Barkeep: Whatta ya have? Me, in croaky Hispanic cowboy voice: WHEESKEY! Barkeep: Scotch whiskey, or bourbon whiskey? Me: WHHEEEEEEESKEEEEYYYY!!!!!!!!!! Now, what do you suppose someone like, say, Lee van Cleef (The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly) would do if a bartender said that to him? read more

Well I've never reviewed a place. And this is my first. And only because the big blonde bartender is a big blonde douche. I order a beer and a wine, and my friend asked for a soda after the fact. He acted as if I asked him to craft me a Stradivarius in the back. I've honestly never been treated so rude by a restaurant or bar server. Anyway the rest of the plays seems pretty cool. But that was not a warm welcome by any means. I don't think I'll be back. Thanks for nothing dude. read more

Great drinks, crowd, library-style ambience

"This place is too hip for its own good." Went on a Saturday. The whole decor is cool, library study meets outdoor bocce park, but the mix drinks are too pricey, not made very well and it gets way too crowded. Having bocce in a bar at first seems like a cool idea, but once people have a few drinks in them they think it appropriate to chuck the ball over their heads and wind up hitting the lamps sending them swinging like mad. I enjoyed sitting on couches, but then that puts you so far from the bar that it will take you another 20 minutes to get a drink and get back. One other thing, Unisex bathrooms. Not for everyone and unless you are ready for it, it can be a bit of a shock when there is a dude standing next to you washing his hands.. read more

Good drinks, good atmosphere. But one warning: when at the bar trying to get a drink, do not hold your palm vertically and move it from side to side (also known as waving) to get the bartenders attention (which is the opposite of every bar on planet earth) or the female bartender will tell you flatly "don't wave, we don't wave here" and ignore you for a little while until you've learned your lesson. Why you may ask. I have no idea but I can get berated at my own home, no need to go out for that. read more

Ummm...yeah, so i come here a lot and love this place!!! Idk why i never wrote about this chill spot in the slope but here goes... #1 bar tenders are always, yes always, cool. #2 there is dancing downstairs on Saturday nights!!!!!! #3 random acts come here too-comedy was entertaining and tickets are cheap. #4 bocce ball courts in the bar...yeah baby! #5 never drama. Always easy breezy. #6 had a burger here once and it was gooood. #7 come through and see for yourself read more

We came here for the Burlesque Christmas Show and what can I say? Union Hall is awesome! I love the downstair space. It is pretty small, but if you ever get to watch a performance there (I have been lucky to see 2), its really worth it. It makes you feel as one with the performers...lol. I absolutely love burlesque and this was a great venue! The drinks are super cheap by NY standards, $4 to $5 for a beer, really cant be beat! read more

Shuffleboard is cool (just be prepared to wait), and they have a lot of beers on tap. A lot of ample seating too, with several booths nearby. Good location near other Union/5th Ave. spots as well. read more

On paper Union Hall looks like a 5 star spot. Outdoor seating/smoking, long accommodating bar, food, fireplace, library, cozy downstairs venue. Bocce ball? check. It's the crowd that's a potential problem, but easy enough deal with if you're well adjusted, or among friends. Hopefully many friends. Love seeing bands play in the little venue, the bartender down there is great. Union Hall: The coolest frat house you'll ever go to. read more

With a cool mix of people,a lady bartender who gets the job done, high ceilings, sans life-long lines for the ladies room, this place does pretty well. I just wish there was more room for sitting, or at the very least, I had gotten to play bocce on my 25th Birthday--but I didn't get to, so Union Hall can't have more than three of MY stars. Thinking about going back on a weekday night. read more

Union Hall is a massive relaxing bar, restaurant and live music venue. The drinks and food are reasonably priced. The decor is charming, with cozy couches, large comfy chairs, easy on the eyes kind of lighting, a large library, welcoming fireplaces to sit by, an out door mini garden to smoke in, and a down stairs music venue. The bathrooms are unisex, but always manage to stay clean, and there has never been a line. The bocce ball is a nice touch and really fun to play, though there might be a little bit of a wait on the weekends. (mainly Friday/ Saturday. Sunday its usually dead there.) The music venue downstairs is fun, super dark, with a nice stage and its own bar. Its a great place to go with almost anyone. Sit upstairs by the fireplaces, and have a quiet moment with your bf/gf. If you're at a loss for words, randomly pull out one of the many books from the library for giggles with your friends. Play some bocce ball, it somehow never manages to get old. Or go down stairs, even if there isn't a show that night, they sometimes have karaoke, which is always fun to atleast watch. This place is well made, and was throughout very well when they converted it from being an old warehouse to what it is today. I've been coming here for years and will definitely continue to do so. Sometimes you just want to go out but still have a relaxing night out. This is the place to do that. read more

Pretty chill bar and bocce ball venue. They have a concert and performance space but I haven't been to any shows here yet. Although its in the heart of hip-centric yuppville, Park Slope, its surprisingly not TOO hipster.The crowd seems to be mostly younger suits and 20-something asian girls for them to hit on, go to feel a little hipster, without venturing from their typical social circle. Essentially the young midtown crowd, trying to differentiate themselves from the stereotype, makes their way to this spot in BK. Despite that this isn't my favorite hood or crowd, Union Hall actually serves a pretty darn good time. Go with good friends, play ball, drink beer and chances are you will enjoy yourself. read more

The other night I found myself getting drunk in the library, but this wasn't any ordinary library. There were a bunch of people there, talking loudly, listening to music, playing Bocci, flaunting their disobedience of normal library conduct. I sat back a minute and thought to myself, "This must be some kind of dream." Well, my friends, it wasn't. It was Union Hall, a place for people to gather, have a few drinks, perhaps a bite to eat, and forget about their everyday lives for awhile. They have two Bocci ball courts smack dap in the middle of the bar and a small stage area that supports emerging Indie artists, both local and abroad. I have to say, this place is a dream come true, and if you live in the area or are just in town for a visit, stop in for awhile. You shan't regret your decision to do so. read more

Fun place. Plenty of space for a group. Too bad they only had two lanes for bocce ball.

Union hall gets 4 stars for character and location. This bar has a large though slightly awkward area with a bar, some couches and bocce ball area. On weekends, it is tough to find a seat and the bar feels a little overcrowded. However, the library shelves and warm atmosphere more than make up for the lack of breathing space. Downstairs is the smaller show area. It does feel a little gloomy but you barely notice once the music starts. I have only had the veggie burger here so I can't rate the whole menu. That has been consistently good, and so have been the sweet potato fries. The waiters/bartenders are friendly and attentive. Crowd is a strange mix. read more

Fun bar to grab weekday drinks with friends. There's usually a good crowd and some sort of event happening. The staff is always friendly and who doesn't like drinking by a fireplace? Downside, Union Hall has a B rating. Why?! I would love to know, but I won't order food there anymore. read more

This is a really unique bar that is fun to go to after work with a group of friends. Their beer prices are reasonable ($5-$8) and their beer selection is unique. The decor is original. Library, comfy chairs, booths, fireplaces... and a bocce ball court! I had a lot of fun coming here and plan on going back for sure. read more

We love this bar, for drinking and bocce, BUT beware the food. They have a Grade Pending, which means they are fighting their health department inspection results. I ignored this and now regret it - their food made me sick. Grade Pending indeed... read more

I liked the atmosphere, food, and drinks. But the night I went the music was completely depressing. And my friends and I had to leave because we started to fall asleep and feel sad (literally). I'm told that it's usually much more lively, but the bartenders playlist was driving business away. I'd go again but not stay too long. read more

I liked this place. I would go again. Great atmosphere. On weekends get there early to get a good spot. It's the most crowded I've seen a bar in Brooklyn, but at least the prices are still Brooklyn, at $5 for a good pint. I also like scotch, and there's plenty of it. You should go and check it out. The only important part of this review is the 4-stars part. For me, 5 stars is "best in class", 4 is a positive impression, 3 is no impression either way, 2 is a somewhat negative impression, and 1 is a sincere recommendation not to ever go there. read more

Nothing creates interest like controversy. I had heard about Union Hall when I first heard of the controversy with their fight for a liquor license a few months ago. When it sprung up again a few weeks ago, I figured this was the universe telling me it was time to take a look. At the end of the day, a bar's a bar's a bar but I really liked the vibe on this one. It was a rainy night, so maybe that kept the really young kids away, but I liked the laid back ennui and the mildly amusing 35-year-old guy going off on someone* who had encroached on his bocce ball playing space certainly kept me entertained while I waited for my date to arrive. Being that it's more than 10 blocks from where I live, it's not as if this is going to be a regular place, but it wasn't the scourge of society that I thought it might be based on the news it generated. Oh -- and we completely dominated on the bocce ball court. You can really kill some time doing that if you're lucky. * - Not me. read more

The first time my roommate brought me to Union Hall, I didn't understand what all the hype was about. Then, I walked through the door into an amazing wonderland of indielectuals. An instant favorite - and has been a major win with everyone else I've brought there since. What's not to love about Union Hall? Convenient location, good beer selection - happy hour all night!, books on the walls, armchairs by fireplaces in the front, booths in the back, great music - sometimes live!, and freaking bocce ball?! I must admit I haven't tried the food, but the leather bound books abounding would be enough to make even me overlook to worst offenses of bad bar food (nacho cheez makes me shudder). Really the only thing that could make this place better is board games, but now that we have located at least 3 board-game-bars in the vicinity I think we're OK (Pacific Standard, Commonwealth, and I forget the third one because I was drunk when we were there. But it exists, I swear). All in all, this place is awesome and I love it. The ambiance is surprisingly fitting for whatever mood I'm in. Almost any time that going out to a bar comes up, Union Hall seems to fit the bill. Sometimes it's a little too crowded on weekends, but that's why truly 'unique individuals' such as myself choose to drink on weeknights. Duh. read more

The crowd at Union Hall varies between young yuppie hipster hybrids and older yuppie hipster hybrids. I don't mean this in a bad way, necessarily (I think) but there definitely is a Park Slope-y version of jock-y Irish pub going on here. If you are looking for a place with any "edge", here it is not. Example: a couple ordered Blow Job shots, which I literally have not seen someone order since 2008. Disclaimer: I noted this to the bartender and she made me one on the house, which I did and it was delicious. The bartenders have always been nice and the prices are what are expected from a place that draws in the 'I have a high paying job but I also want you to see my vintage shirt' crowd. The decor is nice. They have bocce courts (I stand by my yuppie hipster hybrids label). What really makes this venue a draw to me are the events downstairs. I have been to everything from kareoke nights to surf rock shows. They have a lot of comedy coming up (Wyatt Cenac filmed his special here, in fact) and other events like 'Erotic Fan Fiction' competitions. Downstairs definitely struck me as the 'I listen to NPR' section as far as patrons go. This is fine, I listen to NPR too. I sound like I am being pretentious about this place, which I am I guess. I shouldn't be. It is a beautiful thing when bros and thrifters and book readers can all coexist. read more

I came to Union Hall, in the heart of Park Slope, for a friend's birthday celebration. Upon entering, I was immediately dismayed by the hordes of people already there, but at the same time impressed by its hunting lodge/library from Beauty and the Beast vibe. We stuck around long enough (and hovered enough) to claim a few couches when they opened up, and it was much more enjoyable to spend a few hours here from that position. The drink selection was fine, if a little basic, and not terribly expensive. Still, though, the line to play bocce was interminable and the noise level was a little out of control. I'd like to come back on an off night for a quiet few drinks in a comfy couch, but I doubt I'll be back on a Friday/Saturday night. read more

Oh Union Hall, how I dearly like you! Most nights of the week, its fairly easy to get a drink, and play a game of bocce just like the hipsters did in the olden days. With a cozy atmosphere and a good young crowd, it is a good area to start your night out out on the town. If you don't want some bites in the bar, there are plenty of restaurants in this area as well as plenty of bars to visit before and after if you plan on bar-hopping. I love that although their claim to fame is bocce, they still have fun events such as bingo. See their events schedule for more information as it changes constantly! Overall, great times to be had here. Cons, I would say is, sometimes its takes forever if you wanna play bocce, and drink prices are a little high for brooklyn! Union Hall is also accessible by the R train as well as by car, although parking on the weekends is pretty tight. If you're a hipster with a bicycle, you're set though. Plenty of room to park that thang. If you're into throwin' back a few beers and throwing some balls, this is totally your thang. Yes I used thang twice in one review. Over and out. read more

Ah, Union Hall. I have a love-hate relationship with this place. The downstairs venue is a pleasant small room to see bands in-- and check out the museum cases of oddities. Unfortunately the Rock Shop down the hill is now getting a lot of acts that formerly played here-- as a room I actually prefer Union Hall's space. Then again, I'd prefer not to make the epic trek to Park Slope from Ridgewood to see bands, period, but that's another issue. As for the upstairs, it is a packed-to-the-gills total shitshow on the weekends of the worst type of yuppies in large groups. At an off time it is a pleasant enough environment, but for some reason (bocce maybe?) the crowds tend to make it an unbearable environment. read more

I went to see my cousin play a show at Union Hall this past weekend (his band is The Brixtons--check them out!). I love this place! We got there early (7:45ish) and it wasn't that crowded, but a lot of the other reviews (Sandy J./Simon H.) say the place gets jammed packed--so go early and stake your claim on a couch or two. They've got a huge upstairs bar (awesome beers), sitting areas in the front surrounded by floor-to-ceiling book shelves and fireplaces, INDOOR bocce courts (freakin amazing), even more seating behind the bocce courts and a lower level that's akin to your grandma's Brooklyn basement that someone turned into a small bar and music venue for your friends to hang out in. Wait, that's exactly what happened... I just wished I lived in Brooklyn so I could come back to Union Hall on the regular. Everything from the tickets to the drinks to the food is really reasonably priced. Can't wait to go back. read more

2 for the food, 4 for the drinks Came here early on a Friday (like 630-7). There was only 1 bartender so even though it wasn't busy it took a while to get drinks. The drinks themselves were good. I got a vodka soda & bartender didn't skimp on the liquor. Prices were great which makes it 4 stars. Food, pretty disappointing -pretzels were rock hard even when they were first served. Dipping sauces were great. -Spicy fries were more like potato wedges with lots of pepper. Not crispy at all. - nachos had stale chips & toppings were sparse. The chili they added was pretty good but honestly there was like 2tablespoons of each topping for a big pile of chips so you really had to ration it. Atmosphere is cool, looks like a library or a study with bocce ball in the back & a comedy/music venue in the basement. I'd come here for a night out but would def skip on the food next time read more

This pub has got some attractions you'd be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Between a full service bar, fireplaces, books, boardgames, and bocce ball, this is not the kind of bar you end up just stopping by for a drink. I ended up playing bocce ball on a bum ankle last night which worked out because it is one of the least demanding games ever. I'd liken it to a mix between bowling and shuffle board. Nearly everyone that I met last night on the "Bocce" ball court had never played. My friend who I came with, however, was the resident expert. He was getting crazy into it which sort of backfired. My friend is color blind, not like a dog, but he can't tell the difference between red and green. So we get a little saucy and all of a sudden he's tossing around our opponents balls because he can't tell the difference. It was pretty funny. Anyway, this place has a pretty good beer selection and a fun crowd. read more

Bocce ball inside? How fun! I don't have the slightest clue how to play, but it's fun to watch. The interior sorta looks like an old university library at first, until you notice the bocce ball. Dark wood, high ceilings. And a little outdoor area on the side is great in warmer weather. They also have a downstairs area for live bands. Friendly bartenders, but not sure if there's wait staff for the folks sitting outside - the first time I went, they did come out, but the last time, we had to go get our own drinks. Haven't tried the food, but they have a little menu of small plates to nibble on. Overall fun atmosphere for a relaxing afternoon or evening drink. read more

I really (still) want to like this place as it's big, handsome, has the kick ass indoor bocce lanes and seems generally relaxed. I just don't "get" the service. On my first visit, I sat at the bar and got a bev, but was never visited again - even though the crowd was thin. Another customer handed me breadsticks, but otherwise I have no idea if they have food. After 20 minutes of hunger and sitting with an empty glass, I left. Would have paid but was never offered. Returned today and brought friends because I like the place. We sat on a couch for 20+ minutes and realized they had no table service (I guess). Again, it wasn't busy and there were 2-3 staff on hand, but one has to go to the bar. Still not sure if they have food. Also, the bathroom on the main floor, while cool in design, was liquid drenched. My female friends said it was this way for 2 hours and the had to roll up their pants to visit. I'd give them another star if the bar staff and employees were more engaged and interested in exploring/satiating customer needs. This place is a gem and if run with more polish, could be a diamond. read more

I have been here twice and both reasons were for a comedy show. The feel of the bar is pretty cool. One thing I love about the place is their sweet potatoe fries. They were cut in huge pieces and tasted pretty fucking awesome. My gripes are the staff is kind of rude and the food prices are outrageous. They wanted $7 for a salad that had mixed green and plum tamotoes. WTF!?!?! And $2 more to add chicken or steak. Fuck that. I would go back for the comedy shows. read more

I love this bar. When and if I ever get my own house...this is what I want my living room to feel like. Cozy fireplace, tons of comfy loungy seating, wide open space and cheap beer. (Why did I wait so long to go to Brooklyn?) A great spot to meet up with friends and chat. If you're lucky, you'll get a turn at bocce ball. Somebody from San Francisco, come visit me so I can take you here! read more

I must say Brooklyn gets a big thumbs up for their spacious bars! The place is huge! I went with a group of friends and right away we were able to find seating for our group of 10. I was particularly impressed by the bathrooms, because there were about 6 stalls! The music was a bit loud for a group conversation, but perfect for a more intimate setting. My favorite part was the food... and let me just tell you that this was no ordinary bar food. Their idea of a chicken sandwich with fries and a salad was taken to a completely different level, I'd say it was borderline gourmet! The chicken sandwich had roasted red peppers and a heavy dose of ....wait for it....melted GRUYERE cheese! (have I mentioned how much I love gruyere cheese?). The salad was a simple baby greens salad with cherry tomatoes, but the herb vinaigrette was out of this world! There was an explosion of flavor with a delicate balance of herbs, I could taste some mint, but I couldn't tell what else what else was in it, I just know with was all a perfect combination. The fries were also amazing because they were well-seasoned. The price was not bad either, all of that food came out to $18 and it fed two of us. I may just have to go back to try more food because it was just that good (the food alone gets a 5 in my book). The only downside was the service, the waitress was not attentive at all. read more

I'll be the first to admit that I have a weakness for book! So I rate this place pretty highly b/c it embraces that love. Union Hall has a war friendly feeling, almost as if you are stepping into a scene from the Great Gatsby, when his quests realize that the book on the wall are actually real. Anyway I digress...the crowd was a bit on the whiter side, unlike other places I have been in the slope...but hey what can I say its the new face of the slope. The fireplace was also another great addition, I would love to revisit the place on a cold day and snuggle by the fire place. read more

Went here for the first time earlier this week for "Mother Tongue," the adult spelling/grammar bee held on the lower level. Before the fierce competition got under way, my friends and I grabbed some food and beverage on the main floor. I thoroughly enjoyed the British boarding school decor. Although as I sat on one of the plush couches sipping my Jack & Coke, I definitely expected Professor Snape to materalize at any minute to chastise me for underage drinking. Food was fantastic. Pretty reasonable prices too. I ordered the Triple Threat, the not-so-poor-man's White Castle Slider Special. Union Hall's "mini burgers," however, were not so mini - so I could only finish two. They were delectable, as were the fries. And I am very particular about my fries. The spelling bee words and grammar questions were surprisingly difficult. The inability of most people to answer correctly was only exacerbated by the copious amounts of alcohol being consumed. Though the emcee had an enjoyably dry sense of humor, the proceedings were slow and definitely boring. I wouldn't recommend attending, unless you're a true bee aficionado. Looked longingly at the bocce courts on my way out at the end of the night. Would love to go back and play a round. But as previous users have said in their reviews, the crowds probably get mad annoying on the weekend. read more

3 stars if A-OK mean "Eh, it's sorta so so" Union Hall is like a pretentious friend with a really great side too. The kind you can only handle in small doses, every few weeks. They've got a great beer selection, comfy spots to sit and chat in and you're bound to run into someone you know on a Saturday night. Oh Bocce Ball is good too, I guess. On the other hand, it's super crowded, it's hard to hear the person sitting next to you and the waitress got our checks wrong (majorly) even though we talked her through them. Twice. Also known as, did her work for her. Minus another star for a sometimes less than classy crowd. Example: Last time we were there, one of the drunkies next to us bent over and picked up her tiny dress to moon her group of 20 completely trashed, screaming, balloon popping, beer spilling, tripping on the stairs, making out with each other friends. Drunkie McDoesn'tWearPanties didn't just pickup the back of her dress she picked up the whole damn thing and just stood there with her crotch hanging out. Super classy. read more

Entering the doors I immediately get a good feeling about this place. A winter person since birth, I always appreciate a big fireplace. The cozy armchairs made me wanna sink down in them and enjoy a glass of red wine, chit chatting with my friends. Unfortunately, when ordering our drinks the barkeep did not at all seem to like his job, and it didn't get better when a really rude and possibly high bouncer started to usher us out ten minutes before closing time. We were complying, but he still got aggressive and even stepped on my friends heels the whole way to the door. I've never been treated so rudely in a bar in my entire life. Will not come back! read more

After coming here a few times I can say that I definitely enjoy Union Hall. The best way to describe is that it is different. It is a lot different thank most bars in Brooklyn and any of the other boroughs. You walk in and it feels like a library to your left with book shelves along the wall. Sofas surround three different coffee tables, the one closest to the fireplace seems to be the most sought after place to lounge. Two long bocce courts take up the back of the bar. And I vaguely remember (too much to drink) having an awesome time in the basement one night when karaoke was going on. Prices are fare by nyc standards, never seem to catch happy hour so I dont know what those deals are. The food was good, I liked the burgers as well as the pizza. But of all the food for some reason the french fries stood out more than anything. Seriously tasty fries. It can get pretty packed even though it's a big place but the bartenders were efficient and quick. Cool change of pace bar.. also check out some of the events going on downstairs. read more

The nerd/closet semi-hipster inside of me was really drawn to the library/bocce court. I came here on a weekend with a bunch of friends- had a pretty standard good time then my roommate and I had just enough drinks in us when we discovered the dj playing the 80s dance party in the basement. Still one of the best dance parties I've ever had. My roommate especially scored since he kept drinking abandoned beers he found scattered around the stage leftover from the band that played. Don't worry, they weren't used beers, we're not that ghetto. read more