Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Fresh Kills Bar

    4.3 (245 reviews)
    ModerateCocktail Bars
    Closed 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Fresh Kills Bar Photos

    Business Info

    FRESH KILLS BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Romantic

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Fresh Kills Bar

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Spicy Cucumber Whiskey and a Smokey Strong Bourbon.
    Cindy Z.

    I'm a huge fan of bar that don't have a menu: they customize a drink just for you. How can you go wrong when it's made with the spirit and flavor notes of your choice? Fresh Kills Bar has a nice ambiance that feels modern yet classy. I have attempted to come on a weekend and the line was well over an hour wait, but finally got the chance to check it out on a Monday night where we sat at the bar. It's a fun experience at the bar to watch and chat with your bartender. But for bigger groups, there's tables that fit 4-6 people too. I had two drinks here, which are $21 each. I enjoyed both of mine in their own ways. Definitely one of the favorite bars in Williamsburg.

    Anita J.

    My friends and I literally stumbled across this place, thought it looked cool and mysterious from the outside and so wanted to check it out. This place is COOL. We had 5 of us and we squeezed into one of their booths so I wouldn't recommend this place for larger parties. There is no menu - you simply tell your server what sort of flavor profiles you like and maybe a preferred spirit. The bartenders will then make something to fit that. There were 5 of us and they nailed it for all 5 of us. I definitely recommend this bar!

    Ash Wednesday w/ strawberry (left), Penicillin (right)
    Christine L.

    This is one of the coolest bars I've been to recently. It feels like a choose-your-own-adventure story, but for cocktails instead. They don't have a menu- you just tell the bartender what flavor profile you like (fruity, smoky) etc and they come up with the perfect drink. This was my first time at a bar like this so I wasn't sure what to expect but our server absolutely nailed it. I said I liked fruit but not citrus, so she asked if I liked berries (yes) and creamy drinks (yes!), and promptly brought out her version of an Ash Wednesday. I've never had one before- but it's classically made with blackberries, gin, honey, and cream, but she substituted strawberries basically making a boozy strawberry milkshake. My friend got a Penicillin after requesting something smoky and citrus- perfect for him! Each drink was $19- which I felt was very reasonable esp for the experience. The bar interior is dark and sexy, the service is knowledgeable and friendly, and the vibes are top notch. Perfect for a date night. Will 100% be back!

    Hunter S.

    Was glad I stumbled upon this spot on a Monday night after 10, so no crowds and easy entry. Low lights, natural colors enhanced by red and leather. Warm wood. No menu here. You give the server/bartender a flavor profile and they give you a drink based on that. For my first drink, I told them I like fruit, but I don't like sweet, my favorite spirit is gin, and I like herbs. This was one of those New York serendipity moments, as the bartender came around the corner grinning ear to ear, saying, "we can only make this drink one month out of the year because of the Concord grapes!" He had made me an enzoni, the original of which is made with Campari and purple concord grapes, which are only harvested between September and October. Most of the time, people sub green grapes, which is a TOTALLY different thing. My other drinks, I told them I liked pineapple, orange, rosemary, basil. And over the night I got a couple more great drinks with flavors I loved (of course, the drinks were composed with me in mind). At the end of the night, the bartender did a shot with me. The bill wasn't bad at all. I'll be thinking about that enzoni for a whole year until I get to have another.

    Annie L.

    stumbled upon this place on a saturday night and was in for the coolest bar program ever! there's no set menu (though of course you can still order a drink of choice if you want) - instead, the host/bartender asks you a series of questions on preferred flavors, liquors, etc. then it's essentially the bartender's choice on what type of drink they'll make you! i got a yummy tequila and strawberry cocktail and absolutely loved it

    Anna K.

    The cocktails are beyond! There is no menu you can just ask to the server and the bartender will make you a nice one just for you! All were amazing and refreshing!! All the sheets and tables are real leather on. You can smell it fancy! Less blight and good mood! Very recommend for a date :)

    Cocktails
    Pratima M.

    A unique bar in the heart of Williamsburg -- it gets popular, and for good reason! There isn't a set menu... rather, you tell the bartender flavors and liquors you like and they create a cocktail for you. Our table of 6 didn't have to wait more than ~15 minutes, but we also came in for a pre-dinner drink. I'd recommend coming with a smaller group, since the booth can get cozy. Our whole table had wildly different vibes and they nailed all the drinks. I asked for a mezcal base but maybe incorporating elements of a pisco sour -- I really loved the end result. I'll be back again soon!

    One of those no menu spots where the bartender takes your preferences and creates a custom cocktail for you. We got a mojito and an old fashioned and they were both really great Ambiance was dark but typical for a cocktail bar, overall great spot

    Gin sour type drink on left
    Hiral P.

    Great things to say about this bar! I've never been disappointed. I think the drink I got was similar to a gin sour with egg whites and it was very good. Great place to come with a couple friends. The waiting is kinda awkward. Never know if I should open the door or not. Just not a great vibe at the entrance.

    Tiki
    John W.

    Admittedly, I'm not a huge fan of the tell us what you like and we'll make it approach. I'm a menu-phile and study the hell out of the ingredients. Plus, I think it provides far more opportunity for me to get stuck with a pricey drink I don't like. So needless to say I was less than joyful once I realized that was their current format. Then I tasted the drinks. Extremely well-balanced. The tiki cocktail was classically wonderful. And the whiskey cocktail riff was one of the more unique drinks I've ever had. The bartenders are knowledgeable, speedy, and quite to the point. And, as I like to note, the music and white noise was at a great level.

    Jasmin G.

    This is an awesome bar that is absolutely worth the wait. They don't take reservations so I'd recommend going at an off-peak time or preparing to wait if you happen to go on a weekend night. I love the concept of no menu - the bartenders are incredible and have made me a delicious, creative drink every time. I've been here twice so far and will continue to come back to try new creations. The vibe is cozy and comfortable. Such a gem!

    a glass of water and a bottle of liquor

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    25 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 1
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Matt
    0
    7
    6

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Taylor Z.
    1156
    2164
    4635

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Wendy B.
    604
    1709
    9162

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Eve M.
    2
    49
    10

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of ray f.
    1
    76
    9

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Really great energy, an attentive bartender and proper cocktails. Music level was perfect for convo over drinks.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lynn V.
    118
    6
    2

    6 months ago

    really fun experience and the waitress made the perfect drink based on the flavors i like

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 7

    Fresh Kills Bar Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Fresh Kills Bar

    What genre of music, if any, is played? Thanks!

    You can barley here the music but it's top 40. They probably let the bartenders choose

    View All 2 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Cocktail Bars 22,341 times last month within 10 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Dear Irving on Broadway - Josephine Room

    Dear Irving on Broadway

    4.5(35 reviews)
    3.6 miMidtown West

    Finding a good cocktail bar in NYC is not that difficult for most, but I find that my friend and I…read morehave become a bit of cocktail snobs lately, as we always look for something specific during our travels. We are tequila and mezcal drinkers so a lot of places, we've found lately, so not have as big of mezcal selections. This was the exception. We wanted to go to the location that wasn't in such a touristy area, but it was so cold that we didn't wanna walk so we just did this location. The aesthetic is super warm and takes you to somewhere luxurious and almost even tropical with the light shades and all. The bartenders are actual mixologists so if you tell them what you're thinking of, they'll likely be able to execute. Our bartenders were very attentive and enthusiastic in creating the drinks we had in mind. All we had to do was give them a brief idea and we got these wonderful drinks back. I wish I had pictures, but the drinks were flowing and the conversation was so good. We were thoroughly impressed. Great program they're running here, their mixologists know what they're doing!

    I was here for an event, so didn't order entrees/mains. We did have some appetizers and finger…read morefood, which wasn't the tastiest...the best thing there were probably the lobster rolls and sliders. The drinks were very delicious, though! The bartenders were nice and made the drinks very quickly. There was one who was consistently friendly, as opposed to the blonde lady there. I'd go back again on a date night because the interior had major sexy vibes.

    Photos
    Dear Irving on Broadway - Cocktails

    Cocktails

    Dear Irving on Broadway - Cocktail

    Cocktail

    Dear Irving on Broadway - Smoky & spicy cocktail it was ;-)

    See all

    Smoky & spicy cocktail it was ;-)

    Sunken Harbor Club - Shallows drinks

    Sunken Harbor Club

    4.5(115 reviews)
    2.1 miDowntown Brooklyn
    $$$

    I've been trying to go to Sunken Harbor for over a year now. I don't know how it's possible but…read moredespite being local it always seems to have a private event whenever we have plans to go. The stars finally aligned this winter and I had the opportunity to try it out. The vibes are perfect. Fog and bubbles, sea noises and all of the art go together seemlessly. Drinks were great. We had three and left suitably sloshed for the night with no aftereffects. We didn't have too many bites but the food was very good for a bar. I'm excited to go back and I hope we have just as much luck getting in next time.

    This is a "speakeasy" above Gage and Tollner. An undersea Tiki style adventure with a sexy mermaid…read moreheading up the bar. Nautical theme throughout with weathered leather, ropes, fish. Cocktails are made with various types of rum and ingredients like grapefruit, maraschino, wormwood amaro, falernum, thyme, Assam tea, spiced lime, allspice, coconut, cucumber, nutmeg, sour orange. All the drinks keep with the tropical, fruity taste with a hint of spice. They are also broken up into categories (dry land = no alcohol, shallows = average amount of alcohol, and abyss (larger amounts of alcohol). The abyss section has some cocktails that are limited to two per customer. They have some bar bites like fried green tomatoes, shrimp toast, broiled oysters, ricotta, dumplings, sliders. I had the French fries with kimchi ranch, which were underwhelming. Bartenders were cool and kept the drinks coming. I got in immediately without an issue or a wait, but it was right after a snowstorm. I've seen some people struggle to get in or have a long wait.

    Photos
    Sunken Harbor Club - View of the bar

    View of the bar

    Sunken Harbor Club - Mary Pickford - IG @bougiefoodieboi

    Mary Pickford - IG @bougiefoodieboi

    Sunken Harbor Club - Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner

    See all

    Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner

    Dear Strangers - Such a nice cute bar!

    Dear Strangers

    4.3(28 reviews)
    2.3 miGreenwich Village

    Dear Strangers is a wonderful hidden gem! We celebrated Valentine's Day there last night and while…read morethe restaurant was incredibly busy, we never felt overlooked or underserved. The owners were milling around making sure everyone was well taken care of and the wait staff were kind and personable. Now the food...AMAZING!!! Every bite we took was wonderful and so surprising with creative combinations and gorgeously presented. The restaurant itself was hip and refined and seemed to be the happening spot of the night. We will certainly be back!

    Met up with friends here for dinner before a show near Washington square. It wasn't super crowded…read morewhen we arrived around 6pm (maybe due to the extreme cold that day) but started filling up gradually. I loved the ambiance and decor, very cozy. As for food, there were some true hits but most of the food was good but basic. The highlights for me were the wild mushrooms & rice cakes as well as the Caesar salad - loved the use of nori in the salad and would definitely come back for the mushrooms. The chicken cutlet and chicken dumplings were fine but I probably wouldn't order them again. The wait staff weren't super attentive nor super warm, but they were efficient when we asked for water refills, etc. There was ample standing room at the bar while we waited for our friends, but the table/booth that we sat at was super narrow, I was knocking knees with my friend all night and generally felt squished.

    Photos
    Dear Strangers
    Dear Strangers
    Dear Strangers - Smoked chicken croquettes

    See all

    Smoked chicken croquettes

    Attaboy - Tiny bar which is why the long waits to get in but cozy and cool vibe

    Attaboy

    4.1(868 reviews)
    1.6 miLower East Side
    $$

    Attaboy has my heart and soul, especially after crafting, curating and creating my dream drink that…read morewill live forever in the memory of my taste buds unable to be erased from my brain's footprints. Our friends raved about this place and we of course were excited (and a bit skeptical at first) to try it. The concept: no menu + no lights + a few questions = the ultimate cocktail experience. The speakeasy vibe and the dark ambiance really makes this place feel even more exclusive. With just a few tables and the bar setting, you're in for an experience you won't forget (unless you answer the wrong questions and really end up with a drink you don't like HA). This wasn't my case. Of course I described my two favorite things: Negroni + mezcal. The obvious answer would be a mezcal Negroni, but that's not why one comes to a place like Attaboy. Our amazing curator came by to ask us all a few questions, write down a few words in the napkins, and mix up the perfect drink that our master bartender crafts, curates and creates. My drink came as I couldn't possibly imagine. It looked like a Negroni smelled like Oaxaca, with all the smoke simmering up and preparing my sensory experience, leading to the best first sip. Ladies and gentleman, I introduce you to The Devil's Backbone. A perfectly balanced drink I'll never forget, one that is sipped slowly and enjoyed thoroughly. It's sexy, it's smoky it's sipped. Attaboy gave the best mixology experience and we can't wait to be back. Pro tip: be sure to be as vocal as possible, even with ice, so you don't end up with a tiki drink if that's not your vibe.

    This is one of the must-try bars in NY. You describe the flavor profile of the drink you want and…read morethe bartender whips up something for you. I only said I wanted something "floral" and I got the best water lily drink curated for me - never had anything like it. Others in my group asked for "something spicy", "something smoky, nutty, and creamy" and something "refreshing". We were all extremely impressed. Our bartender was Steven and he was awesome! He even chatted with us for a bit after to tell us more about attaboy. I'm rounding up to 5 stars but I will say our experience with the "bouncer" was a bit unpleasant. He called us to let us know our table was ready but we missed the call (our fault). We returned the call immediately and got there within a couple minutes anyway. We were ready to patiently wait for the next availability but were met with some attitude and unnecessary comments from him during the waiting experience. Regardless, we had a great time inside to make up for this. Highly recommend, but just be sure to make a reservation or be on alert and on time when getting off the waitlist.

    Photos
    Attaboy - Small space but good vibes

    Small space but good vibes

    Attaboy - Interior bar seat

    Interior bar seat

    Attaboy - The Orange Moon

    See all

    The Orange Moon

    The Dead Rabbit - Scotch eggs

    The Dead Rabbit

    4.2(2.1k reviews)
    2.7 miFinancial District
    $$

    The "coconut milk was off" cocktail was soo good. All the cocktails (electric momisette and miso…read morecolada) were fun, creative, and delicious. The food (dingle pie and spice bag chips) were also really good. The spice bag chips seasoning was really good. We walked in Wednesday 8:30 PM and they had a couple of high chair seats at a side bar in the parlor room available. Really fun decorations and ambiance.

    If you're looking for one of the best Irish pubs in Lower Manhattan, The Dead Rabbit absolutely…read morelives up to the hype. Tucked into the Financial District, this spot blends old New York history with some of the best cocktails in the city--and it's easy to see why it's been named "World's Best Bar" more than once. The name itself has a wild backstory, inspired by a notorious 19th-century Irish-American gang from Five Points. It adds a layer of character to the place, but what really keeps people coming back is the atmosphere and the drinks. The space is split into two levels: a two lively, sawdust-floored Taprooms downstairs and a more refined Parlor upstairs if you're in the mood for a quieter, cocktail-focused experience. Drinks are the real highlight here. The Irish Coffee is widely considered one of the best in the world--rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced with whiskey, coffee, and fresh cream. They also get creative with variations like a frozen version and even an Irish Coffee martini. If you want something different, the "Act Naturally" is a standout, mixing Irish whiskey with Guinness and fig in a way that works. Food is just as impressive for a bar. The lobster deviled eggs (topped with caviar) are a must-try, and the menu leans into elevated comfort food. Overall, The Dead Rabbit nails the balance between historic charm and modern cocktail excellence. The D.R. is one of those places that is never boring and consistently delivers.

    Photos
    The Dead Rabbit - Irish Coffee

    Irish Coffee

    The Dead Rabbit - Jingle All The Way

    Jingle All The Way

    The Dead Rabbit - Irish coffee

    See all

    Irish coffee

    The Up & Up

    The Up & Up

    4.2(617 reviews)
    2.3 miGreenwich Village
    $$

    Cool vibe. Super nice people…read more Speak easy atmosphere Love the West Village neighborhood

    Serious attitude here. The cocktails were very tasty but the service and vibe were so off-putting,…read moreI will never go back. I made a reservation in person more than 24 hours in advance. I wanted to treat an old friend to a quick birthday toast before a show she was attending nearby. Later that night, another friend became available to join but, because they do not actually have a phone that takes calls (only offers an announcement to go to Resy or email) adding another person was not at all easy. I would have had to cancel and rebook and wasn't sure I'd be able to (reservation was for a Saturday night) In most places, a table for 3 easily accommodates 4. But not here. When two of us arrived, they made it clear this was a big problem. I would have walked out right then but I would have been charged $90! We decided to stay and make the best of it, which was a challenge. For a speakeasy, the vibe was aggressive, not relaxing. Very loud music and not great acoustics.) Too cramped to be comfortable, proving that small does not necessarily mean cozy! We asked if we could take a chair from the table next to us, which was empty (it was only 6 pm; I told our server we'd be gone by 7 because my friend, the birthday girl, had to catch a show.) We were told No! To say the waiter was cold, unfriendly, and indifferent is generous. He was totally rude. He literally told my friend she couldn't sit in a chair that was otherwise empty, knowing we'd be leaving momentarily. Then he had the gail to hand me the bill with a 22% tip pre-selected...and watched over me while I signed it! Definitely the least satisfying $100 I have ever spent. Disappointing. It was good to see my friends, but I so wish I hadn't picked this place. Never again.

    Photos
    The Up & Up - Screen Door Slam

    Screen Door Slam

    The Up & Up
    The Up & Up

    See all

    Fresh Kills Bar - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...