This place is low key, sexy with a fly backdrop. Love it 420 friendly in the backyard patio

Totally dive-y for the neighborhood. Not too expensive. Dark interior. No idea how crowded it gets on the weekend, though. Backyard is lovely and bartenders are nice, too. Not enough outlets but if you ask politely, the bartender will probably help you out. read more

WAAAAAAAAASTED!!! [This is seriously the first word I think of when this place comes to mind.] Hangin' out in Clinton Hill--the Emerson was the last stop on my last night in NYC. Is there such thing as last call around here? Bars in LA close at 2AM unless you're cool enough to know of a speakeasy alternative. I swear it was past 2 in the morning when we walked in the door. I was fine before I got here, but I guess one of our friends decided to take it up a couple of notches because the idea of actually being drunk was slipping away into the wee hours of the night. So a game of waterfall ensued--and how could you not with 2$ Lion's Head pilsner? A good 4 beers were consumed in probably 15 minutes--the fastest I've ever consumed beer in my life... EVER. Suffice it to say, the level of our conversations and laughter may have reached its peak at obnoxious. Luckily, there were only a handful of people here who were all probably as drunk as we were and a DJ was still around spinning all sorts of things I probably sang along to and can't remember. The bartender was cool and didn't kick me out even when I was apparently passed out, face down in a puddle of my own drool. The atmosphere here is pretty nice, the tables are roomy, booths are comfy, the drinks are cheap and I think there's even a pool table. Can't really judge it on anything else but the sole reason of going to a bar and having a good time--which I clearly did. My friends live a block away so I'll be back to check it out on a more livelier note. read more

Happened to wander in during happy hour so prices were good. Service was a little slow but not too bad. Had a couple of Warsteiners and shot some pool. It was early so it was not too crowded but it probably would be later in the night. I would probably return if in the area. read more

I went for a friend's listening event. The setting is great, the pool table and the bar is also very speakeasy like. My major gripe is the cash only. The drinks aren't cheap so you wonder why not take card? Pretty decent draft list. I didn't get to see the patio due to the rain but maybe next time. I would come back if invited. Location makes it difficult to just stop through. All around 2 thumbs up over here. read more

Huge booths, art deco-style woodwork all redone by the owner, great pool players, remarkable local art on the walls, really nice bar staff, funny theme nights (eg: free drinks if you dress as a character from a Tarantino movie!) and dancing! read more

Yay! Really like this spot. An adult place on Myrtle. No pretense just good beer, $6 cocktails and a warm yummy Bklyn vibe. How could you not love a place with a parlor atmosphere, sweet pool table AND has grilled cheese options on the bar menu. C'mon now?! read more

Has become a regular for me. My buddies live opposite the building. They now do whiskey Wednesday's for $5 (well). Pool table, & outdoor areas are chill! read more

This bar, as I think a lot of the businesses in north Clinton Hill, need to step up their game a little bit. South Clinton Hill just offers a lot more in terms of variety and clientele and perhaps The Emerson falls victim to its location. The layout of the bar is great, very open and welcoming. The decor is fine and the seating is very comfy. I've just always found the mix of people there to be a bit odd, and I've never seen it crowded. The last time I was there, the DJ was spinning pretty mediocre stuff and the vibe was very impersonal. Also, I've never found the bartenders to be very friendly and I get carded every time I go in (I'm 30.) read more

The Emerson in Brooklyn funny thing about the Emerson I grew up across the street move from there a little while ago but still enjoy going to the Emerson the bartending staff is top-notch fantastic mixed drinks all the bartenders have great personalities with the exception of the owner I have been going in that bar for about 4 years now she see my face and she's ignored me when I came to the bar to order a drink I've gone in the bathroom behind her and she's cut the light off all of the time rude The bar is great when she's not behind it again the staff is top-notch really like them DJ Box head on Tuesday night is fantastic everything about the spot is great backyard bartenders green DJ on Tuesday box fantastic everything about this spot is great except for the nasty attitude of your own read more

This place is really nice. We usually just hang out on Dakalb but we venture to the other end of Myrtle. Not only did we discover White Castle! (Jersey girl) But we found a new hang out. The staff is so nice. Female bartenders that are actually nice to other girls. Definitely in my Friday happy hour rotation =) read more

I came here recently with some friends, because I heard good things. Not coming back here though, because the bartenders were ridiculously rude and inattentive. The tall one and short one, anyway. Maybe the other bartenders working there are actually competent. read more

I had the wonderful pleasure of not only dj'ing there for a group celebration (4/5/14), I was also able to finish the night entertaining the regulars who frequent The Emerson. First off, the the entire staff is very pleasant and Gina is very accomodating and patient (as I stumbled through getting acclimated with the dj booth/equipment!). The atmosphere is laid back and unpretentious, and the patrons are as eclectic as the venue and surrounding area (this is a GOOD thing!). The venue looks like it can be either intimate or casual , depending on night, customers, etc. As I don't partake in the imbibition of alcohol, I cannot verify the "hangover quotient" of the pours. I did however, overhear several mentions of guests acknowledging they felt "nice" after a few sippy-sips of their drink of choice. And as no one was thrown out by the ankles, I can safely assume that the place doesn't get packed full of drunkards! The ending of March Madness was approaching and the staff happily appeased the sport fanatics with the Kentucky/Wisconsin game on a drop down projector screen (sorry Gina for bumping my head on the dang thing a few times!). Once game was over, the crowd did thin out a bit and remained relatively light for the remainder of the evening. I spotted a few groups come in but didn't stay ( I guess because the B'day celebration was occupying the coveted back area where these locals usually command?). But I made some new fans with those that remained and would love to return, and will gladly support this local gem! read more

I'm excited that this place is in walking distance from my apartment, and it will definitely be a great addition to the date night rotation with my husband. The atmosphere is lovely (particularly the glittery red bar, which reminds me of the interior of a 50s fantasy car), and the $4 beers are a nice touch at a swanky(ish) cocktail bar. The place does kinda need to find it's footing. My friend got a drink with tequila and rosemary that was lacking in rosemary flavor, though it was definitely fine. I liked my gin cocktail, but the cocktails a few blocks away at Black Swan are way better. The place also loses a star, honestly, because of the starry-eyed bartender gushed about a recent visit by Citizen Cope. "He ordered Red Bull and diet coke." Um, who is Citizen Cope? Why should I care about his beverage(s) of choice? But otherwise very nice. read more

The Emerson is "A-OK". Chill atmosphere where you can enjoy some draughts among friends. Would I venture out to Brooklyn to go here? Probably not. Would I meet up here if I lived a block away? Probably so. They don't serve food, but the saving grace is they let you bring food over from the bangin mexican restaurant across the street. read more

I've been here a couple of times, as it's around the corner from my apartment. I've gone on week nights for a drink while I read, and I love the vibe. Very cozy and the bartenders are very friendly. Seems like there are some regulars, and it's just a nice little place to have a drink and chill out. There's lots of seating, both at the bar, and tables with booth and chair seats, plus a big L-shaped sofa thing in the back. There's a pool table and maybe darts, I forget, but all in all, feels like a nice living room-type neighborhood place. Love going here! read more

Not my favorite or regular bar, but you can't beat the staff - their friendliness and attentiveness is on point and so are the drinks and vibe. read more

The prototypical neighborhood bar. Friendly and personable bartenders, reasonably priced drinks, very laid back atmosphere and cool, fun, old school music. A solid selection of beers and a pool table. A great place to come mid-week with a few friends to just unwind and have a great time. The crowd was a nice mix of older regulars, professionals and students. A definite recommend. read more

It's alright... a lot of dull nights there, but when it's poppin it's a damn good time. Pool, beers and comfy seats. Not bad

while I don't really feel like a 3 is fare, a 4 would be overdoing it. This is a spacious, farely comfortable, all be it awkwardly configured bar with a wide variety of taps, nearly no pretension, and good snacks. However theres nothing that really makes it stick. It doesn't seem to be a homey local watering whole, doesn't really make it as a higher end establishment, has a bit of art around but isn't committed to that either. As it stands this is a decent place to go drink with friends, but not a place i'll be frequenting all that much. read more

"Maybe it's true what they say. Young adults are archetypes. If so, they were all here. The nice guy, the popular girl, the rebel, the goody-goody, the ladies' man, the sweetheart, the theater kid, the flirt, the sidekick, the wild man, the jock, um, that guy. No, I've never seen her before. Weird Al Yankovic, and finally, the one I fell in love with." Last sentence. "Everyone was represented at The Emerson. And everyone was welcome, [voice breaking] including me." read more

This is one of my favorite bars and local hang outs. The bartenders are super chill, friendly, attentive, not too hipstery. ;) The ambiance is dark, a nice pub feel, comfortable. There is also a large backyard space which is nice when the weather is good. I would recommend it for a happy hour drink or a beer. There is a rotating selection of draft beers, something for everyone. Highly recommended. read more

Not a bad bar. It's a pretty big space and there's a pool table. I think they make hot dogs. Probably the best bar in the area (not much competition). read more

Great space, love the set up its nice and roomy. Nice beer selection. I would def come back.

This place is amazing! I adore the patio area. They have a freaking peace tree and plenty room to move around. The prices are fair, but you get your money's worth if not a little more. The staff is beyond helpful and can whip up drinks in a jiff. Every time I go the place seems to get better somehow. read more

Great atmosphere, friendly bartenders and a nice pool table. I really hope this place does well.

This bar is an oasis. I can't even think of any other bars that are in Clinton Hill proper, but this is the exact thing the neighborhood needed: a watering hole with lots of space for dancing, lounging and playing pool. I also like that there are tons of different people hanging out in there and it isn't just Pratt students. The beers on tap are pretty good and the bartenders are always friendly, however I do think sometimes the prices on the mixed drinks might be a little gouged. read more

Moved to Clinton Hill back in August and still feel as if I havent really gone exploring. I had stopped in to try Ruthies for the first time and figured I had enough time for a beer if there was a bar in the neighborhood. As fate would have it, there was the Emerson just across the street. Walked in and was greeted by a very friendly bartender. Nice mellow vibe, great decor, good music, good energy, I'm sold. So the aforementioned friendly bartender, Wade, turns out to be a great guy, he and I get to talking, one beer turns into 2, and 1 shot of Jameson into 3. Next thing I know, its over an hour later and I realize I better go get my takeout from Ruthies (which btw, was underwhelming). I will certainly be stopping in again, with friends, to hang at The Emerson! read more

Finally! A nice bar for the neighborhood. Friendly staff, a pool table in the back and a live DJ even on a Thursday!?! Awesome! Decent selection of draft beer and the regular hard stuff. Wish they have Guinness on draft and Buffalo Trace on the shelves though. But still, I'm just happy we finally have a decent bar in our neck of the woods! read more

The Emerson - Enjoying a pint of Goose Island. - Lounges Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The bar is roomy, the backyard divine and the staff is friendly. And they have games! I can't ask for anything more -- especially for a place to hang on a summer afternoon. Even when I'm not drinking. read more

Nice, laid-back neighborhood bar with a good pool table and 2-4-1 happy hour. Cool art work on the walls for sale too. They could use a little more decor, but hopefully that will come in time. read more

Left Brooklyn to return to NorCal over a year ago. Yet I still occasionally, like now, pine for my n'hood go-to bar, The Emerson. If you like sitting at a comfortable bar, meeting interesting people and being treated warmly by a bartender, this is the place to go. I do miss it... read more

It is so great to have a new bar in the neighborhood with enough space! A large group of us were able to sit comfortably and hang out for a long time while drinking great beer and delicious cocktails. I was impressed that their signature drink had the local Breukelen Gin as part of its ingredients. The menu had a very interesting mix of cocktails which reminded me of those specialty drinks you get at Speak Easy's. read more

Great Neighbor Bar! Bartenders are the best! Nice Pool Table and Backyard also!

Love this bar because it's close by and I like the ambience. Only problem is that the bartenders are sometimes super inattentive and it took me forever to get a drink. read more

went back to the emerson while they were open (I think 9:30 Thursday evening). it was mostly empty inside with a few patrons sitting at the bar. my friend and I ordered shots. I think it was 10 bucks? for two shots, which I think is pretty good. I say "I think" because I was drunk. Too a quick look around--pool table that may have been free? Darts, plenty of seating, chill lighting, very chill clientele. We drank the shots, they tasted like Jameson. I think they were Jameson. We left. Fastest in and out of a bar in my lifetime. So this is a review of being in there for 5 minutes. I guess that's better than my last review of not being in there at all. I'll come back and hang out. It's not the spiffiest looking place but it's still pretty new. I hope they do well and stay open, because I definitely need a place like this within stumbling distance of my apartment. read more

This is a pretty wonderful bar! It has a great set up with plenty of booths to hangout in. A possible dance floor, along with a pool table. A DJ spinning awesome 90s hits! The bar itself is pretty inexpensive, with a wide selections of beers on tap. The Emerson is a great place to hangout and also party! It's has the wonderful dive-y, hipster sensibility, which is few and far in-between in Bed-Stuy. The crowd is mostly from Pratt (if that's what you're into). read more

Nice bar, the type of bar where everyone knows each other. They show certain games on a projector inside, and also have one pool table....one. The only downside is waiting a long time to play a game. read more

Besides being cash only (which a lot of places in NYC are, apparently), this place is great. Wonderful, friendly staff that is easy to talk to and quick to get your drinks. Great pool table with ample competition, but the crowning gem of this place is definitely their outdoor courtyard area complete with plum tree. Lots of space and good-hearted friendly people always hanging out there. Definitely recommended. read more

Favorite local bar! I love stopping there for a drink on a Friday night, or bringing friends for a large get-together, since there is so much room! The patio is great on warm nights, and they have decently-priced drinks. Staff is always a joy! read more