I came here on a Friday around 6PM and got their happy hour that ends at 7PM. It wasn't super crowded which was nice! I ordered the gin gimlet with light simple syrup and it was great! I tried the wine punch too and it was also really refreshing and lighter than I expected! I'd definitely come back to try some other drinks, the back patio, and the pb+J! read more

Elsa - Gin gimlet - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I've been to this cocktail bar regrettably only twice even though I live (or rather lived upcoming soon) around the corner. It's classy but not too fancy and has enough space but doesn't get too loud. They have a nice happy hour menu from Tuesday-Friday from 5 to 7 as well as all day on Sundays which has very decent prices such as an $8 old fashioned among other things (see the photo.) the bartenders I've had before have been friendly with some good recommendations. Outside of their wide selection of cocktails which run the gamut of liquors, they have a nice wine selection, a handful of craft beers, and a very small food selection. The first time I was here, I had one drink which was the excellent Star of The Ice Snow for $17 with Iwai 45 whiskey, brie-washed Carpano Antica, Fernet Branca, barrel-aged orange bitters, and sassafras bitters. It had a a bit of bitterness, some sweetness, some spice, and some light mint from the fernet and was a pleasant complex drink and was certainly worth it from the price. The second time I was here was just this evening where I had two drinks. I first went with something that I was thinking of getting the first time which is their outstanding Vivian Darkbloom for $15 with Union mezcal, lime, pineapple, charcoal, Velvet Falernum, and lime bitters. The drink has mild citrusy sweetness as well a bit of smoke from the mezcal and is probably my favorite drink I've had here though the other drink I had the first time gives it stiff competition. I asked the bartender what he recommends and after a small discussion, he said either The Bell Witch (which is a gin and chartreuse cocktail with a strong herbal flavor) or what I went with. Said drink was the Under a Cosmic Cloak for $16 with rhubarb infused rum, Trois Rivieres rum, Smith & Cross rum, yerba mate, lime, grapefruit, and whey. The bartender said that it wouldn't be overly sweet as the rum was milk washed and this was indeed the case with just a mild sweetness and some fruitiness. There was a light herbal flavor otherwise presumably from the mate as well as a light citrus note and overall, it was good though definitely the least complex of the drinks I've tried and probably my least favorite but was definitely not a bad drink. The drinks here are reasonably priced for the quality, the bartenders are friendly, and it is classy but not overbearingly so. I can see why it's popular and I wish I stopped in more. read more

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Gorgeous cocktail lounge, Aaron our Server is excellent, very friendly and accommodating. Happy Hour Old Fashion and Gin Gimlet are perfect, great balance. I see they have the Famous 7&7 on there HH Menu. Great outdoor patio. Just had cocktails and snack before we went to dinner. read more

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What a lovely bar to sit in and relax and talk about your day with our large group of friends. Elsa is large, quiet, comfortable and inviting. We all had different cocktails and I asked for a shot of Don Julio Tequila which was "Far" from one shot - let's just say here at Elsa's they are VERY generous! This was perfect place to start our night as we were walking next door to the Yemeni restaurant where they serve no alcohol - not even a BYOB! Elsa's was the beginning staging area of our busy night. read more

Lively Bar with Great Drinks, but Loud Atmosphere My husband wanted to go out for a drink, and since we were in Cobble Hill, we decided to stop by. He loves their outdoor space in summer. So we were excited to finally sit at the bar inside. Even though we thought arrived early 6pm , we still had to wait about 20 minutes for a bar seat--no reservations for the weekday. Food & Drinks: 4/5 My partner got the Mirrored Compass, which he enjoyed, but I wasn't a fan due to the briny taste. However, I really liked the Ruth Negroni (a non-alcoholic drink). It made me feel like I fit in, even though it kind of tasted like an adult Kool-Aid--definitely on the sweeter side, but still enjoyable. It paired surprisingly well with the PB&J, giving it an adult lunchbox feel. Atmosphere: The biggest downside was the noise--this place is loud. If you have sensitive ears or are coming with a group, expect to be yelling over the crowd. Overall: I'd definitely come back for a drink, but I'd probably head elsewhere for dinner. read more

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I came to Elsa to meet up with some friends because we've been trying to explore more of the neighborhood, and this place popped up on Yelp. We decided to check it out, and I'm so glad we did. Even on a Friday at 6 p.m., it wasn't hard to find a spot, which was a nice surprise since we were unable to get a reservation. The space is really cute, cozy, and stylish with great vibes all around. Their happy hour runs from 5 to 7 on weekdays, and the deals are amazing. You can get several cocktails for around $8 to $10. I tried a gin gimlet and an old fashioned during happy hour, and both were perfectly balanced and not too sweet. The off happy hour cocktails we ordered later were also excellent, super creative, and just as well balanced. They do have some snacks, but no substantial food, so plan to grab dinner somewhere else. Also, random but worth mentioning, the bathroom is actually really cool. They have a back patio too, but it was full when we got there, so I definitely want to come back and try to sit there next time. Elsa is such a great find and an easy new favorite for happy hour or a chill evening with friends. read more

This bar has such a classy and vibey aesthetic that's perfect for a date or girls night out. When my friend and I arrived, we were taken to a table right away. The space is lively on a Saturday night. There's a good selection of unique cocktails to select including frozen ones as well. I opted for the Conceptual Romance ($15), which was reminiscent to a spicy Margarita. The "Lawry's rim" was a salty and sweet rim, which was a unique touch too. For my second round, I had Elsa's Dark and Stormy ($15), which was essentially a Moscow mule with rum. I thoroughly enjoyed the drinks, which are reasonably priced as well. They also offer some food selections before 11pm as we got the Charcuterie & Cheese Board ($23) to nibble on with our drinks. The board was perfect and included some delicious cheeses on mini crispy baguettes. I really liked the spicy fig jam to go along with this as well. While there's so real food, this is perfect snacking to enjoy over drinks and good conversation. read more

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Cute little bar with great cocktails being offered. Came here on a Saturday afternoon and the place was relatively quiet which worked well for me. Friendly and helpful staff - thanks so much! read more

Elsa - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Nice atmosphere. Low lighting. Very comfortable. Had drinks only. Would go back. Wait staff was attentive. read more

Elegant cocktail bar. Not a pretentious vibe but most customers seemed to be dressed nice. I had the self portrait cocktail while my wife had the guava daiquiri. The cocktail list is undoubtedly creative. They had three beers on draft. All craft beers. Service was attentive and super accommodating. They had two gender neutral restrooms. read more

I excitedly anticipated a fun first date at this cocktail bar, and magically got a table even without a reservation. The place was packed and we still got a booth seat-- so I walked in feeling like luck was on my side. The first thing I noticed were the adorable menu drawings. The second, the beautiful bar, and the third, that they have a whole frozen drinks section. There's one with cognac, coffee, coco, and almond milk calling my name. Our server was such a sweetheart and the whole place felt pretty cool for Cobble Hill. The booths are perfect for first date conversations-- directly next to the crowds but you're afforded some level of privacy. At this bar I felt like a sophisticated cocktail lady living her best life. I will totally be back, but this time with a reservation to be safe. read more

All around amazing spot! Great drinks, service, and staff! Really cute and cozy, perfect for a small group or just to grab a quick drink. What more can you ask for! read more

Elsa - the bar area of a restaurant - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Stopped in on their Friday happy hour. Not the greatest old fashion, but the decor and ambiance really make up for it. They've successfully mastered the art of creating lots of somewhat private feeling spaces in an open floor bar. I'd go back and explore the non happy hour menu next time I'm in the area. Elsa, you've left your mark on me! read more

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Elsa is everything a happy cocktail sipper can ask for! whether you're going on a date or a group of friend, it's made to cater everyone! The drink menu is limitless! from hot toddy to cilantro infused tequila to classics old fashioned, I like the creative names, we had two drinks and both came out delicious, balanced and eye pleasing! there's plenty of seating for everyone, from booth seats that can seat up to 4 facing the bar, to the intimate 2 seaters in the back and a group by the back door, which also leads to garden seating i have yet to explore! with that being said, I will def coming back! just wish they have happy hour specials! read more

Elsa - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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I do recommend Elsa highly after going for the Sun happy hour. They also have one during the week. I got an Old Fashioned and the cheese plate. The vibe is good and great location in downtown Brooklyn. read more

Great spot. Vibes are 10/10 and I am a sucker for a happy hour so that puts this place high on the must try list. Great craft cocktail menu and a cute backyard. I am a fan! read more

Elsa - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Didn't eat, but food looked delicious. Super cool bar excellent bar tenders and awesome cocktails. Service from the bar was excellent despite it being absolutely packed out ambiance is a cool vibe. One of my regular spots. read more

Overall rating: 4.8 I've only been here once, but I loved it. I didn't have any food, so I can't rate it a full 5 but I'm sure it's great. It's one of the very few places that you can go with a large party or just chill in the corner (which I love). I can't remember what I got, but I remember they tasted beautifully flowery. Also! These prices are up my alley. Will definitely be back soon. Highly recommend. read more

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Chose this cute bar to take my friend whose name is Elsa, because I thought it was a cute thing to do lol. The drink menu offered a fun, unique set of flavor pairings. And, the drinks were super good. She's a drinker & she enjoyed. They made a mocktail version of a popular drink for me & it was delish. Great service! A nice, fun crowd goes here as well from families to young professionals who mingle. Recommend for ppl who want to meet new people. The bathroom was really cute & full of air fresheners that maintain a fresh scent as well. I'd definitely return! Go, enjoy! read more

Elsa - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Choose your fighter: The Frozen queen or the fabulous cocktail bar? Tough choice, but I suppose I'll go with the more age-appropriate option. Elsa had been on my list for many years before I finally visited last weekend and it was everything I hoped it would be and more. It's often the unassuming types that impress the most. My trip to Elsa may have also been my first trip to Cobble Hill and I was very charmed by the area. While Elsa seems like a cute neighborhood spot, the cocktails and ambiance here rival most of the top spots in the city. Trust me: I love a good speakeasy experience, but if you're going to wait two hours to get in somewhere, you might as well use the time to commute a little further and get something just as great. My fiancé and I visited Elsa after getting dinner nearby. There were a few parties ahead of us in line but we all got seated immediately. The space itself is cute, artsy and feels very down to earth, and it has both the decor and staff to thank for that. When we first sat down, our server assured us that if we didn't like something she'd whisk it right back to the bar and make something else no charge, which was very kind of her. Thankfully, we did not encounter that problem, because absolutely everything here is outstanding. Before diving into our order, I will say that Elsa also appears to attract awesome clientele (us included, I guess). While we were drinking our first round the couple next to us inquired about how we liked our order, and we ended up talking a bunch for the rest of the night. Considering how much my fiancé and I have gone out together over the years, I'm surprised this hasn't happened more, but it's a testament to how warm and friendly Elsa is. For the densest city in the world, we do tend to stay in our little bubbles a lot, so connections like these are just delightful. Okay, so drinks. The menu is pretty big as far as cocktail bars go, so you'll have your work cut out for you. We each ordered two, and all were amazing. We started with a pair of lighter cocktails to start, the Vivian Darkbloom: Charcoal Mezcal, Mint, Lime, Pineapple, Velvet Falernum, Bitters and The Bell Witch: Arugula Gin, Green Chartreuse, Lime, Vermut Negre, Cracked Black Pepper. The Vivian Darkloom was smoky and sweet, perfectly balanced, while the Bell Witch was herbal, floral and citrusy. Stirred drinks were next: My Old So-And-So: Scarlet Ibis Rum, Black Pepper Syrup, Grapefruit and Walnut Bitters and the Mimi's Broach: Uncle Val's Peppered and Botanical Gins, Walnut Liqueur, Bordiga Apertivo, Cherry Bark Bitters. I've made black pepper syrup myself and it's always a fun one to add to cocktails. This one was rich, spiced and nutty. I think I liked the Mimi's Broach slight better (only because the ice cube in the My Old So-And-So watered the drink down too much after a while and it's our fault for letting it sit there for too long), and it was super complex and creative. Honestly, I'd say it's pretty impossible to go wrong here. read more

I really enjoyed my time here. The bar is gorgeous. Totally a vibe. It was one of the nights where one drink melted into four and a glorious shit talking session with random patrons. First thing I want to call into attention are the affordable prices. 2023 and we're talking 14-16 dollar price range. The quality---chef's kiss. If you follow me, you know I am frequently running around NYC looking and tasting all cocktails I can get my hands on. These drinks are seriously in the running of top drinks of 2023. A lot of places add convoluted pieces to classics. Elsa does the exact opposite. Each piece is deliberate and you can taste it. It was a long night -- but these are the standouts. On menu The Bell Witch -- Arugula Gin, Green Chartreuse, Lime, Vermut Negre, Cracked Black Pepper. Night Shift -- Bar Hill Vodka, Espressotini Liqueur, Organic Coffee, Pecan Bitters Off menu Of course -- Dirty Gin Martini -- extra dirty. Paper Plane. All four (and a wee bit more) were slam on. The crowd was fun. I kept bumping into a woman who was on a work happy hour. They stayed from 6 - 12 am lmao. We also had a fun time with the bartenders who were super cheeky and willing to talk about the different spirits they had behind the bar. Big shout out to Keegan who can smashed out a bomb dirty gin. I feel like it has been a rough year for bars. With things becoming reborn post-COVID, inflation kicking everyone up and down the street -- it's so nice to discover new places that are cozy, well priced, and delicious. My only regret is that it's not in my area. read more

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We stopped by for happy hour prior to dinner. The interior was like a high-end diner with a few booths under dark lighting. I do not recall if there was any music in the background so it was perfect as we could actually hear one another without shouting. The space is small so the tables are close to each other. There was no happy hour menu online so I was excited to see what the options were. There were only two drink options for 8 dollars which were an old fashioned and a wine punch. They have sunday pilsner for 6 and either a glass of grenache or sauvignon blanc for 6. I tried the wine punch with Rose, Gin, St Germaine, Lime, honey and bitters. It was underwhelming. For my next drink, I decided to try something off the happy hour menu. I tend to go for tequila/mezcal based cocktails. I tried the hotel danger for 14 dollars. It was much better than the wine punch. I'm not sure if this is place I'll return to given all the better options in Manhattan. read more

Really cute bar with great service. The drinks were tasty and it's in a great location - very close to the water! I'll definitely be back. read more

Elsa - Vivian Darkbloom and Hotel Danger - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I love this bar! The vibes, quality of drinks, and overall ambiance make it a really cute spot for dates and small groups. Each drink I've had has hit the flavor profile I was looking for in an exciting way. They're priced pretty reasonably too ($14-16/cocktail). The service has always been incredible each time I went, and I've gotten very good recommendations based on what I was looking for. My favorite drinks here have been the frozen drinks, Wake Me Up to Drive, and Mango Shrub. I've never gone wrong with the frozen drinks-- the ones I've had have been on the sweeter side, but they still have the flavors of the other components unlike other syrupy frozen cocktails I've had elsewhere. Wake Me Up to Drive had a good balance of the boldness of rum and lightness of fruity flavors with some spice in a way that worked well together. The Mango Shrub was a fun, spicy, and fruity drink. The balance of flavors in the drinks keep me coming back. For the food, I've only had the PB&J. It was good and also fairly priced for $5. The peanut butter and jelly tasted better than average, with the jam having the tiniest bit of spice. The bread is okay and on the sweeter side. The charcuterie/cheese boards do look fun though. read more

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I loved Elsa. I was a little nervous before coming in because it looked quiet and not the vibe I was looking for but I was pleasantly surprised. They had good music playing (hip hop, rnb) and their drinks were super good. The only downside is they close at 2am on Saturday which is early imo and I think everyone else since they stayed until closing. I would return again. read more

Elsa - Bathroom art lol - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Had an hour to kill in the Cobble Hil area and decided to try this cocktail bar-- Elsa exceeded my expectations for a Tuesday afternoon happy hour! I started with the Wine Punch (rosé, gin, St. Germaine, lime, honey and bitters) and paired it with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. On the inside, the bar offers both bar and booth seating. Since the weather was nice, I decided to enjoy the patio, situated towards the back behind a door, and down a flight of stairs. I was met with a spacious, tree covered patio with ample tables that can seat 2-3 at a time. Service from the staff was great. I was greeted by the host upon entering, and drinks and snacks came out within 10 minutes of being seated. All in all, will definitely revisit whenever I find myself back in the area! read more

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Eleanore (grammar check), Keegan and Gwen (in no particular order) are fucking amazing (can I even curse on here?). During this pandemic, they're all smiles, friendly and very welcoming The simple things in life. Thank you Will return 100 times. I'm home now drinking my to-go whiskey sour. I should've ordered two. Why did I not order two? Today's regret. read more

Elsa - Guarding the whiskey sour - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The cutest little bar that needs more recognition. The bartenders and nice and knowledgeable. The vibe is on point. AND they serve pj&j. read more

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Elsa is a vibe! From the beckoning neon sign, to the intimate booths, this place calls out to us anytime we're returning home from dinner or drinks elsewhere. It is the perfect spot for a nightcap drink with the husband or friends - many a night have ended this way. They are the type of cocktail bar that will have something for everyone, and it will be done WELL. One of my personal go to's is the Night Shift (their take on an espresso martini). One thing I will say is that it can get a little loud for a cocktail bar, mostly because it is always packed but the seating is set up in a way that definitely helps solve for it. It's a go to for 2-4 people. More people, and I might go to one of the more spacious options nearby. And, we've heard they have an awesome garden in the back for outdoor seating, but it's only open during warmer months and we always remember when it's too cold... read more

One of my favorite places in Brooklyn! Staff is always so friendly and the drinks are unique and fun. The ambiance inside is warm and inviting. Really good martinis! read more

This is my new favorite neighborhood bar! Drinks are reasonably priced ($14-$16) and they have a happy hour on select drinks (I believe beer, wine and 1 cocktail). Very unique cocktails on their menu but they also make great classics. The interior is very cute with a lot of seating or you can also grab a drink at their bar! Now that the weather is nicer, I can't wait to grab a drink in their large backyard. Perfect for a date or catching up with some friends! It gets a little hard with large groups, max inside is probably 6 to a table. read more

Always love going to Elsa to relax at the end of long work week. Love the drinks here and the waiters (mixologists?) are great about their recommendations. Tables are kinda small so recommend going in a smaller group. read more

Great spot to stop for a drink at the bar (didn't order any food)! The drinks are creative and delicious. The staff was very friendly and always made sure our water glasses were full as well. I highly recommend the Self Portrait that has cilantro tequila. Runs about $14-15 per cocktail so not crazy expensive for a great drink. read more

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Not going to say much because I want to keep it to myself :) Tasty cocktails, beautiful lighting, perfect vibes. read more

It's a nice relaxing bar. They have seatings outside which is great for warmer weather. Let's talk about the drinks. Overall, the fruity drinks were to my taste. I would come back here with a group of friends since they have big table seatings. read more

Elsa - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Such a laid back joint! But the cocktails are all business. Dropped by around 530 on a whim and really lucked out. The cocktail menu is approachable but innovative, and the service was super nice. Highly recommend. And sit by the windows it's a great spot. read more

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From the outside, Elsa looks like tour average neighborhood bar, granted, I visited at night so I guess it was a little hard to see. Upon arriving out front of Elsa I was happy to see the sign telling patrons the vax cards are a must before entering, and, they do indeed enforce it. Once inside, you realize that Elsa is actually not just your average neighborhood bar. It's sleek and sophisticated. There are small, and intimate feeling tables inside, bar seating, and an outdoor patio. Bartenders are attentive. The menu rotates, from my understanding, and the end of summer/early fall drink options included a nice variety. The drinks are made with care and are certainly aesthetically pleasing. They do have a small food menu, though I didn't try anything off it. My friend and I only ordered one drink each and sat at the bar (we went after dinner) and didn't feel rushed at all by staff. This is definitely the kind of place to meet a date, or go with a friend or partner. PS: you MUST use the bathrooms here. Just trust me. Check the out!! read more

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tried their frozen painkiller which was strong but tasty. very cute vibe inside and also includes a sizable outdoor area for small parties

Elsa is a fun spot for some good cocktails! Went here on a slow day and enjoy the ambiance. Had two cocktails and both were delicious! Definitely worth the trek and checking out! read more

Elsa - a table with drinks and people in the background - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Fun place to grab a drink. We came after dinner and were able to get a table right away. I really liked my first drink. My second one was just okay but that's my fault since I ordered something I normally wouldn't. I'd come back to try more. read more