The emerson is like an old friend that you haven't seen in a few years but when you do it's all good. I haven't stepped foot in this place in years (kinda surprised I didn't have a review on this place already). However, after having friend suggest this spot I was like... OH YES, LET'S!! It still has a super chill vibe, pool & ping pong. Love the booths on the side for a more intimate chill out area. Or just sit at the bar and chat it up with Kevin the bartender, makes great cocktails and is such a cool dude. He offered me a chicken tender cause I was starving...LOL! Now that's full service bartending. LOL! So why 4 stars and not 5...well they're cash only. Like who carries cash?? Okay okay..I know people do but I don't and I never remember to go to the bank beforehand b/c I dont like using random atm's.Thank goodness for great friends who say I got you tonight... LOL! Overall a great spot. I'll be back the next time... with cash... LOL! read more

My friends and I just had an incredibly mind-boggling experience at the Emerson bar tonight. We had gone to the bar to celebrate the end of the school year, and had ordered a couple drinks (beers and cans) for the night. Because we were paying in cash, we were a bit disorganized and had planned to tip at the end of the night before leaving. However, the service we experienced throughout our stay was truly an overall uncomfortable and negative experience. One of the people in our group was left standing at the bar, ignored by the bartender for an extended period of time. While she was waiting, she overheard another customer speaking negatively about our group, with the bartender dismissing it us being "students". Later, continuously throughout the night, our friend would overhear the bartender and customers make negative comments about our group and the other student customers, but we dismissed it as we thought we were overthinking the matter. When we were preparing to leave, we cleaned up the table and brought our glasses to the bar, thanking the bartender for the drinks, with tips in hands. As we were about to leave, the bartender calls for the attention of everyone in the bar, announcing that "before everyone leaves, i'd like to say something. now that you are all of drinking age, you guys should be aware of the fact that it's customary to tip when ordering a drink". Needless to say, none of us gave the tips (literally in our hands) to him after that announcement. Afterwards, we discovered he had made several comments to individuals in our group, such as "you should really tell your friends to tip next time", or made other people feel intimidated to provide a tip. I have been to this bar numerous times with friends before, and have usually had a pleasant experience with the other bartenders, and have always left a tip. From the beginning to the very end, the bartender and other customers at the bar have made the atmosphere and experience incredibly uncomfortable for our group. The bartender was a younger white man, with lighter /ginger color hair and facial hair. I have never received such a negative service from a bar before, and needless to say, the service was definitely not worth tipping. I do not recommend coming to this bar, and encourage instead to look for other places in the area if you are planning to come with a group. read more

Great place to get a drink and enjoy your company. Will be back. We had mom's night the other day and it was fabulous

During our much-anticipated visit to Emerson's bar, my partner and I fell victim to what we sincerely believe to be racist micro aggressions. From the moment we walked in, the two women (one claimed to be the manager) on staff at the bar were very cold and unfriendly. However, the worst part came by the manner in which we were "served" our drink from the bar. For context, we were the only two customers in the entire bar that afternoon, and we sat in a booth across from the bar. My partner ordered a beer, which was handed to her as soon as it was poured. However, once the mixed drink was made, it was quietly slid onto the bar table top with no acknowledgment while we sat obliviously in our booth. After a few minutes, we had to ask if the drink on the counter was ours, to which there was a dry reply of "yeah." So I guess they were too busy to serve us our drinks or acknowledge that it was ready although there were no other customers. Or maybe we too Black to be served... even in the world's "melting pot" of New York City. It was humiliating and uncomfortable. We politely left after speaking to the alleged manager who was completely unapologetic and only replied with "well I did say hi". Beware persons of color wanting to visit this bar! Is this service? Emerson's, we're awaiting a reply. This situation occurred on 08/27/2024 at approximately 1730-1750. read more

The Emerson is such a great laid-back bar/lounge with a great bartender and fun yet not distracting music selection. I've enjoyed two of the cocktails on their menu including the title cocktail. They also have pool tables in the back which is way cool and a patio that I have yet to see for myself but hear nothing but great things about. See you there soon! read more

Comfy bar to hang and play pool in. Knocking it down a star for no credit card. Didn't go there expecting all the ATM fees, and most of the drinks aren't cheap. Usually no credit spots are much less expensive. Still a good spot if in the area and have cash on hand. read more

Low key bar which I have enjoyed periodically with a changing selection of beers on draft. Nice backyard area too.

Was having a conversation about recent news and policies with a friend of a friend (6/26/18). Was all fine until another guy showed up, entered the conversation, and immediately asked me whom I voted for in the last election, and on the basis of the answer started screaming at me, cursing, and violently insisted that I leave the bar, after just having paid for a beer I'd barely started, and $5 for the ATM machine, since they don't accept credit card. The guy was obviously off, but I got the feeling that he was a regular and that this kind of behavior was acceptable at this place. Needless to say, going to a place where you can't safely have a one-on-one with a friend without fear of being threatened is not something I would advise. Could be one bad apple, or could be the element this place attracts. Either way, would not recommend this bar. read more

It was slow Friday night perhaps, because it was in the 30s temperature wise. I came here with some friends so I had a good time. The DJ was very good as well. The drinks was good, however this bar serves no food and only takes cash . The bar does have potential, because it's spacious enough, there's a pool table and an open corner for a semi private party. I don't have much to say for this one because there's want that much people or much of anything going on for a Friday night around 11. read more

This place is ok.... Even before the pandemic. The only thing that I don't like there is the drinks are incredibly overpriced for a place in Brooklyn. Prices like that are usually reserved for Manhattan bars. The back patio is nice and roomy especially during the fall months. Also the pool table is kept very clean and leveled. The bartenders there are very professional and nice they take care of all your needs My only complaint regarding the establishment. The crowd there is much to be desired. They cater mostly the Pratt students. That's means from my point of view the crowd there is very pretentious and not a good vibe for conversation. Not a place you'd want to go on a regular basis. I suggest going there with friends and stick to your crowd. That's if you're into that sort of thing. If you're trying to find a place to hold conversations with other like-minded people not a place I'd recommend. read more

No good anymore. This was a friendly place. Was happy to see they were still there and stopped in but ended up with a bad taste. Bartender (heavily inked woman) was not courteous at all. I got a beer ,sat outside, some guy rolls up ,she's nice to him so ???. They light up a couple cigs super near me cancer-gassing me out. No other customers. It's not like they were overwhelmed . Even so, I guess I was not deserving of the slightest good vibe. Damnit, I am old but I am a human being. read more

I love this place so much I came from LA and really glad to found this place People are so nice and they have pingpong table So much fun this place Love it ! read more

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Cool local bar with an okay beer selection and a pool table smack dab in the middle. Even on a Wednesday, they had a live DJ playing some cool toonz. Not much of a destination spot, but I could imagine it's a fun place for locals and Pratt kids to swing by on the weekends. read more

The Emerson - a bar with a red bar top - Lounges Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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The Emerson is a neighborhood gem. The people here look out for their regulars, their neighbors, and just all of their customers! There's a great selection of rotating taps which they often ask bar patrons input on, which is great. Beautiful pool table and back yard. There is always someone to chat to at the bar and they often have some amazing local art on the walls. Really missing this place right now amidst the shut down. Definitely stop in here for a beer or one of Kevin's famous Manhattans when they open again! read more

It's all about the $5 beer and shot. Get lit with a $20 bill. Perfect way to wait out that ridic pool queue. read more

Not really a fan. The bar offers ping pong, pool, and board games. Ping pong and board games are free and pool was 1 dollar per game. The music was too loud so it was tough to hold a conversation. The bartender seemed attentive enough it's just the vibe was kinda hostile due to the type of people that were there. Didn't really feel comfortable with someone who might've been the security guard glaring at people the whole time. As I was leaving I felt him staring at me the whole way and I turned to see him leaning in his seat to get a view of me put the window. Not sure if it was just an unfriendly patron or the security guard who worked there. Overall, the bar offers decent drinks for prices you would normally expect but I just didn't feel comfortable enough there to have a good time. Also the bar is cash only so keep that in mind before you go read more

My brothers and I stumbled in here REAL late this past Sat. night (2am-ish) while looking for Brooklyn Tap House (it was closed).. we saw the lamp light on in this dark lit place and walked in to order a few rounds... The decor perfect for a 'throw back' bar.. the vibe: real chill.. and the music playing is exceptional .. we heard everything from 90's Indie Pop, - to 70's Soul (no top 40 sh*t here) Long story short in a few short hours we met two beautiful, wonderful hosts Gina and Chrissy whose drinks served and conversation made the night end perfectly... Gina was even nice enough to open the bar a lil early so I could watch a Knicks game the next day.... I love it that bars and people like this still exists in the world.. Everyone should come here and show the Emerson some love when in Brooklyn. read more

Its a bar... they have beer... they have spirits... they have TOMOLIVES!?! Pratt Students, Please leave this one for the adults... Deal? read more

The Emerson is like a dorm lounge for adults: it's comfortable, full of board games, and an unapologetically low-brow place to spend your Friday night. Low lighting seems to lower inhibitions in the young and virile, and also lull older gentleman to sleep at the bar. The eclectic crowd, along with a pool table, outdoor seating (in the back), and cheap brews bring me here often. read more

As much as I want to like The Emerson, and after giving it three tries on different nights of the week, there are just a few things about it that are going to keep me away... First and foremost: the cocktails. No drinking establishment should be judged harshly if it delivers in the drinks department. The cocktail menu is tries to play along with high-end fancy cocktail joints, but they miss the mark, at least the few that I had. But that's OK, I can always get something neat with a beer and enjoy it with my woman at the bar or a table.... Or can I? The layout of the place is of a pain in the ass as well -- when it's remotely crowded people tend to bunch up between the seating and the bar, or right near the front door. Meanwhile in the back of the room there's tons of space. Not very feng shui. The DJs are inconsistent and the acoustics are just too shrill to either enjoy the music or get into your conversation. Yes, the place is a nice bar for where it's located, but if you put it anywhere else, I doubt it could hold up to competition when it comes down to the details. Overall, there was a lot of attention put into the place, but it feels like a confused mess. I can't abide by businesses that try to be something for everyone -- this place doesn't know if it wants to be a high-end cocktail lounge, a Pratt-friendly dive bar, or a neighborhood social club. You can't have it all, I'm afraid. I wish the place luck, but I don't think I'll be going here much. read more

Love the Emerson, the regulars, the backyard, the booths, the bar top (incredible) Lots of space. Great drinks. Me and my friends go there all the time. Just a footnote for the proud Midwestern gal: there's not one exposed brick in this bar...think you might have been a little too wasted to judge/see...or maybe you were someplace else? read more

I love this place especially in the summer when you can set outside also have nice poll table read more

The Emerson - Lounges Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

The Emerson is a great new bar that Clinton Hill needed. The decor is nice and classic with big tables and couches for large groups. The bar area itself is big stocked with plenty of good beers on tap. I'm really excited that there's finally a good local bar that is just a bar. Clinton Hill is good for restaurants, but the neighborhood needed a good spot to chill in after the meal is over. Did I mention they have awesome grilled cheese and hot dogs? mm. read more

I like the space but the bartenders here are not the most pleasant nor the most competent. Slow and non-personable should be considered detriments when hiring someone for a job that requires a lot of customer interaction. They have a big projector TV for sports but no sound accompaniment as that's reserved for the music from the mini DJ setup they have behind the screen. They also have a pool table and more seating towards the back. Saw signs that they have a patio but have yet to see it as we just come here to watch the games when there's no seating at the Tap House across the street. The sports-minded patrons can usually be found near the TV, cursing up a storm (with some rather unsavory words -_- ) and the considerate and well behaved drinkers are usually near the front. You can bring in outside food which is a plus. read more

This is my favorite neighborhood hang. It's dark and intimate. The couches and chairs in the back beg for leisurely conversation. The bartenders are friendly. It's a place you can have all to yourself at times or be part of the crowd (though it never seems to be uncomfortably crowded). Nice back yard area. They have game nights (Porno Bingo & trivia). No food. Cash only. There's a pool table that seems to stay pretty busy with tournaments. Bottom Line: This is where I go to meet-up with friends in the neighborhood and it's always a crowd pleaser. read more

Glorious backyard Fantastic cocktails and a Great place to just chilllllllll read more

Bler bler bler. The bartender here was the perkiest hipster ever I did meet. However, I was promised pimps, and pimps I did not see. Sad. Face. Almost every bar I've been to in Brooklyn looks the same, and the Emerson is no exception. It's narrow, brick-laden (once upon a time when I lived in the Midwest I had a crush on exposed brick because it reminded me of being home on the East Coast... I'd really prefer not to get sick of exposed brick, thanks, Brooklyn!), and full of mildly interesting patrons. I really did love the $2 Lionshead cans, though, and if I was on a mission to get wasted in one place instead of tooling around the neighborhood the night I went here, I would have been even more ecstatic - so now you know. I just really wanna go back when there are pimps. Psssh. read more

Super cute local bar, spacious, nice small outside seating and a friendly bartender. Will definitely be going back to see what kind of weekend tunes they've got going on. read more

wow... that's all i can say. i came here on a whim the drinks were great and i was feeling a super dope buzz after my second glass... then to my delight i was shown a burger spot on the patio... listen i've eaten a lot of burgers in my life and this one is the first i've written a review for... the patty to the pickle was amazing i wish i got another... not to mention the truffle fries that came with it... overall an 11/10 so good will definitely be back read more

Cool vibe, bartender kept good conversation I came along with one friend after work for drinks. Happy hour is good, I like the way this place looks nothing too fancy and out there just calm comfortable and the light are dim sets a great mood to drink and kick back! read more

Finally a great neighborhood bar in Clinton Hill! This place rocks. I live a couple blocks away and I couldn't be happier to have The Emerson at my disposal now. If you want a great place to grab a few drinks with friends and hang out, this is your spot. Also, great DJs on weekends if you want to tear up the dance floor in front of the DJ booth. I love the ambiance. The interiors are incredible. 1950's feel. Super tasteful. Pool table and a fun lounge area in the back. The walls in the back are also used as gallery space. Great place for an event also. Really friendly staff. Great, mixed crowd of artists, locals, and friends. read more

I love this bar! The decor is nothing fancy but it's got plenty of cozy areas to hang out and lots of games such as pool and ping pong on certain days. They also let you bring food and there is a deli next door that has delicious sandwiches. In the summer it's nice to hang out in the backyard. Sometimes there is even a DJ on the weekend nights. Its one of those perfect neighborhood bars that has something for everyone! read more

Adorable little place in a great neighborhood of Brooklyn. It gets a huge plus in my book for being ridiculously close to my apartment. They have fun board games and cheap martinis. Only having two bathrooms is tough, especially when there are a lot of drunk patrons. All in all this place was great and I'll definitely go back. read more

I want to give this place 5 stars...but I've only been once and the place was pretty empty right after the end of the soccer finals so I don't feel like I have enough reason too, but...I have lots of reasons to give them 4 Cool space...$4 cider on draft all the time...a nice pool table...and the bartender :) I'll definitely be back!! read more

This is definitely one of the better bars in the immediate area. It's overall an okay place, but don't expect to play pool here casually with your friends, because there are some serious pool players there that will only let you play winner. kinda sucks if you're just there to have fun and not be competitive. Also, the music is way too loud. Just sayin'. read more

The Emerson is great bar made even better by its outdoor garden. The interior is throwback "Aviation Age"--quite dark, heavy on the leather furniture. The drinks can be as cheap as they come, including $3 cans of Lionshead. It's a good place to spend a few hours catching up with friends or coming in a lazy Sunday afternoon to read a book. They have a pool table and a large TV (usually playing football or Breaking Bad). One complaint: On some nights (just Saturday?), the music plus the Pratt kids make this bar a place you need to scream to be heard. read more

Has Billiards, Some foosball, Board games, and Backyard. Seems solid for locals and Pratt. read more

Sitting in the Emerson watching football and during commercials my friend looks around and asks me, "What would you call this kind of crowd?" My answer: "Brooklyn. Real Brooklyn." The Emerson is just cool. Like that table in the high school cafeteria that maybe you belonged to, maybe you sat at sometimes but not always, maybe you wish you could've sat there but never tried to go over. But what you didn't know is that truly cool kids are unbothered and would've welcomed you had you just asked to sit down. Yeah, The Emerson isn't judging. It's unbothered and just waiting for you to walk in, sit down, and chill like everyone else is doing. It's a great place to be when you want to be out of the house socializing, but not necessarily actively engaging with lots of people at once. Sports on the screen, a DJ later in the evening, and the pool table give you opportunity for people watching and things to talk about when the conversation lulls. It's the best local spot in the area for disappearing into and reappearing from when you are good and ready and not a moment sooner. read more

Sweet dive. Reminds me of birdys. TV, pool table, beers on tap, large Backyard. Will be back.

Clinton Hill's answer to Union Hall. An absolutely beautiful bar, great for groups (a long bar, and lots of different seating areas, and with a busy calendar of events & DJ's, and a frequently occupied pool table. Lots of great beers/ciders on top, their own mixed drink menu, and a modest bar menu (grilled cheese and hot dogs, mostly). Very large space, too, which makes it stand out from other bars in the area. I wish I knew more people in the Fort Greene-Clinton Hill-Bed Stuy area, because like I said, this is a great place for groups, and I could use and excuse to hang out here more. The bartenders have always been really friendly, and even when the place gets crowded, the services has been impressive. Great happy hour, too, and the Mexican restaurant across the street is great for drunk eating. Particularly pleasant in the winter- when the season is roaring outside, it's nice to sit a little ways away from the big windows looking out on Myrtle Avenue, being warm, cozy, and lightly intoxicated. read more