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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Downtown Brooklyn

Cool bars

A bar that manages to be cool without the exclusionary attitude that usually defines the scene.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
Sunken Harbor Club image 1
Sunken Harbor Club image 2
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Cocktail bar

Ship-like interior with nautical theme and immersive audio-visual ambiance creates a sultry, chill vibe ideal for unwinding or enjoying cocktails. Staff perform theatrical skits with smoke and bubble machines, adding a playful, interactive element. Cocktails blend classic tiki inspiration with modern techniques, complementing a menu of flavorful small plates.

A nautical tiki bar with a strong focus on presentation and attention to detail in its cocktails. The back bar stands out as a highlight, offering a unique and high-quality cocktail experience.

Atmosphere stands out with its cool design and strong theme commitment. Drinks match the vibe, and events like the Green Zone takeover add to the cool factor.

People are saying

"This tiki bar is the best in New York."

"The drinks here are creative, thoughtfully crafted, and impressively presented."

"This cocktail bar has an immersive, sea-themed atmosphere with lively energy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; tables are first come, first serve.

2

Happy hour menu is available until boarding at 6:30 PM.

3

Expect a wait during peak hours, especially on weekends.

02
Vine Bar image 1
Cocktail bar

Cozy cocktail bar with intimate low lighting and chic decor creates a relaxed, inviting atmosphere. Background music stays impressive yet unobtrusive, supporting easy conversation. Affiliated bottle shop and outdoor seating add unique convenience and charm.

Craft cocktails stand out with wildly inventive and perfectly balanced flavors. Friendly bartenders create a welcoming vibe, and the bar offers high-quality drinks without a high price tag.

Staff bring a cool and kind energy. The bar shows off a Brooklyn vibe with metro neon lighting.

People are saying

"I found the cocktails here to be amazing and creative."

"The drinks at this bar are top-notch and creative."

"The bar has a cool, metro neon vibe."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

No reservations are needed at this bar.

3

Each drink costs around $16.

03
GOLFZON Social - Brooklyn image 1
Indoor golf course

Golfzon Social offers top-notch golf simulators with realistic moving terrain in a spacious lounge-like setting. The atmosphere feels high-end and comfortable, suitable for gatherings and watching games. Plenty of open space and a large bar create a welcoming environment for socializing.

Combines a golf simulator with a sports bar and restaurant. Bar and food service stand out as outstanding.

Staff are cool, sweet, and helpful. The place features simulators that add to its very cool vibe.

People are saying

"The staff here makes the fun activities so welcoming and smooth."

"The bar staff here is amazing and always keeps your glass full."

"The staff here are so cool and helpful."

Good to know

1

The cost per person at the Golf Zone is $30 - $50 without food.

2

Two hours for two people with light bites and drinks costs $350 on a Tuesday night.

3

They ran a Super Bowl deal for 4 people including food for $400.

04
The Randolph image 1

Space combines retro arcade games, feather bowling lanes, and a rooftop beer garden with city views. Atmosphere stays chill and fun, welcoming both groups and solo visitors. Self-serve beer taps add a unique, interactive element to the experience.

Upleveled bar food and fun cocktails stand out here. The decor includes couches, high tables, and a separate bar area apart from the game zone, creating a cozy yet social vibe. Friendly bartenders handle high volume with ease, making it great for groups or solo visits.

Large seating and a diverse menu support groups well. The open vibe and pun-themed beers add a cool atmosphere. Bartenders downstairs contribute to the laid-back hangout feel.

People are saying

"They had lots of great beer options."

"The rooftop offers an incredible view of the skyline."

"The bar staff's energy was unmatched and brought a contagious, positive vibe."

Good to know

1

Randolph prohibits all minors under 18 after 6pm on weekdays and after 2pm on Saturdays.

2

Kids cannot use arcades and other games after 2 PM.

3

The restaurant allows you to pay individually for your order, which is great for big groups.

05
House of Wax image 1

Rows of wax heads and anatomical figures line the walls, creating a morbidly spooky and eclectic vibe. Music ranges from loud rock to chill tunes, making the atmosphere either lively or difficult for conversation. A cinema upstairs adds a unique feature, blending bar and movie experiences.

A red and moody atmosphere sets a unique, macabre vibe that feels both weird and eclectic. The bar offers a great selection of drinks and lively music without being chaotic, making it easy to relax and chat.

Cool decor and a collection of wax figures create a unique vibe. The bartender stays professional even during incidents, and drinks match the overall cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"This bar has an unusual, spooky atmosphere with wax figures."

"It's fun to walk around and see the weird, unusual displays."

"The wax figures here are really cool."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4-6pm with discounted drinks.

2

Trivia night occurs every Tuesday at 8pm with a fun atmosphere.

3

Losers of trivia receive a complimentary death mask as a prize.

06
Dekalb Market Hall image 1

Market hall in a basement offers a maze-like layout with decentralized seating spread across cozy corners. Atmosphere is noisy and crowded, buzzing with life and loud music around 80 decibels. Variety of food stalls and vintage clothing add to the vibrant, eclectic vibe.

Lively bars include a salsa dancing night and a stand-up sushi bar serving fresh hand rolls. Many stalls have bar seating right at the counter, and some bars welcome outside food from nearby stalls.

Offers a great selection of super cool food spots all under one roof. Includes other cool businesses like Snow Milk with clothing and accessories.

People are saying

"I found a great variety of food options here."

"It's a cool market with a neat vibe and lots of food options."

"I found so many different food options and a great beer bar."

Good to know

1

During the Soul Summit dance event, you can eat, drink, and dance until midnight.

2

The Friday night market hosts vendors and has a DJ.

3

Free salsa dancing lessons are offered during the Soul Summit event.

07
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Brooklyn image 1

Spacious movie theater combines leather reclining chairs with food service at seats and a bar area for drinks. Atmosphere mixes vintage film clips before movies with occasional talking and phone use during screenings. Seating shows wear but overall environment stays clean and cozy.

A bar downstairs offers better cocktails than the theater options. Both spots have large beer and wine selections. The bar features floating zombie heads and artistic old school movie posters.

In-seat food service offers many tasty options. The spot sits in the heart of downtown Brooklyn, near cool shops and restaurants. They also host really cool events.

People are saying

"The seats here are so comfortable for watching movies."

"The bar's cool wax museum setup is really unique and inviting."

"The cinema's decor and ambiance are really cool and comfy."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays before 5, movies are $11 total with tax.

2

The restaurant offers movie-specific specials for food and drinks.

3

You cannot be late to the movie, nor can you pull out your phone during the movie.

08
Gage & Tollner image 1
American restaurant

Historic American restaurant offers an intimate, romantic atmosphere with vintage decor and antique gas lighting fixtures that evoke old-time New York. Upstairs cocktail club features unique, flavorful drinks and live music, adding to the nostalgic energy. The space combines classic steakhouse vibes with a sense of time travel.

Upstairs offers a fantastic bar with tiki classics. The raw bar complements the historic 1890s vibe well.

A cool vibe fills the space, blending with its rich history to create a unique atmosphere. The setting feels special and stands out for its impressive ambiance.

People are saying

"These dinner spots feel like a party in a time machine."

"The food was fantastic, and the drinks were great."

"It's a cool place with an old-school, classic vibe."

Good to know

1

Reservations should be made a few weeks in advance due to high demand.

2

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday from 5 to 6 PM.

3

Only the raw bar and some desserts are available before 5 PM.

09
KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Spacious Korean restaurant offers tabletop grilling and personal hotpots for a hands-on dining experience. Atmosphere is lively and noisy with Kpop music and big screens, creating an energetic vibe. Guests enjoy a condiment bar and free appetizer station, making meals customizable and interactive.

Friendly staff introduce a variety of drinks and make the atmosphere welcoming. The sauce bar offers freebies like karaage and egg rolls, plus a chance to create your own sauce mixture.

Purple neon lights set a cool ambiance. The bartender Joseph is welcoming and adds to the vibe. The Korean hot pot includes a banchan and appetizer bar with many condiments.

People are saying

"The food here is great, with attentive service from Arkar."

"Joseph at the bar provided excellent service and made us feel welcome."

"It's a cool experience making your own sauce and cooking your own food."

Good to know

1

The lunch special is $20.99 and is available from 12 PM to 4 PM.

2

On weekends, the price is $30 for hotpot or BBQ and $35 for both.

3

Happy hour drinks are available, and bubble tea has the option to add soju.

10
Junior's Restaurant & Bakery image 1
American restaurant

Large space filled with retro decor like mirrors and tin ceilings creates a vintage Brooklyn vibe. Oldies music plays, adding to the authentic American atmosphere. Known for legendary cheesecake and classic dishes, it offers a nostalgic dining experience.

Cocktail lounge offers a 60's vibe with classic decor. Window seating feels comfy and warm, while booths and bar service add to the traditional NYC restaurant atmosphere.

Atmosphere feels cool and unpretentious with a really cool old school look. The crowd and overall flair fit the area and add to the vibe.

People are saying

"I thought the cheesecake here was the best I ever had."

"The pickles and slaw here have an amazing old-school feel."

"The cheesecake here is a must-try, with huge portions."

Good to know

1

Joining the waitlist on Yelp before arriving is recommended to save on waiting time.

2

A milk shake is $10, and sandwiches start around $20.

3

There is absolutely no parking on 45th street.

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Downtown Brooklyn, New York

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