If you're a fan of Wilfie & Nell or Bua, you will LOVE The Richardson. It's not the same owner (we checked), but you would think it is. This place is lovely. The decor is vintage, but polished. The menu is well designed and laid out. The drinks are well thought out - pay particular attention to the seasonal menu. I've liked the Jack Rose and the Scottish Dew. Really, every drink I tried was interesting, if not, delicious. I've only ever been during the weekend daytime when the crowd is very much local and lowkey. I prefer it that way. For Food, I highly recommend the Caprese, so simple, so fresh, so delicious. I've gotten the White sandwich, which was fantastic, but a bit small - I'd recommend as a mid-afternoon snack. My friend tried the Royale sandwich and really enjoyed it. read more

The drinks are creative in a good way, not a super sugary way. And the bar food is great. The first time I came here the plan was to have a drink, check it out, and then go some other place for dinner. But the bar "snacks" were so nommers that we decided to treat them like tapas and have a light dinner at The Richardson too. read more

I can't help it. When it comes to first impressions I go with my gut and the inside of my pantaloons. I know that's dangerous. Bars, especially, change radically depending on the time and day of your visit. But I don't care, darn it. I came in nice and early in the evening and we were the only ones there. Still felt cozy, warm, and beautiful. Rich. Decadent without being plastered in gold and diamonds and chandeliers. From there on out it only got better. Saddled up to the bar and there it was. My weak spot. Bartender dressed in old-timey garb - vest, the whole nine. But it seemed effortless. Shooting the shit was a pleasure with him. Even when it started getting busy and the second bartender came on shift, the two were still present and gracious, making jokes and conversation. All the while efficiently gettin' the drinks did. Definitely some regulars from the neighborhood at the bar which always adds personality. The Makers on the rocks was generous and reasonably priced. He poured, THEN added ice. Yes. God yes. As much bourbon as you can possibly fit. You, fine bartender, get a nod of approval! Then came the Fernet with a ginger back. Fernet I missed you so! Nice to find you on the shelves. Bartender recommended the Big Red - or the Black Wing. A word to the wise, you will definitely taste the bitter medicinal quality of Fernet in the Big Red. Awesome for me, though perhaps not for you. The other cocktails looked PHENOMENAL. None of that over-sweet, sorority/frat, fake, mixed stuff. Classic combinations that make your mouth water just by looking at them on the menu. Some are more tart, some herbalicious, some sweet, some bubbly. I could spend a whole day in here sampling every one. Don't worry, that's on my to-do list. The food was mighty tasty, too. Lots of mixes with some staple ingredients: prosciutto, pesto, arugula, olives, cheeses, some fish, and eggs. All A+ as far as I'm concerned. Fresh, simple, delicious. HUGE back room - great for groups. In fact, I was amused to find that that evening, there was a PTA-type meeting in the back. Not your average parents - they were decked out and chic. I kind of like that the owner mixes business with family life. Hold fast, Richardson. I'm a comin' back for you. read more

Great Pre Drinking Place before heading out. Cocktails are creative and well thought out! First time I saw a drink named with my last name "the Martinez" so I had to drink that the whole night!!.. read more

The Richardson - Called the Martinez! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Recently visited NYC for the first time on a weekend stint to hang out with my brother, who used to live in the Williamsburg neighborhood. I really enjoyed this place. It models itself as a prohibition-era speakeasy, with good jazz playing in the background. I enjoyed taking in the subtle sophistication of this establishment. We just had a few slices at Carmine's and wanted to wash it down with a few cocktails. Being a Tom Collins fan, I was very interested in their interpretation my favorite drink. Unlike those I've had in the past, they used a darker, aged gin which gave the drink an added characteristic of distinction. The name of the gin escapes me, the I remember the light brown color and the fact that the bottle was actually numbered. I also tried the Manhattan, which was just as good. Definitely look forward to checking out this place again when I'm back in Brooklyn. The service was great. The bartender was very attentive and we had a long discussion about gins and they've become progressively clearer and blander over the years. He also knew quite a bit about wine, and he gave me a few winery recommendations for my Napa honeymoon. read more

I just read Peter D.'s review and he's right. This bar is indeed beautiful! It's clean and well kept, doesn't have that old worn out look to it. It doesn't feel like a speakeasy where it's dark and secretive. It's more like a bar prior to the prohibition era when it was okay to serve alcohol. Now THAT'S HIP! Their drinks are pretty strong. I'm not gonna lie, that 1 cocktail here totally beats out the 1 cocktail I have at Manhattan Inn or Hotel Delmano. 2 drinks here and my drunk driving skills kick in. read more

Not sure what's the point anymore in yelping something with over 100 reviews. But here goes. Great place. Nice bartenders and of course great uniforms! Seemed like a hidden gem because it wasn't that busy and its in a kind of hard to reach spot of Williamsburg. Check it out, much less busy than the main strip of Bedford and its neighboring streets. read more

I wanted to be obsessed with this place. I wanted it to be a space I could go gaga over. I visited the Richardson on a Saturday night (maybe my first mistake?) and was pretty underwhelmed. It's a big beautiful space and the amount of room is pretty awesome. The decor is fine and the bartenders are funny and easy on the eyes... and yet, the drinks underwhelmed me (I didn't even finish mine and took sips of my friends' choices and was still pretty "meh,") the ambience wasn't incredible, and it was pretty noisy. Perhaps I'm an old lady in a 20-something's body but give me a tiny bar with a great drink where I can hear the person I'm sitting next to any day. read more

I never start my nights out at the Richardson, but I always somehow end up here, snuggled up on a dark wood bench, sipping a French 75 or Damson Fizz. It's the perfect end to an evening - relatively quiet, relaxing, with friendly bartenders and beautiful decor. And if you're hungry, the goat cheese or prosciutto sandwiches are excellent. read more

I've been here a few times and I appreciate what they are trying to do especially since it makes my investment in the hood go up. However, I just feel like it's nothing special. I felt like I walked into a bar in L.A. and this "want to be cool like those guys and bars in the Swingers movie." With that said, I AM a fan of their cocktails. Those things are properly made. Me likey proper cocktails. They also have a good beer selection. The bartenders are cool, really cool but the overall crowd is eh. Everyone is there with their own groups. Maybe that's what I don't care for, the clique-ish vibe. I left that back in CA. I'm not hatin' but no mad love to give except to the tenders. Big ups to them. read more

The barstaff and selection were excellent--lots of whiskey, lots of rye, impeccably poured and garnished beverages served up lickety-split. Our cocktails were top-notch, the pickles & pretzels were pleasant, and we left there wanting to try a wide selection of things we hadn't ordered. We left, though, after just one round because the crowd was so oddly...Manhattan...or something. The place was bright and noisy and just not the scene we were looking for at all. I'm casting my bets that it wasn't a representative evening--most of the millers-about were wearing nametags and our Morrissey-esque bartender told us that it was a school reunion--so I'll give it another shot on a weeknight and see if it better suits my fancy. The area behind the bar is surprisingly spacious--probably because of the substantial support beams smack in the middle of the room--so our dapper bartender could've pirouetted should he have felt so inclined. read more

I love the ambiance here. They have a SOLID Manhattan, which I adore. The Richardson is definitely one of my favorite bars in NYC. Yummy snacks. Great drinks. Cute boys... err and girls. :P read more

Really you should start you night here... but for some odd reason I always find myself ending it here... maybe cause they are so cool about push last call to the last possible moment. Anyways, if you are looking for a chill spot with some ill drinks, this is it. Great service, super knowledgeable, good drinks. read more

Perhaps one of my favorite bars in Williamsburg. This is a real classy place. The bartenders are super knowledgeable about their beers and cocktails, and always very friendly. A rare blend between a neighborhood bar and the kind of place you'd take your whiskey-swilling/beer snob dad. And I know this makes no difference in the quality of a bar, but I really appreciate a place where the bartenders wear suit vests and bowties. It's a nice step up from the usual Williamsburg joint. And it's a very good post-date cocktail spot. read more

I would give this place 3.5. cocktails are definitely quality however for a tiny girl like me. it's a little bit stronger side. I guess I wouldn't complain when you pay what's worth. It's a good place for group dinner/drinks. they have few intimate tables for date as well. If i am around the area, i would check it out ! read more

Nice ambiance. The gin-cured gravlax platter was pretty good for $12, and you could really taste the gin. The Jack Rose cocktail I ordered was terrible, it was so viscous with grenadine that you couldn't taste the applejack or the lime juice. When I gently asked to send it back and the waitress said, "Didn't you know it was a sweet drink?" I explained that I expected it to be sweet, but not like this. She took it back. read more

Ah yes, classy neighborhood bar in the heart of Williamsburg! I love the bartender's outfit: Suit shirts and ties - so hip! If you come here, you obviously come for the drinks. Which are exactly what I am looking for! They provide a solid cocktail list, and these cocktails taste great. Just watching the crew mix them is impressive by itself. Aside from good drinks, the Richardson offers some well-tasting side dishes and sammiches. I liked their baby spinach and fennel salad. Be aware that this place will be slammed on a weekend night out. I prefer getting here early or going during the week. read more

Menu didn't appeal to me, but the interior was nice and cozy, they have Van Winkle 12 yr which is awesome and even though I don't go to bars much anymore, had a nice time here on a Sunday. read more

The Richardson - They have the amazing 12 Yr. Van Winkle bourbon here! Fur and bourbon. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The bartender here, TJ, is AMAZING. This was our first stop on a girls weekend trip to NYC and this has set the bar high for the rest of the weekend. TJ offered samples of a variety of wines and made sure we found something we linked. Great wine list, casual atmosphere and fun music. We are already planning a trip back later in the weekend. Highly recommend for happy hour. read more

The Richardson might be the best bar I've ever been to. The little things at this place make it so perfect: A friendly nod from the bartender every time I walk in - the decor - the food they occasionally give out for free. Essentially this place is a well executed, classy bar serving great drinks without any of the pretension that you get at any other bar that attempts such a feat. Just go to Huckleberry on Grand once and you'll be running back to this place. Yes the drinks can be a bit pricey upon first glance, but they are well worth it considering the quality. Friday and Saturday night can be annoying, but everywhere is annoying on Friday and Saturday. Careful - don't stand up too fast after two Manhattan on the rocks. read more

Awesome scene, best cut fries I ever had. They got a full stacked bar. Outside seating (when the the weather is nice). I would definitely come back. read more

I came here last night, yes on the eve of the 4th of July, with my boyfriend and guy friend of ours. We wanted a quick meal in a venue that served alcohol. I found The Richardson via this site and decided to give it a shot I called first to see if they were open, and I was informed they are open until 4am every night. How exciting/dedicated. We walked in and were instantly awed. Plenty of space and charm. I dont even know where to start. From the decor, to the lighting, to the bartenders dressed so incredibly awesome, my first impression was "obsessed". Then I looked at the menu. Specialty drinks of all types, flavors and liquors. I was so impressed, and even more so when I asked the bartender a question about a drink, and he gave me a true, honest opinion. Major points for that. The food menu is absolutely incredible for a bar. They serve food that one might find in a ritzy wine bar. I had the Beer Drinkers Plate, which was a plate with pickles (some of the best ive ever had), amazing pretzels served with mustard and some fantastic cheese. The boys both had the prosciutto sandwich, and they both had high reviews of it. My drink, which I so typically forgot the name of, was excellent. It was a fancy mixed drink made with ginger beer, rum and lime juice. No, NOT a Dark and Stormy, but even better (I didnt think it was possible either, but TRUST me). I cannot wait to come back to The Richardson. My curser keeps flicking back and fourth between the 4 and 5 stars though, HA! read more

So boss. If there is one thing I can almost always get behind, its laid-back cocktails. This place has them in spades. The speakeasy atmosphere sets the mood at a low hum, which is a refreshing change of pace from having to elbow your way to the bar for a warm beer at some other establishments. Admittedly, there are no deals on the menu, but i have no problem paying for quality, and the barkeep is meticulous. Enjoyed a great tom collins, which was the perfect counterbalance to the oppressive heat. Followed that up with their Hemingway Daiquiri, which, as the name suggests, was weather appropriate as well. Haven't eaten anything there yet, but as I've just moved to the area, I'm making that a priority. read more

Great music, decor and service. Wine, cocktails and food. Open late. Yay. read more

The hard-to-find Dubonnet cocktail... expertly mixed by The Richardson's bada** bartenders. read more

There is only one real, serious bar off the Graham stop and this is it. Take advice of the expert bartenders and do what they tell you. Bring a hot date, preferably your wife. You will not be disappointed. read more

The Richardson - Too bad you don't have this at The Richardson - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This bar is currently the glue holding this neighborhood together. Everyone knows that this area in brooklyn has gone through a ton of change in the past 20 years, but this neighborhood had a sort of renaissance where we were privileged to have a variety of great places open up... Sel de mar, Roebling Tea Room, Nights and Weekends... places that brought us all together as a community of people who thrive on the opportunity to eat and drink together. As Williamsburg has prospered and a more midtown Manhattan feel has started to creep into this part of Brooklyn a sense of dread has filled the local populace. A sense that the neighborhood has jumped the shark is always in the back of our minds. Despite a dire period of closing there are admittedly some new great spots opening but its the Richardson that has stood the test of time and bridged the old neighborhood with the new. A mix of welcoming locals and new faces drive a laid back but social energy where anyone lucky enough to hang around late night will be quizzically looking at their phones in the morning trying to remember the new friends they made. God bless America and god bless the Richardson! read more

We went to find the Artomat that resides at the bar and found wonderful food, drinks and conversation with Jesse the bartender. This is a place we will return to. read more

The great selection of beers, tasteful speakeasy atmosphere, and delicious--if a bit pricey--food options make The Richardson a wonderful option for a relaxed late night. The food is all delicious, simple, and mostly affordable--although smaller items tend to be overpriced. Beer comes from a beautifully kept set of taps and rotates from time to time, ensuring a fresh selection of microbrews. Average price is $6.50 as of my last visit. Also of note are some amazingly inventive cocktails, like the Treebeard, which uses pine liqueur. These average $10 per drink, but the martini-style ones are tall. This is a place to go with a couple friends, a date, or, as many people do, as a regular, to talk with the bartenders who are all very friendly and responsive. This is not a place to go if you want to dance, are interested in super cheap alcohol, or want to watch sports games. read more

This bar is beyond fabulous! The owner's attention to detail is what is most amazing. The cocktails are delicious and unique, very boozy too. The food is great and well priced and the bartenders are all super friendly! It is a great spot for lunch as well, they have a $10.00 lunch special with a small salad, deviled eggs, and a sandwich and an "afternoon drink list" of cocktails like aperol spritzers. This is definitely one of my favorite places in Williamsburg! read more

I really enjoyed the Richardson...wonderful bartender (friendly and makes a good cocktail), nice beer selection, and great atmosphere. Check out my full review here: http://criticalreviews.wordpress.com/2008/10/20/the-richardson/ read more

This review is of the bar only. Great tasty drinks. They have all sorts of classy cocktails that you can try as well as the usual lineup of alcohol. The wood was dark, the bar stools were comfy and the drinks were strong. What is there not to like? It's all good as far as I'm concerned. read more

The Richardson is on the list for best bars in Brooklyn. If you go early or during the day, you get the personal attention from some of the best bartenders around. If you're there late at night the room is swinging like a depression era joint. Even some of the hipster dressed patrons seem to fit in perfectly. Oh, and the mixed drinks and beers are top notch. read more

Although they'll serve your jack & coke in a highball glass, which is an unforgivable sin, this is still a great place to hang out and my favorite bars in the area. Interesting, appetizer-style bar food but limited meal selection, excellent cocktails, and a classy if limited beer selection makes this a worthy choice. Their location moderately away the hipster hotspots in Williamsburg and Bushwick mean the vibe is much less crowded. Patio seats are wonderful when it's warm and dry out, and the interior is classy as heck even if the music is too loud. All around an excellent place to start and/or finish your night out. read more

The Richardson was amazing before Covid and it is above and beyond after. The extra care they take to make you feel safe and still delivery high quality drinks and snacks is second to none. Also if you are skeptical of canned fish, don't be. This is not Charlie the tuna it's gold standard Spanish style tinned fish that is better than some of the "fresh" fish you can get I. NYC. read more

Clean taps, good beer selection and deviled eggs......what else do you want. One of my top choices in the burg, especially summer, chillin in the outdoor area!!! read more

My first and only time here has given me cause to return. First of all, this particular neighborhood of Williamsburg is beautiful, and even though the residents are a bit strange, they don't bother anyone and they LOVE to drink. I happened upon this bar with a good friend who owed me drinks, so since I didn't know the area very well he picked this place. It's dimly lit, but who doesn't love that in a bar? The bartenders are extremely friendly and all collaborate with a similarly adorable attire. (Some of them are quite good looking too). The drinks are priced reasonably, and the atmosphere of the place gives you reason to want to drink more, and to accompany yourself with friends. When there's warmer weather and later at night you can't miss this place - there will be many people sitting outside enjoying themselves. You definitely will have a good experience here. I have no complaints for this bar. Usually every bar has one or two gray areas that turns me off but this particular place left me with a hard buzz and initiative to return again. I definitely, definitely recommened! read more

Meh pretty much sums up my experience at The Richardson. Stopped by with a few friends last night and asked about Happy Hour specials and was met with a reply of "We're working on that haha" from one of the bartenders. Drinks were just alright and one of the bartenders didn't give my friend her six dollars in change back, and she had to walk back to the bar to demand it. Overall I think The Richardson thinks it's in Manhattan when it's actually in a dark corner of Williamsburg right off the BQE. So many better places to go. read more

If you want to get 77.7% drunk after only the first drink...... (confession or FAQ, I was already quarter drunk before richardson, does that count?) If you want to see how golden damask wall papers & chandelier mixes with the country music... or the likes. if you want to study a gigantic drink menu that makes you read for 15 minutes to the point of making you insecure, so that you just want someone to order for you... If you just want out and about whether you are dressed or not....mingling with the crowds from sportbar boys to hipsters or just your neighbors like (except landlords)..... *hurry to the Richardson. Drinks here are super strong... I repeat again... STRONG!!!! Not talking about beers, you know.. and you know the feeling that the alcohol preception system in your body tells you whatever you pour in from now on, I feel good.... and I feel you every drop from the moment it hits your tongue down the throat to the point why my heart or stomach burning so hot like I saw the one? or two? It happens shortly after the first drink at the Richardson. Drinks are cheap-eR ($9-10) Foods are cheap($5-8) for the good portion~~~ But you need to wait long. even though you sit at a table, most likely selfserving with the absurd excuses of "the wait stafffs are too busy to serve you" How oddy?... and what does that mean? Why? Why? Well it was too loud that they couldn't hear my questions. So...we collected our plates from the bar and even paid the bill at the bar even though we were sitting at a table. Hm.... Is this a new thing? Loud... A bit obnoxious.... Drink menu is really intense though. Liquor ingredients used are rare. For example... one made with Zibrowska (buffalo grass polish drink) and of course Absinthe and Rye whiskeys. But, let me remind you again.. they are Stoooo---Rong........ My dates with Richardson always ended up in alcohol overdose.... with drinks that actually wake you up with a head shake like your morning coffee to be ready for tomorrow's early edition... this isn't one of my favorite bars but I won't consciously skip it if in my way. *After Tom R's question of "Why Hurry?", I think he is right, why hurry? so I agree on to " Take it Easy".... read more

Take the characteristics elements from a prohibition-speakeasy spot, transplant it in a typical American Bar and you will have The Richardson as result. With cocktails reaching the category of Raines Law Room or Hotel Delmano and a look as an old fashioned house with candles, sophisticated wallpaper, dark wood floor and ceiling, everything could indicate that you will need a secret number, a sign labeling a secret door or to wait for a text message telling you that you have a table to be occupied in the next 15min. But the only you will actually need is your ID and to be ready for a pleasant surprise that once was even soundtracked by Elvis Presley. Its not like at Raines, Delmano and many others that I love there is rules other than seats available, but The Richardson's advantage is how spacious it is; A date? maybe .. but the place where your friends could first meet your date .. yes definitely. As well as the place to hang out with them frequently. Casual, no matter if you just coming from work, wearing sneakers, jeans, fancy or not, a jacket or your favorite Tshirt... the most sophisticated look, actually doesn't match too much. But.. feel free. It can be huge but to get a table can be a challenge, and to be served for the waiters other than for one of your friends, could be a challenge as well. To have an spot in the bar is always more cool to me; the bartenders have that look that tell you they know how to mix your booze. Talking to you, having a little fun and showing their tattoos as the ones at Delmano. You can also leave your glass in the wooden benches located all along the main room and bring a stool to seat. Once seated you will receive first the drink menu and a bottle of water. If you think that its not necessary wait until a first sip to your drink. Beers and wines; impressive Whiskey selection and cocktails. To me, the cocktails belongs to the purist group (Raines Law Room) not to the creativity ones (Pegu, Milk and Honey, White star); the spirit is what matters more than the textures, extra-flavors and treats. And for purist I'm talking about it seriously. Dilution had to be a miss during the training of The Richardson gang (the bartenders, not the cruel criminals "working" at London 50yr ago *). You can choose among the Classic, House or Seasonal and it will not cost you more than $10. I tasted The Jam, Treebeards, Stone's throw and Widow's kiss. It takes me long time to finish it and I could have fire a candle with my breath. Water will help you to dilute. You can help yourself as well with a Toast of prosciutto with fig jam. They don't use Serrano ham, and if you have compare both you know why I'm pointing this out, but still, the toast bread is as good as the one I had at El Jamon, Mario Batali's Spanish tapas bar. Perfectly crispy, right thickness and a bit juicy because the oil drops. The portion is huge, and the touch of jam to sweeten it its perfect to me. $6 for moments of pleasure. But, other than prosciutto? yes sir, and more small plates other than toast? of course. I actually don't like The Richardson .. too much. Because at the end, flowers, fruits, treats and sweet scents as the ones that I receive at Pegu are my thing...personally. However, give me the chance to live in a unpretentious speakeasy with high quality drinks and I'm in for it. But please, don't eat my toast, don't drink my water or you will have to take care of me. And before to be done, a shout out of David C's review. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ * (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Richardson_Gang) read more