Maybe I just don't get the whole Williamsburg thang. Union Pool is yet another overrated bar in an overrated part of Brooklyn. Other than the admittedly cool back garden area, the establishment is absolutely nothing special at all - typical hipster watering hole. I've had more fun drinking beers and choking on cigarettes with friends on my Midwood fire escape. read more

I kind of love this place. I wish I knew why this place is called Union Pool because there was neither a swimming pool nor a pool table in the establishment. There was, however, a concert venue, a photobooth, and a taco truck. I came here on relatively warm evening after having visited 2 other bars and had a nice buzz going. The taco truck did not disappoint (I had a tamale and a chicken taco). After grabbing maybe my 7th drink of the night, I settled in on the wall behind the picnic bench where my party was situated and looked out over the sea of flannel, beards, and tattoos that was starting to stream in at 11pm. I felt like the queen of hipsters on my perch. At some point, we all crammed into the photobooth in front of the bathroom for some very strange pictures of chins and elbows that took entirely too long to develop -- especially for a herd of half-drunk fools. I think I'll submit it to National Geographic... read more

Cheap drinks, cheap shows and a huge backyard area complete with taco truck make this place a must during the summer. Be warned, the weekends are super crowded. I have also observed this place to be the premiere bar for young White hipster males to hookup with their Asian female counterparts. I don't know if its an official thing, but its a thing. So if you are into cheap drinks, cheap shows, ironic mustaches, tacos, being outdoors and young interracial relationships, I would recommend Union Pool. If you don't like any of that, chances are everyone at this bar would hate you anyway. read more

Wanna be picked up, or pick someone up?" If you're a betting person bet on doing it here. In addition, this place has one of the most liberal buy back policies I've run across anywhere in NYC. You could literally drink in this bar all night....or rather I guess I could, have, do sometimes...sheesh. They have special live performances, but nothing boring enough to happen every week, so you'll just have to wing it. Fire pit in the winter, waterpond in the summer, and barbeques and car shows. And if you think you saw half the people in there on the DOs & DON'Ts pages in VICE......it's CUZ YOU DID....oy. read more

The short version of the story: mediocre drinks, barely edible food with a super long line, rude staff and patrons, and no POOL (that last one's more of an LOL than a legitimate complaint). Went with my man and a cool couple from France - dispite our warnings, our French friends totally thought there would be a swimming pool where they could drink and swim. We thought there were more likely pool TABLES, but apparently the name comes from a formerly existing swimming pool. Okay, that's cool, wasn't in the mood for swimming or snooker anyway. We were IDed with far more scrutiny than any other bar I've been to - the TSA should think about hiring the bouncer, since my ID hasn't ever been looked at THAT closely. We ordered whiskeys and beers - the prices were decent. Our French friend paid, and the bartender refused to give him his change until the US natives in the group said we'd make sure he got a tip - and then he shorted us $2 on change... wow. really? Yeah buddy, I've got a tip for you... (side note: YES, I know how frustrating it can be when people don't tip, I bartended for several years, but you can't just ASSUME someone's not gonna tip and hold their change hostage until they do!!!) The whole time we were at the bar, people kept crashing into us, spilling drinks on my legs, etc., and it just didn't seem crowded enough for all that to be going on. We went outside which was INFINITELY cooler (literally and figuratively) than inside. My next mission was to spend 40min in the line at the taco truck... yeah, 40min. huh? I pushed past a bunch of people, who apparently think the words "excuse me" mean "I want you in my way, please!" - The general vibe of the place was "look at me, I'm SO cool, I'm just going to outdo the person next to me with my coolness and totally screw them over, even though they're supposed to be my best friend" - ICK! I stood in line behind an "ironically" dressed young man wearing glasses frames without lenses - he and his friend were probably the best part of that whole place - we had a fun jocular convo without elitism or lameness. When I finally got up there, I ordered. I waited as other peoples' orders (ordered AFTER mine) came first, and they asked me what I had again. The food showed up, I paid, got my change, tipped a couple dollars (they thanked me profusely), and then I continued to wait for my chips con queso. After a little bit, the guy said $5 more for the chips (the pricing on the menu was suspiciously absent/ambiguous, but I'm pretty sure I HAD paid for the nachos...), but alas, I only had $4 left and it would be super uncool to take my tip out of the jar, so I had to bail on the food I was most looking forward to (lame). I returned to find my friends had drank my drink and the one holding my bag was waiting in a 20min line for the co-ed restroom... we decided to bail as soon as the food was down the hatch (it was very unmemorable, other than the fact that it was weird, non-mexican, and not terribly good), since another friend wasn't feeling too swell. Right outside, we were refused service to Manhattan by at least two on-duty yellow cabs. The second driver grabbed my boyfriend's wrist, started shaking it, and wouldn't let go (driver even started to call 911 saying HE was being attacked) when we calmly asked if he was on duty (yes), then he refused to go to Manhattan, and we told him that was illegal. Yeah, the cabs had nothing to do with the Union Pool establishment other than perhaps being indicative of the general vibe of the place, but it just left an even worse taste in our mouth. to sum up: avoid avoid avoid. (unless you love hipsters, rude people, and/or confusion, in which case you'll be in heaven.) read more

This is as good as it gets for a casual bar. Here's why: *There's an outdoor garden. Who doesn't love an outdoor space? *There's a taco truck in the outdoor garden (yes, a taco TRUCK) - and the tacos are delicious. *There's a fun photo booth. What's a drunken night with some tacos and some pics with friends as proof of the fun? *Come as you are! Like many Brooklyn bars, it's unpretentious. I saw some reviews that mentioned people-watching... I wouldn't describe it that way. It's just a local dive bar that's fun and inexpensive. TIP: Skip Friday & Saturdays nights if you're looking for a low key bar, this place can get quite crowded! read more

Love Or hate It's the best Place to go for Bad decisions amidst the campfire glow. read more

Union pool is a really fun chill bar with a cool outdoor space. Sick band/DJ room.. Also the taco truck is bomb especially the Mexican corn. HOWEVER beware of the guys working the food truck. I got a few things and it came to $12 dollars. Handed the guy a $20 and next thing you know he's handing me my food. By the time I got my last dish (about 10-15 min later), I mentioned to him that I handed him a $20. He goes "change?" Then looks at the cook quickly then back at me.. And gives me my change. I warned a friend before I left and he noticed they tried to do that on him too. Really douchey.. Other than that, it's a fun place to be. Usually take friends visiting here.. Just sucks cause the food truck has great food but is ran by scums who try to take advantage of intoxicated people. The 4 stars is for it being a fun atmosphere.. If it's for the food truck, I'd give it 0 because I can't imagine how many people got screwed by them. read more

I'm not going to lie, I LOVE this bar. However, I have only given it three stars because it's just too easy to have a good time here, and I like bars that make me work for it. It's too easy to come here, pound a bunch of $3 beers, then stumble over to the taco truck. The music is consistently what any hip 20-something is listening to. The outdoor space is pretty cool, and great for people watching. If you're a reasonably attractive 20-something and if you're even mildly on the prowl, if you haven't either left this bar with a stranger or at least left with several offers from some strangers, then there's no hope for you -- it's REALLY that easy. Fun story: the first time I was here in August 2012, I saw Adam Brody. That basically ensured that I would always and forever come back, in hopes of catching a glimpse of him once more (I haven't). read more

There are a lot of haters of this place and it's completely understandable...NOT! 1) It's NOT understandable that a bar in Williamsburg will NOT be hipster-ridden! 2) It is NOT understandable that the drink of choice is PBR and will NOT cost you more than $2, unlike some establishments in the LES where a PBR will cost you over $6 (blasphemy)! 3) It's NOT understandable that this bar has decent music and will NOT be packed with musty unwashed individuals with mustaches the size of pickup trucks (and let's not forget the boys!) 4) It's NOT understandable that the permanent taco trunk that has grown roots will NOT serve you semi-edible food whilst the establishment is open 5) It is NOT understandable that the music will NOT be an awesome mix of 80s newwave-post-electro-thingymajic that will NOT make your feet move is manners you haven't felt in a while You will NOT like this place because you hang out in Manhattan and have drink so much hater-aid and just can't accept an establishment in problematic hipster-filled Williamsburg that is cheap, plays good music, and is, may I state, fun at times? *And if you delete the "NOTs", I think you may enjoy the "pool" once in a while! read more

U.P.. Can't really go wrong... best taco truck, good prices, awesome for dancing (and without a cover). Ladies, you will get hit on and more than once, so prepare. Could use a better beer selection on tap but it's okay. I'm really writing this review to share my 2 cents on the bathroom situation: a whole section for "men only" and then a few stalls accessible by both men and women? A little unfair, no? The last time I visited I waited online for a good 10 minutes while dude after dude breezed in and out of the "men only" section. Bogus. Your bathroom setup a while back was more efficient for all genders. read more

Ordering 3 drinks, feeling cool Getting 3 wrong drinks Paying and ordering the right drinks Pretty fucked up Do your thing! read more

This is a super well designed bar. It's big and has lots of open space and TWO, count 'em, TWO buildings. Each equipped with a bar. The second building bar actually was less busy then the first one at the time of night I went. The bouncers outside are super nice. I had a paper temporary ID from my home state (which looks sketchy to 87% of bouncers and even TSA in my home state who apparently have NEVER SEEN ONE BEFORE even tho its a THING THAT HAPPENS). But the bouncers were super cool with it and I really appreciated it after a bouncer from another bar basically laughed in my face when I handed them the ID. So nice bouncers (but I'm sure they can get aggressive when needed): A+. Drinks were great and served fast and prompt. A+ Ambience was awesome. The DJ in the second building had a montage of skiing videos from the 90's. And the decor was vaguely old saloon-y style. I'm sure the taco truck in the middle of the open outside area has delicious tacos but due to an extreme inebriated state, I totally forgot it was even there. Must try later, I suppose. Maybe I'll write it on my hand so drunk Rebekah remembers next time. Great place for fun dancing and drinking and taco eating (not a euphemism). read more

The Diet Coke @ Union Pool is quite excellent. The perfect balance of carbonation and syrup is an orgasm to my taste buds and I greatly appreciate the fact that they refill my beverage for free. Union pool has an outside courtyard with a taco truck and bonfire which is great for me and my fellow smokers who also enjoy a reasonably priced Mexican cuisine. The only problem I have with Union Pool is that the smell of the bonfire gives me flashbacks to my teenage years of drinking in the woods. This is not a good scenario for me because I was a fat kid in those days and I resort to exactly that. Which pretty much eliminates any chance of me getting laid or even getting the courage to have a conversation with some the fine hipster tail that frequents this establishment. If the girls I went to high school with would have saw me for my inner beauty and not a fat insecure mumbling derelict, Union pool would be the perfect bar for me. read more

A best of Brooklyn, indeed. What people often criticise about NY bars is that "they have to BE something" & "they are trying too hard" and "they are just too small." All valid points for the city that seems to only outdo itself eternally. What I like about Union Pool as an "out of towner" is that is answers all of these complaints by being exactly what it is: a combination of everything it loves. You have three separate spaces connected cohesively by the people who dwell in it's caverns, yet remains separate and distinct vibes. They have a taco truck out back because...they (and we) love tacos. They offer seasonal drinks or just a local beer and shot to drown out your miseries. Nothing to complain here! Thanks Union Pool. Don't change. read more

A hot spot for a Monday night, or at least thats how I felt. Cheap good selection of beers, cold beers. I love the taco truck in the back that is such a good idea! And the cute little fireplace that so many people want to sit around except if it's a windy day, which was for me, I ended up getting soot and ashes in my face. And that hidden or at least I felt like it was a hidden room where we were able to watch the BISHOP!! sing on a Monday night lol. Well obvi not the realll bishop but he was amusing to watch lol. I will definitely swing by here again. read more

This place is like mole hair its always around, always open- no matter how hard you trim the memory, its always in the back of your mind...growing on you. well, I used to hate this place- but then I realized I was going here on the Weekends- Go ON WEEKDAYS- Its a better crowd and not crowded. The reason why I like this place is that one of the few places to have a DJ playin dance music to people actually dancing. stay away from fire pit- usually ridden with carefully crafted conversation concerning some Chekov story no one has heard of, probably because its sucks. and to the people complaining about hipsters,,,some advice- first who cares bout the hipp dudes- your not gonna talk to them anyway just ignore them- as for the ladies that are of the hipster persuasion, just imagine them with only a Shaq Orlando Magic Jersey on... and only that on- and suddenly! the beauty that they try to hide with bland blush is revealed! and to the ladies, if you have some mole hair, dont cover it up- lets dance read more

Look, there is a taco truck and 2 for $5 Budweiser. If you have problems with tacos and/or beer you are basically dead to me; and therefore not reading this review. The backyard is probably my favorite bar - yard in the 'burg. Grab a bunch of friends, post up on a summer day after work and *enjoy. *the queso read more

Shoot me. I really like it here. Most people know Union Pool as the sure-thing weekend bar. Everything you've heard is true. Timeout didn't rate it the borough's #1 hook-up bar out of charity, (if that can be considered charitable). Friday and Saturday night, the place teems with hipsters. 60/40 bearded guys in skinny jeans and plaid/girls in cropped American Apparel and cut-offs. If you really hate that kind of crowd or are working very hard to convince other people you do, then I guess this isn't your weekend bar. But if you want to dance, eat tacos in around a fire pit in the backyard and meet a ton of entertaining folk, (you are not obligated to go home with them, gosh), this place is great. Union Pool on a week night is very very different. You get a quieter neighborhood crowd, good drink deals and Surprise! seating. Sunday through Monday, the place gets real, and you can really appreciate the space and the company. But most people experience Union Pool the Weekend Bar. The back room has a stage and oftentimes live music. Both rooms have ample room to dance which, on weekends, will gradually become more constricted as the night winds on, but trust, people make do. I've had actual dance battles for space. People regularly circle-up to jam in beautiful displays of hipster spontaneity. There is a DJ booth in the front room and in the back when there isn't live music, and I've never ever had a complaint about the music. They want you to dance; they have great taste, (this is Williamsburg, please), but don't come here for Top 40. A bit of a Bering Strait between the front and back rooms, the backyard is arguably the best in North Brooklyn. It's very large, and as I mentioned before, there is a taco truck conveniently parked in one corner and a sizable fire pit which you can circle 'round between fits of dancing and fend off potential suitors. The place is worth a shot. Really. read more

Fun location but very low key post covid. Drinks are nice but the taco truck was pretty bad, outside of the fish taco, which was great. The steak and chicken tacos / quesadillas were super dry and bland. Would not recommend these at all. read more

Going to Union Pool is a hipster rite of passage. It must be done. Maybe it's the photobooth, the taco stand, or the most vile and disgusting bathrooms I have ever witnessed (and the line is ages long). It's a cool place, but it's not all that it's hyped up to be. I think the only time I've ever had fun here was on Halloween and it was because when dressed in costume, and this crowd is generally more interesting than the mainstream. It was fun to see some of the ridiculous get-ups, speak to an Olsen twin, try to steal a sombrero, and laugh at the DJ who was having some issues with his Macbook that evening. The bartenders can have an attitude and drink are not cheap...I think 2 PBRs are close to $10? I'll never forget when I gave the bartender a $50 and he gave me $10 change. I literally had a 5 minute discussion trying to get my change back. Maybe he was confused because 1) he can't do math or 2) true hipsters usually live paycheck to paycheck. There goes my street cred. read more

For a non-weekend night, this place was great. I hear bad, crowded things about Fri/Sat/Sun so I might stay away. Anyway, the drinks did their job for a very reasonable price and it's always lovely to sit outdoors. Especially when you and your pals can just spread out and not worry about bumping into a million people a billion times in a matter of moments. So, thank you for that. However, the sad little pond/fountain/whatever thing in the middle...what's the deal? Is that the pool? Perhaps it's placed there for certain, accidental, hilarious moments? I'm not sure.... Bathroom kinda weirded me out. It's unisex, right? Otherwise...I was in the men's room and no one corrected me and that was rude. Go here. Whatever your preconceived notions may be. read more

I came to this spot back in January and I always think about going back. I was invited to a friends birthday gathering here and It's not a place where I would normally go but I really liked it. The bartender guy was super cool and drinks are not expensive, no charge to get in. This place is fun with the outside area and food truck outside, then there is another music room area that plays different music from the first. Bathroom has a line but it goes quick cause there are so many stalls. People are cool and friendly just a cool chill spot to hang out in with a group of friends. Hopefully I'll have another opportunity to stop in here again. =) read more

A W E S O M E !!!! this place is just great: you have it all: 1) a Big patio where you can get some Mexican food from the cars 2) Space A where you can dance and drink. good music and nice vibe! 3) Space B where you can drink, eat and listen to good lice music. In general, it has a very Brooklyn Vibe and I DO recommend you to check it out. Neighborhood is great too (Willimasburg) read more

After sunset..the campfire starts to burn in the garden where you can enjoy a porky taco from the awesome taco truck inside...I wish there were marshmallows and some chocolate with graham crackers....yum! The taco was yummy...but 3$ for that tiny thing? Overated! Happy hour $3 Drafts were my thing....I guess I couldn't get enough of it, I didn't wanna leave! I was just cold and the fire kept me warm and cozy. :) This photobooth was a little crappy, but got the work done.....just took forever to get my pics. :( read more

Awesome drink specials to be found here. Combos of mediocre beer with mediocre shots at excellent prices. And the taco truck in the back yard! Color me ashamed for not reading up about this place first and actually being surprised about an establishment for once! And the fire pit! Come here early if you want to gather 'round with buddies. Shrimp quesadillas looked/smelled amaaaazing! I have to taste it to believe it. This review could potentially be 4 stars. Stay tuned. read more

I am going to attempt to do what no man has done before- write a review for Union Pool without using the word "hipster". This place is a great space. I mean, the patio is one of the best I've been to in Brooklyn, and there is plenty of room for people to dance inside and out. The place was divided into two factions- grad students/phd candidates and tattoo groupies, who seemed to rather sit around and look good in their herringbone vests than relax and shake what their mama gave them. It was still fun nonetheless, but I think that I owe that to my friends. read more

I want to live in the back bar. Loved the cozy booths and old-timey feel of the place. Seemed like a great spot to listen to the band, but the sound was a little off. It is a very cool set up though, with the whole patio and all. We came with a group of friends, got a booth and got drunk. The "hipster" problem didn't bother me because I was more interested in drinking and watching some people show off some fucked up dance moves. read more

Why does everyone recommend this place? I swear, before I moved here, if I were to mention a visit to Brooklyn, they would say, "Oh, go to Union Pool". No. Gross. Sorry. It's not that I'm too good for this place but I am. It's sleazy (not in a good way) and is kind of like where you go when you have on your cool training wheels. We deserve better ladies. I will give them two stars for the following: The drinks are inexpensive No credit card limit And damn those nacho cheese things are off the hook. Sorry Union Pool, I gave you the chance but I gotta go now. read more

When it's crowded, it's REALLY crowded. I'm still not sure why you can no longer bring drinks to the outside garden. Like pools, this place is best enjoyed in the summer. Out of all the photo booths in Brooklyn, the one at Union Pool has gotten the most play from me. read more

I will cut the crap and say that I do not enjoy being in the presence of hipsters, nor do I enjoy being in this horrendous neighborhood. Unfortunately for me and other people who feel the same way, there's been a number of metal shows here recently, which is why we come here. Ugh. However, I'm going to give credit where credit is due. The prices are good. Then again, I don't drink much, anyway. Like, this place is your standard bar, with a venue, and a horrible scene. The taco truck outside is just OK. The yard area is also pleasant, but again, it's littered with scumbags. That was the Union Pool summed up 2 short paragraphs. read more

Another fine drinking establishment near Lorimer Brooklyn, I again failed to see what all the hoopla was. I mean it was fun and all, with sexy hipster patrons, and even a lil dancy dancy going on. Plus a garden out back for a little fresh air. After hearing people go on and on about this place for so long, I can only guess what might be the real draw. Ironic and hip pool theme? Location? Cheap PBRs? Who knows. read more

I hafta say, I kinda hate this place. I keep going here, though, but WHY? Oh yeah, my friends like it. It's the kind of place where people are too cool to acknowledge the presence of other people around them besides their group of sad, skinny, aging hipster friends. The lighting sucks - it's not dark enough to make people good-looking, and not bright enough to give off a fun vibe. The outdoor area in the summer is packed with assholes, and in the winter it's empty except for a huge bonfire that (ok fine) is kind of cool. I will give them points for the back room where they have live acts. It's spacious and there's pretty good sound quality. read more

Everyone has said most everything there is to say about this place, but I'll give my 2cents anyway. I like the bathroom setup here. No specific bathrooms for guys and girls. There are a bunch of first-come/first-served bathrooms with 3 sinks at the end of the hall. Makes for quick pissin'. The placement of the photobooth (cool points) next to the bathroom line does make it a little cramped in that area of the bar. The patio is nice, and I've seen a few dogs running around. Watch out for them jumping in the pond! It is crowded on the weekends and the music is good, but not too loud. I actually think this sets the stage for a good social scene. Check it out. read more

Union Pool can kinda kiss my ass. But they have a photobooth so.... I think I only end up here at 2 AM after I've been out drinking because it's on my way home and I need to use the photobooth. Besides that - meh. read more

Not bad, not bad. Drinks aren't too pricey, and really, what can be said about the clientele that hasn't already been said. I really enjoy the photo booth (Emily craft tip: why not have an entire Christmas tree decorated with black and white photo booth pictures!! Emily craft rebuttal: that'd be too expensive. Just do one.) Also liked hanging out by the bonfire on the patio. However, my friend and I were downwind of it and I just had to accept that we WOULD leave smelling of wood chips, cedar, log-cabiny smoke. Sometimes that smell is delicious though, right? Kind of like Lapsang Souchong tea. read more

This review is for the Taco Truck in the back of the bar. THIS IS THE MOST GENIUS IDEA A BAR HAS EVER HAD!!! There was quite a long line to get into the bar, but it seems like everyone is going just for the taco truck. I came here with a group of friends so we all tried a bunch of stuff. Tacos($3-$4): the fillings are yummy but I hate the tortillas they use - tastes the same as the tortillas Korilla BBQ use if you've ever tried that. Also, the tacos are super tiny so it's not really worth it. Burrito ($8): You can pick any meat you want for the burrito! I chose the Chorizo Burrito. SO GOOD. Full of flavor and it just oozes with yummyness! Quesadilla ($6): JUICY CHICKEN Chips&Guac: I LOVE guac, but this guac is mediocre. The chips, though, were great without any guac! When I was there, I witnessed a fight about to break out between the guy taking orders and a customer. Someone walked into the customer, who ended up dropping his quesadilla on the floor. The taco truck guy and the angry customer got into a heated argument because he had to pay for another quesadilla when he felt like he shouldn't have to. Honestly, the guy was a dick so I'm glad he had to pay for another one. He also yelled at the girl on the line who said something to the taco man to try to convince him to give it to the guy for free. Moral of the story: when you get your food, HOLD ONTO IT FOR DEAR LIFE, unless you don't mind paying for more if you drop it. read more

Came here for the first time a few hours ago and was pleasantly surprised once I figured out I had arrived at the right place, and our friend's birthday party wasn't being held at Union Hall. In any case, there are a lot of things to admire about this bar, including the multiple bathrooms, all of which display a vacant or occupied sign depending upon their status. There's a reasonably decent selection of beers, as well as regular bar fare in terms of snacks. The best part of the bar though, is the outdoor garden, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I also have to extend my gratitude to the staff, which offered me a complimentary drink after an imperious busser disparaged my friends, rudely interrupted our conversation, and threatened to eject us from the bar. This could have been a dicey situation, but cooler heads prevailed after his superiors intervened. I'd definitely recommend dropping by for a party-or simply a drink-if you happen to be in Williamsburg. read more

First time I was here was in the winter, and I was like,"meh". BUT THEN... I went there in the summer, and now... I get it!!! It's fun to roam the backyard while drinking $4 tecate and just meet new people, who you may, or may not want to continue talking to for more than 5 minutes... read more

I recently rented my giant connect 4 and giant jenga for a corporate event held at this place. Great bar , great manager and friendly staff. Place holds 450 people and even has a taco truck in outside area. Love this place. They also had a pinball machine. read more