Really dig the atmosphere. Union Hall is slightly guilty of being a "one stop shop" of a bar. Music venue, bocce ball, old english style library/lounge set up provides a mix crowd. Albeit a slightly weird combo, it raises the question..where can you find such things all under one roof...why not? I can find find myself in either of the 3 common areas having a good time. Good beer selection. Chelsea Checker Cab Blond on tap a BIG PLUS. Above average bar food (beer cheese platter a must) Outdoor area a nice addition for summer months. read more

This place is the brother est. to Floyd on Atlantic. TWO that's right TWO bocce courts for that bocce itch you didn't even know you needed to scratch. Great beer selection, friendly staff, beautiful library decor, plus a cozy fireplace. Downstairs there is a venue for music, comedy, or whatever plus a full bar. They even have a smokers alley off to the side so that the crowd isn't all over the sidewalk. Essentially they thought of everything...except how popular bocce would be! It's a long way to the top if you wanna bocce roll. read more

This place is really cool and relaxing. There's books everywhere and I feel like i'm in a fancy library sippin' on cocktails. There's a back area where you can relax and smoke outside. The basement holds another area where you can watch live music. This place is a great addition to all the other cool spots on 5th Ave. read more

I came to this place once on a weeknight and really loved the fireplace and the bocce ball, and the whole thing. Whatever they were selling, I was definitely buying. I returned last night, a Saturday, and my opinion was altogether different. The crowd is fratty, and bland. In order to create even a smidgen of personality, they have to cram in as many boring bodies as the place will allow, so it was super crowded. I'm an adult with free will and I could have left the place if I really wanted to, but I was there for a birthday party and I'm no party pooper. At least the bar offers a great assortment of exceptional beers on draft for $5-$7 and all glasses of wine are $7. Decent prices, thank goodness, because I proceeded to get pretty silly. At one point, a friend of mine ordered a water for herself and a beer for me. The bartender acknowledged the order, but did not serve us. We realized this was intentional, as she wouldn't look directly at us and continued to serve people beside and behind us. I finally got her attention to figure out what the fuck was going on and would she please sell me a damn beer? She told me she didn't know the beer was for me, and she wasn't comfortable serving my friend any more (which is ridiculous, because girlfriend was perfectly coherent, and no where close to a cut off point). She also told me the water was self-serve at the end of the bar. All of this information should have been relayed when my friend ordered in the first place. Regardless of whether she deserved to be cut off, my friend deserved to be informed of that decision, instead of being ignored. The bartender may very well be a perfectly good person, obviously on the lookout for people who can't keep their shit together. But it was just handled inappropriately and left a bad taste in my mouth. So at this point I exerted that free will and peaced the eff out of there. read more

Pluses: Bocce ball courts, and you actually get to play (well, during the week) The mini burgers the beer fireplace Minuses: The people read more

A friend took us to this great spot and I fell for it instantly. A bocce court, library shelves lined with books, a great well stocked bar, dual fireplaces, a fun crowd, and a relaxed vibe all make this a great spot to chill out with friends, meet people or cozy up with a book and a drink, including some great ones for winter from their warm drink menu. read more

I didn't write this place up yet? huh. Well, ok. It's a rather polarizing place if you couldn't tell. I despise the upstairs. I really do. Despite its potential the crowd that is drawn here is NO FUN and the people who are the bocce rulers really need to settle down. But despite this wretchedly crowded place for Manhattanites who just found Brooklyn's charms there is the downstairs. Great room for great bands and a totally great vibe. It's like high school. All the folks that are THAT way hang upstairs and all the folks that are THIS way hang downstairs. It's preposterous but clique-ish in that same exact way. I'm only here for special occasions (read: rock) ultimately. read more

Great atmosphere. Maybe this is common knowledge, but a place like this is where you get BEER, and BEER ONLY. The bartenders either have minimal knowledge of mixed drinks or are too busy, so you get charged more for a really poorly made drink. That said, they have some interesting beers on tap. read more

Come here for the bocce ball, the good crowd, and the cozy interior. I always have a blast whenever I'm in the area and at this bar!

I love music as much as the next person, but it was so loud that I couldn't hear my friends' voices and this was at 3pm on a Saturday. Otherwise, it's a very nice spot with a good beer selection and I love the fireplaces. I see that there are other reviewers who also complained about the loud music, so just turn it down a couple of notches and I think we'll all be happier. I would give this place another shot. read more

the shepherd's pie is making me do this. it's a thin line between love and hate and i can attest to this as a fact: the way to a (wo)man's heart is through her stomach. union hall, we're back on! the tex mex spring roll things were really good as well. delicious comfort food. but.. i think i'll still boycott your beers. this is my version of the silent treatment until i get an apology from you or you surprise me with chili dogs on our monthiversary. read more

For someone who doesn't consider himself a bar person, this is my second favorite booze joint in the city (OK, I only know of a handful, but). Bocce ball, great beer selection, comfy couches, and cheerio-fried cheese balls... what more could one ask for? The waitress with the curly hair could be a bit less of a grump, but otherwise this groovy spot is a welcome addition to the n'hood. read more

Mostly where I hang after going to black pearl for dinner and drinks after 1am or 2. Cool, relax, cozy with it's garden. Young american crowd, cool kids in the block. A very special place with a unique concept. read more

I was waiting for a drink for 10 minutes until I waived the tender down who I said something to because he was taking people who were just walking in before me...he replied back "your drink doesn't make this bar go round," I was surprised he looked overwhelmed and it wasn't even busy, especially me knowing the restaurant business very well. Very unacceptable behavior and he should complete correct his behavior to people keeping this place running. By the way, I've never wrote a review in my life but this was necessary and it was the manager named Keith, such a great example! read more

Just your usual chillaxed bar hall in BK with bocce! My date and I went here as I told her I used to go to this place awhile back. She enjoyed it but has yet to learn bocce. Honestly, I'd only grab beer at this place, nothing more. If you come during the evening esp. on a weekend, it's packed. Yet, it's still worth it! read more

I love books! This place has tons of books! When I grew bored with my friends I picked up a Goethe book from the shelf. I can imagine returning here during the winter and reading a book by the fireplace in the late afternoon before the crowds get there. I don't like crowds. I don't really like people. Except my friends when they don't bore me. read more

The service at Union Hall is horrible especially from the waitress named Janine. Besides being rude, not taking our orders and then charging other bills to my credit card, they have audacity to act like it's my fault. I strongly caution you not to visit this place. read more

One of everyone's favorite places in Park Slope. It's a cute spot with bocce ball and books and filled with trendy hipsters, if that's your thing. I tend to lean towards guys in Paul Smith suits or on the rare occasion dirty rockstar guys circa when I was a toddler. It's a fun place but gets super crowded on the weekends but the drinks are strong and pretty solid music. read more

Union Hall is good stuff. It can get way too crowded, so I try not to go at a peak time. There was one thing that did bother me the last time I was in, and that was that there were kids in there. This I find annoying. Does this make me mean? Maybe. But it's a bar. It's cozy and has bocce, but it's still a bar for adults who may use strong language and don't want to have to look over their shoulder as they might offend some parent or nose picking kid. I mean, it's not Gymboree. read more

Fantastic professional service from Greg the bartender. Great local hangout and as an out of towner I felt very welcome.

I've been here a few times and I've never been dissatisfied. Great music, decent drinks, people Are down to earth and its local. Also they have cool games and lots of events, I need to go more often. read more

This place is awesome. Library, bocce, bar, music events downstairs, great happy hour. Came here on a Thursday evening for the Muppets Vault: Sci Fi event. Showed rare clips which was great. Not a huge muppet fan myself but I brought my friend who's a pretty into it and she had a blast. They even had a special themed drink to go along with the night's event. Looking forward to coming back for their Michael Jackson and Madonna singalong! read more

There are two parts to this place. A bar upstairs, and a dance floor downstairs. I went on a Friday night looking for some exciting nightlife. At 12 am on a Friday night the bar upstairs was surprisingly empty. There was barely anyone there and those who were, we're seated in the armchairs that were around. So if you're looking for a hang out place for you and some friends, that's what it's good for. Wasn't really a good place to meet people in my opinion, it was too low key and too few people. The downstairs area is where the party is. When I went there was a great DJ and a packed dance floor so I was in my element. There is also a bar downstairs where the bartender made me a laughable drink in a tiny plastic cup (no glass allowed) for $7 or $8. Basically I paid for a shot of soda. Other than that, the music was good, the crowd was lively, not too many people holding up the walls. I would go again if I'm in the mood to dance, but have my drinks elsewhere. read more

I took my best friend to Union Hall for her birthday. One thing to say. Bartenders couldn't be ruder. I mean, honestly, I don't know how they could. When you go to Union Hall, one glance at the bartenders tells you that they weren't hired for their looks. So you might think, "Well, they must have pleasant demeanors. Good personalities. Friendly to the guests. Speedy service, etc." BUT THIS IS NOT THE CASE. I waited at the bar on three separate trips for over 15 minutes to get a bartender to even notice me. They weren't even that busy. Then, on the third trip, a guest next to me accidentally knocked over a glass with maybe 4 ounces of beer left in it. He hadn't even noticed he'd done it. Well, suddenly, here comes Mr. Hipster "Barback" or whatever he is (all I know is he wouldn't make any drinks for us) and with a dirty look, he throws a used bar-rag at me. I almost threw it back in his face. I guess he thought I'd spilled the drink, but either way- is that customer service? All I can say in conclusion is that Union Hall needs better management, friendlier staff, and speedier service. I will never go back here, and I will always try to steer friends clear of this Hipster trap. read more

wtf is bocce - maybe i need to be a little more edumakated in the world of douche sports, but no thanks! i found this place a little weird demographic-wise, bunch of ex-abercrombie kids without the strollers to claim. read more

Union Hall is pretty awesome; part library, part bocce court, part bar. I like coming here with my friends on weekdays, it's a great place for conversation and running into old friends. I will admit, sometimes the crowd can get annoying, but that is what the bar part is for. read more

This is a wonderful spot ESPECIALLY before bar rush hour. This is perfect bar IF you get here early and nab a spot OR if you're here in the late afternoon. After that it gets pretty crowded. It isn't a bad crowd, just crowded in general. They've got a great wine list though, and I think the drinks are reasonably priced. The biggest draw is the lovely decor -- very wintery and warm and cozy. Yay! I haven't been to a show in the basement, but the space is wonderful. Oh, and the bathrooms are CLEAN! YIPPPEEEE! read more

Not too divey, Not too ritzy. Throws the boccie ball down the middle with precision and grace. This place was awesome. 3 dollar PBR's a whole slew of drinks on the board micro brews a library bands a pretty good mix in the crowd and the boccie ball court... that's right I said boccie ball. Pretty kewl stuff. I went there angry trying to have a terrible time. bitching and complaining the whole way and yet somehow still had fun.... Damn you union hall for making me feel better! This place will probably sell you on the move out to park slope until you see the rent lol! Anyway awesome find.... I shall return! read more

i've only been downstairs in the performance space. saw some kick ass burlesque. wasabassco burlesque to be exact. they were awesome!! if you like games that old jewish people play in florida then you might like the upstairs too:) read more

Lots of books line the wall opposite the bar, which at first paired the seeming pretense of the YP/nerdly meatmarket crowd when i first walked in on a Saturday. Later, i'd note by the fireplace that most of the volumes on the shelf were fun things that can be used to school morons who think they know what they are talking about, and not just a random hodge of hardcover thrift picks. A few visits later and like the books, the flesh in the room wavered later to friendlies, if somewhat modelled, "educated," and self-aware. This isn't a complaint really. I should add even when crowded the sheep were washed, generally, and pleasant enough. To interject Homer: ...it takes a lot of courage to all wear the same hat. People make friends here. Through a side door after the bar there is a door to a smoking patio, uncovered but shielded well enough from the elements if there are any, and a level or two quieter for the conversing. Mostly, notably, i mention this in haste because there is a very disturbing (at least to me) and seeming random portrait of Franklin Pierce, framed and hanging just outside the portal to this area. No matter where i went, his eyes followed me, hands tucked just out of view. You just know he's doing something devious with them. Okay, back inside. The staff, though hip, tends to drop the "ster" after a handshake- and just like getting through that imaginary door it's easier to look past the phonies tag-a-longs and find the comfortable core that rests in center of this Hall. The Drinks and Beers are relatively cheap, the Management actually works, bartenders have the trust and freedom to make friends and lasting customers. I saw the "you stupid moron" glare a few times, but never heard them say it. In the far corner there are two Bocci lanes, i think for free, though i never saw quite the amount of swearing or gambling amongst the players i'm used to. Of course none of them were FOB or smoking cheap cigars either, so (comment deleted about easy marks and gambling. those are no-nos). Downstairs is a lecture/concert hall that appeared to be constantly in use for various activities. There are also very nice concrete-stalled (unisex?) bathroom units down there, and the black and white checkerboard tiles around the space are kept pretty clean- even when the crowd is not. I was impressed enough to notice. My third visit here I had to eat. I can live on Guinness, and however splendid the milk stout UH carried instead (and it was splendid. If it weren't i'd minus a star, even with what i'm about to say), it was not Food. They have a small menu of bar-stuffish items, and i had already noted that it all looked and smelled delightful (and with attention to detail). What i did not imagine, and would only guess drunk and ogling the menu but Know after tasting two Sammiches (literally spelled that way on the menu: smileyface) is that somebody down in the kitchen hole cares. These guys aren't just churning out crappy grease to beerdrunk morons; they're making cuisine to be craved, even if it's "just" fried grilled and toasted etcetera. As i devoured the basket of crisped stacked specially-condimented chicken and steak sammiches i looked around the room, not empty but not full that night, cold and rainy, and i decided that this was as good a thing to say about bar as any: Union Hall Cares. If i lived here i'd probably live here. read more

I walked into my surprise party at this alluring bar called Union Hall. It's a nice space that accommodates a large group (my HAPPY BIRTHDAY we love alcohol fan base) and other large groups as well. When you first walk in, it feels like you are visiting a dark library that happens to be serving beer and food near some random bocce ball courts. I did not have the food, but I heard it was amazing. However, I did try several varieties of wine served here. I spent most of my night enjoying a bottle of Pinot Grigio while playing bocce ball. (Not a bad way to spend the night I might add....classy!) However, halfway through my shenanigans, I stumbled upon the underground bar area on the basement level. They had a kick ass band and more alcohol (of course!) to set the tone right. The only piece of advice I can give you about this bar is to arrive early. If you want to find a good spot and the opportunity to play bocce, you will need to get your name on that list as soon as possible. But overall, don't be surprised if you have a fun time! read more

The beer selection is actually very good, and the boozy sweet tea is inspired. Usually I would recommend such an establishment to any bar enthusiast in the Brooklyn area, but unfortunately due to my numerous service issues with the bar staff, I just can't go over two stars. From my own experience and the experiences I've witnessed, the bar staff is simply not qualified to run their establishment. Prone to curt responses, high tempers, and poor attitudes, the bar staff treats a medium density, beer appreciating bar audience like a high density, sports bar audience. In my experience, bars with this tendency miss out on easy tips (these are drunk people, for God's sake!), something that even an amateur bartender should understand. One star for some excellent pretzels though. read more

I love this spot as it has almost everything I would want in a watering-hole. Great ambiance/decor that's perfect for almost any occasion, well-rounded selection of drinks, patio outside, bocce ball for sport, and club downstairs in the basement. Can't get much better than that! read more

nice place to hang and pass time. filled with early 20's to late 30's crowd - most of whom seem single. the food is crap - but the drinks are good, and i like the chill vibe and nice decor. ( i got semi-stale bread with my burger so i trashed most o' the bread ) maybe next time i go i'll be able to play bocci ball. read more

Maybe I'll give this bar a fourth star when I actually get a seat by the fireplace. The atmosphere at Union Hall is great, but when it's packed, which it always seems to be whenever I'm there, it's not even worth it. read more

Nice bar with great atmosphere - perfect choice for Friday/Saturday night. "Library interior" with huge armchairs makes it special; also on-site bocce game is another way to spend a good time. read more

I cannot give a high enough recommendation for this place. The staff here is so, so REAL and kind and personable. I live nearby and i know every bar in the area really well. I love this neighborhood, and there are several things in particular i especially love about this bar. Keith and Vanessa are the best best bartenders in history. They are the number one reason i keep going there. They crack me up and are always happy to work there and serve people and meet people. The one bouncer named Sadique who is often seated at the front door with a fur coat in the winter, is a lovely lovely guy and we have become good friends. The one bar-back named Oscar is also extremely kind to me. Today i met Lamar the chef and he was so sweet and kind. Union Hall is the least pretentious, most mixed-brooklyn crowd in the area. It is also the bar that has the biggest crowd on weekdays and weekends and is open til 4. If you are a couple you will love this place because there are fireplaces and nooks to sit privately. And if you are single there are BABES everywhere. Also Bocce is a great game but you dont have to play. The courtyard is excellent for smokers. Keith and Vanessa are especially amazing people to meet. They carry the entire bar. Such sweeties. Love this place and the staff. Love, Giovanni read more

I used to go to Union Hall every weekend when I lived in the neighborhood. As much as I hate walking in here at first because of how insanely crowded it gets, but I always end up having a ton of fun here. Ended up here last night (Friday) after dinner in the area, karaoke downstairs last night was off the hook. One of the most fun karaoke nights I've been to. Everyone was dancing and singing along. Who knew yuppie hipsters (apparently it's not an oxymoron) could get down like that? I wish it were possible to play bocce without waiting 5 hours, and that mixed drinks weren't so expensive. But I'm sure I'll end up here again, and again... read more

I loved the atmosphere...it was raining so a warm dark respite from the cold was very welcomed. We were there to see a comedy show, would have never known that there was a small theater hiding in the corner of downstairs. Would definitely go back to play a few rounds of bocce or games of pool. read more

5 stars for weeknights! 3 stars for weekends (when the 'unlocals' swarm)! Union Hall is a real gem that succeeds in doing many things well. You would be well advised to pay it a visit - be prepared for a long wait for the ball courts. Food is great! Music is great! Books are necessary! Viva la Six Point Sweet Action! read more