Williamsburg Best Bars
Looking for the best bars in Williamsburg, Brooklyn? You’ve landed in the right place. From laid-back dive bars to rooftop lounges with skyline views, this neighborhood knows how to deliver a good night out, and then some. Whether you’re in town for the weekend or just exploring beyond Manhattan, Williamsburg offers an unbeatable mix of creative cocktails, natural wine, local energy, and unforgettable vibes.
This guide breaks down the best of the best, by vibe, not just volume, so you can sip your way through Williamsburg like a local. And if you’re staying at The Penny, even better. You’re already in the heart of the action.
Best Rooftop Bars in Williamsburg
ElNico (Rooftop at The Penny Hotel)
Located atop The Penny in South Williamsburg, ElNico is a rooftop bar and restaurant that blends modern Mexican flavors with one of the most stunning Manhattan views in Brooklyn. Inside, it’s art-forward and playful, while the outdoor terrace offers a lush, breezy space perfect for golden hour cocktails. Whether you’re sipping mezcal negronis with friends or sharing mole fries at brunch, ElNico sets the tone for a night that feels both elevated and relaxed.
Westlight
High above the William Vale Hotel on North 12th Street, Westlight delivers panoramic skyline views and a high-energy, upscale cocktail experience. Its sleek design and curated menu attract a polished crowd, from industry insiders to weekenders looking to impress. Come for a pre-dinner drink or stay for the full city-lit spectacle, either way, this rooftop doesn’t disappoint.
Best Wine Bars in Williamsburg
The Four Horsemen
Tucked away on Grand Street, The Four Horsemen feels like a secret clubhouse for natural wine lovers and industry insiders. The dimly lit space is minimalist but warm, with vinyl spinning, tight tables, and a constantly rotating bottle list that ranges from funky pét-nats to rare orange wines. Add a knockout small plate menu and a no-fuss attitude, and you’ve got one of the most iconic wine bars in Williamsburg.
Have & Meyer
This rustic Italian wine bar on Grand Street exudes charm with its exposed brick, handwritten chalkboard lists, and candlelit tables. The focus here is on sustainable, organic wines and a thoughtful menu of cheese, charcuterie, and fresh pastas. The vibe is romantic but unstuffy, perfect for date night, catching up with a friend, or lingering over a second glass you didn’t plan to order.
Best Dive & Casual Bars in Williamsburg
The Commodore
A few steps off Metropolitan Avenue, The Commodore is the kind of bar where the floors are sticky, the drinks are strong, and the fried chicken is genuinely excellent. Inside, it’s all wood-paneled walls, neon signs, and packed booths filled with people shouting over a retro playlist. It’s gritty, it’s loud, and it’s one of the most beloved low-key bars in the neighborhood.
Rocka Rolla
Located on Metropolitan near the BQE, Rocka Rolla channels dive bar energy with a rock-and-roll edge, think biker bar meets vintage arcade. The décor is heavy on leather, the drinks are cheap and massive, and the music is straight from your cool uncle’s record collection. It’s rowdy, fun, and impossible to take too seriously (in the best way).
Turkey’s Nest Tavern
Across the street from McCarren Park, Turkey’s Nest is a Williamsburg relic that’s proudly stuck in time. Known for serving potent margaritas in Styrofoam cups, the bar has a fiercely local crowd, no credit card machine, and zero concern for what’s trendy. It’s not cute or curated, and that’s exactly why people love it.
Best Cocktail Bars in Williamsburg
Fresh Kills Bar
On a quiet stretch of Grand Street, Fresh Kills Bar is a dark, understated space where bartenders skip the menu and instead ask you a few questions before building something totally bespoke. With its moody lighting and old-school service, the bar feels intimate and sophisticated without ever being pretentious. It’s the kind of place you stumble into at 8 and walk out of at midnight wondering where the time went.
Maison Premiere
Steps from the Bedford L stop, Maison Premiere brings Parisian elegance and New Orleans decadence to Brooklyn in a way that feels entirely its own. Known for its oyster bar, absinthe service, and immaculate interior design, this spot is perfect for sipping a well-crafted cocktail in a place that feels like it belongs to another era. It’s effortlessly romantic and a little mysterious, one of the few bars where a martini feels mandatory.
Bar LunÀtico (Bed-Stuy adjacent, but worth it)
Just a short ride from Williamsburg, Bar LunÀtico in Bed-Stuy offers an intimate, soulful cocktail experience with nightly live music that spans jazz, soul, Afrobeat, and more. The bar is narrow and dimly lit, with the kind of acoustics that make even a three-piece band feel immersive. It’s beloved by locals for its welcoming, no-attitude vibe and beautifully balanced drinks.
Best Bottomless Brunch Bars in Williamsburg
Sunday in Brooklyn
Located at the corner of Wythe and South 4th, Sunday in Brooklyn is a sun-drenched, three-story stunner that’s become synonymous with Brooklyn brunch culture. While it doesn’t technically offer a bottomless deal, its cocktail menu, from grapefruit spritzes to house bloody marys, is reason enough to stick around for round two. The interiors are leafy and warm, and the malted pancakes are worth every bit of the hype.
Zona Rosa
Just off North 6th Street, Zona Rosa offers a more lively, colorful take on brunch with its rooftop seating, bottomless margaritas, and classic Mexican dishes. The crowd skews young and energetic, with birthday tables and weekenders fueling up before afternoon adventures. It’s casual, affordable, and perfect for big groups who want strong drinks and zero stress.
Mesa Coyoacan
A bit more refined than your typical brunch spot, Mesa Coyoacan delivers traditional Mexican brunch dishes and bottomless cocktails in a polished, sit-down setting. Located on Graham Avenue, it draws a relaxed crowd looking for flavorful food and a solid pour without the chaos of bottomless mimosa mobs. Expect excellent service, beautiful plating, and a slower pace to ease into your weekend.
Stay Close to the Best Bars in Williamsburg
One of the best parts of drinking in Williamsburg? You don’t need to go far to get home. When you stay at The Penny, you’re already in the heart of the neighborhood, with ElNico just an elevator ride away for rooftop cocktails or a recovery brunch.
The Penny’s thoughtfully designed rooms include kitchenettes, cozy robes, and rotating art from LAND Gallery artists, the kind of place that feels like home even after a long night out. Whether you’re hitting cocktail bars, dive spots, or natural wine gems, The Penny puts Williamsburg’s best nightlife at your doorstep. Book your stay now and make your bar crawl walkable, stylish, and stress-free.