If you're in the Boerum Hill area and need a chill place to relax with some good drinks (and FREE BAGELS) This is the place to go! I've been here in a number of scenerios: Alone for the free bagels on Sunday because I just moved to NYC and was poor; reading by myself at a bar; catching up with a friend or two; lunch with a large groups of friends and wanting to get another quick drink. In every situation the Brazen Head is perfectly accommodating. The bartenders are very friendly and the music is always great. Mimosas are good to excellent depending on the bartender (oftentimes there is a third ingredient after the champagne and OJ that makes it more sophisticated a drink). Very good selection of beers as well. Oh and did I mention the free bagels also includes a scallion and lox cream cheese and sliced tomatoes for your enjoyment?? Everything here is a great deal. read more

I would agree with other reviews. Just a pleasant bar. The bartender we had on this random Saturday afternoon was really cool and personable. Nice guy. It wasn't crowded and a good spot to bring kids too, since they a little outdoor space or ample room when not crowded on afternoon days. Otherwise, I heard this place gets pretty packed. They allow you to bring in food from other spots, but they don't serve any food themselves. Gumbo brothers is right next door, and we picked up some rice balls and that was a nice little filling snack. Nice little watering hole if you're strolling down Atlantic Ave. read more

So I came prepared: small bills , baby wipes and Viagra (just in case) and I have to say............ what a misnamed bar. What could've been a disappointing afternoon was actually quite fun. Besides good company I encountered a wonderful bartender, reasonably priced drinks and a good selection of beer (Chocolate Stout being my preferred mode of destruction). In addition to excellent service, Brazen Head serves food (Lou's Stew) and has an outdoor area which i will utilize when the weather is warmer. I didn't approve of all the music selections but they played an ample amount of classic rock, which made me happy. I had a excellent afternoon here and didn't even make out with a drunk girl. Imagine that. read more

Generally a cool place. Very wooden, like an Irish pub, but narrow, like most other bars in NYC. The beer selection is sizable (I think 8 taps) and well-picked. They have live bluegrass jams on Sundays, which is nice. They don't have a kitchen, so eat before or you're stuck with pretzels. My band has played there a couple of times. That was cool. The crowd is a mix, and quite variable. A sausage fest most of the time, but the bartenders are cute. Sometimes they have beer tastings, so keep your eyes peeled for that. read more

A dive bar with a good craft beer and bourbon selection, occasional tastings, a flexible bring-food-into-the-bar policy, and a high tolerance for annoying, rowdy Brooklyn Law School students talking about diversity and subject matter jurisdiction, the different between fee simple and life estates, and 1L crushes. The Brazen, as we affectionally call it, can be laid-back when those law students aren't out in full force and also televises sporting events. The most notable minus? There's no food menu, so you'll have to go elsewhere in the neighborhood for those late-night or happy hour munchies (except Monday wing nights and Wednesday wine and cheese). read more

Don't bother going here if you have any self respect. The 2 women bartenders were the rudest and unfriendliest I have ever come across in my life in the city. There are plenty of places to go in Brooklyn that have a good selection of beer. As a professional who works and lives in NYC, I have honestly never come across such rude, unprofessional bartenders. If the owner were to walk in on a Saturday evening and see exactly how these woman treat customers, they would be fired in a second. Don't bother even opening the door to Brazen Head unless a hurricane hits and it's the only place to go. read more

The Brazen Head: A bar you go with good friends to drink good beers and have a great time. Don't expect to meet a lovely gal there: It's just not going to happen. The owners/'tenders are very cool and great to have conversations with. They'll tell you about the business, food selections, music they play, drinks they make, and of course, the general shooting of the shit. Yes, the lady bartenders are attractive and very friendly. Yes, there are some old folk that hang at the bar - but they are usually somewhat interesting, in that this-pub-is-my-second-home way. Yes, it's something of a sausage-fest, but I've already covered that at the beginning. My friends and I have closed out the bar a few times - usually we end up basically owning the bar for a few hours - and even when we got rather raucous, the owner/'tender was very understanding and still nice. Some might dog the place for not being busy, but that's exactly why I enjoy going there. It's a great change of pace bar. You can request whatever games you want to watch on their several flatscreens, check out their great selection of beers (yes, even cask), throw some darts, browse works by local artists on the wall, chat it up with the 'tenders, eat some free food, step out to the back for a smoke (if you're into that), request/bring-your-own music, talk about the keg-change dates . . . it's almost like hanging out at a friend's pad, with all the pub amenities. Also, who doesn't appreciate a little reference to James Joyce? read more

Arrived too late on a Monday evening and missed out on the free wings, yet still got to enjoy this laid back bar's expansive selection of brews and heaps of pretzels. Super cool bartenders, classic tunes, and a fun crowd were just some of the reasons I felt right at home here. My friend and I had their IPA on tap and quickly wandered off into tipsyland for hours on end. Great bar in a great neighborhood, what's not to love? read more

The partial owner, Alexandra, broke her leg and while Josh and I sat in the frigid St. Patrick's Day air, smoking American spirits, debating the merits of Beck's last album she joined us. We came up with a few lies to explain her cast to strangers. "I was in a car with Hunter S. Thompson. Turned out to be stolen and when the cops pulled us over he couldn't help himself. He threw a punch I got dragged out, spent the night in the pokey with a broken leg. Wait ... isn't he dead?" "No, you were cliff diving in Spain. It was a beautiful sunset over the Atlantic ocean. You were mezmerized by the blue and gold and New York City on the other side of the world. You thought you could reach out and touch it. Have I mentioned that you were high when this happened? You dove, lost your form and paid the price." Being St. Patrick's Day we were drinking Guiness in the tradition of the Irish. Seated in the cold, talking to the broken-legged owner on a plywood patio I remembered why I love Brooklyn. It's a place for people with stories, scars and broken limbs. Its a place where the perfect bar might exist only at the right time. Its a place where you and your friends can sit back with ease, without pressure to be part of any scene or club, tell stories to one another, make strangers feel like friends and live like human beings. The Brazen Head is a jewel in that crown. With two large lounge areas flanking the entrance, a short bar, darts in the back and a patio it has plenty of room for a small group of friends. The beer selection is standard fare with a special emphasis on Guiness. The bartenders are funny, friendly and eager to welcome you. Come to Brooklyn and stop by the Head. You might hear a story you'll remember. read more

Me and my boyfriend loved this bar! The bartender was amazing, she had good conversation.

I read a review on here complaining about the free food. Wings. Yes, that's right, the owner provides free food. And folks feel the need to complain about it. So, I felt it necessary to defend this joint, in all its beer-soaked loveliness. Sometimes, the clientele in this joint can be insufferable. You can only take so much dialed-in local lawyer b.s. before you want to start kneecapping. The bartenders are, for the most part, spectacular and colorful, with few exceptions. The patio is great when it's not choked with lawyers. The taps rotate with a stellar variety of beers. I've never seen an East Coast alehouse that carried Old Rasputin or Dead Guy, ever, except for the Brazen Head. On a busy night, this isn't the place to be. On a relaxing afternoon or during a day off of work or as a place to convene with a couple close friends, you can't possibly do any better than the Brazen Head. read more

They have a good tap -- lots of microbrews and one of the few places in NYC that offers cask beer. It usually has a pretty chill vibe. And if you go on Mondays, there are free wings in the late afternoon/early evening. The patio area in the back is great too for smoking and just chilling into the late night. Sometimes, I've been out in the back till 3am -- provided if you're quiet. read more

We stopped here to use the bathrooms and also (hopefully) have a decent drinking experience. It wasn't great but it wasn't terrible, either. I can't imagine going back for a weekend jaunt or anything, but if I lived in the neighborhood, maybe Brazen Head would be my daily bar. It's hard to say. Three stars for a forgettable space in an unforgettable town. UPDATE: May 9, 2008 Dropping my review to one star because Brownstoner reports that one of the Brazen Head's owners, Lou Sones, is apparently spearheading an effort to get Union Hall shut down unless they agree to stop selling booze after midnight. http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2008/05/community_board_2.php Video of Mr. Sones speaking about Union Hall is here: http://www.brownstoner.com/brownstoner/archives/2008/05/union_hall_meet.php I guess it could be a mere coincidence that Floyd, Union Hall's sister bar, is a Brazen Head competitor on Atlantic. It could be...but I'm doubtful. The kindest thing I can say about Lou Sones' alleged crusade to hurt UH's thriving business is that there seems to be a conflict of interest there. Whatever his motives, I've now totally lost interest in going back. I do hear Floyd is pretty cool though... read more

I always say I won't give 5 stars to a place I've only been to once - but really, I can't think think of anything to criticize this place for. It looks the way a pub ought to. It's got great beer, and decent prices. The bartender was enthusiastic and cheery. The music was good. The other patrons seemed cool and non-annoying. We got comfy seats in the window. And there were free (and tasty) chicken wings! (every Monday, apparently) Really, what more could you ask for? I'll be back. Hopefully while they've still got the Sea Dog Apricot ale on tap! read more

Perfectly average bar in a good location. The vibe is alright, dark and slightly divey, and they have a small outdoor space with more chairs then they could ever fit back there piled in a corner - guess they were on sale. Went here on a date, and I would totally recommend it for that. Dark and quiet enough to have a nice personal conversation, and you can get away with only spending a few bucks for the night. Solid drink special, $3 cans of PBR is right up my alley. However the service is really slow. I went there on a Saturday and there was one bartender who seemed to be doing a great job at not bartending. The bar was dead and we had to wait way too long to get drinks or close out. Oh well. read more

This is a fantastic bar for happy hours in downtown Brooklyn. They have an early happy hour for the teacher which starts at like 2 or 3 pm and goes until 5ish. Then they have the regular happy hour which goes until 8 pm. Then they have the late night/over night happy hour from midnight to 4am. They also have daily promotions such as Whiskey nigh (Tuesday), Ladies Night (Wednesday) and single malt scotch night (Friday). The bar has an extensive whiskey/bourbon/rye/scotch selection, absolutely one of the best I have seen outside of specialty Whiskey/Bourbon bars. They also have more than a dozen taps, and your standard offering of bottled beers. There is outdoor seating on the back porch and a binder of menus if you want to get food delivered. It's little wonder I have spent a number of afternoon into evenings drinking, eating and hanging out at Brazen Head. read more

Three words: free cheese Wednesdays. Great selection on tap, even better sangria pitchers (my only complaint is that it's seasonal). Awesome beer garden open during the summer. Inside, there are large, circular tables by the windows for larger parties. Best bar in the neighborhood. read more

I just love it here. The goddesses behind the bar make me feel like Charlie Sheen if all he loved were hoppy IPA's and various micro brews. It's always fun for an afternoon pint or night cap. Complimentary wings, stew, cheese on various nights are the only meal I'll get some days. Not too sportsy but they'll have on the local games if you ask. The back yard is perfect for a chatting with friends or to break up with someone. read more

-1 star because they changed their happy hour from ending at 8pm to ending at 7pm. Otherwise, great bartenders, decent happy hours (and different substantial snacks on different days), dart board (pretty much where I've learned to play over a year or so of my patronage), patio. Great beer selection. Gets a bit crowded on Friday nights. read more

Can't believe I've never reviewed The Brazen Head. For shame. Great bar. I've never had a problem getting in and getting a seat, whether I'm meeting with a friend after work or going in a group for a girl's night. Great selection of beer and whiskey, and they're excellent at keeping their beer lists up-to-date. Beyond that, they have specials every day of the week, and they're GOOD specials. Wednesday is Ladies Night (hello, happy hour prices all night!) and on Sundays they have complimentary bagels. I can't think of anything better than a beer and a bagel on a Sunday early afternoon. They don't get five stars because we needed to ask twice for the Mets opening night game to be put on while several TVs had on Jeopardy. Yes, this was in 2011. Yes, I occasionally hold Mets-related grudges. read more

Just about all you can want from a pub... an open space, lengthy bar with nice staff and a cool owner. Now you might say there are plenty of other places of similar stripes, but I like the BH for paying attention to little things. While some bars offer popcorn, BH puts out bowls of "suicide" snacks (multiple munchies poured into giant bowls). And as others have mentioned, there are certain nights where free grub is proffered. I often try to think of places to meet people on Court or Smith. This is just as convenient to surrounding nabes, but facing Atlantic. Take the time to check it out... it should be on your radar. read more

This is a perfect neighborhood bar - I live right behind the place. Great beers. Friendly bartenders. A dart board. And daily specials. I've had free wings or clam chowder on Mondays. Cheap pints of everything, even cask ales on Tuesdays. And decent Bloody Marys on Sundays. Nope, I've never seen it crowded. But I've never been there on a weekend night. I think of it as a place to go with friends (or alone) to have conversations. The only thing I'd like are cheaper prices, at least for happy hour. $4 a beer isn't exactly a deal. read more

Solid. Beers are vast in array. Bartenders are polite. Space is plentiful. Vibe is lively. I came here on a Friday night and had enough fun to leave me in want for a return trip. I must fully disclose that my experience was wonderfully colored by the fact that Empire Brewery was in in house to promote their tasty, and for one night only, free brews. Though free brews won't come by again anytime soon, I think it's saying something when a local Brooklyn brewer decides to bestow their goods upon you. It's a very good thing. read more

I go to Brooklyn Law School (as you've probably gathered from my other reviews of bars/restaurants in the area) and this bar is the "go-to." I can't count the number of times I've gotten a text on a Friday afternoon reading "Brazen Head?" And my answer is always YES PLEASE. On Mondays they have free wings, Thursdays they have free cheese and crackers, and they always have comfy window seats to accommodate a group, darts, and a back patio area when it's nice weather. Prices are reasonable and there's a great selection of whiskey and beer, so everyone will find something to drink, and possibly eat if you pick the right day! read more

Nice solid place for happy hour. Their cheese night is awesome. A wide variety of beer and wine. Good ambience. Bathrooms are clean and a very cozy yard for summer weather. Too bad they don't serve food. The patio is small but cozy, too bad is used mostly to smoke so non-smoker like has to avoid it. read more

The Beer list is what brought me here, and the up to date twitter feed and web site with what's new on tap. I've been a number of times, and the beer always excels, but what impressed me more was when the bar started busting out top notch cocktails, too! The clientele is, on the whole, like minded to yours truly which makes it a stunningly nice place to spend a little time. read more

I have walked past Brazen Head so many times to go to Cafe Piragua, I am sad to say that this was the first time and I stopped here. I don't know what was stopping me, maybe it was the setting, maybe it was the decor, whatever it was I regret it now. The first plus is Glen the lawyer/ bartender. The second plus is his friendly friends from Brooklyn law school. The second plus is gin and bitters. An additional half a plus for the refill. The third plus is that Wednesday is "wine and cheese" night at Brazen Head, so there was brie and cheddar cheese. Total is three and a half. I might revise my rating to four stars if I can come by on a hot wing night. read more

Great atmosphere for friends. I usually go here with my co workers when I worked in the area. No Food, but during Happy Hour, they had FREE WINGS! The selection is amazing and I called and was able to reserve a corner booth on my last day of working. Definitely a great place with great and friendly staff that are always on point! read more

Cheap beer, outside garden, a chill spot to spend with friends. And the bartender was cool enough to let us bring outside food in - props for her!! read more

This is a strange place man... I've been here several times and no two visits have been the same! On one Friday night it was so dead only about 3 people where at the bar. Another time on a Sunday night it was so packed we could barley get in. It's a very cool, cozy looking bar and it's frigging enormous! Large and open in the center with booth seating on both sides of the doorway (grab these seats if you have a group!) There is additional seating outside till about 11pm. It's comfy and not too cramped, but most of the space is wasted. The decor is just the building next door and could use sprucing up. The beer selection is truly awesome and has everything from pale ales to porters and stout. They change what beers they carry fairly often, so try and get as much variety as you can. They also have cask beer that you can order on either side of the main tap. The St. Gowanus Ale was orgasmic! My experience with their mixed drinks has been OK. Bar tenders are very friendly and quick to serve. Especially the nice blond bartender who works on the weekends. The crowd is generally late 30's and up but I've been here several times with lots of 20 somethings in attendance. I may not recommend taking a long trip to get here but it's definitely worth a visit if you're close. Much less pretentious than Floyd's or some of the other bars on Smith Street. read more

It was a Thursday night and I had been daydreaming about a drink all day. So, yeah, it was time to use yet another groupon. This time, for the bar! (yeah, i know! They have groupons for BARS! Im so in love im considering becoming artificially inseminated and naming the child after groupon and insisting on Jerry Springer that he is our love child!) I scooped up my partner in crime after work and made him drive (soon ill no longer be able to use the "i dont know brooklyn" excuse to get me out from behind the wheel...) We found parking after a few U turns and made our way in. Plenty of room to sit at the bar, quickly greeted by the very friends female bartender we were on our way. After peering at the extensive list written out on their blackboards I decided to let the bartender pick me a brew. My company knew how to pick his- by looking at the alcohol content conveniently listed right below the price per pint. He, obviously (obvious because i only keep SMART company) went with the highest %. Peaceful, not too crowded and not too empty. We spent our time at the bar chit chatting and glancing at the games on their flat screens. Me being a smoker- enjoyed the ability to walk out back to their patio where i could smoke and continue drinking (until 11pm at least). He noted the dart board- which we never touched as i have a strict "No sharp objects while drinking with Sam" rule. After a pint we decided to really rev things up with a shot- no night is complete with out at least one. If you see me at the bar with a shot glass...then you know I approve of the establishment. But oddly....something happened much too quick and without or permission. Within one and a half pints (and that measly yet yummy shot) I found myself....fairly wasted. As did my now light weight friend. What IS this? We took down the second half of our second pints and decided we should move on to food. Ill be back, without a doubt. Clean, friendly, low key place....that gets me wasted off two drinks. Yes. There is a heaven. Apocalypse will happen only after this particular bar closes its doors. Until then....we all must recognize that clearly SOMEONE up there loves us. read more

Please employ bartender that acknowledge me. And put the beer list somewhere other than the chalkboard. (Middle age lady complaints) read more

Cheap PBR's is about the only reason I go here. The other crafts look good, but for a man on a budget, they're slightly out of price range. I know they have beer tastings here on the regular and have free food quite frequently. Good off the beaten path spot if you want a break from sports bars (although I believe they do have a TV inside if you fancy yourself drinking an IPA and watching the Mets) that line Court St. read more

Wait a sec... Free wings?! Seriously?! That alone pretty much seals the deal... I'll be there on Monday! Well, the visit in question happened to be a Friday. So, while I did not partake in the free wing action, I did have a gay ol' time at the giant round table booth near the window where my pals and I basically built our own fort. The service was grand. The pals went over to Yemen Cafe and came back w/enough food to feed a medium size army of little people. We went to town, all over that round table, and the staff didn't bat an eye. In fact, we asked the friendly chick behind the bar for a towel so that we could wipe the area down after our glutton fest, and the chick wouldn't have any of it. She cleaned us up w/a smile. Oh, and the music. Yes! Someone was clearly in the mood for some old school jams and set up a playlist of back to back late 90s hip hop. We reminisced. The night was good. read more

Came here for a drink on a Saturday night. We were expecting it to be busy and full. Surprisingly it wasn't. They have daily specials. If you don't want a martini, they made a good orange cosmos that they charged me the same price. The beer selection was west coast orientated with a wide range of offerings on tap. dart board in the back. They have an outdoor area but it wasn't open when we went. Credit cards accepted and no min charge. read more

I love a good dive. A "good" one. This isn't one. We went recently (my partner likes it there, but I'll deal with him later) and I was, once again as on previous visits, just grossed out by how poorly kept it is. Just sloppy, and I write that trusting that anyone associated with this bar should not be surprised as I've never seen anyone attempt to clean it or even tidy up. TBH doesn't need a remodeling (the bar is big, the seating arrangements in the front are cool), but it does need a bath. It's dirty. They offer bagels and cream cheese on the weekends, but I can't imagine ever wanting to eat there. The bar is sticky, the atmosphere is musty and a little depressing. It may just be a matter of some touch-ups, and a really good disinfectant. Get cracking, Head. read more

This is a spacious bar not far from downtown Brooklyn. I like it for the following reasons: 1) they have an excellent selection of tap beers which is frequently rotating, 2) they have a great selection of whiskeys, 3) they had a chess set I was able to use for a couple of games, 4) the bartenders have always been friendly and polite here. What's not to like about that? I'd give it another star, but they don't have the most interesting crowd in here and something about the place just screams "Pretty Regular Bar," thus the three stars. read more

This is a very good neighborhood bar. The bartenders are quick and super nice. They also have a decent selection of beers. I'm also told that they have free bagels on weekdays. When I went, it was a little too cold to visit the backyard but I'm glad they have one. Will definitely come back at some point, especially since it looks like they also host events or specialty nights here. read more

The Brazen Head - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Thus far, I've had two very extreme reactions to The Brazen Head...it seems like the jury is out for now. The first time I visited this bar, it was swarming with students (rumor has it that the Brooklyn Law crowd likes to hang out here) and, being a small bar, it wasn't really worth the hassle. The second time I visited, it was roughly 8pm on a Saturday night. I stopped in with friends to have a quick drink on our way to many other bars but we literally walked in, took a look around, and walked right back out because there were no more than three people in the bar and their age averaged approximately mid to late 60s if I were to guess. Not that there is anything wrong with that...just not my scene for a Saturday night. Atlantic St. and nearby Smith St. have a lot to offer in terms of bars and The Brazen Head wouldn't be the first I'd pick in the area. Still, it couldn't hurt to make it a stop just to see what vibe this bar is throwing out that night. read more

I like dive bars. This isn't too divey. I've definitely been in worse. The post-work ones around City Hall are much dirtier, I don't know what anybody is complaining about here. Free food, friendly staff, and good times had every time. I like how there's a rotating schedule of specials and different foods available. Definitely my "neighborhood bar" if I lived in Brooklyn. read more