Wish I could give 0 stars. My friends and I are all in grad school in the area and we're looking for a place to drink and chat after a long week. Walked into this bar and these locals sitting on the end apparently gave us dirty looks and started saying something about us to each other - I say apparently because my friends were the ones who noticed. Had I noticed, I might have gotten the early hint that we were probably not welcome. But oh, don't you worry, the bartender made it pretty clear. We approached the bar and she was an older, stout blonde who was the rudest bartender I've ever met. We didn't even get a hello, just a terse "okay, first I need to see some ID." We pulled them out, and after thorough inspection she says, "ok, what do you want?" I was actually shocked at how rude she was to us. As she took our drink orders she just radiated a complete lack of desire to serve us. We sat down for one drink in a little alcove next to the bar and the first thing we all said was "wow, that bartender is a b****!" Completely killed the vibe of what could have been a cool place. When we finished our beers one of us suggested we get another round, and the rest of us said absolutely not, we are not giving that woman any more business. Never coming back here again. Pretty sure that's what the intent was, as I've read other reviews and it seems to be a bar catered to townies only. Luckily there are lots of great bars nearby (we checked out 61 Local right after and it definitely brightened our moods after our horrible experience at Brooklyn Inn) so if you are new in the area, definitely avoid this place at all costs. read more

Sometimes I really miss this place.... but quite forgot about, since moving out of Boerum Hill due to Job matter. Then, last night I was watching Gossip Girl on TV and it was playing an episode about Vanessa trying to save the Brooklyn Inn asking Chuck Bass (Well they are both cuties - i think they are dating now - LOL! Am I gossiping now? xoxo ) . Looking so awefully familar, I had to look on Yelp. Voila, this was where I used to hang out when I lived a couple of blocks down the street. I just never knew the name of the place.. I am famous for that - refuse to remember by the name... but now Yelp is my personal organizer. Who needs a brain? LOL Thanks Yelp!!! We just called it 'the bar on the Bergen st.' The episode said it's in the danger of extiction but I think it just got a new owner and rumored to be turned into a Bistro. Out of no where and in the midst of residential streets, the Brooklyn Inn exists.. for very loooooong time.... over 120 years or so. I heard that it used to be a fancy restaurant back in the day serving those high societies. But, never quite confirmed the fact. I think I saw it was closed for a while and remember peeking thru windows... then it finally opened. It is dark and really woody and definitely a low key neighbor bar at this point... But, when you look at the details of the place, it is quite amazing and beautiful. The carved wood bar was imported from Germany piece by piece and the high real tin ceiling is one of old New York's architectural features. However, with all this historical landmark status and hype(?), my hang outs were quite casual and relaxing. Living by the place, going there had substantial advantages and enjoyment. 1. you meet all your neighbors.. but, rather going by names, we introduce each other by our address, landlord or neighbors's name. Means you don't need to worry about meeting strangers you don't even know where they live. LOL 2. There is no worry how to get home after a drunken night.. you just walk home along down the quite and beautiful, named as historic blocks by the city where they hold a Boerum Hill Tour every year. 3. You bring your dogs and play pool in the back room. Tho, I suck at pool. I hate myself for that. 4. You drink in one of the oldest bars in New York City. I am not sure if it is the oldest or one of's. I have some memory in this place... A bit embarassing but funny and never untelling........I was about to catch a cold with a little bit of headache... I popped down a pill of Tylenol and headed over there to meet friends. Well this place is only a couple of blocks from me so it didn't take me even 10 min. Got in, I had a glass of beer and talking to my friend no problem. Suddenly I needed to go to restroom and within that 10 steps to the bathroom, I collapsed like a dancing octopus. Yeap, the drug and alcohol combo did it. I have to tell you, it was powerful and I was helpless. I was still talking with working brain but my body wasn't. I got home ok carried by friends and all. Everyone was like Woah~~~ Though, it is about the order you take them.. drug and then alcohol is dangerous. it reacts in your stomach.. Don't take them together period.. At least 1 or 2 hrs apart. But, if you are already drunk and the alcohol is already in your blood stream, the reaction is different and not that powerful... But, the combo is anyways deadly to your liver and body. So all together say no no no. ok? One more Not So funny thing, ironically Heath Ledger used to live a couple of blocks down w/ Michelle Williams and the daughter before.... you know..... and Michelle and the kid still live there. arhhhhh~~~~ If you are around the neighborhood, you should stop by.. It is not just an old and neighborhood bar. It is a part of history. read more

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Okaayyy, I'm not sure what the deal is with this place but they really need to fire one of their bartenders. I'm sitting there with my date, having a hot whiskey. The bartender that was serving us was very pleasant and attentive. I get up, go to the bathroom, come back, sit down and then my date gets up to go to the bathroom. A new bartender is now supposedly on shift (younger guy, apparently had 2 servings of attitude followed up with a dessert of a****le). The following exchange ensues: Bartender: "You guys have to tip out your bartender, he's going off shift." Me: "Oh, okay, well, I'm just going to wait until my date gets back cause I don't know what she put down". My date comes back, and then the SECOND she sits down: Bartender, immediately spins around and pretty much shouting: "Listen! I'm not going to tell you guys again! You gotta take care of your bartender!" Seriously? WTF? I HAVE to tip him? What, I work for you? So, I did tip him, left a buck in my half finished pint glass for him to fish out and told him what I thought of his intellect and upbringing. Never again, hopefully the owner reads yelp cause I'm sure this slackjawed jerk is driving off other customers too. As from quite a few other reviews though it seems like this idiot is been around far too long. It's odd though that he's managed to practice being a complete a**hat for this long without being taken outside and taught some manners. Too bad, cause the bar is nicely laid out, kinda pricey though. read more

The Brooklyn Inn is so, so very beautiful: with its high ceilings and old oak paneling and beautiful dark-stained bar, it's probably the most attractive bar space I've ever seen. Bartenders are competent, jukebox always has enough to spend a buck on without settling. Unfortunately, I just never feel really at ease here! On weekends, as noted, it's so tightly packed that you're either jammed against a wall in the narrow hallway or trying to avoid someone's pool cue (to their extreme annoyance) - to say nothing of the meet market vibe. During the week, it's just a bit of a yuppie hang for me. On a recent visit there were three publishing types arrayed at the bar, each of whom was perusing his own New Yorker! Every time I go I'm newly seduced by the Brooklyn Inn's beauty. But, at the end of the day, it's just not my scene. Give me Sunny's any time! read more

We were out walking when the rain started. The Brooklyn Inn was en route, so I suggested we stop for a Guinness. No sooner had we stepped inside this dark womb of ornately carved, antique wood & stained glass, the bartender and a friend were simultaneously vying for our attention. I never romanticized the alcoholism on 80s sitcoms, but I imagine that's what George Wendt felt when an entire soundstage yelled "Norm!" We had a lovely time. Perfect pours. Affordable price. A fun chat with the gallery owner & some teachers. And then it was out into the rain again, because these moments are best in 25 minute doses. read more

I've been here four times and really love the space. The drinks themselves are so-so. I've had run-ins with two rude bartenders now, most notably with the woman working this past Saturday. She was busy, both bartending and collecting empty glasses on her own all evening--she should not have been the only one working. However, when I tried ordering four of the same cocktail (thinking she'd only have to mix it once) she could have been polite about suggesting we get something different b/c she was busy. Instead, she snapped at me that she didn't have the martini glasses and couldn't make the drinks, turned around and walked away. I'd never seen anything like it, and found that facing my 3 friends without their drinks was much safer than trying to order from her again. I'd rather not fear getting into trouble when I'm politely waiting to spend my money. This bar should: - Schedule the weekends correctly - Hire more friendly people - Get more glasses I should also add that they don't allow dogs anymore, but that's not their fault. read more

This bar could be great. It's clean, has a good group of people who frequent it, is never too crowded or too loud. The beers on tap are great. There is never a big wait at the bar. There is a pool table in the back. Sadly, every time I go, the bartender (different people) are incredibly rude to me. I am extremely polite to them, even when they snap at me, and I tip 20% at the bar, so I am assuming that I don't deserve this treatment. I will skip this bar whenever possible. read more

A classic neighborhood bar in my old neighborhood. If you're in this neighborhood and you are looking for a neighborhood bar, come here. It is a different bar depending on the time of day and day of week. Some nights it's a crazy scene, others it's a quiet place. Most afternoons it's a chill place to relax alone or with friends. It has everything you could want if you know its rhythm. Same goes for the bartenders ;-). read more

I've been a resident of NYC/Brooklyn for around 2 months now (and having tried as many places as possible), I can safely say the Brooklyn Inn has provided the best experience I've had since relocating. Drinks are cheap but great quality, there's a relaxed and chilled environment with all sorts of characters coming through the doors and the service is second to none. Met one of the barmen last night who formally introduced himself (Kevin), who literally tried to interact with everyone at what was a crowded bar, gave a couple of drinks on the house and was full of knowledge on the area. Just an overall great experience and I've definitely found my Brooklyn "local". read more

The perfect place for an afternoon drink after shoving some smoked meat from Mile End down your throat. The airy bar features three areas, and generally- one very awesome bar tender. During our visit, we were shocked to see that she poured five counts of vodka into our bloody marys. And what bloody marys they were! Spicy, rich, perfect. We stumbled out of there as VERY happy campers on a beautiful day. read more

This place fucking sucks. On the bright side...ask Kevin to make you one of his famous old fashioned drinks. They're the best in town. Are you new in town? Do you like whiskey? Are you looking for New York City's finest old fashioned drink? Kevin is your guy. He hooks it up with the extra oranges. #sogood. read more

It's been a LONG time since I fell in love with a bar. Brooklyn Inn is everything I want in a bar: decent drafts, strong cocktails, great jukebox, awesome decor, and friendly bartenders. Only problem is it's cash only. Come here if you want to impress the girl you're with. The mirrors alone will distract her and make her eat out of the palm of your hand. Come here with friends to play pool. Come here to make new ones. Come here and just live life, Yelpers. read more

I was already a bit lit when I walked into this establishment a few weeks ago. Lust was in the air and the dark wood was inviting. It was late at night and the bar was fairly empty, which I don't mind. We found a small nook in a room just off the main bar area... It was just us. A small table. Easy to make out across (props for perfectly sized making out tables!). The drinks were remarkably strong.. and did the trick. Left feeling like a high school kid ready for some more making out before going home. It was the rich, dark wood that did it. Definitely the rich, dark wood. read more

This is one charming old timey bar near my place that I always seem to end up in for "one for the road" on my way home from the subway. It reminds me in some ways of some of the Victorian London pubs, grandiose with high ceilings, yet also retains a charm and ambience that is archetypal Brooklyn. It has a billiards table out back, clientele are laid back and friendly. I Iike to cosy up to a large Jamieson's on a wild winters night here, and they are nice size shots too cos the walk home is all too often much of a blur! read more

The exterior of The Brooklyn Inn is as nondescript as any building front in the quiet neighborhood in which it's located. At first glance upon entering, the huge mirror and impressive wooden bar grabs your attention and the low-level lighting and hidden nooks offering discreet places to chat make you feel like you've just stumbled upon the perfect neighborhood bar...because you have. I go to The Brooklyn Inn when I want cheap drinks ($5 pints and mixed drinks) and when I don't want the hustle and bustle of an overly crowded standard sports bar. There are no televisions and the music on the jukebox is never offensively loud so you can actually enjoy the conversation you're having with your fellow bar patrons without having to scream. Seating is plentiful and, if you wait long enough, you may even be able to play a game of pool in the back room. The crowd is polite and trendier than myself. The bartenders, while also generally polite, can sometimes seemingly forget about you. On more than one occasion I have felt like I've had to throw something at them to get their attention to serve me another round. All in all, The Brooklyn Inn is a great spot to grab a few drinks in a very chill and relaxing location. read more

The Brooklyn Inn is a really great bar for its sheer, physical atmosphere. It's the one place in Brooklyn I've found that reminds me of London and makes me miss it, even though I'm glad I left it. And that contradiction says something to me immediately. You can relish your anonymity or you can chat with those next to you. You can shun the blatant yuppies, as much as the pseudo bohemes, or you can decide to embrace the fact that they're side-by-side. It's indistinguishable in terms of the types it attracts as much as it's distinguished by the loveliness of the dark wood, stained glass and vaulted ceilings. The bartenders are on-and-off, however. Some are attentive and professional; others are slap-dash and gruff, if not downright hostile. This might add to the overall character of the place, but it should be a consistency that reflects the charm and history of the Brooklyn Inn as well. read more

Great place to go in the late afternoon and during the week. Very nice decor and the bartenders I have engaged with are serious yet friendly and make good strong mixed drinks. Nice and low key vibe in the early evening and you can really sit and enjoy your drink as the crowd is light and quiet. They have a pool table in the back that always seems to be open, or if occupied the players are welcoming and inviting for you to join in. They have a nice "middle area" of the bar with candle lit tables that is good for conversation. I have not been here on a weekend yet and probably will not aim to be. The several times I have come here have been during the week from the late afternoon to late night and seems the perfect time to be here. read more

This place is simply one of the most beautiful bars I have seen. It reeks of atmosphere and, if the term can apply to a drinking establishment, majesty. You must come during daylight to truly appreciate the woodwork and timelessness of the place. There is no tacky theme, no fruity specialty cocktail list, no table tents, no karaoke or trivia night and an unobtrusive jukebox. On one visit the bartender stated that Josephine, my beloved pit bull, would always be welcome. She was even offered a bowl of water and allowed to perch on a barstool. I must mention she is not even a drinker. We will be loyal customers for life. read more

I've been coming to this bar since before I even lived in Brooklyn, and I've always loved it. That said, a few months ago, my friend had a birthday party there. Every person in our party (and, from asking around, I've found that many in other parties), was treated awfully by a bartender named Kevin. (I am pretty sure, at least, that this was his name.) He yelled at people for telling him more than one drink at a time. When someone said "be careful" after he shoved them out of his way, he asked if they wanted to start something. I've never seen him there before, and I've loved the Brooklyn Inn every other time I've been there. But they need to get rid of Hawaiian-shirted Kevin. NB: This review may seem extremely similar to one below, written by a reviewer with the very same name. I don't know how to delete the other account. read more

Super cool bar, it's slightly out of the way so you can actually get seats sometimes too. Just a fun vibe that you have to try out. It can be surprisingly hard to find good Guinness in the area, so, if you're on the hunt for a good pour, this is the place! read more

Have you ever felt like you were at home while sitting in a bar? I have...now that I've been to the Brooklyn Inn. With friendly bartenders, great service, and excellent music, Brooklyn Inn hits all the high notes. I want to expand on my positive experience but I'm left speechless by the perfection of this establishment. The Brooklyn Inn seems like an old time oasis in the middle of gentrification city, the home of the classy regular. Character, Character, Character! read more

Perhaps I should simply write: ECHO. I won't bore you will too much chatter, as other reviewers on here hit the nail right on the head. It's one of the best bars in Brooklyn, in my Elite Status opinion. First of all, it's gorgeous. (Look at the ceilings. LOOK AT THEM!) Secondly, the bartenders are always nice and friendly. Thirdly, they make the most of the space in terms of seating. There's a "decent" amount of seating without it feeling too cluttered or clunky. Fourthly, they allow dogs. I love dogs. I don't have a dog. Sigh, great, now I want a dog. Fifthly, they have the occasional drink special ($3 glasses of wine), and their regular prices are good to begin with. Sixthly, GREAT for people watching, as bar is situated right on a corner with huuuuge windows. Seventhly (sp?), if you're a bit of a book geek like me (just a little one), you WILL see a famous brooklyn writer or two. BUT, please don't go up to them and "geek out" ... let's keep this place cool. Thank you. read more

Def one of my favorite bars, so much character. I'm kind of worried about it though because Gossip Girl was just there filming. Uh-oh, not a good sign. Weekends are really crowded, but the after work crowd is a nice scene- good mix of people. Unlike others, I like the bartenders. Never had an issue. read more

I haven't done it yet, but I'm guessing if I searched the reviews for the brooklyn inn, 'old school' would come up a lot. it's a really cool pre-1850s space with good beers/liquor and bartenders that treat the regulars right and roll their eyes at the riffraff. I too enjoy a good eye roll at riffraff, so I can relate. Also, the short pool table in the back makes me feel like I'm better at pool than I actually am, which is a nice little bonus. read more

Went here for a friend's birthday and I had a really good time. The decor is awesome, the jukebox is a nice touch and the pool table is fun. Beware when walking into the backroom that you don't get hit by the opening of the bathroom doors. Bartenders are chill and pour generous drinks. Make sure to tip them so that you can get continued good service. Attention scotch drinkers Laphroaig is really well priced here! read more

From what i hear, this is the oldest... or one of the oldest bars in Brooklyn, its hidden away in a trendy/ snobbish Boerum Hill. You walk in, and it really is a beautiful bar with all that old Brooklyn charm, original wood work, ultra high ceilings, a little private room towards the back right before the room for the pool table. I came in this past Sunday night, Dec. 29th with a friend , we decided to shoot some pool before a group of other friends were going to meet us there. The place only had a few people sitting at the bar, and my friend and I were the only 2 people in the back room where the pool table was. About half way through our 1st game of pool, the bartender came to us and asked if we planned on ordering anything. I answered, "not yet", he then said that the pool table was for customers only to which i answered, we paid for the table, so we are customers. (it's $1.50 per game.) he was really snobby, and said again, if you dont order anything then you are not a customer and cant use the table. he really was such a jerk about it I couldn't understand why he went out of his way, you would think that they would want people in this bar. The vibe completely changed after that, and I didnt even want to be there. I called up our friends and told them to meet us at Angry Wades instead, where we had a pretty awesome time and ran up quite the bar tab. Brooklyn Inn lost the business of at least 8 people that night. Reading the previous reviews, I see its not the 1st time there were issues with the bartenders there. I hope the managers there take note of this. read more

What a lovely lovely corner of the universe this is. It is the closest bar to my place these days, so I've obviously been there enough times that I've almost got seat with my name on it. :) This place is absolutely gorgious, with vaulted 20 foot ceilings, that remind you of the grandeur of yesteryear. You'll see these giant mirrored panels behind the bar, and stained glass details throughout. It's classy & never to disappoint on a date. One interesting thing is that all the woodwork is original, and very untouched. So don't ask for anyplace to put your drinks down in the back. Because there are none & won't be. I know this might sound like a moot point, but the regular routine is hapless customers put their drinks down on the line of barstools. And you know what happens next, they get knocked over, and you have glass all over the floor. This happens every third or fourth time I've gone. It's odd to say the problem can't be solved. Ah well. The personalities of the lovely bartenders are also very memorable. Just don't ask for a cocktail with bitters. I have no idea why this is a no-no, but apparently it is. PS: Brooklyn lager yes. Old speckled hen yes. Double-white beware! read more

This a great, chill place. Lots of wood. I hear that this place was brought over, plank by plank, from Germany. I haven't verified this, though. Anyway, the beers are good, so is the liquor. The jukebox is nice, and the crowd is all friendly and easy to talk to, not bad overall. I've been there quite a few times when I wanna chat with a friend over a drink or two. read more

The Brooklyn Inn is my kind of joint. It toes the line between dive and swank just right, the bartenders (especially Joe) know how to make a drink and there's even a pool table in the back in case you want to impress your date. Now if only there was a way to transport this place to San Francisco... read more

I went here last nite to hang out with a friend of mine that moved but came bakk to visit. First of all I got here before he did, which wouldn't matter really if this place wasn't so DARK! What is up with bars just being ridiculously DARK. NO LIGHTS?! When did that become a cool thing that bars strived for? Besides that, This place is a 3.5 star spot for me. Nothing really amazing about it, except it just a good clean place that has Brooklyn Lager on tap for $5. It has a pool table in the back and enough seating for everyone. There's a little nook with some tables and chairs just past the bar, which was where we decided to hang out and drink beer with his friends and have a good old time. I also saw someone get "Iced" for the first time. Apparently it's a new prank to pull on someone involving Smirnoff Ice, it was actually pretty funny! I can't see myself going out of my way to go to the Inn, but I wouldn't mind going there if I was in the neighborhood. read more

I stopped in Brooklyn Inn on a rainy Monday night to meet a friend. Turned around from the bar and was nearly run over by an older gent motoring around the bar on a hoveround. Did he cruise all the way from home to Brooklyn Inn on that thing? Are hoverounds even waterproof? Would he let me ride it later? I don't know! But what I do know is - if you're willing to motor to a bar in the middle of a rainstorm on a hoveround, it must be a pretty damn good bar. read more

I love this place! It was actually a big factor in choosing my apartment a few years ago as sad as that sounds. Nice and dark, with high ceilings, old wood, a pool table, and a great jukebox. It can get crowded as hell on the weekends but there are plenty of corners to hide in. The bartenders have grown on me, easy enough with them giving away every third round of drinks. I don't go there as much as I used to though and I cringe when I walk by and see that ratty-ass regular chain smoking outside who told me the place wasn't for business and that it was a poet's bar. Funny, cause we were speaking in Portuguese about sex. Just don't sit in his seat, the one on the far left side of the bar by the wall, some people are just naturally miserable. read more

Rosebud. Nothing less. Nothing more. No frills, no frocks. Stay thirsty my friends... and tip well! read more

The Brooklyn Inn - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

My go-to spot for pool when I'm in between Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens. Just order a Brooklyn Lager and head to the back. Love the old time feel of the place. Divey but not like feet sticking to the floor, we just started serving women five years ago divey. read more

When I think "Brooklyn bar," this is exactly what I picture...high tin ceilings, nooks and crannies with tables and booths for some privacy, dark wood paneling, huge windows overlooking a corner on Hoyt, and a pool table in the back. The drink prices are totally reasonable ($6 for a Brooklyn Lager) and the music is spot on! I really enjoyed the neighborhood crowd and the low key vibe...it wasn't hipster, it wasn't trendy, it wasn't trying too hard...and I loved it! read more

I have been to a bar or two in my day. OK, maybe 3. and each has a different level of comfort, ranging from "I feel like a dirty old man sitting here in this bar full of flourescent lights and 21 year olds" to "I feel like a dirty old man who is also a snob, and wonders why this place just phones it in on decor, menu, and vibe" to "I feel like a dirty old man who found his second home" Brooklyn Inn was a #3 - except I didn't feel even dirty or old. As soon as I sat on that barstool, I knew I was meant to be here. Nice and dark and cozy Cool vibe, cool people (and just the right amount on a Thursday night), cool service. cool and dark. like a cave. Barney B's "cave of comfort" and hands down the favorite place we visited on this trip. read more

I am 10000 percent sure that smug jerk faces may work here and actually come here as well for a drink. However, as a jerk face myself... last night the gentlemen who was the barkeep made my point .. a polite welcoming atmosphere is only created by those who pour the drinks. During these fudged up times where cultural sensitivities are heightened this bar hit the mark with me. Like I said I am pretty sure that this joint may normally be smug but man kudos to the barkeep. The bar is beautiful and the pool table is fun. Other than that. I would say it's a rich mans version of a dive bar. My only complaint... the place closed at 4am. I took off a star because of the smugness and they don't take cards at all and probably don't pay taxes like the rich people they serve. Lol. read more

You probably won't find a 1961 Château Cheval Blanc, but you might run into Paul Giamatti... In short, it's a well polished, low key neighborhood bar... Narrow and long, there is a good number of seats along the bar and wall of windows. The bar itself is a nice dark wood with minimal lighting at night. In the back is a pool table to help pass the time. The drinks are reasonably priced (paid 5 bucks for a whiskey soda) but make sure to bring cash since they don't take cards. The crowd feels very "local" and it's rumored that this is a regular watering hole for one of the areas native celeb's. read more

This is a bar. This is a real bar. This is the kind of bar that could help you realize "hey, ya know what? i'm an adult, drinking a beer in a big-boy bar." Nothing cheesy going on here like big fluffy chairs or cutesy mugs shaped like lighthouses or hi-def flat-screen t.v.s or pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey b.s. like at other bars. Oh and it has a really tall ceiling so you can finally invite your giant friends along this time, it's ok, they can actually fit inside! Hooray! And you can never go wrong when the entrance of a place is on the corner, the actual corner, instead of "in the front" or "on the side" or "through the window" as is the case with most bars. Why is that important? It simply feels right. Do what's right. Come visit this spot. read more

This is the best bar I have ever been in, without exception. The space has a comfortable, historic vibe, with tin ceiling, old wood bar and lots of nooks and crannies. Bartenders are friendly but not in your face. Drink prices and pours are very fair. If I lived in the neighborhood, this would be my local. Hell, this bar is a good reason to MOVE to the neighborhood. Yes please. read more