The Brazen Head

I wish that I lived closer…read more Travel Bar is a wonderful neighborhood bar with a GREAT Whiskey list. When we entered we were created by some "regulars" because the bartender had stepped out. Whether you want a cocktail or barrel pick pour, there are many delicious options. The space is comfortable. They don't serve food (some snacks are available.

If you love whiskey, this bar is a must! We stopped by after a late lunch on a Sunday right when it…read moreopened at 4pm. It was just us, but made it such a delightful time as we got to chat with the bartender. They have over 400 whiskeys including some you may not often find on the shelf. I ended up having the Peach Old Fashioned ($20), Indian Old Fashioned ($20), and Tiki Old Fashioned ($17) while the fiancé had a Jack Daniel's Single Barrel ($20) and Jack Daniel's Bonded ($9). All the drinks were right up our alley and thoroughly enjoyed. I did like the Peach one the most out of all the Old Fashioned I tried as I like my drinks strong and bold. To finish off, we were both intrigued by the Oban bottle and shared a 2oz glass as well. This was a pricey one, but such a fun time to experience and try. Definitely a new favorite bar of ours and looking forward to being back to try more whiskeys.

Peach Old Fashioned.

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Interior

Union Hall

3.8(694 reviews)

1.1 mi•Park Slope

Great experience with plenty of tvs in a cozy living room/ library wood paneled vibe. A mix between…read morea dive bar and a more date night spot. Great for a drink or two Got the espresso martini which was standard, nothing too crazy but the ambiance is very social and great for mingling so that's the main focus of the place

Union Hall is one of those classic Brooklyn spots that just feels good the second you walk in. The…read morelocation is great, the drinks are solid, and it has that older New York, cozy-but-lively vibe that's getting harder to find these days. They've only got two bocce lanes, so just a heads up, if it's a busier night or you're going during peak hours, you might be waiting a bit. But on normal weeknights, it's totally doable to walk in, grab a drink, and play without any stress. It's very laid-back in the best way. Downstairs, they host comedy shows and other performances, which makes it such a fun multipurpose hangout. People usually grab a drink and chill upstairs while waiting for their show to start, and it creates this really nice, social energy without feeling chaotic. Overall, Union Hall is a quaint neighborhood staple, great drinks, fun games, and a little bit of that old-school local charm. Perfect for a casual night out or something a little different from the usual bar scene.

Beer bucket special (Any five cans in a bucket, take $5 off)

Comedy show downstairs!

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Downstairs

Hollow Nickel

4.1(277 reviews)

0.6 mi•Boerum Hill

My Go-To spot every time I attend a concert @Brooklyn Paramount…read more Food. Service & Ambience are perfect! The outdoor beer garden seals the deal

Incoming hate post but I'm just sad that I spent $65 on two hotdogs that one was incorrect and I…read moregot a hella watered down, like COMICALLY watered down old fashioned. This isn't a college bar, gents. I'm literally 23

Popcorn chicken

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Narragansett and whiskey

Lowlands Bar

4.1(87 reviews)

1.4 mi•Gowanus

Happy hour till 7 pm , $5 well drinks and $1 off drafts . The also have a small food menu, it's…read moremostly pizza for 1 person . Plenty of seats here and room for parties! The also have a big backyard!

A low key gem . Came here on a Thursday and enjoyed myself…read moreordered some chips and dip took ad advantage of the great happy hour deals. Had great convo with the bartender and the patrons. They were setting up to have live music that night. I had to leave before it started. 2 bathroom one downstairs and the other on the same street level. Outdoor seating in the back. Parking in the area isn't bad

0.2 mi•Cadman Plaza, Brooklyn Heights

Spicy Margherita

Wine

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Outside

O'Keefe's Bar & Grill

3.3(245 reviews)

Pack house for the game. Including the upstairs area. You…read morecould barely get inside. I just got a shot of tequila and try to watch the game for a bit. When it's a Game night it's pack.

This is my second time at the establishment, in recent months, and didn't care for the bartenders'…read moreservice. Both visits were during lunch hours. My food, chicken tenders and French Fries, was good but I didn't have a mixed drink as I wasn't feeling the vibe of the bartender. So I kept it to glasses of Pinot Now that I think about it, I can't tell if it were the same woman both times, which would make more sense to having a similar experience, and if so, I'd chuck it up to her having lackluster performance, rather than than the bar lacking overall. Either way, this will always be my go-to Downtown Brooklyn bar.

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Botanica at Widow Jane

3.9(72 reviews)

1.5 mi•Red Hook

Cocktail bar conjoined to the Widow Jane Distillery. Full offering of Widow Jane products with many…read morehard to find options. Everything was offered as one or two ounces pours, so you could sample a bunch or relish exclusive bottles. I had one ounce of the Lucky Thirteen for $15. I typically see the bottle at a $200-$300 price point, so it was nice to get a taste without the huge splurge. Wonderful aroma. Sweet and vanilla forward reminding me of marshmallows. Sweet corn flavor too eventually switching over to more spicy flavors from the run in the late flavor and during the finish. Staff was quick, friendly, and helpful. There was one single occupancy restroom. Dynamic atmosphere. Huge sprawling windows allowing plenty of breeze and sunlight when opened. They have monstrous black out curtains which can be draped to instill a classic dim and romantic speakeasy vibe.

While in the area, we stumbled across this bar which was right up my alley. They have a great…read moreselection of whiskey and most of their cocktails are whiskey-based as well. The vibes are classy with an entire wall of bottles lit up for a nice ambiance. Since we had our pup with us, we sat in the patio. I ordered the Rye Tea Punch ($16) while the boyfriend got the 10 Year Old Fashioned ($16). It was so cute how my drink came in a little clear teacup, which was a nice touch. The only thing that was disappointing was the slow service. We had asked for the check, but it never came around after waiting 15 minutes. We had reservations to get to, so the delay was annoying. I ended up walking up to the bartender to close out the tab since we never got our check.

0.3 mi•Boerum Hill, Downtown Brooklyn

Inside space

Stracietella- OMG!!! Delicious

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Classic flight

Bijan's

3.9(764 reviews)

The service is spectacular! A very cool restaurant buzzled in downtown Bk. I had the beet salad and…read moreit was delicious, also a great selection of wine, I will definitely be back!

Really cozy and warm (they have a functioning fire place!) space. My party was seated on a stage by…read morethe window, which I thought was fun. Service is outstanding - staff are super attentive, very well versed on the menu and love to throw in a joke or two. During my visit, I found out that Persian New Year coincides with Spring, so this was a great way to celebrate the day. All the food we had was very hearty and well seasoned. I will say, a slight complaint I had was that the marinara that came with the calamari was warm, and I can't say I loved that. At least room temp, I would think. Tried one of the stew specials - ghormeh sabzi - so flavorful and delicious, I definitely savored those leftovers. I really do look forward to returning to try their lamb stew.

1.6 mi•South Slope, Park Slope

Special: bbq pulled pork pizza

The Bijan: Tequila, pineapple, healing mint, lemongrass and cayenne pepper

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Yummy Bloody Mary.

Paddy's of Park Slope

4.4(29 reviews)

$9 for a stella is criminal. Good location though and nice outside space. Wouldn't go here again…read moredue to the insane prices tho

I walk by Paddy's almost every day, and I've come to see what it is -- and what it could be…read more Paddy's leans hard into the dive / old‑school pub aesthetic, which I'm fine with. The atmosphere is rugged, familiar, heavy with regulars who know each other. That can be comforting, but it also means new people feel a little on the outside looking in. Their beers are solid, the vibe is strong (sports, darts, classic pub banter), and it has the bones of a great local hangout. But there's a resistance to change or warmth toward newcomers, which makes it feel like a place "for the in crowd." If they worked on opening the door just a bit more for first‑timers (friendlier service, small gestures of welcome), Paddy's could be even better. As is, it's dependable and characterful -- just not always inclusive.

Gorgeous pint of Guinness

Hitting the G- in Guinness

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A perfect pour

Barclays Center

3.4(1.2k reviews)

1.0 mi•Prospect Heights

•$$$

I had a great experience seeing Phoebe Bridgers live at Barclays Center. The security process this…read morenight involved putting away our phones and other potential recording devices inside of a locked pouch. Considering the additional procedure and how long the line was, it moved relatively quickly. It was also easy to get our phone unlocked at the end of the night. We were seated in section 223. Despite being in the nosebleeds, we had a great view of both stages and could see all of the lighting and visuals from there. The seats are a bit cramped in terms of leg space, but I was comfortable enough for most of the show. I could also hear the artist well from my seat. I'd definitely visit again for another concert.

To quote Days of Heaven, the rich got it figured out. After bad experiences in the higher reaches…read moreof Barclays, I fared better recently. If you're a degenerate gambler and Buzz Bin enthusiast, hitting refresh on Ticketmaster resale offerings before a Weezer show is a fun thing and I got a great deal in the 100s. Barclays isn't alone is making it unclear which rows have "excuse me/pardon me" problems and there was a needless glass-type barrier at one side of the section. The bass and drum sounds were imperfect but I heard Rivers Cuomo well enough, marking an improvement from the Blink 182 when the sound quality was far worse than your usual CVS. (What's your favorite CVS-Core tune? I'm with Del Amitri's "Not Where It's At" but Barenaked Ladies' "Too Little Too Late" is solid). Needs more bathrooms. Entry process was super-efficient.

Kids game area

Cute red envelopes on every seat.

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Ellie Plushies

North Pole Pub

4.8(58 reviews)

0.9 mi•Park Slope

Located on a side street, the North Pole Pub can be easy to miss if you're not searching for it…read more With an expansive beer selection, great music (alternative rock blaring at 11pm on a Monday, how can you go wrong) and relatively cheap pricing, it's a must visit if you're in the area after a show at Barclay's Center!

Solid bar that has an incredible draft list and reasonably priced drinks. They also have some…read morepretty interesting "shots", such as a pickled herring and vodka, mushroom and vodka, etc. I ended up getting two of the herring and vodka because I surprised by how much I actually liked it! Def do yourself a service and try it. It's cozy and dark inside, but has outside seating in front of the bar. Bartender was also super friendly. Would go back again!

Herring with vodka, old speckled hen draft, gose sour draft

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Mushroom shots

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15 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Brandon S.

12 years ago

I've been going to this bar for about 5 years now. During that time I have Dealt with most of the bartenders there and have always been happy with the service. It's a great neighborhood bar with a great beer selection. But what's with the two Friday night bar tenders with piss pour attitudes and service to match? I've been there twice now while those bar tenders were tending and they were the same each time. They ignore the bar for long spans of time while the mingle with each other. When they do finally take your drink order in the most unfriendly fashion, they tend to walk around having other casual conversations before realizing they still didn't get you that drink. I ordered a last beer and somebody accidentally grabbed it while my back was turned. When I politely asked the bar tender if he might hook me up with another since somebody took mine from the bar he chastised me and told me he wasn't responsible for some one taking my drink. Fare enough, you arent responsible, you are just a complete dick. I wasn't demanding a free beer I just thought the establishment would do what I would do in that situation. After all Its just a beer and an easy way to make your customers want to come back. Instead (the girl backing him up) he decided to do the opposite and now I'm writing this review of their terrible service. When I looked around at the folks around me and asked if anybody else thought the two were complete dicks and I got many confirmations from complete strangers and one stranger even went as far as to buy me a beer. A super nice gesture that shouldn't have been necessary. I recommend brazen head find a new pair of bar tenders to take the helm on Friday nights. My other friends left the bar to go some where else due to it and other friends of mine who I spoke with say they prefer other bars in the neighborhood now due to the same thing. To the owners of Brazen Head, I will be happy to change the rating on this. I just wanted to make sure you would see it. Im generally not the kind of person to go out of my way to write a bad yelp review. Actually this is the first time Ive been inclined. Im not sure how to privately message you so I will answer your question here. Yes, it happened this past Friday night 3/27/15. read more

Amy S.

Elite 8

255

311

270

18 years ago

ick. this place has the potential to be a good bar. it is cute with tin ceilings and a back patio. however, it seems to have a strangely bad odor and seems to be home to weird khaki-ed types and super-jocks. the bartender was snotty for no good reason and i couldn't get out of there fast enough. read more

Bibo G.

15 years ago

The place is nice generic but the staff are friendly the beer selection is average atmosphere is quite what i like but then again is what it is no food to write about the only complain its dirty read more

Javier G.

10 years ago

The brunette bar tender is probably the meanest human being on the planet. She yelled at me for several reasons as if I'm a child.

perry w.

7 years ago

"Me and my boyfriend...." says the girlfriend! WTF?! It's listed as a gay bar! Can't a guy go anywhere in this burg?

Donald B.

8 years ago

Great neighborhood bar with always an outstanding selection of beers on tap. Bartenders are warm and fun read more

Michelle O.

12 years ago

Awesome local bar, free wings on mondays. Very good service and nice people and the location is ideal.

Ross N.

14 years ago

Yay. I was here again recently and it's always the best. You will have a nice time at this bar.

Devin M.

14 years ago

Very good selection. Good wings on Mondays. A dart board, which can be hard to find around here.

Tim G.

185

17 years ago

This is a nice space and the selection of beers is pretty decent. read more

Daniel I.

5 years ago

Its the spot!!! And is open!! OPEN!!! get your drinks!!

J R.

617

13 years ago

Nice laid back bar. Will return.

Sean R.

Elite 24

154

115

13 years ago

Review to follow.

Pat F.

127

14 years ago

good beer list.

Brian C.

10 years ago

Great

The Brazen Head - pubs - Updated October 2026

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Uncle Barry's

4.2

(139 reviews)

Nice little neighborhood bar where regulars come back year after year. Rachel, one of the…read morebartenders, has a memory like an iron trap, and really tries to remember the friendly customers. Can't go wrong here.

I was in there tonight with a friend before a show at the Barclays C. We sat at the bar - we will…read morenever go back there. The guy behind the bar was either having a really bad night - or just hated his job, or both. Rude and uninterested in being there. He needs a reality check, it's not cool to be rude in Brooklyn dive bars anymore. For anyone looking for a dive bar, there are lots of other better places in the neighborhood with better staff. Ciao!

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4.0

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We stopped by this bar on the way home for a quick drink. It was busy, but we found some stools in…read morethe back room where the pinball machines are. We got some mixed drinks, but surprisingly they didn't have Jack Daniel's. It's a typical bar with limited options, which we weren't so impressed with. Also, no food except some snacks but that does mean dogs are allowed. Probably the only thing that'd bring me back here, so I can have my pup join me out.

Just the right kind of rotating craft brews on tap and the chat-or-chill vibe to unwind after a…read morelively or irritating day at work.

Nostrand Avenue Pub

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(108 reviews)

Its a local bar no bites, so a great place to pregame. The bartender was really cool and made good…read moredrinks. I would definitely come back here for a very chill/divy bar vibe.

I live about 4 streets down from the pub, so it's location couldn't be better when I want a quick…read moredrink. Closing at 4am every day is also a huge selling point. I typically get a shot and a beer, but the last time I went I ordered a Manhattan and a slushy. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of both drinks. Another selling point for the pub is the staff. The gentleman that made my drinks was personable and pleasant, while still respecting my space. No matter the time of day, the place is pretty dimly lit. There's adequate seating at the bar and around it, and outside space in the back. I've yet to check out the back space, but I'm sure I will in the future.

Congress Bar

4.2

(95 reviews)

I love congress bar. Love the cocktail options, love the vibes. I like being able to sit outside on…read morea nice day. Inside is admittedly a bit loud, I assume due to the beautiful tall ceilings. Plus there are some pockets to be cozier and quieter if needed. The bartenders are very kind and helpful. Lovely little spot.

Great bartender and nice atmosphere too. The music was awesome and the drinks were perfect. Alright…read morethat's enough complimentary words. Grab a drink here, salud!

Buttermilk Bar

3.8

(120 reviews)

This was one of the first places I visited on 5th Ave when I moved back to Brooklyn. They had a…read morebeer and shot special which was perfect for cooling off on the hot summer day. They had just opened so I was the only one there save for a barfly or two. The bartender chatted me up and even gave me suggestions on other places to visit in the area. Those suggestions turned out to be why I was recently reminded that I was the baron of Park Slope! Lol. This is the definition of a dive bar. They have a pool table on a platform in the back. They also have at least half-a-dozen pinball machines used by a local pinball league. The vibe is chill and friendly and the drinks are strong. There's a loyal Jeopardy crowd too, so how can your go wrong?

So the first time I went to this bar, I kept being referred to as "Ming." I'm Asian, but my name is…read moreNOT Ming. Recently I walked in late around 3am. There were about 20 male patrons in the bar. The female bartender informed me that she called last call. I said okay, but she said I had to leave. I looked around. There were still 20-25 DUDES sitting around. Long story short--I questioned her, and instead of explaining her reasoning like a normal human being, she called me dumb and said I had to leave. It was weird. She's a lanky brunette woman who apparently works on Saturdays? She obviously doesn't know what customer service means and sadly revels too much on the attention of male patrons. I would've said more to her that night, but I simply felt bad for her. Even the bouncer apologized for her behavior... Edit: I've lived in the neighborhood for over a decade. Wish this could be my local spot, but time and time again it's been proven to harbor the worst of attitudes and behaviors. Below response = indication of the classy staff running the place...

Finn’s Corner

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(59 reviews)

A great neighborhood dive bar. I love that they have indoor and outdoor seating AND games. It's…read moreawesome to come with friends or a date. You can watch a game together but also split a hot dog, what more do you want? Service is fine. I also saw they have a good HH deal. 4.8/5

Lots of TVs to watch the Game, a Friendly environment among the customers. How I was treated…read moreterribly by the bartender. Her attitude was very hostile. It was almost worse than the Smell in there. It Smelled like armpits the whole night

Smith's Tavern

4.1

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Been going to Smith's for 25+years. Yes it is a real old school Bklyn Bar…read more NO BS, No drama. Cash only. Everyone is easy going and tolerant, no judgements, unless you're a total a-hole. Open every night until 4am! Great Halal food truck outside... open until 4am as well. Bring in food and enjoy it with a drink. Darts, cold beer and shots, dog friendly, internet jukebox, plenty of sports on TV's No moms with kids running around (plenty of other places in the Slope for that.)

Great food and service. Nice place. Maybe a little expensive for lunch but I don't go to Manhattan…read moreevery day.

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I just moved in the neighborhood and Fiona's is just bustling all the time! I went in to have a…read morecocktail and some food and I can tell why it's so good. They're affordable and the food is hangover friendly! It'll soak up everything you need to soak up and it leaves you so satisfied since the subs are SO filling. We ordered the magic hour, dark and stormy, and gold rush. All of them were super on par with a more expensive bar and I will be back for another drink! All of it was so tasty and not over $12!

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