Mayflower is a delight, with some of the best cocktails you can find anywhere, tucked delightfully into a cozy, speakeasy-type atmosphere. If possible to grab a spot I'd encourage you to grab a stool at the tiny bar and chat with the bartenders and see what they recommend, or order from the specialty menu--often twists on classics like the manhattan or the Negroni with seasonal or unique twists. And if you are a traditionalist, well... the straightforward old fashioned or martini here will still knock your socks off But honestly there's not a bad spot in here--or at the outside tables if weather allows. The vibes are immaculate--charming and intimate, calm but not reserved--just classy, classic fun, like a cocktail bar should feel. The service is friendly and drinks impeccable; the bartenders will even share some cocktail-making secrets if you ask them nicely. We've never failed to leave here delighted and (at minimum) pleasantly buzzed! read more

Beautiful and cozy bar with a lovely ambiance - would be perfect for a date. Cocktails are delish! read more

Mayflower - Cherry pit - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Oooof I fully understand the 1 & 2 star reviews here. First - took about 7 minutes for the bartender to even notice I was sitting at the bar. He was more consumed in making drinks for the staff. When he did notice, I asked about the drafts, ordered the Pilsner fine. Before asking if I wanted any food, he asked if I wanted to close out. I ordered the food, and immediately after putting it in, came back to ask if I wanted to close out...again. I informed him I'd be paying with Blackbird, which he then went and immediately closed out the check. I'm the kind of person that will sit at a place for multiple beers/cocktails and snacks, this guy didn't even give me the opportunity to consider that. When the food arrived I got no silverware or napkin. The snacks I ordered (arancini and fries) were fine. I generally think it's hard to mess up fries, but these were....meh at best. Arancini was bland and dry. And yes, can confirm the music for the space was SUPER weird. The space itself is really great, but the music and cold bartender remove you from the entire atmosphere. A group arrived of about 6 people, they got the same welcome I did. One of the guests in the group ordered one of the cocktails highlighted on their chalkboard menu...he did not know how to make it. This is when I left.... I work in hospitality - formerly as the corporate beverage director for a global hospitality group and currently as a partner in a group of bars in Brooklyn, I'm not the type of person to write a review because I understand the implications of sites like Yelp to business. I will also usually give a place a shot despite reviews....but I definitely should have listened to these reviews and hope someone will pay attention to mine. There are several other bars in the area with the same vibe who do a much much better job and actually feel like a warm and welcoming environment. read more

Very cozy slightly hidden cocktail bar. Nice set of small tables for intimate drinks. Good date spot. Interesting convos at the bar. I've been coming here for years. Always loved it. Unfortunately they recently sort of did away with menus (printed OR barcode scannable). I went in tonight, 11/23/24 and asked to see the menu. The young bartender, deep in convo w her friends, barely broke off her conversation to point to the handwritten menu over the side of the bar. No prices on the menu and writing very hard to see in the dim lighting. I stood there squinting at it for a bit, could not clearly read any of the selections and couldn't tell what anything cost and didn't want to interrupt her again to ask what the prices were (since she was deep back in her convo w friends) so I decided to take my money and order elsewhere. Too bad. It's a sweet place. read more

Shout-out to LUKE for making the Flyest and Dopest Siesta Cocktail around!!! A very pleasant, amiable, and dope Man! Not to mention, he's Handsome as hell! Watch out World!!! To the Lovely ROSE who I met with my date as well!!! She suggested the Siesta Cocktail and it was truly on point!!! What a great team they have there!!! Hell Yeah!!! The Most intimate and sexy atmosphere as well! The perfect date spot!!! We shall return!!!! Thanks guys!!! read more

The Mayflower Bar we went to last night was this dark, no-nonsense Speakeasy / Cocktail Bar. It has the distinction of being the smallest bar in Brooklyn - and it was. Us five were lucky enough to grab three seats at the bar (lap sitting was permitted). The scene here was this young, quiet, sophistication that felt "Oh So New York." It's this kind of hidden venue next door to a larger restaurant (by the same name). Our bartender knew more about mixed cocktails, whiskeys, Mezcals, and Italian Aperitivi than Wikipedia! I had a straight-up gin martini, and my wife had a gin Negroni. Our sons went off into some pretty cool local beers. You don't see this type of bar very often anymore. Everything now is bigger, flashier, more extravagant, and pretentious. The Mayflower had this "basic" charm that I really loved! read more

Overall rating: 4.6 Super cute and intimate spot. I went around dinner time so it wasn't too crowded. The drinks were good but extremely expensive for the size of the place. It's a great place for a night cap. I'd recommend if you're in the area & looking for something quiet. read more

Mayflower - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The drink menu itself is good and the drinks we had were delicious. The spot is a little small and the bartender, who (as she told us a few times) was there by herself seemed a bit overwhelmed for a new years weekend. For the price probably wouldn't need to go back but interesting place to try for what it is. read more

What a weird place. Upon walk-in, the bartender said there's no menu, just tell me what you like. Assumed it's more fun and crafted spot. Therefore, I asked what can you make with absinthe, he puzzled. Bartender: how about Last Word. I just didn't expect to order some basic classic. My friend: make me your weirdest creation. The bartender was looking at the bottles for a long while and puzzled. Feel odd and awkward. read more

Stopped in here for the first time tonight. Didn't have the moody, speakeasy vibe I was expecting. The bartender was so engrossed in showing movie trailers to her friends sitting at the bar that she didn't seem interested in taking drink orders. After several minutes of standing around, unable to compete with the Wicked trailer for her attention, we left. read more

A romantic spot - low light and soft music, more appropriate for a 2nd date than a 1st. The bartender was gregarious and easygoing. The drinks flowed freely and were interesting. There's no food here. Come for a drink and a feeling. read more

Very tiny but lovely spot! I went here on a first date and the vibes were cozy and warm, and the drinks were reasonably priced and delicious. The bartender was really friendly and didn't rush us out even as they were starting to close (his perceptions skills were spot on as he must have realized my date and I were connecting and I think he didn't want to ruin the moment--thank you, my dude!) read more

Cute little speakeasy-ish cocktail bar in Clinton Hill. We stopped here as part of the Winter Tippler tour to try out Mayflower's Negroni. It's definitely pleasing to the eye, but very much an acquired taste. It was the first time I've ever tried a Negroni and to be honest I don't think I'll be having one again (through no fault of the bar). This place is SMALL. So I can only imagine how packed it gets on weekends. We were lucky to choose to visit on a weekday night. The bartender was very knowledgeable and friendly to us. He explained how they have a few signature cocktails but tend to make more of the classic stuff. They also have a pretty interesting beer menu as well. There's no kitchen here but thankfully the bar is attached to a restaurant so you won't have any trouble finding a place to eat. I may return if I'm around. read more

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Great little neighborhood bar. Nice drinks Selection and great vibe. Would definitely recommend. read more

Super cute, great drinks, incredible date spot! I will definitely be going back! Love how discrete the front door is- makes it feel more special! read more

Nice place to grab a drink if you're ever in the Clinton Hill area of Brooklyn. Discovered this place during the Winter Tippler event. The ambiance is dark and intimate. Friendly bartender. A great place to relax and wind down. read more

Mayflower - Mayflower Negroni - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Really love bars like this - hard to describe, basically a somewhat hidden, unassuming spot that's like a just barely divier Mad Men era bar. But then of course there are chairs on the walls. Dimly lit. Good crowd. The bartender kept like laughing to himself which was strange but interesting. Definitely worth coming back. read more

Had very rude and condescending service from the bartender this Saturday evening. When his service was reflected in the tip I left ($2 for 2 drinks), he called me out on it. Or rather he exclaimed, "Two dollars??". Hmm read more

I'm pretty new to the neighborhood, but came through on a recommendation from a friend -- a great move! It's a really cozy space (in the "comfortable and friendly" way, not the "real estate agent describing a micro-apartment" way) and the drinks were excellent. I'll definitely be coming back again. read more

Drinks are on point. Loved the scotch cocktail the bartender put together off the cuff. Smoky and decadent. Cozy and intimate spot for a late night cap. Just what the doctor ordered! read more

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The Mayflower is my true blue local. It's tiny. And its consistently magical and restorative vibe is one that I am vested in sustaining. That said, it's a business, dependent on revenue, which too must be sustained. I don't want to imagine my neighborhood without this spot so this is me, doing my bit, such that cash money (they take cards tho, don't worry!) continues to roll in. The Mayflower is tucked into the back pocket of its sister space osteria, Aita. Many have written about The Mayflower being the perfect date spot because of its darkly sexy decor and intimate seating arrangement (eight marble two-tops + 6 barstools). I've had dates here. 100% agree. Others have written about well-made cocktails and kind + super efficient service. I drink here. 100% agree. Some have written about confusing background music. I confess that I'm always thrilled by what is played but that's because I go on particular nights when the bartender, who also happens to be a chef, a lovely guy, and a badass music connoisseur, is in residence. Thursdays & Fridays, y'all. Make them your nights. Thank me quietly in your heart read more

Teeny tiny speakeasy-type bar with a quiet vibe. The cocktails (pompelmo and something involving whiskey and raspberry) were above average, and props to the bartender operating solo on a Saturday night for churning them out with both care and speed. There were some beer selections, but very generic. Prices ($11-12 for a cocktail) were standard for the area. There are a few seats at the bar, and maybe 7-8 tables for two positioned around a long cushioned bench around the other side of the room, so it's definitely not a place to bring a large group, much more of an intimate date spot. You would probably even have trouble sitting down with a group of four if you come during normal drinking hours. I noticed a lot of the reviewers below commented on the music -- having come from the heavy metal playing at Mekelburg's just before, perhaps we were conditioned not to care that much, but it seemed like (commercial-free) inoffensive world music while we there. read more

These days, when you say a place is cozy, it's more or less synonymous to it being small. In this case, it's absolutely true haha. This place is very cozy (as other reviews have said), and part of it is because it's pretty small place. I can see it only fitting about 20-25 people. The place is great, though. It's very intimate. Definitely a good place to grab a cocktail with a few close friends and catch up. The cocktails were all tasty and strong. It looks like they do change the menu up, so I'm not sure if what I had would be there the next time (I had the Mayflower and Penicillin). Overall, I recommend this place. I also recommend getting there early if you want to sit in a table. We got there right when it opened (7pm), and it really got packed around 9:30-10ish. read more

Mayflower - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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The best bartenders, the best neighbors, the best beer and cocktails. That's all you really need to know. The space might but small but that just adds to its intimate appeal. Seriously, some of the nicest folks in Brooklyn. I have met so many great people in this bar. read more

Kid sister to Aita, Clinton Hill's new hip Italian eatery, Mayflower Social is a quaint little liquor locker; the neighborhood-y type of place you pop in for a cocktail and a sigh of relief. 'Love it: Now I don't have to travel to Williamsburg or P.Heights to have a cold drink in a cool lounge. PLUS, it serves as a brilliant overflow parking for folks waiting to eat at Aita. read more

Mayflower - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I had a pretty sad experience here recently. This is my favourite bar in my area and come often. I brought my parents here--New Yorkers of 25 years, originally from Spain. The bartender treated us in a pretty insolent way from the get-go; we were unsure why, but forgot about it. It culminated in her pre-filling out the tip line on our check with her pen. I've never experienced this, neither had my parents, and being from New York, I know it's not a thing. My father was shocked, and when he asked her why she had done this, she brushed him off and turned around. As we walked out, he told her how unfortunate he thought that had been, to which she told us to get out. This treatment was undeserved, and I don't think I'll return here, unfortunately. read more

The mayflower is such a gem ! It has a great atmosphere and serves the most amazing drinks. We ordered from the menu for the first two drinks then just let our bartender makes the choices going forward. Staff was great and we had a wonderful evening. Wish I lived closer to make this place a regular. read more

The Mayflower Social is all of these things: - Endearingly tiny - Perfectly decorated - Well-priced, thoughtful beverages - A great place to wait for a table to Aita It may also be these things: - Potentially packed on weekends - Understaffed (one bartender) To summarize in prose, the Mayflower is designed to make your Brooklyn-twee heart swoon. The beer selection is mostly local and the drinks are seasonal and inventive. If you're nearby and desirous of a drink, check it out! read more

Excellent drinks, ambience and vibe. Tiny. Just the way I like an upscale but neighborhood-ey cocktail bar. Better A/C would be nice!?!

Cool neighborhood bar down the block from our apartment, BUT, literally the worst music of any bar in Brooklyn. Blink 182? Less Than Jake? Could the bartenders care less about music? The parent restaurant anointing is way better and chiller. read more

Very cozy little bar. Great little nightspot for when you want to actually have a conversation with someone. You don't feel overwhelmed by loud music and drunken slobs. It is small so it can fill up quickly.... read more

Cozy. Romantic. Modest. The drinks are way better than they make them out to be. And they're reasonably priced. Great spot to visit before dinner at Aita next door. Try the Trotsky! read more

Tiny and adorable bar by the same people that own Aita next door! We had put our names down at Aita and they directed us to The Mayflower next door if we wanted to grab a drink while we were waiting. Glad they did! We walked in and it struck me how small the place is! It feels hidden and secret, which added to the atmosphere. They have a full bar and some draught beers. I got the mezcal drink that was on the board - it was so good that I got another! (It helped warm my insides from the 5 degree weather outside.) Boyfriend got a gin martini because he said the bartender looked like a pro and he could tell she was going to do it justice. She did, of course, and he enjoyed it! We'll definitely be back! Keep in mind, this place is quite small and mostly has 2-person tables so plan accordingly. I saw on the site that they do rent out for private parties, which sounds kinda awesome! read more

This place is super tiny. I mean it's easy to walk past it because it's so in the cut but once you find it, you have discovered a gem. It's like a speakeasy because of how hidden it is. The bartenders know a ton of amazing classics and their specialty drinks are usually damn good. This place is really good when you are on a date or with someone else because of how small and intimate it is. read more

I was very excited to try this bar after walking past it a few weeks ago. The decor was unique (for Brooklyn), and the ambiance was oh so adorable with candles, dim lighting, and small marble tables. It would be an awesome place for a date or a meet-cute; the tables are situated close together and lend themselves well to striking up a conversation with the neighboring table. So why the three stars? The bartender was a bit of a jerk. There was no cocktail menu, and as someone who leans toward beer/wine, I asked him to recommend a cocktail for me. He was super rude about it and impatient too. The drink came out okay, but I feel like if he had listened to my preferences, I would've ended up with a cocktail I liked better. read more

Easy on the pipe-cleaner, please! Mayflower's intimate atmosphere and overall feel really made me want to like this place, but I just couldn't. A friend and I stopped over for drinks while waiting for a dinner seating at Aita next door and, well, we probably should have simply taken a walk in the crisp autumn air instead. My gin and tonic tasted like anything but a gin and tonic - I could have ordered any other drink in the world and it would have been closer to the mark. Perhaps something was just off - I can forgive and forget. My friend's drink is an entirely different story. Grenadine? Check. Cherries? Check. Miniature pipe cleaner brush that we all remember so well from kindergarten arts and crafts projects? Um, What! Both my friend and I are very understanding people, we don't pretend things like this are the end of the world and we don't make anything into a scene. I took the drink back and as discretely as I could, showed the bartender. I asked for a beer instead, but she mixed another drink anyway - it's possible she didn't hear me. The second try was craft free, but still terrible. We decided it was time to leave. I'll give you another try Mayflower, sometime. Because, like I said, I really do want to like you. But next time, I'll be drinking well before I show up just so my standards aren't as demanding. read more

This is a convenient spot to kill time if you are waiting for a table at Aita. Otherwise it is tiny and understaffed. They have a small yet interesting cocktail list at expected city mixology prices ( around $9) each. While the 1 bartender was busy she remained accessible and accurate. read more

Mayflower - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Absolutely loved this quiet tiny bar. The cocktails were great, really chill vibe with a decent music selection. Very few tables and a bit hidden making it feel like your own secret hideaway. For sure get a cocktail here. read more

It's tiny and resolutely unassuming, with pared-back decor and a casual, low-lit neighborhood vibe. There's a nod to Victoriana with a few vintage-y pictures adorning the walls and lovely antique-y light fittings, but otherwise you can see immediately that it's one of those rare creatures - a cocktail bar that's all about the drinks, rather than the pretensions. And the drinks are excellent. Creative, perfectly balanced, delicious and extremely well priced, given the quality. Just wish I lived a few blocks nearer! read more

Another favorite in the neighborhood! Count on the for excellent house craft cocktails, perfect classics, and great glass of wine. Perfect spot to weight for your table at Aita or a night cap before heading home. Quaint & intimate. read more