I live in Chicago and spent a lot of my life in Baltimore. This bar is literally on every other block in these cities. But to fair as much as love both cities this is an oasis in NYC. In my day drinking experience I couldn't ask for better. Great music. No food. Food messes up and an old man bar. Chips mixed nuts and maybe pickled eggs. Anything after that and it's a restaurant. Sunny's did not step over the restaurant line. Quiet and competent bar tending. Just perfect. Customers are what I would describe as people that would have never have been seen in a place like this 30 years ago. Furthermore they aren't additive. In the same period of time in either Chicago or Baltimore I would have made 5 life long friends for the day. Not one single word for the patrons. Just because I don't have the Gen Z mustache/clothes doesn't mean I don't have meaningful thoughts. I would take a bar full of stevedores any day. Anyway despite the customers. It's 5 stars. Worth the ride. read more

Wow. This might be one of my favorite bars! Open since 1890, it's full of rich history and has clearly been a neighborhood staple for generations. I'm so glad I got the chance to go. The energy was incredible--definitely the kind of local spot where people come to relax and hang out like it's their second home. The drinks were fantastic, and I loved that they offered such a wide variety. They even had regular hot tea if you wanted something non-alcoholic, plus a whole range of other NA options. The space itself is amazing and surprisingly spacious, with outdoor seating as well. I didn't get to catch the live music this time, but they have it every night! I'll definitely be back :) P.S. It's cash only, but they do have an ATM in the back. read more

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Super cool tiki-themed dive bar in red hook. A little hard to get to, no food, and they only take cash. Friendly staff - they know it is a tourist stop - and they are polite and accommodating. This place is exactly what you think it will be :) read more

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We spent New Year's Eve here and had a wonderful time! Big FYI, this bar is CASH ONLY, but they do have an ATM on site. Reasonably priced drinks and a fairly large space. The live music is what sets this place apart, such a fun spot to dance with strangers and enjoy some talented musicians. read more

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Worth the trip if you are the dive bar sort. Everything about is flawless in that sense. Hope to go back sooner rather than later. I'm

I don't think I'm being dramatic when I say that seeing live music at Sunny's can be a religious experience. I recently went to Sunny's bar for the first time while in Red Hook for day with some friends. They were regular attendees at the Sunday bluegrass jam and I'm very happy I tagged along. The back room is almost totally filled with musicians playing a wide variety of instruments, some I couldn't even name. They move from song to song with a few words in between. The talent that these performers have is so raw and beautiful. If you aren't really familiar with bluegrass music, you may still recognize one or two songs but even if you don't you'll enjoy yourself. If you want to impress the music nerd in your life, taken them here and let them soak up the music. read more

Out in the distant reaches of Red Hook, there is Sunny's Bar. It is unique in ways to numerous to count. Cash only. Come prepared. Cans and bottles. a few cocktails. The vibe is relaxed. You have the feeling that everyone would stare if you created any stress. The history is rich and the patina is worn in by the rough hands of the stevedores before us. read more

You can't fully experience Red Hook without heading to Sunny's bar. Cocktails are an absolute steal at $10-12 each. I usually go for a Negroni, but I've also tried the aperol spritz and old fashioned. On Saturday evenings, it's busy and there might be live music, but it's also pretty easy to find standing room and hear each other talk. Don't forget to bring cash since it's cash only! read more

Don't come here after a wedding. we walked into a half full bar with an hour left on the clock, they asked if we came from a wedding and immediately started arguing about whether or not they wanted to serve us. Spent 30mins arguing just to get attitude. right around the corner is a great bar with plenty of space and a great atmosphere read more

I like the vibe here very chil it's like being in small neighborhood water whole. It was cool listening to grass root tunes with friends enjoying beers. Redhook really rocks !! read more

Sunny's Bar - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The five stars isn't for the drinks, though the dark and stormy is decent. Drinks are alcohol heavy and have no finesse, but that's not what Sunny's is about. The New York Times described Sunny's as a bar on the edge of the world. And it felt like that. Dimly lit, dusty vintage decor, never more than three or four patrons at a time, Sunny's sits in a remote part of Red Hook, Brooklyn. An old rusted truck flying both an American flag and a pride flag greet you outside. I felt like I was in a novel. I felt like Hemingway could walk in at any time. The old school feel is not something easily replicated. Form what I understand, their evening music program is legendary. No food. Cash only. ATM on site. Again, you're not coming here for a craft cocktail program. You're coming here for a VIBE. read more

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The ambiance of this place is nice, feels like you went back in time in the best way possible. The space is also bigger than expected but the place still feels cozy. Drinks are cheap and I've always had a nice time. Gets crowded on weekends. read more

Had a farewell for a friend & Sunny's was the spot. We arrived around 2 on a Friday & not surprisingly they were quiet. Interesting layout-between outside seating in front and back as well dimly lit bar area and more space in the back with a piano. We sat outside I n the back and enjoyed the open & sun lit with cover space. Great vibe and atmosphere! Cash only! (But they do have an ATM on-site) A decent list of draft beers, wine and cocktails and looks like they have seasonal drink specials.. Enjoyed my draft Bronx Ale and Allagash White. Others in the party had Guinness, Wine, Gin Seltzer as well Whisky shots. We found out the party next to us brought Subs over from Delfontes & were enjoying them with some beer. So ok to bring outside food in? Our bartender was as helpful and kind as can be & she took great care of us! By the time we left around 6, they were busy with mostly a younger crowd. Classic bar, Local flavor and Local favorite and I read somewhere they've been open since the 1890s. Don't miss this Red Hook gem! read more

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Saturday night drinks for two. A must-stop if you're in the hood. A friend told me about how this saloon was supposed to shut down but locals kept it alive with their donations. It's been around since the 1890s and this act shows how strong of a community Red Hook is. It has a lot of character and good service. We got here "early" around 7pm and the bar was fairly empty but started filling up closer to 9pm. They do live music on certain nights and would come back to experience it another time. There is a back outdoor area for those who need fresh air - definitely coming back for summer! And another room towards the back. The bar is filled with more of the neighborhood people which is always a warm feeling especially on a cold night. read more

Sunny's Bar - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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My knees go weak at the sight of an aquatic themed dive bar! I don't know if it's my Seattlelite years or the years in Hamburg, Germany but I can't resist them. Sunny's, baby, you got it goin' on! After the necessary wait for Brooklyn Crab, Sunny's was the must see. Only around the corner from the Brooklyn Crab. We were more than happy to sit in air conditioning and ordering frosty beverages. The waitress looked like she had been there awhile. I love a seasoned bartender. There's a patio here that was full of millennials (you can't control everything). There was also an intimate back room with a piano and a small stage. I could already see some late nights listening to music and really getting the full flavor of Sunny's. The front of the bar has an old sixties feel to it. There are records playing and cute little intimate booths. I was at home. Can't wait for another escape from the hustle and bustle of NY to this aquatic oasis. read more

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Definitely had a very cool vibe that I'd imagine appeals mostly to hipsters and older folk. Dimly lit with what looked to me like older circus looking figurines, statues, or models behind the bar. Everyone was pleasant at least to my buddies and I, but I was a bit turned off to see that at one point, they may have been requiring proof of vaccination to enter which is absolutely unacceptable, however it is the owner's (owners') decision who they allow into their establishment. Not sure if they had food here. Didn't notice any specifically. Pretty sure they had a live band or performer that you could hear throughout the bar. Overall, definitely a nice little place to visit. read more

This bar is a neighborhood institution and with good reason. The drinks are cheap, the atmosphere is cozy and the vibes are right. It can get crowded but don't let that discourage you from giving the place a try! They also have live music in the back room. read more

Overall: This is my favorite kind of bar - Divey, humble, charming, and of course, cheap as hell. The good vibes flow at Sunny's! The good: You'd walk right by it with the nondescript appearance and entry, but as soon as you walk in your hit with a heavy dose of authenticity. Christmas lights, antique signs, knick-knacks, and figurines line the walls. The place is dimly lit and the music is good. In fact, there was a live Irish band wrapping up when we walked it. The beers are cheap and they even sell bags of potato chips on the side (gimme those Cheezits). The not-so-good: Cash only, and their hot cider at the time was $12 if I remember correctly. What a price! Otherwise, the place is dope. Atmosphere: 10/10 Service: 9/10 read more

Sunny's Bar - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I've been slowing down on the bar circuit, but made a stop at Sunny's before hitting Hometown BBQ on a rainy winter evening. This is my kind of bar! There's a lot of character in this establishment, including the friendly lady bartender who was singing along to Billie Holiday and slanging us some $6 beer and shot specials. I came back after dinner when it was a bit busier and they had some live music in the back. If I wasn't experiencing an oncoming food coma, I may have stuck around longer! read more

Sunny's Bar - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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History, music, quirkiness and even an outside patio. Gets exceedingly crowded on the weekends but worth it.

best bar in the world. amazing live music and an outdoor garden that transports you to another world read more

Sunny's Bar - live music - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This place is old school cool. Wasn't crowded on this Saturday holiday weekend with about 10 people streaming through for a beer or two. Nice backyard, courtyard, that is cozy. I'd love to come back for music on Tue. (8 pm in the front bar space) or Fri or Sat. at 9pm or 10pm in the back room. If you have some out of town guests and you want to show them your own private little spot, spring for a car service over here. You'll be glad you did. They have a nice variety of beers, that isn't cheap at $7 avg, but they have some cheaper stuff too. It's worth it. No cover charge for music. read more

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This is the epitome. You cannot do better than this bar at the edge of the world. This is a place where you come to learn. read more

If I could leave this place 0 stars I would. The bar keep is EXTREMELY rude. Massive egos. Unwelcoming to certain groups of people. Heard them say unkind things about patrons at their bar. Really sad to experience in 2023. Way better bars to frequent near by. Definitely pass. read more

Im possible to find. Im possible not to love. This diveish bar has a really nice staff and a lovely back yard. The bartender insisted I taste the absenthe he had even though I asked as a lark. Ill be back read more

Sunny's Bar - Music in the garden with the Amazing Erica Mancini - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Awesome old school dive bar in Red Hook. Dropped by one night with some friends after a meal at HomeTown BBQ and had a great time. Live music going in back, eclectic and chill crowd, retro vibes. Definitely a fun place to drop by if you're in the area. Place is cash only, so come prepared. In the midst of rapid Red Hook gentrification, I hope Sunny's never changes and stays around for years to come. read more

Sunny's Bar - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Pros: cozy and fun dive bar with character Cons- well, its a dive so you know what to expect I found the workers to be very friendly. You have a bunch of regulars. Its decorated like your grandparents basement you had to ckean out when they died... this isnt a bad thing though! Lots of charm in this place. I definitely want to scope it out when the musicians are in. In closing, its a great stop but hardly a must do destination. read more

It's always a sunny service in Brooklyn. Great place, my boy Ye told me to check it out and was not disappointed

It is a dive bar. Good service. Perfect place for a hot cider on a autumn day. Yes- go for the cider. A small patio in the back. Defiantly a good place in the neighborhood read more

Sunny's is an institution on the docks of Red Hook. The bar is charming, with a long front room, a garden, and a back room, though the drinks are nothing special. $24 bought two beers and two shots, which is higher than I would've expected for some place this far out. What makes this place worth the trip is the live music. We came for the Saturday bluegrass jam session, and it's a real treat to listen to these guys. It's a clique-y scene, and it can be tough to get a seat or a good view, but a very special way to spend the night. read more

Sunny's Bar - Saturday night bluegrass jam - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Excellent in all manner of ways. Good for the soul and mind on many levels. As fresh as it is old. As benevolent as it is bachanalian. Sublime in its simplicity. It is truly Sunny at night. Enjoy! read more

Sunny's Bar - John Pinamonti and Band - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Yes, living and loving. Take me here every weekend pls. They have great live music on the weekends in the back room. Such a special little spot so tucked away and private. read more

Sunny's Bar - The bar scene at Sunny's! - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

A dive that's seemingly nestled in the middle of nowhere. Why 5 stars? I've heard about it uttered from mouths of friends, coworkers, etc for years. I never really have a reason to go all the way out to Redhook unless its for free food or Ikea. There, I said it. But I have always wanted to check Sunny's out. The place has been around since the 1890's, almost didn't survive Sandy but was rebuilt and rescued. They're really into a nautical, trapped in the early half of the past century theme. Along with a neat little backstage area for live shows. Cheap beer on draft and can. They now have a wine menu which I don't think existed before as well as house spirits and beer are marked down during happy hour by a dollar. There also was a pot of either mulled cider or wine brewing away when I stepped in and smelled fantastic. If I were a local I could easily see myself living in this bar. Glad they were able to repair it and keep it around for longer. Reviewers also say it gets 'packed in here', but fret not, it was absolutely empty when I came in. Although, it was like 6ish pm on a Thursday. Imagine the weekends are more crowded. read more

The best bars in NYC are in Red Hook. Maybe not the best cocktail bars, or the best beer bars, or the best wine bars, but those are not usually the best bars anyway. The best bars are the ones you can feel at home at, even if it's your first time there. The ones where you can have a weird conversation with a complete stranger that makes you laugh when you think about it later on, as opposed to spurring you to wash your hands. Sunny's is one of these bars. It's a bar where you can escape the rest of NYC to spend an entire glorious, relaxing, afternoon in the little backyard, and then take a break from drinking to go sit on the bench outside and watch the sunset. Most evenings you'll probably stumble on some live bluegrass, or a family party, or a strange and hilarious art show in the back room, and you'll probably be welcome at any of them.* I'm surprised and happy they made it through the aftermath of Sandy, and I hope it's gonna be around for a long, long time to come. _____________ *Provided you stop acting like a dick. read more

This is the best bar. The back room here is the best sounding room in New York City to hear live horns. Sunny is a veteran of the Soho loft scene, back when there was an up and coming and cutting edge art scene IN Soho. They have art classes in the back room on Sunday afternoons. Even though Sunny's is now well known internationally, and is considered to be an NYC landmark, their distance from the nearest subway station means that you can still get a seat/stool on most nights, and it doesn't too often get uncomfortably crowded. Late late nights here under the right conditions can be both surreal and inspirational. read more

What a great spot. Tucked away in Red Hook, Sunny's is blessedly hidden away by time and space from the TV and rustic furniture-bloated NY bars of today. Great bartenders, unbelievable tunes, and a great performance space in the back. They were serving $4 Finestkinds in bottles, which kept me happy when I came to watch the Three Bridger Theater Company perform an atmospheric holiday reading of A Christmas Carol. Wish I lived in the neighborhood--Sunny's is that good. read more

What a delightful dive. Three boys enjoying a beautiful day in Red Hook; three cans of Narragansett at the bar. "You guys are easy," said the bartender. Hard to be any other way at Sunny's. Semi-comatose after a huge meal at Hometown Bar-B-Que, we stumbled in to rub our eyes and quench our thirst. On cue, three wobbly, perfect stools appeared at the bar. We sat. We imbibed. We recovered. Nice patio out back. Great clientele and employees. Beautiful 70-degree day in Red Hook. That'll do. read more

Sunny's Bar - Sunny's: Americana, inside and out. - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

COVID-19 outdoor dining review: came by for a drink this weekend at Sunny's outdoor patio (in the back) - it's a cozy space for a grey afternoon, and there are space heaters at each table, which is pretty nifty for hand-warming when the weather dips below freezing. Cash only, and you order at the bar and bring your drinks and mandatory snacks outside: Sunny's has a broad array of hot cocktails at the moment, and we tried the spiced cider and the Norwegian glogg. I really liked the flavor of the cider, although it wasn't quite as piping hot as I would have liked (that said, my favorite hot drink temperature tends to be "borderline tongue-burning," so take with a grain of salt). The glogg was VERY strong and also very hot, was definitely fitting for the weather and I was into it, but not for the faint of heart. read more

A must if you love dive bars. The mulled cider with whiskey is amazing. This is a no-frills place where you'll probably meet a few great people while you belly up to the bar for some drinks. Cash only, which is my only gripe. An iconic place to visit if you're in Red Hook. read more

Came here last night for the Rodeo, Wednesday night is cowboy night. I haven't heard such great live music like that in a while. Sunny's is now my new favorite bar in Brooklyn. CASH ONLY read more

Sunny's Bar - Cowboys - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York