REVIEW UPDATE: I just round out that trivia and vegan food Thursdays are no longer offered at Halyard's. I'm not sure why, but I know I definitely won't be frequenting this bar anymore, as I had such a great time on Thursdays with David and Emma and Mickey. They will be missed!! I love this bar! Pluses: --convenient location near the 4th & 9th St. stop on the F/G --pool tables AND darts AND Jenga --plenty of seating -- decent beer selection and reasonable prices --usually not too crowded --fun trivia on Thursdays --AWESOME vegan food on Thursdays Negatives: I play trivia here nearly every Thursday, and though I've grown to love it, I think it's just plain silly that first prize is a bottle of champagne and second prize is a round of draft beer. As far as I'm concerned, the beer is a far better and more practical prize than the champagne--who wants to drink pretty cheap champagne at the end of a night full of beer (or any other liquor, for that matter)? I wish they would change this! But, who are we kidding, the positives far outweigh the negative, so of course I'll keep returning. read more

A friend and I came here last night for Bitches Brew, a weekly comedy show. Arriving just after 6:00, we were able to take advantage of happy hour, which runs Monday through Friday from 4:00 until 7:00. Since it was Friday, I started out with a Manhattan. Complete with a Halyards cherry, it hit the spot. The bartender also gave me a glass of sparkling water, which was refreshing. After all, Manhattans are potent, especially in Brooklyn ;) The show didn't start until 8:30, so we ordered another round and a pickle plate before making our way to the back room. Selecting a simple pilsner, it paired well with the pickles. The show itself was great. A total of six comedians and the host made me laugh so much over the course of an hour that by the time it had finished, my mouth hurt. I needed that. I definitely plan to return. read more

We played a show here the other day. We were in the basement venue portion of the place, so this is a review for that. The space is pretty small, and yet there are a bunch of tables crammed in there for good measure, but navigating the crowd was not as hard as it looked at first. The sound there was surprisingly good, and the stage looked small, but provided more than enough space for even the four-member bands that played. The bands made a decent sum off of the door sales, and the members were each given a drink ticket, which is somehow NOT common practice at most places. Despite being pretty far from where I live, I would play Halyards again. read more

THIS PLACE ALWAYS SMELLS LIKE CHEESE But seriously it does. And it's delicious. Good drinks, cool local vibe with pool and darts. read more

Was really excited to try this spot but wasn't impressed with the cocktails we ordered.

After coming in last place at Bellhouse trivia, we wanted to redeem ourselves at Thursday trivia at Halyards (every other Thursday). I was impressed by the design of the bar. It was very simple but elegant. I addition to the bar with stools, there is another set of high tables with stools. Toward the back, there is a pool table over a cow hide area rug. A bit farther back are two more booth/seating areas that make for cozy, dim-lit romantic drinks. The bathrooms are simple and clean. The bar does not stock a wide array of liquor, but from what I could tell, almost all of the liquor they carry is organic. They have about ten beers on tap for $5. The bar tender is friendly, attentive, and definitely not pushy. Trivia started a little bit late, but once it got started, it was a lot of fun. Their trivia nights are themed (we had 'time travel'). Two co-hosts read questions, make quips, and interact with the audience. The crowd is laid back and not as competitive as other trivia competitions. First place wins a bottle of sparkling wine, second place wins a round of draft beer of their choice, third place wins a round of budweisers. There were four teams, we came in third so go the buds. The one bad thing that I can say is that their website and facebook accounts are not incredibly informative (i.e. they should promote their events and advertise their bar a little bit better). Look forward to going back! read more

The bartender there during Thursday happy hour told me that a lot of the people involved in Halyards are from Maine. This little-known fact might account for the fair pricing and diverse selection of their beer menu, as well as a few of the odd quirks that make this bar a fun place to hang out. Want to have a drink outside? Sure. Beer-in-hand, you can't get there from here. Solution: Just leave your pint with a friend while you swing around to the "patio," then pass the brew through the window. Shoot some pool? Ayuh. Throw some darts? Ayuh. At the same time? Can't do that. There's a "secret" ping pong room in the back. It's tiny and I haven't played the table, but I'm going to go out on a limb and assume it's fun. read more

The phrase "all style, no substance" comes to mind. I have visited Halyards a few times (I live super close) and the draft beer never actually matches the slightly-more-(but-still-not-so)-impressive menu they hand out. They list Peak Organic IPA at the top of their little here's-what-we-really-do-have-on-draft chalkboard as if it rules (and doesn't taste like soap and give you diarrhea) because it has the word "Organic" which makes me think these people have a giant stick up their ass. Good cocktails and fancy walls cannot save this place. Uber-cool. I might come here if I wanted to watch "Game of Thrones" or "Mad Men" quietly with a bunch of uptight people on a massive projector screen but that sounds like a nightmare to me. Had I not liked the friendly girl bartender in the green dress last night, and had I not a fun time here once playing Jenga with a best friend, Halyard's would have received one star. This place has an attitude. Next time I'll go to Lucey's Lounge instead. read more

I came here for a friend's birthday party on a Saturday night. He reserved a long table for all of us and the plan was to just drink and play some games. They have a pool table too which provided a nice break for us in between the other games. The bar was surprisingly not too crowded even on Saturday night so it was a pretty nice spot to just chill with friends. I got the prosciutto pizza which was good, nothing amazing, but good in comparison to standard bar fare. The drinks are really good, and fairly strong. Bartender is friendly and didn't even charge some of us for our drinks (not sure if that was intentional or an oversight). Overall, good place to hang out and play some games! read more

Halyards - Prosciutto pizza - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Great bar, good cocktails, nice bartenders and they have a pool table. My only problem, there's a half step going down into the back room and I always trip on it. Or maybe I just need to imbibe a little less and watch where I'm walking. read more

Great place to have a party! I just had a private party there and it was wonderful! I love the feeling inside Halyards: just the right balance -- understated casual and hip. Many of my friends had never been to Halyards and were so impressed. Always a good feeling as a host! We held the party on a Sunday late spring afternoon; it was a hot day, but the AC worked well and it was very comfortable. The bar is set up with a large room in front and smaller areas in back. So, it had big party feeling as you walked in, but also allowed more intimidate conversations in the back. The long tables were great for conversations among people meeting for the first time. There is a pool table and darts that were great activities for the older kids who were there. We probably had 60-80 people and it felt just right, not too crowded or sparse. The bartender was great and very easily kept everyone with drink in hand. Terrific ginger beer for the non-drinkers, too. The owner was so accommodating and easy to work with. We could bring in our own food and snacks, which saved money. Basically, he'll work with your budget and you can always switch to a cash bar if it gets too pricey. We were happy to have that option in case the party went on late. We really had a great party and I think it would be perfect for an engagement party, an anniversary, a milestone birthday or really any big celebration. Thank you Halyards! read more

Dudes with unkempt beards in flannel shirts playing some obscure variant of pool, music blaring out at please-give-me-tinnitus levels, and no space at all to sit/stand/generally enjoy myself. In other words, it's the same as every other popular or semi-popular Brooklyn bar. Maybe Halyards is best enjoyed during the day. It's possible that they make a fine cocktail here, but I wouldn't know since a) it was impossible to hear anything in the bar and b) even if I could have heard the bartenders, I'm not sure they would have cared enough to provide recommendations. read more

A very cool spot that I've been meaning to come to for awhile. Quiet block, but the atmosphere inside is friendly. Darts and pool, some old school bathroom fixtures, one very comfy U-shaped booth in the back, and a decent beer selection. I wouldn't call it fancy (since Gowanus is now the up-and-coming hood in Brooklyn), but it definitely has its appeal. Not too crowded on a Saturday night too. read more

A fantastic neighborhood bar with a subtle, tasteful Maine theme. Great beer list - not too overwhelming, everything's good. Good pours. The food's good, very friendly staff. I am biased of course because I host comedy shows in the back room on Saturday nights. 8pm, doors 7. Come through. read more

Good Lighting, Darts, pool, chill Boardgames giving The place an atmosphere for lingering. read more

I like the real candles. Some of those place with battery candles think who they are. I like the pix of the Jew boxers in the back booth. Being both a Jew and a wearer of boxers really made me feel at home. Drink prices are somewhere in the middle. Personally I like being on the bottom but I'll take the middle. Music was so so, not really memorable but also not so loud as to be intrusive into conversation. Nice large unisex bathrooms, plenty of room for a quickie. read more

Came here for the Bitches Brew comedy show. I really like the set-up here. The front has a counter, stools, a few tables, and standing space. The middle section has a pool table. Behind it are two booths. To the right of the bathrooms, there's a door leading to a room. That's where the comedy show is held. Free and absolutely hilarious. Definitely recommend. Bartenders are accommodating and helpful. read more

Halyards I believe is a nautical term. So it was very fitting that, when me and the missus had cabin fever on one crisp autumn evening, we happened across this cool little pub on a walk around the block. The back area is intimate and thoughtfully decorated. As well as a nice selection of beer and whiskey, Halyards also has a great selection of board games. Jenga and Irish whiskey were the flavors for the evening and we had a fantastic time. I'm looking forward to the rematch soon. read more

Almost 4 years ago I walked into this bar on their opening night, walked in again to kill some time before dinner and the vibe is just as chill as it was 4 years ago... This time with some updates, pool table in the back, and Guinness on tap and a small plates menu. Go check it out if your in the hood and need a watering hole. read more

I'm pretty starstruck over this bar. The beer list isn't incredible and it isn't always to get a drink here on the busiest days, but it has such an atmosphere going for it. I'm here every week for Breaking Bad (absolutely packed on Sundays) and trivia, and the community is really quite fun. The fact that they put such an effort on those TV nights, from the trivia to the specialty themed cocktails, really stands out. It's a total gem in the far-flung corner of Gowanus. Also, they serve one sandwich, and it is incredible! Don't pass up on the cheese and tomato. read more

This has to be my third time at Halyards, the first two times we got the darts together, tonight Edward told me that the darts are totaled. So, out of a sense of self interest, I spent my first five minutes, even before my Ommegang Witte, looking up darts online. Now that's love. As per my quick tip, this is a good place for traditional Irish sandwiches, but I am still trying to get them to serve fresh fried chips (potato chips) or fried pickles. Who doesn't want fresh fried snacks when drinking beers? Also, I should, so mention that the bar is now open for breakfast and has WiFi, so that's not a bad idea on days when I am working from home. In the meantime, I will keep on them to serve fried snacks, if it means getting back there myself. read more

I came here once a few months after it opened, and it was very dark, and not crowded. The drink selection was good, and I liked the big tables for socializing. I haven't been back since, not because it wasn't a fine bar, but because I feel like there are better bars in the hood, and Halyards felt a little nondescript and generic to me. It wasn't bad, it wasn't great, and it was good for a drink or two before moving on to the next place. Here's to hoping it finds its place in the ever-growing Gowanus scene! read more

Don't know what else to give it besides one star. Called ahead last weekend to see if they were open. They said of course. Walked over, outdoor music was playing, lights were on inside and out, door was locked. Knocked but no one answered. Place was empty. Walked around the side, peered in the windows. Saw what I can only guess was the bartender sitting back with his feet up watching tv while he nodded off. Oh well. read more

Pretty typical gowanus/park slope bar with nice bartenders, board games, jenga etc. The plus for this bar is that they also have darts and pool (for a price of $1). Although im not great at darts, i love to play. relaxing ambiance with your cool neighorhood peeps. read more

Did the 3rd Avenue thing last night and really enjoyed my time at Halyards. Our bartender was not the greatest but it wasn't because she wasn't friendly or that she wasn't a good mixologist...the issue lies within her absence sporadically through the evening. Again, friendly and engaging but she was not the most efficient. Great drafts, a pool table, and PLENTY of space in this neighborhood hangout. Hope to come here many more times to support my local establishments! read more

I used to come to this spot all the time. The pandemic forced them to change their business operations up a bit. Bartenders became eager to sell me food and even at one point "required" for me to buy something to eat with my bev. Even buying a to-go drink was a thing for a while here until one day it wasn't. This business isn't for me anymore, as there are many bars and restaurants within walking distance that offer a better experience for me. read more

A nice little gem on 3rd ave. Great space and decor and a single pool table for those who want to play while enjoying a well done drink or a good draft beer. The place is lit naturally during the day thanks to big glass windows, yet as you move to the back it retains a dark and private feel that makes it feel comfy and secluded. Two comunal wood tables make for an engaging night with friends and strangers alike. Really nice place, great staff and decent prices. read more

Yes!! Yes!! Yes!! Where the hell can you get a decent cocktail in this damn city? I'll tell you where...Halyards!! Wow our Brooklynite bartender whipped up some goodies..not too sweet , not to sour. Make sure to go during happy hour! Ha! Tried the whiskey sour which was A+ and the Gimlet which was really delish....and kids...i do not recall complimenting any bar for mixed drinks....so this is a big deal! Absolutely will be going back! Crowd is hipster-ish/boho/tattood/easy and mixed. read more

Halyards - Gimlet! (Left) and whiskey sour - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Great bar, music selection was as pleasant as the lighting and the fella with the mustache was the most pleasant bartender I've come across in years. Good place for a chat...or to quietly stare at your phone read more

This is a really classy space for a bar on 3rd Avenue. That's nice. I stopped in here on a lazy Sunday afternoon for a beer and had a great time. Minus one star for a beer selection that is kinda boring. They have a really long communal table that would be great for a group get-together. read more

The drinks were watered down and the pizza had a soggy crust. I am extremely disappointed in the service and quality of the food and drinks!

Very nice, fun bar! Great beers on tap and excellent cocktails. It's way bigger on the inside than you'd expect from the outside. Pool table and I think some other games and they show movies in the back room. Plus a small menu of really good bar snacks and table 87 pizza! read more

They're doing a great job with their outdoor drinking setup. Tables are clearly at least 6 feet apart, not just 6 feet between the center of tables, and there are 11 of them! There's hand sanitizer at each table, and the frozen drinks are great for these steamy days. Palo Santo was dishing out tacos one of the days we were there so that rocks. read more

This place is just... chill. The crowd that comes in here is awesome. My best description would be an upscale dive bar. Low key vibes with care given to the decor and alcohol list. read more

I've been here twice. Very nice place if you wanna drink much, feel good, enjoy playing pool or even some table games. Also music concerts of local bands are held here sometimes but in separate room so if you dont wanna hear them - you dont have to. Good prices, good staff, good everything! Strongly recommended! read more

Fun bar that we've passed a few times and finally went in. They had cheap and yummy snacks (pub pizza, grilled sandwiches, pickles- pretty much everything I want in life), good service, and a fun back room with pool where you can hang out. It's around the corner from Morbid Anatomy and Bell House, so if you need some breathing space, it's super close Their beer selection was a great combo of fancy craft brews and old school classics. read more

They've fixed a lot of problems that plagued this bar. Gone is the angry, surly bartender and his ludicrously loud shit-metal. The drinks are solid and cheaper than competing establishments in the area. The bartender is a peach. It's nice to have a late-night bar that serves food in Gowanus. But something about the vibe here is a little wonky, and I've never been able to put my finger on it. It lacks a little personality. read more

Absolutely love this bar! Had my birthday party there last night and they were extremely accommodating. The bartender was delightful and the wine delicious! The pool/dart area was so great for a small bday celebration. Thanks for making my birthday a fun fabulous night. read more

perfect stop for after brunch drinks. Great board games, beautiful decor and often hilarious selection of music. We came on a Sunday and spent a few languid hours drinking whiskey and playing Jenga. read more

Decent Bathroom, hearty look. Must best geronimo on over to the one heartest best in town? heartest mosey on over to the best!!!! Never giving up!!!! Letting go and such read more