Coffee is great, drinks are great, pastries are great, food is subpar. Had pancakes, tuna melt and a burger. All were disappointing given my coffee experience. Will not be coming back for food. read more

Service and ambiance gets five stars. I only had drinks and that was 5 stars as well. Perhaps the next visit I'll try the food. You have to try the flaming cocktail called the SAY SO! Had a few of those. Perhaps that's why I didn't remember to take photos... Just a video. *I took a screenshot of the video for your reference. This is a must try. 100% YES for me. Go with a date, solo, or friends. You won't regret it. read more

Altar - The SAY-SO. Delicious! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Great service, especially for a large group. I was appreciative that they fit us into a booth and kept checking if we needed anything! Fun drinks too! We loved the grasshopper and the daiquiri. The martinis are intense though, and not for the faint of heart if you don't already love martinis! read more

Altar - Daiquiri - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

See all

All praises goes out to this bar. They've got well made drinks and some cute appetizers. Everyone I come here I try different drinks and have never had a bad one yet. They've got something for everyone and they make the drinks with love. Those lobster rolls are addictive. It's a great date spot. As you can see from my pics, I've indulged there quite a bit. They also have happy hour as well read more

See all

Cute spot, great for dates. Server was sweet. Food was pretty good too :) Would come back if in the area.

Altar is a chic and cool cocktail bar in the Crown Heights setcion of Brooklyn. Located on Sterling Place, it is next door to Chavela's (Mexican Restaurant). Altar is also in close proximity to Rum Bar, Ras Plant Based, etc. & is within walking distance to a host of restaurants & hang-out spots along Franklin Ave. Altar is easily accessible via public transportation that includes the 2,3,4,5, & S (Shuttle train) to Franklin Ave and walking a few minutes to the establishment. One can also take the B 48 bus, which runs along Franklin Ave and get off the stop closest to Sterling Place. Altar has a cozy, intimate lounge vibe w/ classy ambiance. It has a bar area, a fabulous disco ball that is in the center of the front room area & there is a back room area. There is a mix of various table / seating arrangements - high tables w/ leather seating, standard tables w/ leather seating, booth- style seating, etc. Candles on the tables & lighting arrangements enhance the atmosphere. Altar has clean bathrooms. These are our favorite signature cocktails at Altar: High Fever Cocktail - Tequila Blanco, lime cordial, cocnut, kalamansi, Yellow Chartreuse & thai basil. Jungle Birdie - Rhum Agricole, pineapple, campari, mint & passionfruit. Wine /Spirits and Beers are also on the Menu. Happy Hour is $3 off Classic Cocktails & 2 off wines, etc. Altar also has a Small Plates Menu, and the sliders we ordered were good. The Two Sliders are Ground NY Strip w/ bacon prune jam & humboldt fog cheese. The waffle crisps paired well w/ the sliders. Website - altarnyc.com Instagram - @altarbklyn Hours of Operation - Mon- Wed. 5pm - Midnight Thurs. - 5pm - 2am Fri. & Sat. - 4pm - 2am Sun. - 4pm - Midnight Altar plays really good music. R &.B, Salsa, Pop, Reggae, Hip-Hop, etc. You name it, they play it.... read more

See all

Carlos was a phenomenal mixologist of flavor, presentation and flair. The cocktails my partner and I ordered were far beyond immaculate and for the price point- a steal! Take it from an ex-bartender, I am impressed. read more

After Chavelas we went for some drinks at altar which is their sister bar! Really nice ambiance. Friendly quick service, very attentive. Will definitely be going back and recommending both spots :) read more

Altar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

See all

They say you find religion when you least expect it but most need it. That said, our stumbling onto Altar was providence - we were in need, and were given reason to worship. Our night had gone well but finding ourselves wishing it would not end, threw light darts for a second landing. Bar Louie's kitchen was closed and, in the drought of the late hour, found Altar. The high latern on the exterior beckoned us, and we relinquished a booth in favor of the bar, which ended up being a wise move. Ashamedly, I'd not known of Mr. Ward before tonight - but following, will be making a pilgrimage. Glancing over the menu, I was initially stunned by the number of libations featuring shrubs, infusions and tinctures. One or two are typical, but at least six of fourteen signature drinks showcased one or the other, and our interest was piqued. For a rainy Thursday night, there was plenty of energy; a good mixed crowd and low thrum, with ripples of laughter and boisterous conversation. The bar's lighting and layout are something to behold - certainly a space that sets the stage for worship. Lo-fi and indie tunes lend a backdrop that lend to, not overshadow, your conversations. We had: El Diablo, White Negroni, Smoking Palomino, and High Fever. Each distinct, well balanced, whispering to its components but letting them speak for themselves, none bleeding into the other. Seeing mezcal featured so prominently and proudly in these cocktails was also a joy - it is a treasure that stands alone and does deserve its own pedestal, but its beauty lies in seeing how well it plays with others. El Diablo was a midnight kiss, but High Fever was an intoxicating song. I look forward to returning to Alter and worshiping in full. read more

Visited "Altar" in my old hood of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. It's a very cute and cozy cocktail bar (with a speakeasy vibe). I'm still tripping about being able to sip and dine in my old stomping grounds. I'm not a Negroni kind of gal because it's a bit bitter for me. But the pineapple infused Mezcal one called out to me. Delish! I had two of them. They also have tasty small plates. The yucca fries were perfect. And my sipping mates said the lobster sliders were tasty. Our server Vanessa was wonderful. And while I didn't partake in the happy hour classic offerings, it's until 7p on Saturday and all day Sunday. My/our tongue clicking sips for the evening: PINEAPPLE NEGRONI pineapple infused mezcal, campari, sweet vermouth NOT ANOTHER WORD gin, green chartruese, maraschino, bergamot (One of my favs is the Last Word. The bergamot is the added compliment to this treat.) HIGH FEVER tequila blanco, lime cordial, coconut, kalamansi, yellow chartruese, thai basil WHISKEY AF rye infused with fuji apples, ginger, peychaud's Mmmm... Bon Appetit! Cheers! Enjoy! read more

See all

I'm definitely a fan of this place. I've been to spot two different times and it didn't disappoint. First Saturdays it will be hard to get a table b/c the museum crowd has dispersed and made their way here. However, on a random Wednesday while there are people their you will have a better chance at getting a table. The drinks and bites are just enough. I've had a few of the cocktails on their menu fitzy fiz& the pineapple negroni...very tasty! For food I've had the sticky chicken, patatas bravas, steak skewers, & yucca fries...all good. It has a chill dark vibe. Definitely great for a date. However, it's a good friends link up too. I'm sure I'll make it back soon. read more

Altar - Pineapple mezcal negroni - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Cozy cocktail bar with late night food options. Kitchen stays open until close. The oysters and the burger were delicious. Fries were made with rosemary - so good. Must get jalapeño mayo! Service was great. read more

See all

I was completely enchanted by this place from the moment I walked in. Compliments to their interior designer, because the gilded accents and warm glow of the space really make you feel like you've walked into Brooklyn's best kept secret. When I learned one of the brains behind this place was a proprietor of one of my favorite but now closed bars ever (Mayahuel), it all clicked. The cocktail menu is really well thought out, with every drink more balanced than the next. It seems the cocktail I really loved that was made with a pop rocks rim is no longer on their menu, but I trust that everything they make is delicious. They must change out their drinks every so often, but will likely be able to make an old drink if you ask. $15 for this kind of quality is so affordable as well. I haven't yet tried the food, but they have a little kitchen making things like fried chicken, lobster rolls, sliders, burrata, yuca fries, and tartare. All the kinds of things I'd want to have alongside my elevated cocktails. I can't wait to bring more friends. read more

See all

This is NOT a good restaurant. I was fooled in to going either by false reviews or people that don't know what a good restaurant is. The food was bad, the wine was swill and the atmosphere was cheap and tacky. Server was nice but it did little to help. read more

Solo? On a date? Sure. Drinks are good. Sound is loud but you can chat. But the booths? ABSOLUTELY AWFUL. Tight, cramped, wildly uncomfortable. Had birthday drinks with 5 friends in a booth and it was a complete vibe killer. Not even hole in the wall bars in the city are designed that way, let alone CROWN HEIGHTS. Never again. Crown Inn for groups it is. read more

This has been one of my favorite bars, which is why this experience was so disappointing. Two white women were allowed inside right before my friends and I arrived. When we approached (three Black women), the door was locked and we were told the bar was closed, despite visible patrons inside being served. After repeated knocking, staff gave conflicting explanations. I have video from that moment showing the bar was still operating and only white patrons inside. The situation felt discriminatory and was handled very poorly. read more

Very very cool vibe to this place! Super dark lit, but very classy, cozy and clean. Servers are fast, attentive, and kind without being overbearing. The drinks are positively devine and extremely well-balanced--and reasonably priced compared to high end cocktail places in the Manhattan area. I only left a star off because the place fills up very fast and the don't take reservations--and because it's just very loud there over all due to the hard surfaces and tall ceilings. Overall a really great experience and somewhere I will certainly revisit! read more

Altar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

See all

So im single in the city and sometimes I do want to put myself in a lovey atmosphere away from my home and this place achieves that. At first, I was out off by the crowd but I had to get uncomfortable and eventually got comfortable. My first time here was in the afternoon. The food was scrump-dilly-dee-oceans. Get the dish with the yucca fries. the drink menu gives refined tastes. If yo are looking to expand your pallet pass Long islands and whiskey sours, give the cocktail menu a try. bartenders are extremely helpful with recommending a cocktail. Lastly, the spot has different vibes. The outdoor eating is different vibe from the bar, different vibe from inside and different vibe of the inner inside. I find that cool that all these vibes can exist perfectly in balance at Altar. Come to Alter folks! read more

I like this little spot, it has a cool vibe, the food is decent, and my friends enjoy the cocktails. It's a nice spot to meet, have light bites, and drinks. It also easily accessible by train. I appreciated the bartender and was able and a table and found the waiter to be attentive. I'll be back! read more

I've been here 2-3time already and i never recall the name but the vibes here are amazing!!!! The moment you walk in you smell the purifying scent of Pablo santos in the air. The staff is amazing, met Troy there and he was able to make me a drink that i couldn't remember what i had last time easily. My friend ordered my second fav drink (old fashion) and it was delishhj!!! I had a small obsession with bathrooms and this one gives 10/10 it feels so warm and cozy all its missing is a bear claw tub and it's giving what i wish my house was it. Lol. I haven't eaten there yet but i will totally try nice time read more

Pretty disappointed by this cute little bar. We arrived at 8:30pm and walked by a ton of people sitting outside. The waiter informed us that the outdoor patio would be closing at 9:30pm if we wanted to stay outside. We said we'd be quick so opted to sit outside rather than sitting at the only available seats at the then cramped bar. To drink, I only ordered the Aspall cider and it was solid. The food was unfortunately not that great. The patatas bravas were just boiled potatoes with spicy mayo as they weren't fried for long enough to have any crisp. The sliders were also quite undercooked as I had three large pieces of fat that I couldn't chew threw and had to spit out. The bun, cheese, fig spread, and fries were all solid though! We also ordered the burrata which was decent, but needed to be eaten immediately or else the bread it was served on became soggy. That was probably the best dish. The waiter apologized for the food taking so long and said the kitchen was backed up which I'm guessing was the reason as to why most dishes were undercooked. Fast forward to 9:30pm and new people start showing up and are placed outside. The waiter started bringing out lights as the sun went down. So, looks like the patio doesn't close at 9:30pm. Oh well! We also offered to eat our food quicker since it took so long for our food to come out. The vibes were great though. The patio and inside are beautiful. I would definitely recommend coming to this place to grab a nice drink, but would avoid the food. Hopefully it was just this one instance were things weren't quite cooked fully. read more

See all

Had a great time at Altar, got some quick bites and a couple of cocktails and a mocktail. The Nada Colada was more strawberry than coconut in my opinion but still quite tasty. The fried chicken was delicious and the restaurant made sure to remove the sesame seed topping from the dish. Seems like it would be a nice date spot with the lighting and ambience. read more

See all

Each visit confirms their commitment to both cooking and hospitality. Every item on the menu deserves praise. The place combines location advantage with helpful staff. Workers here provided superior service. This restaurant provides a distinctive experience. read more

My brother my cousin my niece... Friday night shenanigans. The drink selection was just okay Because they didn't have enough Tutti Frutti drinks like sweet daiquiris unfortunately. Good music good crowd beautiful evening, full moon read more

See all

Perfect setting and a perfect drink . Fabiola is an amazing bartender/hostess - the small bites are perfect for mingling , the drinks are so good (recommend ordering the inner clarity, my favorite) and I sometimes play with their charcuterie board ... heres a pic. Love it here read more

Altar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The drinks are really cool here, very eclectic with an expansive menu. Our server Daniel was super attentive and awesome. The bar is beautiful and a great place for a date night. The lights are very dim and the music is Lo-fi so no problem hearing your companion speak like at other bars. The one big caveat at this place is that it was hard to breathe at times because the scent of the burning incense and whatever other methods they were using was so strong that we almost had to leave, but it eventually died down so we stayed. Now I am a person with 7 candles lit at a time in my house so for me to complain about the strong scent is a pretty big deal. Other than that, great place!! read more

See all

With a church-inspired decor that is classy without appearing pretentious, Altar exudes sexiness. Created by Phil Ward of Mayahuel fame and Arturo Leonar of next door Chavela, this cocktail bar is quite unique for this neighborhood: The carefully designed interior, the wonderfully crafted list of 12 delicious cocktails[1], the inspired menu make for a winning combination that is sure to impress. All the cocktails we tried were delicious: from the Queen of All Souls, to the Devoto Romano; from the Bitches Brew, to the Femme Fatale, it's hard to pick a single favorite. I suggest to come thirsty, and try as many as you want. The food selection is also above-average for a cocktail bar, with dishes that are as creative as they are visually impressive. I highly recommend the poke with arctic char, the Forage and Farm with macerated mushrooms, and the Duck Magret in merlot reduction and black mission figs; but even the charcuterie platter is artfully put together. Bring a date, come here for a celebration, an anniversary, or even just to unwind and relax; Altar is a place that succeeds without giving the impression to try too hard. The full room at the back is also great for private events, or a small party. Only thing I didn't like: A couple at a table were vaping. We were pretty surprised, as they actually seemed to be friends with the bartender. -------------- [1] Cocktails created by Fabiola Juarez. read more

See all

Cool vibe, excellent service, and an inventive rotating cocktail menu make this a go-to spot. I miss the sliders, but the snacks are always on point. Lighting is always good, and the decor is inspired yet subtle. Cozy cool spot for a date or a hang w friends, old and new. read more

This is a great spot to get a few cocktails and chat with friends. The inside is welcoming & intimate, with a rustic design. They have outdoor seating as well. Pretty standard prices for the area. The small plates were decent, I wouldn't necessarily come here just for dinner, as the menu is pretty limited. The service was great! read more

Altar - Mojito & ale - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

We happened to see this bar after being put on a long wait for a restaurant nearby. I'm so glad we did because the drinks and tapas were great. Plus the music with rustic candle lit vibe was nice. It's a good spot for couples, groups, solo night out. We came on Cinco De Mayo so they had a drink special and we had a great time! Definitely check them out. read more

See all

Great space with wonderful cocktails. Best bar in the area. Excellent appetizers as well. read more

A cute bar to pop into after dining at Chavelas. It's a small, intimate and feels romantic and cozy. I went on Cinco De Mayo and they had some specialty cocktails from Chavela's to celebrate, as I think they are linked. Worth a stop in if you're in the mood for a cocktail over good conversation. read more

Arrived shortly after opening. I was the first and only patron there. I was greeted and sat immediately. My bestie was running late as per usual. It gave nice speakeasy vibes. The tables were adorned with real candles. They had booths, seats around the bar and the outdoor seating was surrounded by flowers and shrubbery. The music was eclectic, alternative, soft rock and some unidentifiable genre. I was given water. They have a martini menu all priced at $17 each. The cocktails were priced at $16 or $15 each. During happy hour you get $2 off cocktails. Not martinis. On Martini Mondays you get $2 off martinis. I started with the Dirty Bird which is their version of a Dirty Martini. I choose vodka and they use Kettle One. It tasted as it should strong, salty and briny. I love the addition of some kind of pepper along with the olive garnish. It was flavorful, a little spicy and sweet. It made the martini pop when consumed together. My friend wanted an espresso martini which they couldn't or wouldn't make. The server suggested a cocktail they had called Too Easy. It contained dark rum, cold brew, averna, punt e mes, cream and mole bitters. She said it was ok but had a medicinal off putting after taste. Wasn't a good substitute for an espresso martini. They had small plates, ranging in price from $9 yucca fries to $21 charcuterie board. We got the yucca fries, lobster roll, duck, and ciabatta melt. The ciabatta melt was my favorite of the things we tried. They bring it to the table with a burning spring of rosemary on top. It contained raclette, humbolt fog cheese and bacon-prune jam. It was crispy, creamy, savory, sweet. A great portion for a tapa. Very filling. I would definitely eat and order again. They cut it into 8 pieces. We were running our mouths as we ate. It was still delicious cold. The lobster roll wasn't traditional. They made lobster salad and the lobster was cut pretty small. It was tasty and I loved the fresh herbs. It was a good salad to roll ratio and it was served with waffle fries. The waffle fries were more like chips. I wish they were cut thicker like chick fil a. The yucca fries were tasty. They were spicy but not overpowering. The jalapeño-ginger aioli was added a cooling effect that took away the spice. The duck had great flavor but was way overcooked and some pieces were chewy. The merlot reduction had a nice sweetness but it was too much of it for the amount of duck and the dried apricots added more unnecessary sweetness. The menu said gooseberries but they were figs. The Disco was a martini with gin and hibiscus infusion. Which one can only assume was for color because it tasted like straight up gin. They use London dry I prefer Brooklyn gin. My favorite cocktail was a drink called So So. The bring it to you and have fireworks coming out of a lemon with cinnamon. Its components were cognac, Jamaican rum, papaya, lemon over proof rum, mint and orgeat. It honestly tasted like a fancy rum punch. Given all the alcohol it contained it was surprisingly well balanced. I also tried the Smoking Palomino it had mezcal, sherry, pineapple and ancho chile infused amontillado. It had a smoke salt rim, which I enjoyed very much. The drink reminded me of a spiced pineapple soda without the fizz. The salt added some nuance. The service was okay. One bartender and server for the whole place. Which filled up pretty quickly as the night progressed. He never really checked in or asked how we were or things were. But if he saw us with an empty glass he would come over and inquire if we wanted another. We spent about 3 hours there bill was $205 before tip. read more

See all

The bartender was the coolest. It's like she read my mind. I wanted a margarita that wasn't too sweet or salty and strong. She did exactly that and it tasted AMAZING. She was super cool and knew exactly what she was doing. I'd go back in a heartbeat and have her as my bartender for sure read more

Altar - Cocktails holy smokes & classic marg - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

We had a great time in this place. It is really cool place, the atmosphere of the restaurant is so so cool! I recommend everyone go. I like drinks this, cocktail very tasty! My fiance was happy with the tartare. We've added this place to our favorites list read more

See all

Everything was phenomenal- food, service, vibe. Love love love. Will return next time we visit.

They had me at duck! I have walked past Altar so many times and it always looks so beautiful, mature and discreet. I had no clue what all was in store. First of all, they have a regular happy hour then a late night happy hour. The drinks are layered with beautiful flavors, intricate ingredients, all while being simple and familiar. The small bites were a great complement to the cocktails. Let's just say they were competing for my taste buds. Price Range: $20-40 per person What we ordered: *Muse *Inner Clarity *Holy Smoke *Duck *Burrata read more

See all

Beautiful bar with great interiors, perfect for date night or can be seen as a bar to start the night off. The service was impeccable and staff was chill & humorous. I started the night by ordering a too big and easy which composes of dark liquor coffee and a few other things, the cold brew portion went over my head and I had a chance to swap it for the Whiskey AF which was amazing... thanks for not charging me! I wasn't a huge fan of the food, I ordered the "Lobster Roll" which was misleading because it was basically lobster bites and wasn't anything special (2/5) as well as the fries that were included felt moist almost soggy... I wasn't sure if that's intentional or not. I'll come back here for the happy hour menu to further explore though! read more

See all

We came here Friday of Memorial Day weekend after 9pm, no reservation and was seated right away. We were very thankful of that! We opted for the back room as the one table available in the front was right by the kitchen, at first we were the only ones there, which was perfect for date night . I had two Jungle Birdies, my man had the smoking palomino and both were good! Small plates, we had the duck, oysters, yuca fries, sticky fried chicken, and the sliders! Everything was very good! Love that we found this place, will definitely be back! read more

I'd rate Altar four and a half stars. Very cool cocktail bar. Vibrant atmosphere. Creative cocktail list. Fun decor and comfortable seating. Can easily spend hours lounging here. We tried a few of their signature drinks including the Holy Smoke, the Muse, and the Inner Clarity. All the drinks were great but our favorite was the Muse. We also Ciabatta Melt. They have a couple restrooms. The one I used was spacious, gender neutral, and handicap accessible. read more