The best bars in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

If you’re a cowboy at heart, Desert 5, nestled in the heart of Williamsburg on Wythe Avenue, is the ideal place to party in the charm of Western nostalgia. This space emits the energy of a classic roadside motel, complete with vintage saloon décor, barrels, hay bales, a mechanical bull, and a glittering cowboy boot disco ball. Indulge in LA-approved tacos, nachos, cold beer, and signature cocktails like the Jolene and Texas Hold 'Em.

The venue offers curated packages like the Midnight Cowboy and Dolly’s Corner, featuring buckets of beer and pitchers of cocktails for a perfect night out. Capacity is 258 standing.

Union Pool, a Williamsburg staple and hot spot on weekends, is housed in a former pool supply store. Despite its name, this lively bar doesn’t offer swimming or billiards, but instead, a B&W photo booth, a pinball machine, and a taco truck serving up fresh bites on the outdoor patio. This spacious, laid-back spot has a range of beers, cocktails, and bites like mac and cheese, fries, and of course, tacos, elotes, and more. The Back Room doubles as a live music venue and an exclusive party space for gatherings of 100 or more, while the Main Bar Room and patio accommodate larger parties, with a maximum capacity of 275.

Located on the ground floor of Williamsburg’s Nitehawk Cinema, Lo-Res is an intimate bar and screening room packed with cinematic charm. Lo-Res features vintage TVs showcasing selections from the cinema’s VHS vault, a nostalgic vibe for anyone who collected videotapes growing up. The bar serves beer, wine, classic cocktails, and house favorites like the American Pie and Tornado Wrangler, and the food menu offers shared plates, full entrees, and even classic concessions like popcorn and candy. Once a month, you can attend movie trivia night with chances to win movie tickets and free drinks.

Lo-Res is available for private gatherings – inquire directly for more details.

The Bee’s Knees and Honey Lounge, a newly-opened gem on North 7th Street in Williamsburg, is a cocktail bar that plays on its name, featuring honeycomb-tiled floors and floral wallpaper. The space is warm and sophisticated, serving up an array of expertly crafted cocktails, from spritzes and espresso martinis to their namesake classic, “The Bee’s Knees.” Come on a Monday and expect $1 oysters, or Tuesday for the liter pitcher of a Piña Chili Margarita. You can also enjoy dinner five nights a week, plus weekend brunch.

For private events, choose from the Main Floor (max. 100), Honey Lounge (max. 60), Upstairs Patio (max. 30), or cozy Back Booths (max. 35 seated).

Tucked away on South 4th Street in Williamsburg is Pokito, an intimate hideaway decked out with vibrant pink neon lights and Chinese lanterns. Celebrated for its unique Latin-Asian fusion cocktails, you can find drinks like the Tokyo G&T and the Muy Bueno (whiskey, bourbon, ginger, and lemon). They also host Margarita Mondays and half-off jello shots on Thursdays, making it a great spot for grabbing a drink with a date or with friends.

For bookings for a semi-private gathering (20-25 guests) or a private party (min. 50 guests), inquire directly.