This is long overdue review but I've been to the Commissioner three times. My first visit was in December 2017, when I was with my then-fiancee looking around the neighborhood for possible wedding venues in Park Slope. We stopped in for lunch since it was Sunday and early afternoon games were about to begin. The Commissioner had multiple NFL football games playing at once. Each TV was labeled with each game, a fantasy football go-to if you want to see all your players playing at once. In August 2018, one week before my wedding, I visited the Commissioner to see if they would host our wedding after party. I was fortunate to have my wedding reception about 10 mins away walking. This was easy for guests to walk over or take cabs/ubers to. My Fiancee and I spoke to Jon, who was easy to get along with and generously accepted to host our wedding after party. The Commissioner agreed to set aside a portion of the bar for us and our wedding guests. We celebrated finding our after party venue by toasting with delicious frozen margaritas. On my wedding day, a day already stacked with treasured memories, the after party at The Commissioner stood out as something special. I remember entering the bar with my now wife to a rounding applause by our wedding group and bar guests. The Commissioner also hung up a Congratulations sign with our names on it, which was very lovely. The after party was enjoyed by all and my wife and I thank The Commissioner for having us and truly making it a day I will never forget. read more

The Commissioner - Congratulations sign that The Commissioner hung up for our wedding after party. - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

To be honest, I don't have much to say about this place. We came on a Friday evening after renting it out for happy hour. The drinks are a bit hit or miss in that respect, if you can get one. The place wasn't that busy but it still took 5-10 minutes to take my order, and when it came, the quality changed depending on the bartender. Bartender #1 made my coworkers drink with ice and it wasn't mixed well, but Bartender #2 made it without and did a much better job. The inconsistency is a bit worrisome, but the prices aren't bad. I think if you had to grab a drink with some friends after-work, this place could be the one but be wary if you have large groups as there's an awkward phone booth jutting out in the middle that disrupts the flow a bit. read more

A true gem in Park Slope. Great atmosphere, TVs that make it easy to watch the game inside or out, and where else can you get a perfect cocktail for only $10? Also, Brendan is the absolute nicest host! read more

The Commissioner - KCBC Sour, Aperol Spritz, and The Commissioner - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This place had an awful lot to live up to, taking the space of the delightful Pork Slope, but I couldn't be happier with what a fun, delightful hangout has risen in its stead. The Commissioner feels like a perfect casual/neighborhood bar, with a little something for everyone. It's spacious inside, and a bit partitioned into areas. We were here as a large 10+ group for a birthday, and were able to snag a large table in the back--had ample room without feeling as if we were hogging the place or cramped in. The bar area up front is spacious, with smaller tables--came back in a twosome later and found it just as good for a smaller/more intimate gathering. Bar service is of some old-school Irish pub quality. Even on a crowded Saturday, bartenders would spot you behind the throng at the bar and magically get you a few pints and mix a couple of high-quality Manhattans while remembering the name on your tab without missing a beat. Was so impressed we thanked them upon paying and got to meet and chat with the lovely owners, even sharing an unneeded but enjoyable shot of Evan Williams. Quality of service was not the only way this place called to mind a classic Irish bar. The Commissioner has that calm, welcoming vibe that makes you feel at home. In fact, with impressive cocktails, a nice beer list, great tunes that appealed to a diverse (millennial and older) group, and a huge assortment of board/card games for your bar enjoyment, it might feel better than home--although they still won't let you stay past 4am. (Trust me, I asked.) read more

Tots, tots, tots, tots, tots! My go to bar in Park Slope. Amazing beer selection, the kindest bartenders you could hope to find in NYC, and some of the best bar food out there. My girlfriend is obsessed with the hot chicken sandwich and literally begs to go eat here whenever she can. It's wayyy too spicy for me, but I enjoy everything else on the menu. Loved coming here in pre-pandemic times to watch a game (lots of TVs), drink a quality craft beer, and down a burger and tots. Haven't gone in a year, but their outdoor setup looks beyond legit and is always hopping. read more

This place is everything the previous reviews said it was going to be! Great service! Like, omg, the bartenders are the sweetest, most attentive 'tenders in the whole wide Brooklyn! The prices are lovely and there was a dj spinning some awesome hits. I'll be going back for happy hour. read more

The Commissioner - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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The best bar in Brooklyn! These guys are truly the best, the food is amazing, from brunch to wings and of course the tots!) (and always great, esp local beers on tap. Always a good time at The Commish! read more

This is definitely a place to go back to. Bartenders were friendly and attentive. Great place to have a few drinks and not break the bank. read more

The Commissioner - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Best bar in Park Slope! Dope drinks, great tunes & the most inviting atmosphere on 5th Ave. Shout-out to brothers Brendan & Kevin for all their success here. read more

I came here after calling to make sure they'd have the NCAA basketball championship on TV. They enthusiastically responded "of course!" They were advertised as a sports bar. When I arrive I find a cute little neighborhood bar with no watch party at all. I asked if they'll turn up the sound. Their response... "no." So now I drove over an hour to not really be able to watch the game I came here to watch. I'm sooooo angry. Don't bother. read more

The nicest bartenders and owner--seriously, these people are salt of the earth good. Major major shoutout goes to Brendan, who went above and beyond to ensure my friend was safe and hadn't had more than she could handle in terms of alcohol and the guy who was hitting on her. Long story, but absolute saint. Also, when my parents were in town the owner took the time to chat with us and make them feel welcome. That kind of hospitality isn't something I come across often enough. It went a long way with all of us. Strong drink selection too. Solid ciders. But the thing I can't get over is really the people. They're the reason Commissioner has become a favorite. read more

This place used to be Pork Slope back in the day. I met the morning crew a few Sundays back and all three of them were solid, even spoke to a cook and we bonded over our hate towards people in charge. I dabbled in their cocktail menu, not my thing but I see what they're pitching to. Beer list is solid. The owner working the bar and the DJ are cool mfs. The decor is something that really caught my eye, I like the actual bar a lot. Great crowd through the day and it gets busy at night. I wish you guys the best. read more

The Commissioner - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I don't know if this bar is particularly special but it has decent happy hours and cheap food. Some of my friends were in brooklyn recently over the weekend and wanted to get ice cream and drinks I was trying to think of a place that sold chicken wings for his girlfriend that wasn't dinosaur bbq because the crowd there would have been hellish and this popped up. Chicken wings looked meh. But they have loaded tots and they sell tots for like only $2 extra to add as a side to any of their food items. They also have frickles but from reading reviews I hear they are sad. One needs to make a frickle more pickle than chip. Happy hour 4-7pm on weekdays and 12-4 on weekends: $1 off wine, wells, and drafts. Decent variety of beer and still cheap late at night. They had Folksbier on tap which was cool because I've still yet to make it out to that brewery. Cocktails are even only $10 which isn't bad because there's nothing I hate more than waltzing into a brooklyn bar and seeing places trying to pull off $15 cocktails. But this is kind of divey in a nice way. Everyone was chill and relaxed even when sailors busted in on Memorial weekend looking for where the party was at. It wasn't here. I think Talde's porkslope used to be here actually because the place looked super familiar. I'd come back to actually try their food and happy hour when in the area. read more

The perfect neighborhood bar. Drink-wise, there's a great assortment of beers on tap (including some choices from nearby Folksbier), plus some good cocktails. The food is actually delicious, including a crazy spicy take on Nashville hot chicken (tenders-style, rather than pieces of fried chicken), a fast food-style burger, and some addictive fried pickles. Add in the really friendly folks behind the bar, well-placed televisions, and some friendly decor (including darts and other games!), and this is the perfect place to come with a group or just with a friend to catch a game or grab some food. These guys know what they're doing -- we'll definitely be back soon. read more

Staff super friendly. Loved the vibe and look of the bar. Music/DJ so loud it hurt. (Omg. Does that make me old?) Had to leave after one drink just purely because the brand new speakers were pumpin'. Old fashioned was so sweet. Boo. I want to taste the fire. read more

Love this place. Great drinks! Little dark, so not everyone may like it, but one of my favs in NYC. Ordered 2 cocktails last week and they were excellent. Sports bar legend! read more

A Great Manhattan. Tator Tots and a Cheeseburger. Groovy Groove Grooves to the Iconic Side of a Sports Bar Legend. A Long Week and this is a perfect Bar Bar to start the Weekend, Thank You!! read more

This is one of the best irish bars in the area. Giant inside and the drinks were better than you'd think. We get lunch here all the time! If you like bar food--which I do--you can't go wrong with this place. read more

Stopped into their outdoor space for a couple of drinks one night. They did a great job, plants and space heaters and even some seasonal decorations. It was easy to stay warm. If I remember right they have some stickers on the tables asking you not to linger if you're not drinking - no one kicked me out, but I did give up my seat to some people a little earlier than I would have instead of nursing my last beer. This is OK - I want businesses to make money and this is how we do that. Someone mentioned a back patio, not sure if they have one and if so it was closed the night I went. Clean bathrooms, friendly bartenders. read more

One of the new bars in the area, the Commissioner already has my attention. It is in the old location of Pork Slope and prior to that an Italian restaurant. Not only does this place have great drinks, but they have a great menu as well (seriously do yourself a favor and get the fried pickles). I also wanted to clarify that in some of the comments people didn't feel as though the drinks were not "big enough". That is simply wrong. The drink sizes are comparable all the other bars in the area and sized appropriately (ie you would never want an Old Fashioned in a giant high ball glass) If you're in the area definitely check this place out--great atmosphere, great drinks, great food, and a great staff/owners. read more

The Commissioner - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Stopped in for a drink with my hubby as I was craving something warm & they had a sign posted outside that they had spiked cider. Upon walking in you get the nostalgic vibes of a bar without the awful rancid beer smell that other bars can't seem to address (lol I have a highly sensitive sense of smell). The dimly lit bar has high tables, a long bar, and tons of board games for patrons to use (yay!) the bartender was friendly and served us water before even taking our drink order which I greatly appreciated (and he refilled it promptly!). I had the spiked apple cider which was warm and super delicious. My husband had an old fashioned that was perfectly balanced. They also have various food options to pair with drinks which looked good. We will definitely come back & highly recommend this bar if you are in the area! read more

The Commissioner - Warm spiked cider - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Great staff and vibe. They are a welcoming group; from the bartenders to the kitchen. Loyalties lie deep with me, I'll be back for the atmosphere, drinks, entertainment (trivia on Wednesdays). They also have ample large TVs... for those who care to find a replacement to the failing 200 Fifth. read more

The perfect neighborhood spot to meet friends for drinks and a little shuffle board! Friendly and attentive bartenders prepare tasty cocktails and offer beer recommendations that are on point. The food menu is also worth a look. While it list basic bar bites, they are well done. My group ordered a wide variety of items and everything was phenomenal! My personal recommendations are the veggie burger and the fries with queso. Pro tip: ask for the story behind the name - it's fascinating! Go here once and your sure to become a regular! read more

The Commissioner - Comfortable and classic interior! - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Great place to hang out for a few hours and watch the game. Plenty of tvs, good happy hour deals and lots of pub food.

Visited on a Saturday (early) evening and was a little underwhelmed. We ordered drinks and my friend ordered food. I ordered the Margarita (decent) and an Old Maid (meh.) My friend ordered a Poncho Villa and liked it enough to order a second. He also ordered the Nashville Chicken sandwich and fried pickles. He said the sandwich was really really spicy (but in a good way, he loves heat) but the fried pickles were WAY too thin. They were basically all crunch and batter without much pickle involved. Ultimately, right after he finished eating we went elsewhere because the vibe and music here was pretty dull. read more

Amazing game options!!!! Try the spicy tecate- you will have no regrets. Great place to relax and play board games, shuffle board, or darts. Ask for John! read more

Ive come to the commissioner for girls night, date night, birthday parties, football games, and trivia. No matter the reason, I've always been so happy with my choice to come here. There aren't many bars that make you feel at home every time you come in. The owners and bartenders have been the reason I keep coming back. read more

Have come here a few times and the vibe is always great- very relaxed with a great selection of food and drinks. Personal favorite is the frozen margarita! Hosted a surprise birthday party here and I have to say everyone went absolutely above and beyond! Cannot say enough good things about this place- highly recommend! read more

Gems like The Commissioner make me wish that I lived in Brooklyn. This spot is the entire package: great casual vibes, extremely friendly bartenders, and awesome drink deals. My friend and I originally planned to grab and go after a quick drink, but ended up staying for several rounds. The beer + shot special, for under $10, is such a great, great price. Usually even dingy bars with sticky floors and grumpy bartenders charge more than that! We left after several hours, slightly buzzed, but in good spirits. Will definitely be back. read more

The Commissioner would like to see you! Oh my goodness what a fun bar in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn. I found The Commissioner on Yelp! as part of my Park Slope research and was not disappointed by the friendly, interactive staff and sometimes hilarious customers. While we didn't try any food, we did try a couple of beverages, including the Walt Kelly (a rye-based old fashioned) and The Commissioner - their version of the legendary Manhattan. One of the things I enjoyed most about my time in The Commissioner was the camaraderie of the staff with other regular customers who didn't hesitate to include me and my friend. A great time, certainly as measured by the amount of laughter we generated. My next trip to Park Slope will definitely include a follow-up visit to New York. read more

Best place for a drink. Outdoor setup is great. Owners and staff are amazing. Good stuff all around.

Great local spot for this out of town tourist. Full bar, nice selection of beer on tap! John was most welcoming. Oh, tater tots are excellent Updated review: 1 yr later. Had to stop by on my latest vacation & have to say it is as welcoming as last year. No tater tots this time, but one local beer & a great bartender. Happy Hour on Monday afternoon was excellent. I hope to visit every time I am in Park Slope! read more

A must go in Park Slope, the owners and bartenders are great. The Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich is also extremely good. Oh, and $5 for Miller tallboy? Can't beat it. read more

I called on Wednesday and was able to reserve a few tables for Friday night. When I arrived I found the tables clearly marked and placed in a prime area of the bar with plenty of room for my friends to sit and move around. A few friends ordered well drinks and they came in pint glasses and were strong which we loved. The regulars at the bar were super welcoming and chatted it up with my friends who let it slip that it was my birthday. Next thing I know the whole bar was singing me happy birthday, we had some free drinks, and the owner came over to wish me happy birthday too. This was way more than I expected! As for the overall vibe I would say it was all just right. The music was just loud enough, mostly top 40/throwbacks and the DJ took requests. I will definitely be back! read more

The Commissioner is a great casual bar. Drinks and food are both great! I've been here many times for many occasions; after a baseball game, New Year's Eve, Saturday nights. As you walk in the bar is very long to your right, with small high top tables on the left. As you walk back, there's a shuffle board game, but it's not always open. As you walk around there's a step up to more tables in the back. They have a fun photo booth in the back and games you can take to play with your group. There are also darts. Past this, there are bathrooms. Probably the only negative is that there are only two stalls so they can take a while if it's crowded. The owners are great and always having fun and enjoying their time when there! read more

great great and great place for drink I had fantastic last week on this place. I go obey there with my friends. lightning system so cool. they provide excellent service. awesome sound system. everybody can go with them for enjoying time. read more

I was sad to see Pork Slope, the former resident of this space, shutter its doors. The Commissioner, however, ably fills Pork Slope's shoes . . . and then some. Came here with some friends on a Saturday night around 7 p.m. Given the early hour, the bar was fairly lively, and the room had a nice buzz; even as things picked up over the course of the evening, the place never felt *too* full -- in part because of the smart, spacious layout, but also because of the great service. The crisp, friendly attention provided by the bartenders and the server -- I believe her name was Jenesa -- made us feel like we were at a really good house party, with two personable, on-point hosts. The cocktail list is very straightforward with a half-dozen or so classics, and subtle spins on classics, at $10 a pop (a solid deal for the neighborhood). On the night in question, I stuck to the menu, ordering a few Old Fashioneds (hefty and made with Rye, as they should be); the handsome bar was well-stocked and the bartenders seemed sharp, though, so I'd imagine that they'd be happy to whip up something a little more out there if called upon to do so. The fried pickles deserve special recognition -- they're lightly battered, crispy, and you get a *ton* of them . . . an absolute steal for $4! We did not try any of the other food, but we did carefully survey the menu. Most of the offerings appear to be traditional, well-priced bar fare -- hamburgers ($8), buffalo wings ($9), chips and guac ($5) -- but there are also a few wild cards, such as a Kale and Farro salad with avocado vinaigrette ($8). We'll be back soon! read more

My friend and I were in NYC for our spring break, and found this place off yelp! We went in not knowing what to expect and were served by John, who talked with us for our entire visit and gave us suggestions for what to do around the city! Even if you don't care for bars, go to have a chat with John; lawyer by day and smartest, kindest, most social, bartender by night! We went back a few nights later and were so disappointed he wasn't in!!! Till next time John, cheers from California! read more

The DOPEST spot around. Came from out of town and got to chop it up with the owner Kevin, who's super chill. Gave us some great recommendations for what to do with our two days in the city, plus was an all-around great guy. ALSO THEY HAVE COOZIES FOR ALL CANS SO YOUR FINGERS STAY WARM AND YOUR BEER STAYS COLD. A+++ read more

I've only been here once, but The Commissioner left a great first impression. I came here on a Tuesday evening with friends who were visiting from out of state and they also agreed that this was their favorite place and wished they had visited sooner. The atmosphere, drinks, and service exceeded all of our expectations by far. To start this place is super cozy and would be perfect for date night or for catching up with friends as they have a big T.V and bigger space towards the back. The music playlist was amazing and gave it a great vibe. Together we tried almost all of their specialty drinks and each of them were really good and fairly priced, but the winner of the night was the Poncho Villa. As a tequila fan, this drink easily won me over and tops my list at number one. Even my friends who prefer whiskey voted the Poncho Villa as their favorite. The barista was super friendly, attentive, and provided great service. I can't wait to come back here again! read more