Brooklyn, Baby: Where Bars Are Better Than Therapy
If you haven’t tasted a Brooklyn bar yet, you’re missing out on liquid gold in a city that never sleeps (but somehow always needs a drink). From divey speakeasies to rooftop lounges that make you feel like Tony Stark (but with better cocktails), Brooklyn’s bar scene is a vibe. This guide is your golden ticket to navigating the best bars Brooklyn has to offer, without getting lost in the chaos of trying to remember where you parked your Uber.
Top 5 Best Bars in Brooklyn (Yes, We Ranked Them)
1. The Dead Rabbit (79 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014)
Okay, technically it’s in Manhattan, but Brooklynites pretend it’s theirs. This pub is so good, it’s like a Harry Potter-themed cocktail bar run by a very Irish Hufflepuff. If you want to drink in a place that smells like whiskey and nostalgia, this is your spot. Pro tip: Order the “Jameson Irish Whiskey” and act like you know what you’re doing.
2. Brooklyn Brewery (79 Graham Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11206)
For the beer nerds out there (you know who you are), this is where the magic happens. Brewed in-house, served with pride, and paired with burgers that could probably pass as a meal (if you ignore the fact that they’re $20). Bonus: The rooftop is perfect for pretending you’re in a Brooklyn-centric rom-com.
3. The Brooklyn Tap Room (123 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217)
It’s a tap room. It’s in Brooklyn. There’s a 75% chance someone will start a karaoke battle here. If you want to feel like you’re in a scene from “The Sopranos” but with more craft beer and fewer mobsters, this is your jam.
4. Boilermaker (68 N 7th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249)
They call it a “bar for the people.” Translation: It’s trendy, the bartender knows the provenance of every dram, and the wine list is written in hieroglyphics. But hey, if you order the “Boilermaker Burger,” you’ll be too full to care about the $18 pinot noir.
5. Lilia (509 Degraw St, Brooklyn, NY 11201)
For the “I’m here for the ambiance and the Instagram, not the food” crowd. This Italian spot has cocktails that look like they belong in a museum and a wine list that could fund your next therapy session. Plus, the lighting is so good, you’ll forget you’re in a bar full of judgmental foodies.
Pro Tips for Navigating Brooklyn Bars Without Looking Lost
- Bring Cash: Some places still operate like it’s 2008. You’ll either bond with the bartender or get confused when they ask for a $20.
- Reserve a Table: Unless you enjoy waiting 45 minutes for a spot in a bar to open up and then getting food poisoning from the free chips.
- Order the “Local”: Every bar has a signature drink. Trust the locals. They won’t steer you wrong… probably.
- Uber Everything: Unless you’re a masochist who enjoys pretending you’re in a Brooklyn bar heist movie.
FAQs: Because You’re Not the First Drunk Person to Ask This
Q: What’s the best time to avoid the most crowded bar in Brooklyn?
A: Tuesday at 8 PM. Unless it’s a Tuesday at 8 PM at Lilia. Then come back on a Tuesday at 7:59 PM.
Q: Are there any bars in Brooklyn that don’t make you feel like you’re paying for therapy?
A: Yes. The Brooklyn Tap Room. No one judges the guy who eats four sliders and stares at the jukebox for 30 minutes.
Q: How do I avoid looking like a tourist?
A: Don’t take selfies with the bartender. Unless you’re in Lilia. They’ll probably charge you $15 for the photo.
Want to Make Your Own Beer? (Or a Custom Label? Or Grow Your Business?)
If you’re thinking, “Hey, maybe I should start a bar,” or “What if my beer had a label that says ‘Don’t Look at Me Like That’?” we’ve got you covered. Check out Make Your Own Beer for DIY vibes or Custom Beer if you want to impress your friends with a brand that screams “I’ve got $1,500 to burn.” And if you’re serious about turning your bar dream into a reality, Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer is your roadmap to success (and avoiding bankruptcy).
Sell Your Beer Online (Or Get Rid of Your Ex)
Got a killer brew and no idea where to sell it? Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer. It’s like Tinder, but for beer distribution. No swiping left, just swiping right into a deal that makes you money.
Final Cheers: Go Forth and Conquer
Brooklyn bars are a vibe. Whether you’re there for the drinks, the ambiance, or the “I’m not sure why I’m here but this is fun” energy, these spots are where memories are made (and later uploaded to Instagram with a 21-minute filter). So grab your friends, your credit card, and your inner confidence. The best bars in Brooklyn await—and trust us, they’re better than your therapist. Probably.
Still not sure where to go? Check out the home page for more guides, or contact us if you want to complain about the bar you just went to (we’ll pretend we care).
