I'm not sure where I first read/heard about Moondog HiFi but it has intrigued me for some time. I love listening bars for many reasons: the music is a central part of the experience rather than blending in to the background, they oftentimes have a spirit of community, and they are a lower key alternative to clubs for audiophile-leaning folks who want to avoid lines, crowds, covers, and unnecessary hype. Moondog HiFi is certainly appealing for these reasons, but it also happens to offer delicious Middle Eastern food and an impressive cocktail program. In this way it's a triple threat -- and maybe a quadruple threat if you consider the fact that it's kind of off the beaten path to the point that it can only be sought out rather than stumbled upon, which is an important distinction. Though we came here to pregame in a sense, I found myself wishing we had stayed here instead of venturing to our next destination, which says something about my preferences and propensity for FOMO but also says something about the quality of experience you get at Moondog HiFi. We came here on New Year's Eve for a late dinner and drinks, at around 9:15pm. Though I had this spot bookmarked for some time, I didn't register how removed it is until we walked over from the Morgan Ave L stop. Though it's relatively close to other nightlife, it's on a street that feels almost desolate, such that you may begin to question that you got the location wrong. But once you arrive, you'll know you're in the right place. There is considerable outdoor space here, making Moondog HiFi an awesome spot for groups and long nights in good weather. That said, we came on a frigid night so only indoors was open, meaning I can't speak to outdoor vibes. But if they're anything like the indoor vibes, you'll be in for a good time. We made a reservation here beforehand which was definitely the move -- at least when you anticipate the place being busy -- as the indoor space is relatively small and narrow. Many people here seemed have the same idea as we did, as we saw a lot of folks enjoying shared plates at their tables. Though the music is the main draw and the cocktails a close second, the food -- which is by the chef who runs Balaboosta -- is not to be missed. Drink-wise, Moondog Hifi offers an impressive cocktail menu alongside plenty of other beverage options. We stuck to cocktails, as the menu looked too good to stray from. To start, I got the Exquisite Corpse (Thai Basil, Arak, Lemon, Lillet, Gin) and my partner got the When Birds Cry (Mezcal, Mastiha, Lime, Grapefruit Soda). I thought the Exquisite Corpse would be similar to a Corpse Reviver #2 given the name and ingredients, but it was a lot sweeter than I expected. I was in luck, though, because my partner liked it a lot and I very much enjoyed the When Birds Cry, so we swapped. The Figroni (Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Fig Syrup, Campari) was my other favorite drink of the night, a nice wintry variation on the classic. I was a bit worried that it would also skew too sweet given that figs alone are quite sweet, but it was very well balanced and super tasty. As I mentioned, the food here is as much of a draw as anything else. Kind of a Middle Eastern-Mexican fusion, which happen to be two of my preferred cuisines. The menu is mostly smaller plates that are great for sharing with good options for folks who have dietary preferences or restrictions. We got a solid variety of dishes and left thoroughly satisfied and impressed. Eats, below: Shrimp Taco w/ Slaw, Sweet Harissa, Pineapple, Pickled Red Onions I love a shrimp taco and this hit the spot. Super flavorful and bright. Chicken Shawarma Hummus w/ Tahini, Passionate S'chug, Tirchi Pickles, Tortilla Chips I can see why folks rave about the hummus because this was excellent. The texture, the flavor -- it all worked. It's also a decent portion and surprisingly filling, so keep that in mind when you're trying to figure out how much to order. Brussels Sprouts w/ Spicy Date Glaze, Pistachio There's not much that can go wrong with this combo. Pairing roasted brussels sprouts with some kind of sweetness like date/pomegranate with some chopped nuts to add some texture and you've got yourself a winning side dish. Slaw Salad w/ Cilantro, Mint, Scallion, Pickled Chayote, Crispy Tortilla, Miso-Tahini This was the surprise stunner for me. It was a nice complement to the richer and warmer dishes, but beyond that it was really interesting and unique and flavorful. I hesitate to say it was my favorite of the night because everything we ordered was memorable but it's telling that I was wanting a second order of this at the end of the meal despite being quite full. read more

Fun bar with good live music. I love the ambience. It's swanky, and chic with a touch of rainbow lighting. Great outdoor areas. Was here on a Sunday night and it was very groovy. read more

Moondog HiFi Bar - Bar - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Summer time for outdoor sheets. Good music. They do live too. They seem like they have a good food as well read more

The tacos were just okay, I enjoyed the empanadas more. The drinks were made very well and the workers there are super friendly. I loved the moodiness of the restaurant as well which makes it perfect for a cozy date night. read more

Moondog HiFi Bar - Bathroom - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

These days I find myself frequenting the chill vinyl bars in Brooklyn versus the crowded and overpriced fancy cocktail bars in Manhattan. Moondog Hifi is the newest addition to my vinyl bar discoveries. Moondog Hifi is off the beaten path, a real hidden gem. The place fits a few tables and an intimate bar. In the back is a shelf of vinyls and a vinyl player that is operated throughout the night. My partner and I came on a Thursday but still enjoyed the selection of experimental house music that was played during our visit. Service is friendly and attentive. The best drink of the night was Turkish Coffee Martini which is what I imagine a good espresso martini would taste like (all of the ones I tried weren't good). My second favorite was the Zaza Gimlet followed by the 'When Birds Cry' cocktail. Overall, all the cocktails were good but I was in the mood for the coffee martini that night. The braised lamb hummus that came with chips was divine smokey fragrant creamy goodness, which makes total sense because the chef who created the menu is the chef of Balaboosta. My partner and I weren't even hungry but we devoured the hummus in minutes. I can't wait to come back on a Friday or Saturday for the DJ events. While my partner and I enjoyed Moondog Hifi on a Thursday, we probably would've had a more immersive listening experience if the DJs had a larger audience to play for. Until next time. read more

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The ambiance in here is great for date night - dimly lit, cool decor, music playing. I will say when we first walked in we didn't really get the "HiFi" experience as the music was playing super low. Eventually it got turned up so it ended up being fine and we loved the music they played. Drinks were good, I'd recommend the espresso martini but it did take a bit for it to come out for us so be warned. Overall would come back! Also, warning - the area this is located is NOT a super busy bar hopping neighborhood, it's pretty isolated read more

Moondog HiFi Bar - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Pretty chill listening bar. The drinks were pretty solid. Has a nice indoor and outdoor area. read more

Moondog HiFi Bar - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

My favorite bar in the neighborhood no doubt. I get the Adobo burger everytime -- service is great, the owner is always around and for once a listening bar that actually cares about sound!! The room is treated and there's some incredible Fyne Audio speakers that breathe life into the room. Would recommend for anyone looking for a great sounding room with a thoughtfully curated drinks/food menu read more

Moondog HiFi Bar - Adobo Burger - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

5/5 !!! The food was so delicious; I got the smashburger and was honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I am not close by, and I wish that I was able to have it more often! The vibes are immaculate, and I had such a great time dancing to Bobbi Humphrey the night I went! Overall, amazing time and will be back !!! read more

Moondog HiFi Bar - smashburger meal. - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Moondog is a great time, highly reccomend to those seeking a place with superb tunes and a sultry atmosphere. Perfect spot for a date night or intimate hang with friends. Food, drinks. and service were wonderful!! I will absolutely be back. read more

Moondog HiFi Bar - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

There was one great bartender, he was new, his first night! Couldnt fault him. Upon paying a different server checked us out with individual bills for our table, which he was most unhappy with and held a lot of resentment. What was worse is the man added his own custom tip to one of the guests checking out - it was a total scam and he lied when confronted. The guest tapped her card and noticed over 100% tip had been added to her payment and has now had to get in touch with her bank. Another guest has now been charged over 500usd again from the restaurant!! Avoid this scam of a place. It will cost you a fortune. read more

Moondog is a new vinyl listening bar that serves cocktails and street food that had just opened up in the East Williamsburg 'hood. From Chef Admony, the menu features Med-Mex small plates - we tried their: +chicken shawarma tacos - with slaw, amba aioli, caramelized onions, and tirchi carrots) +crispy fish tacos - with slaw, Moroccan tomato sauce, and shifka peppers (opting out of the cilantro) +adobo brisket tacos - with slaw, s'chugichurri, pickled red onions, and crispy shallots +the braised lamb tacos - with slaw, baharat mole, pickled red onions, and crispy shallots +brisket hummus - with tahini, crispy shallots, and pickled onions, served with tortilla chips +the corn, feta & mozzarella empanada - with caramelized onions +Argentinian beef empanada - with olives, currants, jalapenos, and s'chugichurri +a side of yucca fries, served with harissa aioli +and, a side of esquites, with corn, lime, and cotija cheese We tried some of their signature cocktails, such as the Prickly Pearita )prepared with blanco tequila, prickly pear, cucumber, and lime), Turkish Coffee Martini (prepared with cardamom-infused vodka, coffee liquer, espresso, pistachio orgeat, and orgeat foam), and the When Birds Cry (prepared with mezcal, mastiha, lime, and grapefruit). Their ambiance was laid-back and comfortable, and the staff were friendly. +vinyls +friendly service read more

Had a party of 30 in the tent area I guess, and they couldn't turn on all the heaters, instead of fixing the fuse they had us out there cold as hell. This was a reservation, 45$ a person thing and they kinda bull$h!tted their way through it. The food felt like they were trying to reinvent the wheel. They don't have ketchup or BBQ sauce. It was not the best experience. The servers and manager and everyone was kind and friendly and stuff but why wouldn't they preheat the area since they had the down payment already knowing it was 35 degrees? Food was enjoyable. Their hummus platters was actually good. Better for a fall/summer vibe assuming they can cool it a bit. read more

Amazing Music, they were play an amazing reggae set! The drinks were also spot one staff was really attentive.

Nice place with black brick decor and a very tight sound system. Lots of vinyl on the back wall. Nibbles were very good. We had empanadas and an order of hummus. Interesting cocktail list, including a tasty fig Negroni. Very friendly service. read more