EXCELLENT trivia night (Wednesday nights). The incredible five-man team, fittingly dubbed "Bro Biden", placed 10th (so I am told) tonight, although it felt more like 14th. Get there before 7 (when it starts) to get nice and toasted on 3 dollar Brooklyn Lager from the tap. I can't even believe I can buy a round for the table for 15 dollars and tip. It goes up to 5 dollars once the game starts, but even that is not too shabby for draft beer that isn't Bud or something horrible. The first round was a mixed bag. We pulled up a set of chairs around a teeny little wall-ledge that I suppose just passes under the bar of being called a table, and we were off. The two John Hodgman dopplegangers threw out questions that seemed to follow the lineage of "Wait, wait, don't tell me" on NPR, in that almost all of them were absolutely absurd. Questions involved fast food chains in Iowa and floating orbs in Wisconsin. The audio segment was even more ridiculous, culling up Kenny Chesney "hits" and obscure German crooners of whom no person in their right mind has ever heard. But by far the most out-there round was the foreign film section, where the two "MCs" read out lines from foreign films. I don't think anyone got those. All in all, I'm sure the people who won cheated using smartphones, because the peer-grading allowed us to see many of our competitors, and most teams were incapable of answering even one or two per round. Once again, Williamsburg delivers, if a bit inundated by hipster types. The backyard garden was the best. It was full-on blizzarding outside, but somehow it complimented the area. My friend commented that he would like it more in the summer (duh) but I rather found it charming, a great locale to drunkenly hip-check your smoking friends into a snowbank. read more

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Out in Brooklyn for the night and my partner in crime didn't like any of my cocktail bar suggestions in the area. Instead, a beer garden was presented. I squinted my eyes, clenched my chin and dismissed that option with a wave of my hand. Pffft. I thought to myself. " This girl is getting her ginger beer on tonight. I want a a Moscow mule, dammit!" Where can a girl with an itch to scratch get it without the cocktail bar vibe? Ah! Pete's candy store was the compromise. Inside was a bit dark, dated (see: hip in williamsburg) and not too crowded, until the soccer players from the nearby park rolled in. Service was friendly and they had a few cocktails etched on the chalk board. I was hesitant at first, but It worked out to be a decent venue as we met up with friends and subsequently wandered into the back garden. It was a nice, bright space sans the smell of piss and cigarettes (okay, perhaps my expectations were not high). Had it been less crowded I would have loved to setup a tabletop or card game at one of the tables and hung around. Surely we'd make new friends after a couple of rounds of cards against humanity..... Their Moscow Mule game was lacking. One drink too sour, one barely boozy. No copper mug. Too much rushing. In hindsight -- I probably should have taken advantage of the free shot w/yelp check in. The music section/venue was neat as it was a smaller room off to the side packed with groovin' warm bodies. I liked how the band was in a separate room than the main bar area and the back patio.. Sort of like "a choose your own adventure" type bar. read more

There are so many things happening all at once at Pete's Candy Store. Once you go in, there is the bar/sit-down section. Tried the Kimchi and Buffalo Chicken sandwiches and they were both pretty good, and that's coming from someone who hates kimchi. Who would've thought it goes well with peanut butter? Then there's the small and intimate music venue section where a crowd of about 20 people can watch random weird musical acts. And then there's the pretty outside garden in the back. Super relaxed and laid-back place without the snobbery of other Williamsburg venues. I'm into it. read more

Great place to hang out on a chill Monday night in Williamsburg. A friend was in town and we were in this area having dinner. We wanted some entertainment afterwards and decided to hang out here on a Monday night. On Monday nights, they have alternating events, spelling bee competition and a lecture series. We happen to come when it was the last lecture for the lecture series. It was a music tribute to the Guiness Book of World Records. Each performer picked out a record holder, shared a bit about the record holder and then performed a song dedicated to the record holder. Record holders chosen included the woman with the smallest waist, the most miserly woman, the man with the longest fingernail, the tallest man, etc. Overall, it was an eclectic event. The back room is cozy and secluded. The drinks here are well made and the choices of draft beer were good including the usual suspects of Six Point, Hennepin, etc. I had a garden martini which consisted of vodka, dill, cucumber, agave and lemon. Extremely refreshing on a hot summer night. I also had a London Calling which had lavendar syrup, gin and mint. This was a strong drink, so make sure you have something in your belly before this goes down. There is also a backyard area with plenty of trees. A nice place to relax, chat, and sip on an ice cold brew right out of the tap. read more

Made the trip out to Brooklyn courtesy of CMJ, their Aussie Showcase churned out some tight performances. What the venue lacks in space, it surely makes up for in quality of music. I may be alone in this, but their backyard is supremely underrated, especially under a mid-day summer breeze. Kick back a few brews with some friends and chat about your favorite concerts. read more

Awesome happy hour deal. Really can't beat the prices. Given its location, you definitely feel like you stepped into another town, away from the bustle. I came here for a book opening, and it was really the perfect intimate location for ~20 people. It's a unique, narrow space with a stage and fun, retro lights. Very cute. read more

I didn't order anything from the bar so my review is based on the event hosted at this bar. First - it's not a candy store..why is it called a candy store? Second - there seems to be a space for guitars to meet up here and audition? Third - they have a backyard and groups meet here too! This is like a hidden meet up joint. I came for the vegan bbq on Sunday evening and the green machine burger was off the roof. How do I describe this?? This is the BEST burger I've ever had. It's so moist, flavorful and you can taste the grill. It's perfect. Pesto sauce yum. read more

Love this busy and vibrant bar. The establishment is separated into a few different sections-front of house, small intimate performance space, and yard. We pretty much hung out front of house and performance space and enjoyed it. Nice brews, good vibe and fantastic small band in the back. Performance space is like and add on train car to the back of the building with soundproofing built in making it very nice for smaller and acoustically based bands. Enjoyed every second of Pete's Candy Shop, very sweet indeed! read more

Pete's Candy Store - Music Venues Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I fucking love this place. I turned 21 her. I'm 35 now, it's a reliable good time. First time back in a year, just like time hasn't skipped a bit. Thank you Kiki! And thank you Pete's candy! read more

Had a blast attending open mic on a Sunday afternoon. It starts around 5PM and goes on until the last man standing. There is a wide variety of people from comedians to musicians, musicians being the majority. The open mic area is separate from the bar area so you can still chill with your friends at the bar or listen to music quietly in the open mic area. The bar serves a nice collection of curated cocktails which are very consistent across different bar tenders (this is not easy to achieve). We pretty much tried all of the cocktails and liked them all but my favorite was the whiskey tea which reminded me of an alcoholic horchata! Yum :) They serve some sandwiches which are pretty decent. I had the mozz and prosciutto and it definitely hit the spot. read more

Pete's Candy Store - Chai Whiskey is it. - Music Venues Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

On point cocktails, great bartenders! Nice spirits selection. Only downside was the credit card minimum, o well in the end I got to try another drink! I'll be back! read more

Pretty cool and unique spot which has a front bar area, a tiny room for live music, and an outdoor patio area. Looks and feels like a dive bar, so if you're looking for something low key, this is it. The music area is tight and cramped, I don't think I would want to go there for music. The patio was pretty sweet. Not sure if I would go back, maybe if I'm in the area. read more

a truly special place. i've had first dates here, attended trivia and countless events and performed here myself. it was a setting for so many memories of my first years living in brooklyn and one of the few remaining holdovers from old williamsburg. drinks are affordable, vibes are chill, backyard is big, venue space is gorgeous, and how many bars these days still have a solid sandwich menu?? pete, i hope you live on forever. read more

Stumbled into this place for the first time the other night after a friend's art opening - what a treat! Cozy atmosphere, great place to saddle up with a warm bevy. I chose the apple cider with jack daniels - nice combo but cooled down too quick for $8. I ordered a spicy turkey panini (at about 10:30PM) and it was done in about 10 minutes, great service, tasty and worth the money. I was very impressed with the cocktail list - some interesting concoctions - one of which I tried out on my own when I got home. Kentucky root beer: root beer + bourbon = delish. There is also a very cute performance space in the back I look forward to checking out sometime. read more

Stay away from this place. It's too good. It's always been too good. I am terrified for the day it is discovered for its unpretentious and amiable glory. Jon has the sexiest hair. And his face hair is as artful as all of bushwick's aspirations of soho. I like their sammies okay. But the beer is where it's at. They might make craft cocktails, but I've never asked. The whiskey always comes before I can. One time I passed out in the backyard and woke up in Narnia. I might still be in Narnia. You'll never know, because You will stay away from this place. Unless you're cool. Then, by all means, bring some pastries for the fam. read more

Pete's Candy Store - Pure joy. - Music Venues Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Live music and fun crown. Enjoyed getting out of the rain and finding a quaint little place to just chill!

Really cool spot. Chill bar up front with a 60s music hall in the back room with live music. It's a narrow space with a probably 6 tables and a little bit of standing room. You cannot hear the music in the bar or outside, which is cool! They also have a year but I went in winter so I haven't seen it, still a plus! Highly recommended and in winter they have Hot Toddy's. read more

This is a solid choice if you're looking for a late night spot to get some drinks. It's your typical neighborhood bar and prices are pretty decent for the area. Service is sub par but nothing to worry about. They have nightly drink specials as well as a fairly small food menu that consists of 2-3 sandwiches (which I've never had). But food is an option if you go and end up getting hungry! The interior is decently set up. There is enough space for a relatively large party and there are also some two tops if you want a more intimate setting. I've been when they had live music in the back but that space is always super full and crowded so I've never ventured back there. Go for a drink or two, go for the neighborhood feel, go for some live music, whatever you do, go! read more

When I go out with my girlfriend and two friends I want to have a good time. Have fun, a few drinks, laughs and fun stories. What I don't want is a bitter annoying and rude bartender. My girlfriend and her friend went to the bar to get drinks for the four of us. They called the female bartender who's name is unknown, the bartender didn't even look in their direction. Finally when she did pay them the slightest attention she was rude and disgusting. After we got our water down drinks we went to the back where you can smoke but there was no music and water on all of the chairs. Should have gone to a different bar. Service can make or brake a business, in this is case they broke it. read more

Pete's Candy Store - Watered down drinks. Shameful. - Music Venues Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Over the years, this is where I saw my friend playing, friends of friend playing or a band that my friend of friend knows playing and etc.. LOL --- all but myself, before and after the renovation. Small and narrow stage room in the back and front bar area. However, have to say that the stage area is clean and very attractive compared to other live music places. Not at all trashy. I have seen some Jazzes on Thursday nights and some up and coming(?) Indie Rock Bands and even with the mini size, the venues there feel like theatre than Live bar. Maybe the seat setting makes you to concentrate on the performance. They did really great job with renovation which they added sound proof insulation to the wall and redoing wooden and glassy deco which I found quite lovely. In front, you have relaxed regular bar where you can be in and out of the venues in the back, to hang and talk. The bar is located still a bit deserted street and in old times, I used to get lost getting there. Definitely they play better music than others around. And Yes, Pete used to have Candy Store here. read more

I adore this place- mostly for the tiny little venue tucked in back. A railroad car with a miniature stage adorned with bulbs (Heather N., you are spot on with the music box-esque description) that just make my heart go aflutter. As I told fellow yelper Brandon Z., I want to live here. Just in the venue area. I don't care if there aren't any windows- it feels absolutely magical in this space (and if it were my apartment, the proximity to the bar ain't half bad either). I mean.. small, no windows, lots of charm... that's a new york apartment, right? anyway, if you are seeing a show here, make sure you get a spot early or else you may be out of luck, my "apartment (a girl can dream, can't she?)" gets pretty packed pretty quickly. read more

Yesterday afternoon, I came to Pete's Candy Store for $2 beers and some quality time with..... the Lord. Every week is gay church that Jay Bakker made! The NYC branch of his Revolution Church has services here. Kevin A. has been going and I finally tagged along yesterday to hear Bakker himself speak or sermonize or whatever it is. He was just ok. His message was nice, but not really mind-blowing. I remain faithfully heathen. BUT, I loved this bar, probably because $2 beers got me good and drunk really quickly. After the sermon, a few of us went outside to the back patio and just drank and smoked and had a grand old time. There was an open mike going on inside, and a guy from there drifted over to us with his guitar and sang a Johnny Cash song. It was so hot...... hmmm...... I'm imagining having sex with him again..... Anyway, Pete's Candy Store has that kinda fake run-down feel, cheap beer, and a friendly and attractive bartender. It's a fine spot for a Sunday afternoon gathering (read: bender). Careful, though, one of the bathrooms doesn't have a mirror. My friend Sam wants to check out the Spelling Bee. I say, capital Y E S. read more

Came here on a cold, Saturday afternoon, after a brunch date. We really felt like listening to some live music, but being that it was still shy of 3 pm, we knew we maybe had to get a little more creative than just taking a stroll around the neighborhood to find a place. After living in NYC for the past seven years or so, I have heard of this place, but I actually thought it was a candy store for a bunch of hipsters. My date at the time (which I will later explain why furthermore I really enjoyed this place) was told by a colleague to check it out, as he just moved in town from London about two months ago. So off we went on a little adventure to Williamsburg! Upon walking in, I already got a great feeling of this place. Sort of taking you back to a good memory from your childhood, the wooden floors and the bar were well lived. They kept it real. We ordered the cider with rum.. very cozy! We continued to head back to explore the back room to do what we came to do-check out some music. It was like walking back in time again-in my grandfather's (or someone's grandfather) favorite pub and it was the act on stage. It was an older gent playing the banjo and the blues and I was thoroughly entertained. In a city of everyone trying to impress you in one way or another, the simplicity of this old man on stage just reeled me in. Shortly after he finished his set, a duo of young girls went on stage, playing the violin and keyboard. I was completely taken to another place-it was haunting, dramatic, but also romantic. Anyway, this review isn't about the acts but more about the venue. I loved the "anything goes" attitude and friendly atmosphere. I've returned many times since. Also, banging happy hour. As much as I love the hot cider and rum, $3 Brooklyn pints can't be beat. Cheers! read more

First and foremost: IF YOU ACHIEVED HIGHER THAN 12th PLACE AT TRIVIA LAST NIGHT, I PROBABLY WANT YOUR HEAD. Pete's popped my trivia cherry and now I can't stop thinking about it. Over several pints of Yuengling, I exercised my brain to a pulp, poring over images of "bald headed freaks", wishing i read the newspaper more often, and kicking ass when it came to greek/roman mythology. It was a blast, but hopefully next time I come I won't be on a competitive streak. It really takes the fun out of things. One of the best things about Pete's is their garden. There's room for a good number of people, and perfect for happy hour (5-7) drankz in the sun. I don't think I've ever encountered a d-bag here, but that doesn't mean it won't happen. I wouldn't blame a d-bag if they came here, it's just that good. read more

I LOVE PETE'S CANDY STORE! Shoebox style space plus the acoustic panels make this the best (intimate) music venue ever. The outdoor area is magnificent. The drinks are cheap. I would come here everyday if I could. read more

Yes! Pete's Candy Store! The ultimate Brooklyn Beer hovel. Seriously, there's a bar, bathrooms, a back garden, and an interesting little performance space shaped like an old time San Francisco cable car, making it a pretty intimate space. I took my Jew friend Scott B. here to listen to Jay Bakker's Revolution church congregation on Sundays (and by "listen to" i mean "sit in the back, giggle at the Jesus freaks, and get monstrously drunk on the $2 beer special"). That's right kids, $2 beer specials! Unfortunately things got awkward between the Church and I when they told me to take down the sexual details of one of the pastors from my blog, but Church Censorship was not Pete's Candy Store's doing, so that will not count against them. There are some very interesting people that hang around here, and lots of great bands with attractive singers too (hint hint, omg secret crush!). There was no shortage of crazy people at the Candy Store, including Jesus freaks, acoustic bards, and sexually active Priests. The wait staff is so nice and tolerant, that you think they're secretly up to something vicious, but then you realize that they are JUST THAT nice and tolerant, and YOU have paranoia problems. Bring friends to this one and make some more! read more

Well, they don't serve candy but they do have mediocre sandwiches... It doesn't matter though because the trivia night is awesome! When I went, it was difficult but not too hard, and there were plenty of questions about celebrities. Yay! Makes me feel like all my time spent reading the tabloids wasn't a waste. One drawback, the people running the show seemed very cliquey and some of the regulars seemed to get literally every question right. Are they really that smart or was there some funny business going on? I don't know. But the questions were creative and so was the vibe in this cute little Brooklyn bar. And they have no TVs! Wow. Now if we could just pick this place up and move it to Manhattan. But that would probably ruin it... read more

There are some places you choose not to return to, for fear of never again finding the magic that so captivated you the first time. Pete's Candy Store is one of those places. I doubt I'll go back, solely for this reason. Small and insignificant from the outside, you'd never know that there is a virtual time capsule hidden deep within Pete's belly. At first glance it is just a bar that is silly and boisterous like any other. If you manage to make it past all that you'll be treated with a tiny tunnel of a performance room. Dimly lit, with industrial accents that are visibly remnants of another time, you wonder how on earth this place has remained unknown to you until now. You make your way toward a row of seats on the side and tuck yourself in, doing your best to disappear. At the front is a raised platform that is set ablaze with antique stage lights. This is where the magic happens. On schedule for the night is Tanbark, a lovely trio from Minneapolis who is ethereal and down to earth at the same time. Chloe, the lead singer, has one of the most unique voices I've ever heard. "Bridge" is by far my favorite, and I'm still on the hunt for a downloadable version. It's not the kind of music I seek on my own, but I'm so glad I found it at Pete. Come aboard. This is the last train to nowhere. Only your thoughts will travel, to the good times of yesteryear. read more

Pete's is like that friend who's just so nice that you're dumbfounded to find other people who have negative things to say. It's good. Good cheap drinks, good music, good people, I'm going to guess good food though I've never tried it, good trivia. I couldn't think of anything bad to say if I tried. Last time I was here, the bartender kindly informed that the minimum bar tab was $15 after I tried to close my $10 tab and when I told him to just charge it $5 more, he said "Oh no way, I'm not going to do that." Earning a special, particularly cozy nook in my heart. If a drawback is to be found, I haven't noticed it. read more

I was kinda pissed already when i came here because my night did not go as i expected and not in a good way.. but my sandwich was very yummy and the bartender here gave my boyfriend a free drink... his exact words : "fuck it man.. the drink is on me, happy new year" so yea i can't say anything bad about this place read more

This is the best bar/venue left in all of New York City. There is no better place to catch live music. It's a listening room, so be prepared to sit and listen. Grab your drink before the show starts. If you don't know about the artist, sit in the back first.... that way you can make an escape without gutting the performer! Also, their sandwiches are amazing. And if you ask nicely and it's not too busy Dave might make you a peppermint tea at the bar. love this place. read more

This is great bar that offer free music and performance I have many great memory here The musician or dancer is wonderful They have a back yard you can enjoy with your friends have a wonderful midsummer night beer Recommend for those romantic mind read more

This Williamsburg bar is great! I was there for a friend's birthday on Saturday and fell in love. The bar was not packed, you could actually find a place to sit and talk, there was a live band playing the back room, and great drinks being poured. I would definitely say that more of a grown-up Williamsburg crowd and a friend equated the people there to the "working Williamsburg", which makes sense. The bar does offer some "special cocktails" and if you get hungry they offer reasonable priced sandwiches. Oh, and let's not forget the outdoor patio, which is great for summer! I will definitely be back! read more

One of the best bars in Williamsburg. Off the beaten path of Bedford, just off the park near the track. I currently live on Richardson Street, about a 10 second walk from my bedroom, and I'm sad to say I have to move away from this location due to high rent. Music stage in the back, and an awesome outdoor patio with tons of seating. Two dollar Yeunglings during happy hour 5-7. Toasted panini sandwiches at all hours are amazing and cheap. Bingo, Trivia, and spelling bee nights every week to give you something to do. Board games available to keep you busy too. Live music pretty much everyday of the week for free, and its usually decent. Pop in on Sunday's for their BBQ's out back when you're at McCarren. Great place for visitors/friends to the area. I will continue to make the trek here. read more

DEAR PETE, OF PETE'S- I LOVE YOU, PLEASE DON'T EVER CHANGE A THING. This place is the shit. Cheap drinks. Awesome ambiance. Free music every night with great sound and awesome lighting. And a separate room for music completely!! -With a window so you can keep an eye on the acts, even if you've never heard of them. Rad outdoor space with those cool old fashioned x-mas lights. Thankyou Pete's for keeping it real. Always a good crowd inside too. Love it. read more

I have been a fan of Pete's for 3+ years now. Dependably chill, with a great vibe and nice staff. Their short, rotating cocktail list is always fantastic, with interesting concoctions all at $9-10. The 5 panini options are equally, if not more awesome. My old standby (prosciutto w/ pesto) has been retired and a new star is in town. Pressed between 2 crispy toasts you will find Kimchi, Ham, White Cheddar & Sriracha (hot sauce). This is a spicy treat not to be passed up! Sometimes you will find nice music in the back, or walk in on a "quizzo" (Wednesday Nights). In the warmer months, be sure to take advantage of their nice "hidden" backyard area. Plenty of tables back there to relax and have a nice cold drink. Any time of year, Pete's hits the mark. read more

I never knew Williamsburg had such a monopoly on cute bars with nice outside spaces. I guess now I know. Also the toasted sandwiches? Awesome. And I don't think that I think that because I was drunk when I had a bite of one. (does that make sense?) read more

The stars reflect the bar atmosphere and the price of the drinks: laid back and cheap, respectively. The rest of this review is dedicated to the trivia team, "Chick Fil-a-tio" who, last night, administered one of the most dysfunctional and incoherent rounds of trivia I have ever had the misfortune of participating in. The first four rounds went swimmingly, then, to begin the 5th round, a team member prefaces by saying, "The idea for this round came to me in a dream." Oh, if only she had left it there. The title of the round was called "High, Low, Medium". For each question, there was a category and three items from said category. The objective was to place A, B, and C item in the order, High, Low, Medium--BECAUSE THAT'S INTUITIVE. Don't write the actual item, just A, B, or C, and don't put it into an order that makes sense (high, med, low; low, med, high). As if this wasn't enough, across categories, her definition of depth/height changed THREE TIMES--highest meant deepest lake, then 'highest' circle of hell, as if 'highest' even makes sense in the context of a subterranean landscape. Idiot. The fact that the entire bar was up in arms about this category was comforting. That's a huge part of the 4-star rating. In fact, if the bar hadn't erupted into a chorus of Boo's during the reading of the answers, I might have stormed out. But it did, so i'll be back next week. read more

Went here the other night to see my buddy perform.. It was a small intimate room, a nice little bar and lots of cool people.. I ran into a bunch of people I have randomly met through this last year.., It was cool getting to see them. Nice vibe, good group of patrons and workers.. All in all, if someone you like is playing there, you will love to see them in this intimate space. read more

Good for: live music surprises, cheap/awesome beer & shot prices, outdoor section, cool bar. Pete's is simply the best, better than all the rest. My friends and I stumbled upon Pete's when we couldn't get into an UMO show at the Warsaw. Haven't looked back since. Bands come and play in a room that looks like a train car. The outdoor space, which is a quiet Brooklyn backyard, is really sweet and treelined and christmas light smattered. One time, we left the Lower East Side just to hit Pete's. That's how serious things have gotten. read more