Fiction Bar/Cafe

Vibey bar for sure. Solid set of classic drinks, and some interesting signature drinks too. Most…read more(if not all) are coming pre made from a tap not made to order. Service was quick and not overly crowded for 1030pm on a Friday. I wouldn't go out of my way to try it again but definitely worth a shot. Oh also the dirty martini is practically like drinking salad dressing. I wasn't a fan but my girlfriend loved it

This place was really interesting! When I found out all the cocktails were on tap, I was a bit…read moreskeptical. What do you mean you're not going to mix my cocktail right in front of me? However, I was quickly proven wrong. Not only was the service topnotch, but the drinks were surprisingly delicious and refreshing. There's a ton of options which is also surprising considering the tap only format. Upon further reflection of how tiny the bar is, it makes sense why they would go this route. It would be challenging for one person let alone two to be behind that bar shaking and stirring. I also heard there's a back area with more seating but we didn't explore much further than the front bar stool seating. Seems like a cool spot for happy hour or late night drinks and I would definitely return!

Interior bar view

Aperol spritz

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Palmetto

4.3(38 reviews)

1.7 mi•Bushwick

Every cocktail I had was delicious. I got there when they opened at 5pm and a few people walked in…read morethe first hour. Then i around 630/7p it started to get busy and definitely loud at 8pm. I had the passion fruit cosmo, hibiscus cosmo and gentlemen's buck - all were delicious! $16 a drink and you have to order at the bar. There is AC but not blasting. So it will take you a minute to get cool. The music was amazing, lots of old school hip hop. Got harder to talk as the night went on because it got louder with the music or people talking.

As a whole, Buschwick still has margins of neighborhoods that are quite unassuming. This restaurant…read moreis representative of that. Environment The environment didn't leave much to be desired. The music selection was quite exceptional and there was ample seating when I arrived in the late evening. If you're a lover of either bar or booth seating you'll find both of your desires will be met. SIPS I settled on the Passionfruit Spritz which was both refreshing and packed a small punch. If in need of a more spirit forward or herbal option there were plenty of other options in their menu. Overall, Palmetto was a delightful experience. The cocktails, environment and service all worked together for a seamlessly pleasant experience. Happy Sips!

At the bar.

Ice. and nothing else

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Abe's Pagoda Bar

4.3(156 reviews)

Cool atmosphere and good happy hour prices! Not a lot of seating but that didn't really bother me…read more Servers were pretty attentive, too. I didn't try any of the food, but I'd definitely come back! Edit: I've been informed that there's more space in the back. Glad to hear it! I look forward to my next visit :)

We've been coming during covid. Noticed one day thay they serve food. We thought it was just a…read morebiker bar. Boy we're we pleasantly wrong. You order food at the bar and grab it from the kitchen. The food is surprisingly good. This isn't your typical bar food wings and nachos. They have this sweet and tangy guochang wings. The wings have some good meat to it. Their chicken yakitori skewers comes with a black sesame dipping sauce. Pairs well with a cold beer. The crab lagoon and burger will always be a crowd pleaser. Their cocktails and drinks are great! Doesn't matter which bartender, they maintain the same standard. We opt to go early as they get pretty packed on the weeekend/ evenings. They have pool in the bar room. This is surprisingly a big space and ghe crowd is always vibes.

Pain Killer

Veggie Dumplings

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Outside

Lovejoys

4.2(75 reviews)

1.6 mi•Bushwick

Wheelchair accessible

Live music

I was invited to Lovejoys for a birthday celebration. On this day in particular, it was rainy and…read morevery cold. So there were a sprinkle of people inside of the venue. I could tell on a day where the weather was better, there would be more of a crowd. Nevertheless, the DJ was pumping R&B music. The vibes were good. I would return at a later time just to see what a different crowd brings to Lovejoys.

Aida and the Love Joys team !! Just wanted to say a big thank you again. Yesterday was perfect. It…read morewas intimate in the right way. The right amount of people came in and it was a good amount of people! There was laughs, amazing music, dancing and your staff was so kind and so on point. Leo is a godsend. so I just wanted to say thank you so much again! truly appreciate you for the gift you gave us of yesterday. I hope your staff relayed that they enjoyed themselves Thank you for helping to create a core memory!!

Really beautiful bar. Doesn't feel like you're in Bushwick.

Disco nova

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Lovejoys & Palme D'or

The Keep

4.4(84 reviews)

1.8 mi

Very cool Space they are cocktails are $15 each and their wine and beer are around $10. Really…read morepretty and nice space. There is a back yard. Can get a little noisy there and ppl smoke as well. The service was a bit slow bc there was one bartender and at 7pm a group of 8 ppl came at once. They also have board games. And when i was leaving at 9 p.m. there was a tarot card reader.

Omg new favorite bar unlocked. This diva made the meanest tinis vibes were amazing. Staff was so…read morefriendly and sweet definitely recommending all my friends

Habanero

Inside

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Stage

Tora

4.5(66 reviews)

The reviews here are true! This place is bomb. The food has to be the most delicious ramen I've…read moreeaten in awhile and I eat a lot of ramen. Everything was delicious, hot and it was delivered quickly. The prices are up there however the food is worth it . I ordered a ramen bowl with the corn ribs. My partner ordered the salmon and I forget what the order item is called but damn it was good. Please stop by and give them a try it's absolutely worth the price

Cuisine: 8 Service: 7…read moreDecor: 7 Value: 7 Overall: 8 Another Thai owned Japanese restaurant specializing in izakaya style cuisine in Bushwick. It's been open for a few years, so clearly it has a good enough formula to keep the neighborhood happy. I have been here once before, but returned last week after dining several meals at Tomoni in Jackson Heights. Apparently, the owners are friends. Nonetheless, I needed to make the comparison. After my first few bites of their Tora Don and Chirashi Don, it was clear that this restaurant has the better quality seafood. Each slice of sashimi had vibrant colors, clean taste, and the proper texture. Tomoni is not bad, but fall slightly short of this caliber. With that said, there is an even farther gap between their rice quality. Though Tora is very good, Tomoni produces nearly perfect texture and acidity for my taste buds. Other than the best omakase restaurants in NYC, Tomoni shines as one of the best versions of sushi rice in the five boroughs. Service is good and space is cute. If I have a craving for some decent Japanese food, I would drive 20 minutes here for a meal anytime.

Dining Area

Salmon Don

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Zaru Soba Chashudon Katsu Curry

Ra-Ra Rhino

4.5(28 reviews)

1.7 mi•Bushwick

Had the awesome pleasure of stopping in for a few happy hr drinks…read more Ra Ra rhino is located in the back of another establishment. Upon entry you're greeted with a plush velvet interior. I'd already eaten so I was only stopping in for drinks. I indulged in the happy hr special which included 10 buck select drinks. Atmosphere was laid back. Service was good. I'd definitely stop in again.

What a fun speakeasy! This one has been on my list for awhile and I finally made it for a friends…read morebday. When you first walk in, it is a burger joint (unfortunately no gluten free options) and then you pass by a Photo Booth to go to the bar. I LOVE a Photo Booth and this one took very good pictures and they give you a digital copy both in photo and video. On a Saturday night, they had a pretty good DJ playing Afrobeats and reggaeton. The bartenders were nice and the margaritas were pretty good. Considering it's a speakeasy, I would say it's pretty spacious with a few booths and table, but would recommend you go there early if you want to be there with a large group. They allow birthday cakes from outside as well.

Dimly lit vibes

I love when the menu has the glass type next to it. The drinks are incredible.

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The purple rhino

Carousel

4.2(21 reviews)

1.7 mi•Bushwick

Love this bar, it is massive. so much to see in here. there's a photo booth too! there's more than…read moreone bar area which makes it easy to get drinks. does get packed though.

This bar feels like something straight out of a 1970s porn but in a good way. It's super aesthetic,…read morea place to be seen, and enjoy the vibes. Be warned that it can get a very long line outside but I promise you it's worth it

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Every drink is super aesthetic

Carmelo's

3.9(54 reviews)

nahhhhhhhhhhhhhh they had the quesabirra tacos right but they also had this Dorito pack which was…read morelike some nachos made from Doritos but they put it back into the bag. Well I took some of those Doritos and put them onto the Quesabirra and wow really just a top-tier experience I love New York and

Overall rating: 4.8…read more I LOVE CARMELO'S. Only downside is cash only. Love the vibe but when I went there was like no one there. I went around 6pm on a Saturday. Probably too early. The staff was so friendly. Definitely want to come back here when I am in the area. Highly recommend!

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Left Hand Path

4.2(52 reviews)

Crowd, drinks, atmosphere all nice would def go back to start a night or a midweek date night.read more

Love this place. Literally refuse to go anywhere else. Left hand strikes the perfect balance…read morebetween dive-y and classy

Entrance

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11 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Eric T.

100

222

3 years ago

Fiction Bar and Cafe aims to channel the unpretentious allure of the beloved "Central Perk" from Friends. However, while it exudes a certain nostalgic charm, this establishment fails to deliver a truly captivating experience, leaving much to be desired. With its dimly lit interior and a lack of ambiance, Fiction Bar and Cafe struggles to live up to the expectations it sets. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a dimly lit environment that unfortunately does little to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The subdued lighting may have been intended to foster a sense of intimacy, but it ultimately falls short, casting a shadow over the overall experience. It's a shame that the lighting design doesn't accentuate the space more effectively, as a well-lit environment can greatly enhance the enjoyment of any establishment. When it comes to the menu, Fiction Bar and Cafe offers a variety of options to satisfy hungry patrons. The coffee, though not outstanding, is decent enough to provide a morning pick-me-up. However, the breakfast burritos, while flavorful, suffer from an excess of salt that detracts from the overall enjoyment. A more balanced and thoughtful approach to seasoning would greatly improve the culinary offerings and elevate the dining experience. The ambiance, although striving to capture the spirit of a welcoming gathering place, falls somewhat flat. The worn-out couches and uninspired decor fail to create a distinct identity for the establishment, leaving it feeling lackluster and uninspiring. While the intention may have been to create a casual and unpretentious environment, the result is a space that lacks the character and vibrancy found in other establishments in the neighborhood. In a neighborhood renowned for its thriving culinary scene, Fiction Bar and Cafe struggles to stand out. It lacks the attention to detail and meticulous curation necessary to leave a lasting impression on its patrons. While it has the potential to become a cozy spot for locals and visitors to convene, it currently falls short of its aspirations. As Williamsburg buzzes with energy just beyond its doors, one can't help but feel a twinge of disappointment in Fiction Bar and Cafe's missed opportunities. With improvements in lighting and a more thoughtful approach to decor, this establishment could rise above mediocrity and provide a more engaging and memorable experience for its guests. read more

Angel A.

9 years ago

Went in thinking I was going to get my usual coffee and tuna melt and ended up getting the rudest guy behind the counter since my 1 year going to this place. This guy with a mustache was angry with me for asking if they had plain bagel instead of wheat - which he replied, "This isn't the establishment for you." HOW RUDE. Hope management teaches their staff to be nicer to people. read more

Michael G.

153

11 years ago

Next level cold brew and good vibes, and the breakfast burrito was on point, especially when you add the green hot sauce. It definitely doesn't look like a cafe, since it's in a bar but the decor and music just add to its unique vibe. Most recommended for a quick grab n' go breakfast/coffee before you hop the JMZ. read more

Beth G.

194

4 years ago

I have been coming here for years and have always had a great experience. I have enjoyed getting to know the staff and the owner and watching this neighborhood, indie-owned gem evolve. Best breakfast burritos in Brooklyn! Staff is friendly and the place is always alive and well kept. read more

Tori W.

2 years ago

Cute cafe with good working space, outlets, and wifi. It is almost like a speakeasy type of bar with its cools portraits and velvet-topped sofas. Loved the ambiance. Great decor, yummy cocktails, friendly staff, good music, and overall great vibe! read more

Johanna B.

10 months ago

I go to Fiction quite often. It's fantastic they have free live jazz early evenings. Really cool young jazz musicians great vibe. It's what sets Fiction apart from all the other bars in the area. Super friendly atmoshere. I highly recommend. read more

Marci L.

2 years ago

Sat nite bartender gal is the worst. The one with long dark hair and mod fake eyelashes. The place has a sweet decor...the nite bar staff are young brats rude to the artisis performing.... read more

Julia L.

10 years ago

A neighborhood coffee shop where you go for the delicious coffee and stay to chat with everyone in the coffee shop. Friendly, fast, and fun!

Gennadi B.

3 years ago

good place and good mood ! I often drink iced latte and here i liked . Ice latte to go for me must have when hot weather!

Lauren J.

2 years ago

this place is is terrible sorry to say nothing good the staff is nice but the food the drinks the bagels it's all bad

Patty B.

4 years ago

I love this place! Super great atmosphere. We will be coming back next time we're in Brooklyn!

Fiction Bar/Cafe - coffee - Updated September 2026

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Shucks I wanted to give this place five stars but it didn't start so well. The first barista who…read moretook my order was really great. I first ordered a chai latte and he said I could do two different syrups so I got the pumpkin and salted maple, though I was worried about it being too sugary so he suggested I could just do half a pump of each. He asked me what the name of the order would be and I said "Aida" (the phonetic spelling is ah-EE-dah). And then I heard the other barista say something along the lines of, "oh Aida, how about 'Aida' rather not be here", pretty rude if you ask me. And then I ordered the spicy nook sandwich. And when another server called my named to grab it she didn't even knowledge me when I tried to thank her and instead she talked to her coworker while I was right in front of her. The sandwich was really good, so was my chai tea. I really like the pumpkin and salt and maple syrups too. I did like all the options for seating although it was pretty packed. I'd say if you have a big party get there early. By 7pm the whole place was filled. There was a huge majong club that came in and took the whole back area, it was so crammed there were lines for the bathroom. Over all I had a good time. I really like the music too just know it gets very busy in there. The employees I would say were hit or miss. The ones that were great though I really liked. Just seem like the ones who didn't really give attention to customers or were kind of rude seemed like they didn't wanna be there.

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I visited this woman-owned spot for the first time last month to support a friend doing a DJ set…read morethere. It's a cool and cozy spot with tasty drinks. I enjoyed the live DJ sets that night. They were all women and femmes and they KILLED it. It looks like a neighborhood spot that welcomes many regulars in the area. I saw some people with their laptops out working but as the night burned on, those laptops got put away! If I was in the area again, I'd stop in to try some of their other drinks.

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Coffee shops like this help the neighborhood stay true to its roots. If you're in similar social…read morecircles like me, then you always hear how the old Williamsburg was like... lively with Spanish communities and eateries. You can still find them however it often feels like the culture has been wiped away because of the gentrification. So when I find little gems like Nyla, my heart feels warmth. I just knew the coffee would be great because they brew Devocion (they have a fabulous coffee shop in Williamsburg too if you didn't know). The menu is simple and has a combination of French and Mexican cuisine. I didn't try any food this time around but other patrons seemed to enjoy what they got. I saw many people with their current special, Hibiscus OJ soda. It looked great but I needed my coffee. lol. Loved my Spanish latte. Simply brewed to perfection and sweetened just enough so that I didn't need to add in any extra sugar. Absolutely stop in here and enjoy yourself if you're nearby.

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