Best bars in Williamsburg

What better backdrop for a photo than the sweeping views of New York City? Westlight is one of the best rooftop bars in Williamsburg located on the 22nd floor of The William Vale hotel in Williamsburg. The well-curated drinks and delicious small bites are just one of the many reasons why making to trip to Westlight is well worth the trek.

The Williamsburg rooftop bar has floor to ceiling glass panels that offer a 360° view of the city. I’ve come both during the day and at night and can’t decide which offers the better view, I’ll let you decide that one on your own. 😉 I highly recommend ordering the fries here!

Step into Rocka Rolla and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back to the era of Aqua-Net and neon-lit bars. Though less dingy than its nostalgic portrayal, it embodies the essence of an old-school neighborhood dive. Cold beer and a jukebox filled with classic rock greet you at this Williamsburg bar nestled under the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.

Arrive early to snag a spot for shuffleboard or ping-pong, but be prepared for a lively crowd as Rocka Rolla is one of Williamsburg’s most popular bars.

Radegast Hall & Biergarten offers a unique, fun experience with an old-timey European feast hall vibe, attracting a trendy Williamsburg crowd. With brick-lined walls, communal tables, and a sun-drenched skylight, it’s a top year-round spot in Williamsburg.

As a premier bar, Radegast boasts an extensive tap list featuring German brews served in steins. The menu satisfies carnivorous cravings with bratwurst and kielbasa, along with traditional bar fare like chicken wings and pretzels.

Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Radegast is one of the best bars in Williamsburg. Whether it’s casual meetings with coworkers or lively nights with friends, the high-flying ambiance makes it a favorite. Don’t miss the live music on weekends, with no cover charge. Check their website for the full schedule.

New York City is no stranger to the occasional cowboy, know where you’ll find them? Skinny Dennis, where Honky-tonk meets big city. There’s more than 18 drafts flowing while the likes of Alan Jackson, George Strait and Johnny Cash serenade the lively crowd.

Skinny Dennis is affordable daylong, so the only justified fear is losing your date to a strapping small-town visitor intent on showing a big city gal the true meaning of Christmas in Ohio. The bar also hosts live performers nearly every day of the week, see the lineup here.

Spuyten Duyvil is what every craft brew pub should be. Friendly and warm and with a beer list that’ll rock your socks. The Williamsburg bar has four types of beer: canned, bottled, draft and rare. The brews come from all over the U.S. as well as a few international destinations like Belgium and Germany.

But Spuyten Duyvil doesn’t only have foamy ales on tap. There’s also a selection of wine, vermouth, amaro and sherry on tap to keep you on your toes. If you like to enjoy a bite in between sips Spuyten Duyvil has a few small and shareable options to keep you satiated. Charcuterie and conservas (tinned-fish) are available and a pleasant addition to the table.

The Charleston is a laid-back, lively spot in Williamsburg, perfect for those seeking a carefree vibe and good times. Established in 1933, this dive bar offers live music, games like skee-ball, and a simplistic basement ambiance. But the real draw? With every drink, enjoy a complimentary whole personal pizza during their generous daily happy hour from 12-7 PM. It’s a deal that’s hard to beat when scouring the best bars in Williamsburg.

We Got Company, a chic and intimate Williamsburg bar, defies its size with a remarkable experience. Ideal for concluding a night, it offers a cozy atmosphere, though its limited space can be a double-edged sword. This slightly upscale joint exudes a sophisticated ambiance without the hefty price tag. Indulge in unique cocktails and a diverse selection that won’t break the bank, making it a standout among Williamsburg bars.

Horses and Divorces stands out as one of Williamsburg’s top dive bars, boasting a grungy 70s decor and a dimly lit ambiance accentuated by neon lights for a nostalgic touch. It’s a rarity to find this place empty, as it attracts daily crowds seeking the allure of inexpensive beer and a free round of pool.

The Williamsburg Bar fosters a social atmosphere where locals and strangers bond over games and cheers between turns. Don’t expect to have a peaceful night out at Horses and Divorces, between the jukebox and the rowdy crowd you’re in for a memorable night.

For a fantastic experience with draft beer and a laid-back atmosphere, George & Jack’s ditches the flashy themes of trendy bars, embracing simplicity. This Williamsburg spot features a cool concrete floor, scattered tables, and a room with a pool table.

The ambiance is homey, with giant windows invoking a summer vibe. With outdoor seating welcoming your four-legged friend, a jukebox for music, and complimentary popcorn, George & Jack’s is all about enjoying good times without the fuss.

Midnights, a warmly lit and intimate bar in Williamsburg, serves up delicious cocktails at a surprisingly affordable price. With none of their drinks exceeding $15, it’s a budget-friendly find in a city where such deals are rare. Open until 4AM on weekends, Midnights stands out as one of the best late-night bars in Williamsburg, providing the perfect spot for those evenings when you’re not quite ready to call it a night.

One of the most romantic bars in Williamsburg, St. Mazie Bar & Supper Club is the perfect spot for a date-night. There’s live jazz daily, which will impress your date or friends and set the tone for a fun night. Mix in a few glasses of wine or St. Mazie’s original cocktails and you won’t want the night to end.

With a comprehensive food menu available, there’s no need for separate dinner reservations elsewhere. Keep in mind that access to the jazz bar requires tickets, so be sure to check the schedule and make an online booking.

Sometimes you want to visit rooftop bars in Williamsburg strictly for the vibe, not necessarily the view. Since most New Yorkers don’t have backyards, there’s a summer itch for open-air drinks and sunsets. Luckily Night of Joy, one of the best rooftop bars Williamsburg has to offer, is open and ready to host. If there was ever such a thing as a dive rooftop bar, it’d be Night of Joy.

You won’t get jaw-dropping skyline views or feel the sway of the wind atop a skyscraper but Night of Joy is memorable nonetheless. The upstairs patio feels like a backyard where you’d lose track of time chatting with friends. And odds are you probably will. The atmosphere is unpretentious and laid back.

Ever played arcade games, buzzed? It’s one of my favorite rainy day activities for adults in New York City. Barcade is a laid-back, relaxed spot to enjoy after work brews and blow off some steam on arcade games. Tokens are 25 cents and can be used on over 70 arcade & pinball games. There’s plenty of classics, most of the machines are from the 1980’s.

And if you get hungry while chasing that high-score no need to head out. There’s classic bar food like burgers & tater tots. In sum, spending the day at Barcade, one of the best bars in Williamsburg, leaves little room for disappointment.

A bona-fide cocktail bar, Fresh Kills Bar is a stellar introduction point to the world of mixology and craft cocktails. For starters, this Williamsburg bar has no menu. Instead you have to talk to your bartender, explaining your likes and your dislikes — leading to a personalized drink crafted by the skilled mixologist.

What sets Fresh Kills Bar apart is their commitment to quality, from hand-cutting ice to utilizing house-made syrups and garnishing drinks with truly flavorful, fresh ingredients—not mere decorations. With no need for menu QR codes, you can leave your phones behind and revel in the immersive experience of engaging with the staff and your company, providing a fun way to unwind and unplug for a few hours.

Lucky Dog stands out as one of the best bars in Williamsburg, creating a welcoming space for our beloved four-legged companions It’s a great after-work watering hole, with a few noteworthy beers on tap. During the summer, Lucky Dog becomes one of the best bars in Williamsburg, thanks to its sunlit back patio where you and your canine can unwind.

Adding to the appeal is a shuffleboard table for some extra entertainment. My only complaint is that the dogs will often leave a “territorial marking” right at the door, but hey – it comes with the territory, right?