don't waste your time. Go next door to Loosie Rouge. They were so much nicer and welcomed us immediately. So disappointing to experience this.. read more

I have walked past this bar more than once and live in the area, but have never had the opportunity to try it. Stopped in on a Thursday night after some food at OTB down the block. VERY dark, divey bar - the way I like it. Red vinyl and wood adorn 80% of the surfaces. Bartender was really awesome - friendly and playing great music. We chatting along with my GF for a few drinks and called it a night. Drinks were cheap and pletiful. Definitely going to stop in here again. read more

Great pool table. Outdoor patio. Cheap drinks. Need I say more? Just wish it opened earlier... read more

Can't complain about the prices here especially it being in Williamsburg, the vibes are always good and they have tons of space with the backyard patio and grill. read more

East River Bar - Nice pool table for only $1 - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The female bartender who work last night, Monday October 7, 2019 between the hours of 8- 12 am needs to be fired!!! My friend and I was trying to order a drink but the establishment didn't have the cognac we originally wanted. When we ask the bartender her suggestions for a different cognac, she had no idea what was behind the bar and told us to look at the bar ourselves. How are you the bartender and don't know what is behind the bar? We proceeded tell her there are multiple bottles and we would like for her to make a suggestion for us so we can order. She got frustrated with own her lack of knowledge of the bar and and told the security she is not going to serve us. It's disgusting and sad how this establishment hires a person who is so entitled and that she can't do her job properly. We was really looking forward to coming here because it was referred to us and word of mouth is powerful. But I will not be suggesting this place to anyone and will be letting people know not to come to this establishment. read more

my bike friends and i come here all the time.never have encountred rudeness or disrespect. cheap drinks, we can BBQ here, bring our bikes inside its one of the best places in NYC! Love it. read more

Our bar and home away from home. Great folks and a diverse clientele. Grilling on patio is the best way to spend an evening when it's warm. read more

Aside from the occasional leering drunk balding man trying (and failing) to hold a conversation with me, I love this place. Everyone is really friendly to each other, the bartenders are always really nice and chatty, which probably has to do with how few people are in there most days of the week. And yeah, they are generous with the free drinks when it's at its emptiest. read more

So, this is strictly a happy hour review for East River. I live way up on the 'south' number streets, and it's slim pickings. In fact, you go up any further from my block and I'm pretty sure the only drink you're getting is kosher. This strip along broadway has a ton of potential, and I'm sure it's just a question of time. However, until that happens, there is East River. It's really the only spot other than Peter Lugers and Velvet ($$$$$$$). What you'll find: (for early happy hour) -Cheap drinks -Cool laid back service (prompt refills and generous pours) -ipod mix of chill tuneage -deer hunter -nice cool a/c (important in june) -decent bathroom -short walk home (if you're me!) I would say that the only thing keeping this from being my home away from home is the lack of snacks. If they had some good snackage, I would always be here. read more

Great bar and beer garden on a quiet block. Bardtenders are friendly, crowds are nice, and the beer garden under the Willy Bridge is awesomeness. read more