Really liked how organized this place was for covid. The bar staff seats you and then comes to the table to take your order so no need to worry about standing around the bar with other people. Decent drink selections and they give you a little sandwich to save on the extra food bill, which is always appreciated! I went here pre-covid and sat at the bar. They had amazing music playing and really nice bar staff, just overall chill vibe and can't wait to go back when things are move normal. read more

Washington Commons - Frozen margs and a complimentary sandwich - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Good prices for a couple of beers in the backyard, glad to have a spot I can bring my dog! No frills inside or outside, but the picnic tables etc outside are fine. Service was a little slow on a not especially busy afternoon, but nothing that caused any major problems. Also always love a spot with gender neutral restrooms. Would be happy to come back here with my pup in the future! read more

Washington Commons - Backyard is dog-friendly - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

A 3.5 if you are looking for a libation at a no fuss, comfortable, gritty and dark bar in Brooklyn. We went there for a cocktail around happy hour before a reservation at a light, bright, trendy eatery. Always good to counter balance light and darkness, gritty vs. trendy, right? It was. Lots of beer options, including Heady Toppers. I went for The Washington cocktail, an Old Fashioned style mix with Old Overholt Rye. Decent. Free popcorn. Good from a decent machine. Teeny and dive-appropriate bathrooms. To be expected. Nice bartender. A young couple in there with their baby. Always good to get babies used to an occasional happy hour outing for mom and dad. Bar stools all full. Tables in the back not yet doing anything at 6 pm on a Saturday. Probably a very different story later. read more

Washington Commons - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

See all

Fun divey spot. I like that it has some little booths where you can be alone with your group and not totally surrounded by the bar crowd. They have good beers and a very lovely Irish bartender lady! Shout out to her. read more

Your pal used to love this place, but your pal rolled in here recently, only to receive one of the most impressively passive-aggressive "Fuck you. I hate you with every fiber of my being" moments of 2024 from one of the bartenders (it WAS incredibly impressive, I'll give her/them, sorry didn't catch your pronouns, that much), who then added insult to injury by trying to comp the drink, which your pal had only taken a few sips of before deciding to get the hell out of there after feeling unwelcome vibes so astonishingly puissant that a massive electric field started glowing along the length of Washington Avenue. (Your pal paid in cash, of course. Your pal has too much pride to buckle so easily to disingenuous hate.) Look, if you hate my guts that much, just say it to my face and put me on the 86 list. No harm, no foul. Your pal Johnny knows he ain't for everyone. But the honest truth is that I have no history of being rude or obnoxious or unpleasant here. Quite the reverse. Been coming here for years without incident and, in fact, greatly enjoyed myself each and every time. The previous bartenders dug me and were kind enough to ask me about the silly esoteric references on my shirts. (Perhaps my wild shirt offended the new bartender?) So I'm just going to 86 myself and never come here again. Too bad. An additional star, but only for past positive memories. Goodbye WC. I loved you when you didn't inexplicably declare me a leper. I guess you're now just a place for finance bros and attorneys and all the dull and uninteresting people sucking the life out of Prospect Heights. Well, your loss, not mine. read more

A bit off the beaten path, atleast for me, this place is a nice cozy spot. They offer some selections I haven't tried before, and I was able to try a tall beer in test-tube shaped glass. It was super unique and I really enjoyed it. I came in with a few friends, and the bartenders were super friendly and the space was accommodating for my party of 5 (though I would probably cut it off at 5 people.) Its the type of bar you want to visit on a Tuesday to just sit at the bar. If you are in the area, its definitely a cozy spot I recommend. 4/5 read more

Washington Commons - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

We stopped in for a pint while walking the neighborhood. I had an ESB from Left Hand Brewing served from a nitro tap. They also had a Guinness on nitro tap too. Gotta love the nitro! The atmosphere was causal. They were some board games and plenty of seating at the bar. The patrons were respectful and friendly. The bartender was friendly and attentive. He did a great job of keeping up with patrons and keeping the bar tidy on his own. read more

Great yard, big, plenty of seats, benches. You enter the bar to a round bar and a super friendly bartender who lets you try different drafts. There seemed to be a few locals sitting at the bar who were regulars and knew the bartender - always appreciate that vibe. read more

Another victim to the dog-friendly psych out. The bartender acted really annoyed with me, despite having gone off the information made available by management on Yelp. Bartender was as unhelpful and snotty as possible. Like I'm ever gonna come back here even without my dog now. UPDATE: In what's probably record time for this business, I received a direct message from a bartender in reply to my Yelp posting. You'll see why he did't choose to post it as a public reply: "Dear Alex, My name is Devin, the bartender at Washington Commons you acknowledged in your yelp review. Unfortunately, we can't allow dogs in the bar due to health codes. We do not promote that we are dog friendly, what you might have seen is a google general synopsis of the bar, something we don't have control over. When I first approached you and explained that we don't allow dogs, you said 'Its fine, I bring him everywhere' I proceeded to clear glasses for ten minutes and after you not acknowledging my request then, I came to you again and said that it's time. If you interpreted my request as rude or how I articulated it as rude, I apologize. Unfortunately, I can't apologize for an entitled, rude woman who embarrassingly uses social media apps to complain and point blame at others while spouting her own piggish, compassionless actions. Your snotty bartender, Devin" As coarse as he is, Devin is also mistaking me for another person, which makes me wonder just how many people he's an asshole to on a regular basis. My dog is female, I do not bring her everywhere, in fact I had literally only just gotten her, and I was in the store for about 30 seconds total because it took less than 5 for him to start snapping at me. But it's nice to see his true colors. I'm sure the woman he's referring to is an entitled snob, but clean yourself up, Devin, you're a mess. read more

A must stop by on the local dive bar scene. This place has a large, open backyard with many bench tables. It is a great place for a group gathering. It is no frills in the backyard, just a couple of string lights so very dimly light. Also in the summer time, mosquitoes can be quiet fierce so pack that bug spray. I saw on some tables there were bug spray but not sure those were brought in by patrons or left to use by the bar. The inside space is a bit smaller so we mostly go for the outdoor space. We usually get drinks inside then walk to the back as we have not seen waiter service outside. The beers available are written in a sign across from the bar. When you walk in it would be behind you to the top. I didn't know to look behind me for the beer listings so just read what beers were available from the tap and ordered from there. read more

I'm sorry, but I have to take away a star. This place is great, and it's BYOF. Bring your own food, but that's been the case for the outside. As long as they let people do that in the indoors part I'll have issues. Smells like Bigfoot's Dick up in here. Read my previous review, place is good. However, I can't support them ask long as they allow such disgustingness. read more

What a chill place to hang! Their outdoor picnic style area in the back is perfect. Nice and shady, though you'll have the occasional plants/particles falling from the trees. You order at the bar upfront, so that's something to keep in mind. Brought my dog and it was totally fine! I may make this my neighborhood hangout on a nice day. Not to mention, $5 bloodys on a Saturday! read more

I don't really have anything bad to say about this place. The staff has always been friendly, they've got a decent selection of beers. Solid neighborhood spot! It's a great date location and in the summer has a pretty nice backyard for sipping with friends. Thumbs up! Stop by if you're in the hood ;) read more

I'm not sure why I am giving this only 4 stars; I really so like this place. A lot. I love their happy hour M - F until 8 PM that takes $2.00 off any drink. I love the chill atmosphere and attentive bar staff - I love how they let you order food right to the place since they serve none. I love the mix of classic rock and chill music through the stereo. I love the impressive beer list. It's located in prospect heights alongside some formidable bars, but this is the one I return to when visiting my wild-monkey dance instructor in the area for a laundry party; there is a nearby 24 hour laundry mat. There is no laundry in the bar. Although I've never been looking to hook up in here, I wouldn't say it's the quintessential meet-market. It's usually a lot of guys, and girls with their boyfriends, but with the right attitude I'm sure you could work some magic, and I don't even know you. read more

Washington Commons - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

See all

Got up and left after being told to find a seat, only to be ignored by all bartenders and have one person manage an entire patio.

Used to be a cool spot to hang and watch amazing movies ( ex machina, Lolita, Scarface, world War Z, The Simpsons) with no sound on the TV... now they play sports and the girl next to me just ordered a Cabernet, paid with an Amex Black card and hit me in the face with her tiny alligator purse as she walked away... And where is the bald, sorta cracked-out looking bartender with the goatee? I miss him... Must be new management? read more

What a great time it is to discover a bar with a great backspace/outdoors area. I've been told Washington Commons is an oldie but goodie, and it definitely has that vibe. Perfect since it's just a few blocks from where I live right on the edge of Prospect Heights and just down from the Brooklyn museum. It's a nice spot to sit outside and enjoy a beer. There's only ever been 1 bartender there when I've been, but the service is never slow and he's really nice! They have a lot of great brews on tap including a Down East cider which is always a favorite go-to for me. They also have a a sour beer that's pretty good and it's from Peekskill brewery that I've frequented while spending a weekend away up-state with my boyfriend. The bar has a very eclectic and artsy feel with a bunch of local artist's work hanging on the walls that you can actually buy if you'd like. I like seeing that type of support in bars and that along with the great service and cheap/delicious brews will keep me coming all year round. read more

They party so hard that they blew a fuse. No, really, that actually happened. But before that (and before it got painfully warm due to lack of air circulation), we were having a good time. They have a pretty, pretty, pretty good beer selection (at least 15 beers on tap and more in bottles). They also have a respectable liquor collection, though I did not dabble. Bartenders are also cool and nice. Not much to complain about, except for the large crowds and the power going out. read more

Washington Commons - That time the power went out - Pubs Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I never remember any of my nights that start/end here so it must be good. Super friendly staff, good for a group of friends or just to catch up with that one friend you haven't seen in a few months since you moved to Brooklyn. Really fun outdoor area with cute lights! Happy hour is $2 off so go nuts and enjoy! read more

Devin is a great guy and is a considerate of many people, would come back here again!

So, two moms walk into a bar. It's Thursday at 4:30 in the afternoon. The bar is empty, except for three people and a bartender. Everyone looks to see who is coming through the door, as people do when there are only a few in the bar. So one of the moms (ME!) says, "Oh hey! We're bringing our babies into this bar. Is that okay with you guys?!" And the bartender says, "Well, yeah, but I mean, if your baby starts crying, then you know." and I looked at her and said: "What?" and she said, "You know." And I said, "What? Should I put her outside?" And she said, "No, I mean don't put her outside, but you know, if she starts crying, you should, um you know, stop her from crying." And so I said, "Are you sure? Are you sure I shouldn't just let her cry?" And she said, "Um..ha?ha?" And that's when my friend and I noticed that one of the three patrons at Washington Commons had his pug sitting at the bar. And I said: "If your pug barks do you have to put him outside?" And he said: "No, only if its over 32 degrees!" And I said: "ME TOO! When it's warm enough, I just put her outside." STUPID FUCKING BARTENDER. Besides being a mom, I also have a lot of friends and spend a lot of times and bars in Brooklyn and you should be nice and also? There were only three people in your bar. And also? My buddy never cried not once. UGH read more

When my friend suggested that we take advantage of the lovely, cooler, summer weather with a draught of beer at a "beer garden", I of course said yes.* And down to Prospect Heights I went. When I entered the place, I didn't think beer garden. It was a nice, quiet bar, with nice bartenders and an easy-going crowd. But the space does not end when entering - you need to take yourself past the bar and into the back, where you'll find yourself in a wide open space, littered with picnic tables and seating along the walls. We sat ourselves down, enjoyed our beer, and chatted away. It was a pleasant space to while away some time before dinner...and if I am in the neighborhood (or called forth by my friends), I'd come by. *My friend wanted to come here for the cute guys that usually populate the space...but the evening we were there, well, it was an otter convention. Not that I have anything against otters - I like their look. But they don't like me...in that way. *sigh* read more

This has become my go-to spot for happy hour in our neighborhood. The drinks are still pretty cheap and really good and the happy hour is nice and long. I haven't gotten a buyback once since I started going, but I don't mind that much since a scrumptious craft beer can be had for only $3 during happy hour. Now that it's been getting cooler, Bill and I often sit at one of the tables in the front and chat while occasionally glancing at whatever movie they have playing on mute. It's important to have something to look at, otherwise you wind up kind of staring at people. And suddenly you're a weirdo. No one wants that. read more

This place is pretty doofy. I've been in twice, once during daylight hours, and once after dark. My first visit didn't make much of an impression on me. I'm sort of tired of beer lists full of Hoppy Double Hopped Hop Challenge ales on a hot summer afternoon. But, whatever. That's the way things are these days. People these days are so preposterously invested in advertising their refined connoisseurship that I can't really blame WC for following the dollar (though it really wouldn't be infra dig to sell Yuengling or even High Life in bottles...hint, hint). The nighttime visit, however, warrants comment. Understaffing to maximize profit is NOT a viable business model in the adult world. Maybe it's "cool" for some people, but I don't appreciate it when the bartender goes outside to luxuriate in a smoke break for, like, two metric years. Is there a reason the dude who appears to sort of be a bar back can't serve a few beers while Señor Top Knot field strips his cigarettes out back? Why is there only one bartender for a crowd of over 100 people? Really, it just makes me wish that my (few) friends and acquaintances were sensible enough to hold their social functions at places like Half Court across the street that welcome the business warmly (although without a "lovingly curated" tap selection, I admit). For a place whose ostensible purpose is to attract patronage and dollar bills, passive aggressive hostility towards clientele is a weird posture. Get over yourself and your silent movies, too. It was never that cool at Freddy's to begin with. At least there, they showed legitimately bizarre stuff. read more

NO LONGER DOG FRIENDLY. Washington Commons won me over during my first visit with $4 happy hour Absolut Ruby Red and soda. YES - top shelf booze for $4. Imagine my surprise when I realized that was a $2 off, not half price special! Even when not happy hour - $6 top shelf drinks! That could be the end of my review with 3 if not 5 stars well earned but wait, there is more! Also good mixed friendly crowd, outdoor seating, about a million high quality craft beers, friendly service. read more

This is one of those Brooklyn bars that looks great from the outside but sucks inside. I've been a few times and the service is poor and mostly rude. As in, 'refusing to mix a basic mixed drink' rude, which was a first for me. For parents of babies out there looking for a good 4 pm hangout spot, I strongly recommend against. We went in there with a nine month old and the bartender saw us and doubled the volume on the stereo. Classy! I get it, you don't want a baby in your bar. 8 pm, fine. 4 pm, you're turning away much needed business. Go to bearded lady or any of the other great bars on washington or Franklin - this one isn't worth your time. read more

Washington Commons, I usually love you, but you did me dirty tonight. Condescending bartender with the curly bangs who snapped at me (even though I had been waiting for 15 minutes to close my tab at a not particularly busy time)--I didn't order a side of RUDE with my beers. I'm always generous and polite to the bartenders at Washington Commons (and vice versa), but tonight was just plain unpleasant. The crowd is getting pretty wack here too--Williamsburg attitudes washing up in Crown Heights. A shame, since it's the only bar I truly enjoy in the neighborhood. read more

EVERY TIME I've been here I've been slapped in the face by a wall of stink. Jesus. It smells like something died in this place and I feel compelled to say something. I took a date here and the stench was so overbearing she suggested we go elsewhere. Just rancid. Otherwise, a sticky bar with perpetually out-of-date menus ("we actually switched that one out...and that one, too") and moderately cold beer. Two stars for great lighting, though. read more

One Sunday, maybe 2 months ago, we were on a fun post-brunch cocktail tour of Prospect Heights and Crown Heights. Our first stop was Washington Commons, and it certainly did not help set the tone for the rest of the day. I'd been refraining from doing a review, but really, I know I'm not ever setting foot in that place again because our service was so shit-tacular. When we came in, there were 3 or 4 people at the tiny bar, all with full drinks. Playing with his phone, the incredibly rude bartender looked over and barked at us that he'd be with us "In a couple minutes." Next, we placed our orders, one of which was a margarita: rocks + salt. This is a standard cocktail that even the most novice of bartenders knows how to make. What the arrogant prick brings over is a drink with nothing but Rose's Lime Juice and tequila. Upon tasting that this, indeed, was an overly tart concoction missing the requisite ingredients of sweet and sour mix and triple sec, I asked for a splash of sprite to cut it down. I don't know why I was trying to not insult this insulting jerk of a bartender, but I didn't think it was so horrible to ask for a splash of seven to cut it down a bit. It's not like I asked for him to REMAKE the whole thing. But, he dumped it out and remade it, returning a spilling, overfull glass to me, and then, in an obnoxiously chastising tone that was just ridiculous, told me "You know, that's how we make margaritas here. If you want it made differently you have to ask." I said "Oh, so your house recipe is only Rose's and Tequila?" He emphatically said "YES." Maybe he was full of crap and trying to save face. Maybe not (which would be even more horrifying). But that kind of treatment is uncalled for. There are TONS of bars in that area that have exceptional and personable service, where they also know how to make a margarita. Unfortunately, I'll never know if Washington Commons has any nice, service-oriented bartenders on their staff, or if even that truly is their house recipe for margaritas. That dude, acting as representative of the bar, was such a colossal dick that we'll never be back. read more

Washington Commons is a nifty little bar that serves Alagash White. Any place that serves Alagash White automatically is cool in my book. The front space is waaay too tiny, however, which makes me avoid this place in the winter. I'd almost rather walk the additional block to the crappier Soda bar, where at least I can be assured a seat and some peace and quiet. During the summer, however, Washington Commons is my favorite Prospect Heights bar, due to the amazing patio that they have out back. One time last summer, I closed my eyes and I was transplanted to my favorite cafe in Madrid's Plaza Mayor, where I would sip sherry and spend hours on end reading Calderon de la Barca. Then the man sitting next to me, wearing vasectomy-tight jeans, knocked his PBR all over my sundress in a frenetic rant which culminated in the phrase, "cocaine makes me do bad things. Like f*ck fat chicks." That's when I realized I was still in Brooklyn. read more

This area of Prospect Heights has an identity crisis. Its still the primarily West Indian enclave of choice for socially conscience folks who like to drink and admire dred locks. Its my neighborhood, and I'm loving it, one beer at a time. Washington Commons managed to slip under my amorous radar. But with some diligence and a little help from a friend, I found Washington Commons waiting for me in the heather. We arrived just before opening and the bartender, a comely lass from Oregon, or something like that, let us in and we went down the list of microbrews one by one, on a Sunday afternoon. This joint has a large back patio area, furnished with uncomfortable chairs and lots of sunshine. If I didn't have a girlfriend, I'd propose to Washington Commons. Really. Its got all the qualities I like a cheap thrill. Its trashy, but fun. Tasty and refined where it counts on the palette and always open for business. read more

Well let's see- -They have good beers. -They have good bartenders. -They have a good happy hour deal. -They have a good back patio. -They are a block from my house. Yep, I'm a fan. read more

I have loved this place from day one (when I lived nearby) and still love to pop in whenever I'm in the area (usually before/after Target First Saturdays at the Bk Museum). Whether it's sitting inside on a cold evening or enjoying the beer garden in the back during the summer time, you're always in for a good time with a tasty beer in hand. Service can be a little slow when it's busy but that's a given for any place really. They don't serve food here but allow you to bring in or have something delivered. This bar is only a few blocks from the best West Caribbean food ever (The Islands) so it's a blessing in disguise that this spot doesn't do food. Make this your go-to bar when you're in Prospect Heights/Crown Heights! read more

Visited Washington Commons a few times in the last couple weeks. The first trip here, we used it as our office. On the apartment hunt, with a break in between apartment showings, we came in for happy hour. Bartender Hillary was there with a few regulars. She was absurdly helpful, with the beer selection, with charging our way over-used and tapped-out cell phones, and with even recommending a real estate agent to talk to. The selection itself is great. Always a good variety, always keeps me excited, as things rotate on a day-to-day basis. The beer garden out back was really impressive. We didnt even know it was there on the first visit. But when the weather is nice, it's a pleasant escape from the loud street. I am also impressed by their absurd and amusing plethora of bathrooms (a very important feature when you're couch surfing). Cannot wait to return and pay back their kindness while taking advantage of the great selection of beers! read more

Such a solid bar--it's everything that one could hope for in a neighborhood bar and more. Let me enumerate its many good qualities: 1. Good microbrews on tap, and the line-up changes frequently enough to keep things exciting. Just had a great Six Point Stout last night. 2. The happy hour (until 8) is pretty great--drinks are half off! Or $2 off? Anyway, during happy hour, great beers can be had for $3-5. 3. The music is always excellent. 4. There's always an absorbing movie playing on close-captioning above the bar. Once it was some kind of ninja movie, and half the drinkers were glued to the screen. Last night it was Rushmore distracting me from ordering more beers. 5. The backyard is enormous and filled with picnic tables. It begs for a summer birthday party. Now I'm trying to think of Washington Commons' drawbacks, and I can't think of any. read more

What hasn't been said already? Lovely courtyard? check Good selection? check Yummy bloodies? check (tho a bit small!) My final word breaks down like this: Silly me forgot my card. Doesn't mean you can charge it twice, mmmkay? Also, tips are EARNED. Way too many bartenders forget this fact, but if you can't be bothered to be at least cordial, then maybe you shouldn't be working with the public as a general whole. Just saying' read more

Great beer selection: check Bloody Mary happy hour: check Tons of tables out back: check Takes cards: check Great soundtrack: check Weird movies with the sound off: check GIANT binder of delivery menus: check Painted ceiling: check 5 blocks from my apartment: check So do I go often? Check. read more

Good beer selection but full of straight people! Oh well. Nice bathrooms and they had quick friendly bartenders. WIN. read more

Wash Comm! I love you! Let me count the ways! One, your happy hour rocks. Two, your bartenders are all way cool. Three, your back patio is amaze! Four, I can walk past you and run into friends almost two out of three times. Five, the music is pretty rad (though it needs refreshing). Six, you're super close to my place so I don't have to stumble too far to get home. Seven, you have three bathrooms (though you could keep them a little cleaner). Eight... read more

Eccentric but social little bar. Walked in on an ugly sweater party, so we were worried that we weren't going to be hipster enough to drink here. Instead, the bartenders were all friendly to us despite our beautiful sweaters, and we had a great time chatting up the nosy patrons around us (who asked and passed judgment on all our travel plans...really?). Fun place to end a night, and I'm sure it would have been wonderful in warmer weather to sit in the garden. read more