Brooklyn’s bar scene isn’t the city’s largest, but it’s certainly the most vibrant. That’s why the borough that gave us Busta Rhymes deserves its own definitive guide. Scroll down for our 2026 picks of the best bars where the food is just as compelling as the cocktails.
Hops Hill
$ | (347) 987-4334 | WEBSITE
At this neighborhood bar in Brooklyn, you can grab a can of craft beer to enjoy at home, plus maybe a bottle from their extensive whiskey collection. But do yourself the favor of having a drink there, too. There’s a cozy backyard out back where they’re pouring draft beers and Jameson shots, and serving them with genuine warmth and expertise. Don’t let a spontaneous afternoon pint from the friendly bartender Denis deter you from taking that six-pack to go, though.
A beer here now and more for later is the best decision you’ll make all week.
Llama Inn
$$$ | (929) 533-2037 | WEBSITE
Brooklyn’s most satisfying (or, adventurous?) bite of the year isn’t a towering burger stacked on a brioche bun. It’s the lomo at Llama Inn, a Peruvian-inspired neighborhood spot in Brooklyn that serves tender meat with a world-class sauce that lingers on the palate. If you have yet to embrace ceviche, first of all, broaden your horizons, and second of all, well, there’s a perfect snow peas salmon tiradito waiting for you instead.
Sit at a rustic wooden table that sets a relaxed mood and order multiple dishes for a full experience, or grab a seat at the bar, and use the exceptional asparagus ceviche to start your meal. The knowledgeable staff responds with courtesy while the frequently changing menu ensures each visit feels unique. While the $28 lomo portion might leave you wanting more, the $18 tiradito and $16 ceviche deliver fantastic quality.
The warm atmosphere makes it ideal for groups or date nights, though gluten-free options are limited—thankfully the staff tries to accommodate, and the few available are fantastic. Overall, you’ll leave enthusiastic, already planning your next visit to this acclaimed spot.
gertrude’s
$$$ | (718) 269-0043 | WEBSITE
Brunch in Brooklyn may not have the same prestige as dinner in Manhattan, but it’s gaining ground, thanks to neighborhood spots like Gertrude’s in Prospect Heights. In this cozy restaurant near the 2/B/Q subway line with warm lighting and comfortable seating, you’ll find standout morning dishes like avocado toast bagel or cinnamon bun—and various satisfying plates throughout the day.
All that makes it convenient if you’re within walking distance, but we’d travel here from much farther for their hot, shareable half chicken. It’s served (perfect for two) all day, and is equally delicious alongside a plate of their famous fries, a glass from the impressive wine list, or a chocolate cream cold brew that tastes like chocolate milk.
Tong
$$ | (718) 366-0586 | WEBSITE
Inside Brooklyn’s Tong—a Michelin-recognized Thai restaurant with a cool, pleasant atmosphere and spacious dining room—the kitchen does many things: from small plates to desserts, all with powerful flavors and spectacular combinations. And they do these many things very, very well.
Cooked to perfection like the octopus or seared to develop rich flavor like the fried pork ribs, the dishes are served in reasonable portions for sharing, with your choice of elastic noodles in the pad mhee ko rad or the tender pork jowl. But go for multiple entrees for a group, which includes highlights like the drunken noodles and several sides, all on simple, elegant plates.
It’s a satisfying meal, so you should still have room for the desserts and a little conversation in the comfortable ambiance after.
Claudia’s by Clo Cafe
$$ | (347) 987-3402 | WEBSITE
Already a neighborhood favorite, Claudia’s by Clo Cafe is one of Brooklyn’s most delightful brunch spots. Formerly a small cafe, this Central American restaurant in Brooklyn draws consistent crowds who appreciate its relaxed vibe. That popularity is well-deserved, considering the menu is already filled with standouts.
For a satisfying meal in a cozy space, try their signature dishes: fresh ceviche with bright citrus notes, perfectly steamed tamales wrapped in banana leaves, and flavorful coffee drinks that start the day right. The modern, inviting decor makes it feel like a sanctuary, as do the owners who run this place: one crafts espresso martinis behind the bar, while the other can recommend a surprising dessert when the banana bread is gone.
Red Hook Tavern
$$ | (917) 966-6094 | WEBSITE
The Red Hook Tavern serves the same great burger they’re famous for, they’ve just swapped their Brooklyn regulars for out-of-town visitors making pilgrimages. It’s still a reservation-only spot, but unlike other casual options in the area, this corner location on a nice Red Hook street is also a fun place to hang out.
A blue rotary phone behind the bar rings whenever a takeout order comes in, and the bar stools and tables look like assorted overstock from a particularly well-curated vintage furniture store. A meal here should always revolve around the burger: try it cooked medium rare with just salt and pepper, appreciating the perfect char and toasted bun.
Brooklyn Crab
$$ | (718) 643-2722 | WEBSITE
At Brooklyn Crab in Red Hook, there’s a fake shark for photos, and the seafood boil fest is so fresh it could easily pass for just-caught. It’s a lively, fun place that nails the whole we’re-a-restaurant-but-also-a-game-spot thing. You could easily come to this Caribbean-inspired restaurant for just a drink and a snack at the bar. But the food here—like that seafood boil, or the fresh catches served with vibrant sides—is best enjoyed at a rooftop table for two.
Come for a full meal on your first visit, try whatever happy hour special is available, and then return in the summer to play some corn hole and work your way through the rest of the cocktail menu with that awesome NYC view.
Sawa
$$$ | (347) 457-6761 | WEBSITE
The food writer has ventured from Manhattan to Park Slope. This Lebanese gem Sawa is perfect for an intimate, flavorful dinner (you can absolutely make a meal of it) among warm lighting and rustic-chic Middle Eastern décor, ideally with someone who’s just as eager as you are to share the beautifully presented hummus with silky olive oil. Or better yet, to order two plates—much more satisfying than splitting, anyway.
Vinegar Hill House
$$$ | (718) 522-1018 | WEBSITE
Vinegar Hill House has been holding down the Brooklyn bar-restaurant scene for years, and it’s still a destination. If you want cozy vibes and exceptional food, put this spot on your list. The historic dining room feels warm and inviting, though it can get quite loud when full. The menu sticks to its strengths: nothing cliché, just perfect flavors and textures. Heirloom tomatoes burst with freshness, charred octopus is tender with a smoky edge, and the Liver Mousse is rich and smooth.
A Corn and Crab special sings with sweetness, and the Pork Chops are cooked to juicy perfection. Try a beautifully curated wine or a great cocktail from the bartender, who offers excellent pairing recommendations. Service is friendly and generally responsive, though waiters may be slow when busy. Get here early if you want to snag a table for a relaxed, enjoyable evening.
Chavela’s
$$ | (718) 622-3100 | WEBSITE
We love a cute, neighborhood spot that works just as well for a casual date as it does for a solo meal at the bar after a long day. Chavela’s, tucked away in Brooklyn, nails that vibe with its carefully curated Mexican ambiance, a cozy dining area, and a warm, inviting bar that makes us wish we were on vacation.
No matter how many people you bring, the only real decision is whether to share their incredible, $18 smoked trout guacamole—with crispy tortilla chips piled high and a bright, zesty kick—or keep it all to yourself. Kick things off with something snacky, like the fantastic handmade Mexican quesadillas, and a refreshing margarita on the side.