This place looks like a dive bar from the inside and outside and I love a good dive bar, but drinks are more expensive than your average dive bar ($8) for a mixed drink. It is hard to get a drink at this bar when it gets the tiniest bit crowded. The grilled cheese is very overpriced. When I was there, kids were running around hitting into people. There are better bars you can find. read more

If you are not a hipster under 30, don't expect to get waited on at the bar. I waited there, and the surly female bartender literally helped the guys that approached on either side of me, and then the next ones. I finally flagged down a male bartender who was about to get someone else drinks (who JUST walked up, and said "she was here first", meaning me). I was happy, smiling, and friendly the whole time. Later, trying to get the check there was no one at the bar, on stools or standing. I made eye contact with the female again, and she downright ignored and started counting money and the male was washing glasses while I and another patron waited. The on the check there are spots to check off 18%, 20%, and 25% tip for service. WHAT SERVICE? I did leave a tip, I always do. However, it was none of the above. Take my advice next time: folks in their 40's/50's can sometimes be well established in their careers and are willing to pay for food, drink, and service! Don't write us off. What could have been a lucrative sale and excellent gratuity ended up being a one drink stop, not so great tip, and poor review. Won't return. There are other places that want and deserve our business. read more

Came by with some friends looking for some "light" live music. Pete's is great for that. They're a really great quaint neighborhood bar. It's almost a little sleepy when you walk in, but it's nice. In the front there are a few tables to sit at and the bar. There's a big booth by the bathrooms, which isn't terribly bad as it doesn't actually smell like you're sitting next to bathrooms. Beware one bathroom is definitely smaller than the other. Going down the hallway leads into the room where they have the live music with chairs and tables outlining the walls so there's 1 aisle down the middle. The stage is small and the atmosphere is intimate. We got there early to catch the spelling be, which turned out to be quite entertaining. Following that was two different bands. Then, if you continue down the hallway, you'll end up in their outdoor patio...which I didn't check out this time. TLDR: nice neighborhood-y place for intimate live music and great drink prices. read more

I think it's hilarious that literally EVERYONE I've dated in NYC, over 7 years, has performed here. Which is why I'm giving it 4 stars. I should just start hanging out here and chatting up cute performers as they come off the stage; it would probably save me a lot of bad dates. Oh, and yes, consistently good entertainment, good drink prices and selection, nicely decorated, fun and unpretentious ambiance, etc. etc. Apparently they also have a great trivia night, or spelling bee, or something of that ilk, which I never make it to because I live in Fort Greene and have vowed not to go out outside the neighborhood on weeknights anymore. read more

It says dive bar, and I suppose it is in theory, but in practice it is a top notch music venue, which superb acoustics in a converted train car. Yeah really! I was there listening to some gypsy jazz, meanwhile having a heartwarming conversation with a cute chick with zero attitude. I'd almost guess she was from San Francisco. Wait she was... This is honestly a perfect date spot though I wasn't on one. It's low key, chill, but major fun factor, with a lot of great live performances. I'd go back in a flash... read more

One of my new favorite places in Williamsburg it's hard not to like with cheap drinks, great musical acts and a killer backyard. I esp. like the feel of the music venue which is sort of like an old 1920's music box. The bar is super unassuming and you would probably not even know it was there if it wasn't for the few hipsters smoking ciggs outside. There also isn't a crazy long bathroom line which i really like. This bar has also been crowded every time I've gone (whether a Saturday or a Tuesday night) and the people are warm and welcoming. Definatly worth check out. read more

We went for the drinks and knew that is was trivia night. My friends and I planned to stay, and were greeted by one of the regulars - sweet dude, very welcoming. Once the game started, it was ON. Challenging for us youngins but we had so much fun giving it a go. Sure, some folks would sing along to songs or whatever, but I felt it added to the vibe. Fun but competitive. I personally would go back and bring lots of friends to play against! And the happy hour is SOLID. read more

d00d I went there two nights in a row and felt like I owned the place... God, the ego on me. Live music, not too pretentious, cheap drinks... How can you go wrong? Anyway, this place is super legit. AWESOME outdoor seating. Too bad you can't find anything like that in Chicago :( DAMN YOU, BROOKLYN, FOR HAVING PETE'S CANDY STORE. Can Chicago borrow it? Please? read more

The events at this place are, for me, what make it different. Little shows and trivia nights make it seem like a place that is alive. Not just a bar but a place where people come and they all know each other - definitely felt that in the crowd - the knowing of each other - the ironic backstabbing - the high-fiving. Hipsters? Why yes, they are here, packed in, loving every minute of it (or at least in my imagination they are enjoying it) Fun bar. Nice sandwiches. Patio area out back. read more

If I was in a band I would definitely want to play at Pete's Candy Store. In fact, I'd want to film my music video for my fictional band on the stage here. The adorable little lights - the tables lining the skinny long room - the red paneled walls - it feels like an olde timey train car and/or vaudeville theater. So cute. Also, $5 will get you a Paulaner Hefeweizen, which is one of the best beers in existence for summertime. Can't argue with that. read more

Swilling a hefeweizen or reasonably priced G&T, I'm reminded of the good times I've had here, even on bad dates. Just avoid the pretentious scene out back, which my friend Sarah noted was full of "bitchsters." Otherwise, the Wes Anderson-meets-David Lynch decor can and should fill you will unadulterated hipster pride. read more

Adults a plenty welcome to Pete's Candy Store where the hippiest hipsters flock to in the lovely Williamsburg area. I went here last night for their ever popular trivia night. Met up with a bunch of friends and enjoyed a very fun six rounds of dare I say difficult trivia. Our group named "Sophie's Choice" didn't stick around for the ending results because we all knew it was pretty hopeless, yes indeed we lost and probably came close to last. How sad were we? Ok but anyway on to what makes Petes Candy store so darn cool. They have happy hour from 5 to 7 offering 2 for 1 drinks, they have Wednesday trivia nights, offer Saturday Scrabble nights, Bingo and Poetry night. Its a cramp bar that also has live music. The bathrooms are small and not too clean. I heard the sandwiches are excellent and the Brooklyn Lager were always a classic in Brooklyn. Def a great place to hang out, lots of people. More of an over 30 crowd, mostly hipsters, but hey we all get along. Oh and the best thing ever, they actually have street parking, but I guess most city goers either take the train or walk. So if your feeling nostalgic and wanna have some fun with friends....Pete's the place to be. Put your game face on though, the questions are a bit hard....ok really hard. read more

Nice place. I liked the ambience and the fact that the live music wasn't too loud, I didn't get out with a ringing in the ears. 15 USD credit card minimum. read more

I wish this place was closer to my apartment. My search for a good trivia night eventually led me here. All I can say is that the trivia is fantastic. Last week, the entire night was devoted to the movie Road House! How can you possibly get better than that? (a lot of the questions had "road", "house", or "Dalton" in the answer... go figure) While the one uber-team who was comprised a perfectly mixed group that know almost every answer made winning impossible, I still had a great time. There are some great specials before 7, so my advice would be to get there a bit early if your memory is aided by intoxication. It's a bit of a trek from my place, but I might have to see some of the live performances everyone comments on. read more

I thought this was "Pizza Candy Store." Not only was I wrong about the pizza, but there is clearly no candy here. So bring your own candy. Bring your own pizza too. Why not. So no candy or pizza, but a friendly community vibe welcomes you in. People that dont know each other are talking and smiling and sitting close to each other. We're not in manhattan anymore, and this is appreciated. Bring your kids. Bring your wife. Bring your grandpa. Wear a cowboy hat. Shave your kid's mohawk here. There's live music. Super cozy. Free shot with a check-in. EDIT: I guess I was drunk when I wrote this, but this place was fun. Went midday Saturday for an acoustic show and it was a good time. read more

This place is slightly hidden in Williamsburg, which is a good thing because it keeps the crowds local and somewhat light considering how great this place is. They normally have a cheap beer special and their speciality cocktails are priced reasonably. The space is nice and the back room with stage is gorgeous although VERY small. Come early for a seat. The garden out back is relaxed with christmas lights and ample seating. They BBQ on Sundays. The garden closes early (1 AM or so) just like most places. All in all one of the best bars in Williamsburg. read more

One of the more consistent small venues in the Williamsburg/Greenpoint area, Pete's is also home to events like the Williamsburg Spelling Bee. The performance space is small, so do get there early. You might be able to linger in the doorway off the hall, but if you get there late, you'll be hard pressed to see much. One thing people haven't mentioned is that Pete's also has food. Their ciabatta sandwiches are quite good, so get there early enough for a beer and a sandwich in the front room and then head into the back before the crowd. I've been in and out here more than I've actually hung out here because it gets way crowded in the front room, as well as in the back. And the space isn't very navigable when it gets full up. read more

Even though I've only been there once, I want to go back. I felt welcome, and I sensed that everyone else in the bar had a similar feeling. Service is good, drinks are reasonably priced for NYC, and the crowd was ethnically diverse and quite international. I had a nice conversation with a nice group from Germany and Austria. Fun. The band space is small but extremely unique. And certainly eclectic. We saw two people dressed up in large bunny suits playing a strange type of electronica styled music, followed by a singer-songwriter, followed by a hard-rocking emo band. Trippy. If you want to see the show, get there early for a table, otherwise you'll be squeezing yourself into the back. read more

I've only been to Pete's when my buddy Jason has a residency for a month. The back room is really awesome with it looking like an old train car. This also means that there is ZERO air circulation and for a fat guy like me, I get sweaty during an acoustic show. The bar prices are super fair, as far as NYC/BK are concerned. I haven't had the food but it sounds alright. Honestly, probably one of the more intimate venues in the city. It's also really close to a park, I don't really know or care which one. I'm just telling you it's close to one. Quit being so needy and figure it out for yourself. read more

Pete's has been around more or less forever, and it's remained basically unchanged throughout, so I take it for granted at times in lieu of new or unfamiliar environs. I came by Pete's the other week to see/hear a friend perform, and it just reminded me I oughta stick by the classics more often. The outdoor patio/garden in the back is kind of like a dream in warm weather (Pete's is in a residential neighborhood, and the patio feels like hanging in someone's backyard), but in the cold weather, the interior feels really cozy, almost ski-lodgy or something: I think it's the exposed dark hardwood. Bartenders are always super-friendly, and beers are reasonably priced (gimme $4 Yuenglings and I'll know I'm in the right place). I'm not a "cocktails guy," but friends have said very positive things about their cocktails. Pete's is pretty unique among North Brooklyn bars/music venues for its performance space, both in terms of the vibe and of the kind of acts they host. The space resembles an old rail car -- I've heard conflicting reports of whether or not it actually is a converted former rail car -- and it's best suited for solo performers and smaller, mostly acoustic acts, the kind of room where folks in the audience sit at tables to listen. And they really listen -- this is a pretty unusual thing for music venues, I don't know, anywhere. It doesn't cost anything extra to get into the performance space, so people who had come to just hang out do indeed venture into the back room to take a chance on whoever's playing. Have a friend who feigned indignation over the almost complete lack of candy, but throughout my own adulthood, I have much preferred everything Pete's actually has to offer. read more

Pete's is a super cute place to grab a drink and see a friend's band play for an hour or so. The beer selection wasn't anything to write home about (Guinness, Gaffel, etc. all for about $6), but it was a step above the usual PBR+ collection. I stepped out of my drinking box and went for the hot apple cider + rum for $8. It was served in a heavy glass mug and was absolutely delicious. So much so that I sipped on another during the show. My boyfriend and I also split a roast beef-brie-dijon mustard sandwich, which was quite excellent and served with an awesome pickle. I dug the decor and the set up for the band to play. The atmosphere up front was chill and quiet, which I'm always a fan of when I'm going out in the city. read more

Located in Brooklyn this slick small suburban bar has some local beers on tap and an interesting cocktail menu. By interesting I mean I only recognised one or two of the ingredients in each of the cocktails on the menu. I had the one with ginger beer in it, I think it was called category six or something like that. Thanks to a Yelp check in offer at the time I went I also got a well shot and the Whisky wasn't too bad either. The bar is lined with seats and tables along the wall giving space to walk through to the back room where they sometimes have live music playing The staff were very friendly and helpful with talking about the cocktails and beers on tap to make the choice easier Nice relaxed vibe going on read more

Ah, Pete's is a magical place to see a smaller act. The tiny railroad car room in the back is always an intimate experiece (although a bit TOO tight if the band has more the 20 fans or so). Small backyard in the summer, spiked hot cider in the winter. I tend to get too claustrophobic to hang out here much longer than a show is going on. read more

Small bar, lots of characters and events. Go see it for yourself. Gotta admit that I mainly came here after seeing an episode of Girls, but it did not disappoint. Got a free shot with my check-in on Yelp. Definitely very lively. Looks like it's always a party in there. It's always busy when I walk by. Not the best stop during a bar crawl, but looks like it's worth coming by for an event. read more

Interesting cocktails, awesome paninis. Love the grunge-y newspaper-topped tables. I've come here with large crowds before and pretty much taken over the entire bar. This place is tiny! The best part about Pete's Candy Store is the small space in the back for bands to play. I saw Jeffrey Lewis here and was literally standing right in front of him; there is no stage/barricade, just you and the band. It's great if you are in front, but kind of crappy if you come too late and get stuck standing in the hallway where you can't see anything. Hint: come early. The worst part about Pete's Candy Store is that it is really in the middle of nowhere. I have gotten lost a few times trying to find this place (i'm from Queens). Also, it's hipster central. Ehhhh.... read more

I totally love Pete's. It's across the street from my apt, everyone is beyond nice and there is adequate seating. Tuesdays are my favorite, that's Bingo day (7:30p). It's free, you win a-mazing prizes (won a straw hat a few weeks back! yeehawww!) and like everywhere else, there's a cheap PBR/jim beam combo. Also, the sandwiches are delicious, so you can pretty much hang out here all night. read more

I wish the bars in Greenpoint would take notes from this place! - Good indie bands, and never a cover charge (I'm talking to you, Coco66!) - Meticulous sound proofing (Production Lounge!) - Signs requesting smokers take it to the corner and keep it down for the neighbors, and bouncers to keep them in check (Black Rabbit!!) Cool space, great vibe, nice people. My only complaint is the band space is about the size of a bowling alley. Check out Pete's website to see who's playing and then have a listen on myspace, who knows, might be worth a trip on a random Tuesday night. read more

Super fun trivia night. Nice dive bar. The grilled cheese was lackluster. Not sure why they can't come up with something more but I don't work there ;). Can't wait to check out a live music night. read more

This place is absolutely great. My only gripe (which is just my own issue) is that they have a $15 minimum when using your debit card, and I always think "that gets me a couple of beers and a sandwhich.....sweet". Cut to the end of trivia and I'm cashing out my tab at like 35 bucks! (guess that happens when cheap beers turn to multiple mixed drinks and a round of shots to top off the early evening) Wednesday night is trivia. I suggest you get there early and don't take it too serious. I have never seen so many hipsters get up and arms at the drop of a hat. Nothing violent, they are hipsters after all, but there can be some nice quick insults shouted across the bar at points. Also it begins and ends early (7:30-9pm) so its nice for people who have to work early the next day. Best thing is to get there early to not only get a table, but to also take advantage of Happy Hour which ends at 7. Time for a quick break to walk around or go outside and then trivia starts at 7:30. I try and stay clear of the weekends because it gets crowded, but week days can be great (with the exception of standing room only trivia). Band and such play there every night (I'm pretty sure) and the decor is relaxed and comfortable. Take some time to get to know your bartenders. They are awesome! Days are themed (Moustache Monday anyone?) I used to go every Wednesday with a group of friends until work began to get in the way and the trivia got more and more mundane and impossibly difficult (Category: "Current Events.....if this were April 5th, 1947"-I wish I was joking). However, I have been feeling the need to go back, not necessarily for the drinks or trivia, but to see the bartender Holly! She Rocks! Last but far from least: The back yard is great! Large enough for a lot of people to sit around, and yet comfortable and decorated with lights. Gives a completely differetn vibe then inside. Is it summer yet? read more

5 stars for being the kind of place I could go back to, over and over. Relaxed atmosphere, great staff, good selection of beers and drinks and reasonable prices. My friend liked her sandwich, it's kind of like good drunk food, something to munch on and soak up the booze. Cheap and satisfying. Love the outdoor space, it has a cool, backyard feel (minus the grass). Also really liked the performance space. Was there to see a friend's band and it was intimate while still delineating the space between audience and band. read more

Attended an event here last night and was really pleased with the experience. There is ample seating in the bar area and lots of tables, too. The beer selection is pretty decent, and the food menu looked good (definitely want to get a meatball sandwich next time I'm there!). The bartenders were very friendly. The star of the show was definitely the performance venue towards the back, which was narrow but modeled after a train car. There were about twenty seats but more people crowded in. The stage was small but surrounded by beautiful lights. A very intimate performance experience. I'd definitely come back for another event! read more

My kinda place. Casual cool vibe though decidedly hipster, good drinks, good prices, easy

Next on my list of places that Yelp events have been held at but I haven't actually gone back to until recently? Pete's! You'd think that a venue named after the great king of Yelp himself (this is Peter D's namesake bar, right?) would be awesome, and you'd think right! I came through with Molly and we split an artichoke and cheese sammich. Incredible. The lovely wait staff gave us two pickles, a nice touch so we didn't have to share/fight over one. Cos you know I'll cut someone for a good pickle. Delicious and awesome, I couldn't have been happier. Of course the beer selection and crowd is off the hook. I'll be back for a show some time, I'm sure, and more sammich, cos that's almost as important as more cowbell. read more

If you are stuck in traffic on the BQE and looking to take a break, or looking to abandon the car and enjoy a night out, this local watering hole will meet your needs, and then some. This bar, with little nooks for conversation, or outdoor area, or bar area has enough to keep you entertained for hours while friendly barkeeps fill your stein with a good selection of brew. Certainly a place I will return, even if the car does not break down in the area. read more

I really like this bar, but we went to the open mic with a friend (who was performing) and the girl who was in charge was rude and just plain mean to the artists! And she kept performing herself (???) in between artists which made the open mic even longer than it already is. I saw her making fun of a guy who was singing and I'm not sure if she was just drunk or she's just the worst. Anyway, I hope they get a better host since this is one of the last open mics in the neighborhood. read more

There are essentially three types of nights at Pete's Candy Store, so you should know what you're getting into before you go there. If you're going there for drinks with friends, this is a pretty great place. The Happy Hour is limited to bottom shelf liquor and to certain types of beer, and it goes until 7pm, so if you get there early, it's definitely worth it. Their sandwiches (actually panini) are pretty good and they change every couple of months. They also have a nice back patio to hang out and smoke in nice (or not so nice) weather that almost doubles the available space. If you're going there to see a band, this is a great small venue; their backroom for music can be closed off for live music, so there aren't too many drunken idiots whooping it up while you listen to the newest singer-songwriter play in the back room. It's a good place to see intimate music. And finally, there's Quizz Night. Yes, the second Z is intentional, and no, I have no idea why. Every Wednesday night at 7:30, there's team quiz competition--one of the most cutthroat in NYC. It's a lot of fun, it can be pretty difficult at times, and the prizes are generally so small that you're mostly competing for bragging rights. There are lot of regulars fighting it out for 1st place ($25 bar tab), 2nd ($15 bar tab) or 3rd (a tasty sandwich, which you can split between your teammates). It can get very crowded for all these occasions, so try to come early and drink heavily. You can drink for cheap at Pete's, but they also have some premium cocktails, which they make expertly. I've been going to Pete's for years, and while it's definitely a hipster hangout, it's one that you can head to and hang out at without feeling like too much of a hipster douchebag. You should be warned, though, sometimes the regulars bring dogs in, which they totally allow and means you should probably watch where you step. read more

love there! i went there a lot of times. nice ambient, nice people, good drinks, cool shows.

YAY! I love being in Brooklyn and forgetting about being "in the brooklyn scene". Yes, I know that sounds ironic, but thats why I only visit and not live there. Pete's has it all, the outdoor garden, the music play room, the antique-look and sometimes they even do BBQ. read more

Brooklyn has some great joints for happy hour and this is one of my favorites. They have good prices, a nice, divey, but classic, atmosphere. The short sandwich menu is worth a snack. Peer through to the back, and spy a magical looking, dwarven, performance space that is regularly peopled with local performers. These days, when it's happy hour, I almost always say "Pete's" read more

Good fun! Bingo night! It was a bit spooky to find this place. Some of my group arrived ridiculously early. We assumed bingo would start promptly and take over everything. It didn't start exactly when they said, but we had some great paninis and then a few of us won some kitschy prizes at bingo. No matter what your age, what you think you think about bingo, it is SO FUN! read more