The Johnson&#x27;s

Vibey bar for sure. Solid set of classic drinks, and some interesting signature drinks too. Most…read more(if not all) are coming pre made from a tap not made to order. Service was quick and not overly crowded for 1030pm on a Friday. I wouldn't go out of my way to try it again but definitely worth a shot. Oh also the dirty martini is practically like drinking salad dressing. I wasn't a fan but my girlfriend loved it

This place was really interesting! When I found out all the cocktails were on tap, I was a bit…read moreskeptical. What do you mean you're not going to mix my cocktail right in front of me? However, I was quickly proven wrong. Not only was the service topnotch, but the drinks were surprisingly delicious and refreshing. There's a ton of options which is also surprising considering the tap only format. Upon further reflection of how tiny the bar is, it makes sense why they would go this route. It would be challenging for one person let alone two to be behind that bar shaking and stirring. I also heard there's a back area with more seating but we didn't explore much further than the front bar stool seating. Seems like a cool spot for happy hour or late night drinks and I would definitely return!

Interior bar view

Aperol spritz

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Palmetto

4.3(38 reviews)

Every cocktail I had was delicious. I got there when they opened at 5pm and a few people walked in…read morethe first hour. Then i around 630/7p it started to get busy and definitely loud at 8pm. I had the passion fruit cosmo, hibiscus cosmo and gentlemen's buck - all were delicious! $16 a drink and you have to order at the bar. There is AC but not blasting. So it will take you a minute to get cool. The music was amazing, lots of old school hip hop. Got harder to talk as the night went on because it got louder with the music or people talking.

As a whole, Buschwick still has margins of neighborhoods that are quite unassuming. This restaurant…read moreis representative of that. Environment The environment didn't leave much to be desired. The music selection was quite exceptional and there was ample seating when I arrived in the late evening. If you're a lover of either bar or booth seating you'll find both of your desires will be met. SIPS I settled on the Passionfruit Spritz which was both refreshing and packed a small punch. If in need of a more spirit forward or herbal option there were plenty of other options in their menu. Overall, Palmetto was a delightful experience. The cocktails, environment and service all worked together for a seamlessly pleasant experience. Happy Sips!

At the bar.

Ice. and nothing else

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Abe's Pagoda Bar

4.3(156 reviews)

Cool atmosphere and good happy hour prices! Not a lot of seating but that didn't really bother me…read more Servers were pretty attentive, too. I didn't try any of the food, but I'd definitely come back! Edit: I've been informed that there's more space in the back. Glad to hear it! I look forward to my next visit :)

We've been coming during covid. Noticed one day thay they serve food. We thought it was just a…read morebiker bar. Boy we're we pleasantly wrong. You order food at the bar and grab it from the kitchen. The food is surprisingly good. This isn't your typical bar food wings and nachos. They have this sweet and tangy guochang wings. The wings have some good meat to it. Their chicken yakitori skewers comes with a black sesame dipping sauce. Pairs well with a cold beer. The crab lagoon and burger will always be a crowd pleaser. Their cocktails and drinks are great! Doesn't matter which bartender, they maintain the same standard. We opt to go early as they get pretty packed on the weeekend/ evenings. They have pool in the bar room. This is surprisingly a big space and ghe crowd is always vibes.

Pain Killer

Veggie Dumplings

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Outside

Lovejoys

4.2(74 reviews)

0.1 mi•Bushwick

Wheelchair accessible

Live music

I was invited to Lovejoys for a birthday celebration. On this day in particular, it was rainy and…read morevery cold. So there were a sprinkle of people inside of the venue. I could tell on a day where the weather was better, there would be more of a crowd. Nevertheless, the DJ was pumping R&B music. The vibes were good. I would return at a later time just to see what a different crowd brings to Lovejoys.

Cute space and fairly spacious. Went around opening and it was empty. Drinks are good. Chill spot…read moreto hang out.

Really beautiful bar. Doesn't feel like you're in Bushwick.

Disco nova

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Lovejoys & Palme D'or

The Keep

4.4(84 reviews)

0.3 mi

Very cool Space they are cocktails are $15 each and their wine and beer are around $10. Really…read morepretty and nice space. There is a back yard. Can get a little noisy there and ppl smoke as well. The service was a bit slow bc there was one bartender and at 7pm a group of 8 ppl came at once. They also have board games. And when i was leaving at 9 p.m. there was a tarot card reader.

Omg new favorite bar unlocked. This diva made the meanest tinis vibes were amazing. Staff was so…read morefriendly and sweet definitely recommending all my friends

Habanero

Inside

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Stage

Tora

4.5(65 reviews)

0.5 mi•Bushwick

Have been here a handful of times now and think it's pretty solid for the area! Have never been for…read moredinner so can only speak for the lunch vibe, but I have found the service to be great and the lighting is nice because there are floor to ceiling windows. The menu is pretty diverse with various appetizers, sushi, and also ramen/curry so your standard izakaya fare. One of my favorite dishes here has been the chirashi. The fish was very fresh and it's pretty affordable. I've only ever been here in groups of two and I probably would recommend it for smaller groups because the space itself is small and most of the tables are two-seaters if I recall correctly.

Cuisine: 8 Service: 7…read moreDecor: 7 Value: 7 Overall: 8 Another Thai owned Japanese restaurant specializing in izakaya style cuisine in Bushwick. It's been open for a few years, so clearly it has a good enough formula to keep the neighborhood happy. I have been here once before, but returned last week after dining several meals at Tomoni in Jackson Heights. Apparently, the owners are friends. Nonetheless, I needed to make the comparison. After my first few bites of their Tora Don and Chirashi Don, it was clear that this restaurant has the better quality seafood. Each slice of sashimi had vibrant colors, clean taste, and the proper texture. Tomoni is not bad, but fall slightly short of this caliber. With that said, there is an even farther gap between their rice quality. Though Tora is very good, Tomoni produces nearly perfect texture and acidity for my taste buds. Other than the best omakase restaurants in NYC, Tomoni shines as one of the best versions of sushi rice in the five boroughs. Service is good and space is cute. If I have a craving for some decent Japanese food, I would drive 20 minutes here for a meal anytime.

Dining Area

Salmon Don

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Zaru Soba Chashudon Katsu Curry

Ra-Ra Rhino

4.5(28 reviews)

0.2 mi•Bushwick

Had the awesome pleasure of stopping in for a few happy hr drinks…read more Ra Ra rhino is located in the back of another establishment. Upon entry you're greeted with a plush velvet interior. I'd already eaten so I was only stopping in for drinks. I indulged in the happy hr special which included 10 buck select drinks. Atmosphere was laid back. Service was good. I'd definitely stop in again.

What a fun speakeasy! This one has been on my list for awhile and I finally made it for a friends…read morebday. When you first walk in, it is a burger joint (unfortunately no gluten free options) and then you pass by a Photo Booth to go to the bar. I LOVE a Photo Booth and this one took very good pictures and they give you a digital copy both in photo and video. On a Saturday night, they had a pretty good DJ playing Afrobeats and reggaeton. The bartenders were nice and the margaritas were pretty good. Considering it's a speakeasy, I would say it's pretty spacious with a few booths and table, but would recommend you go there early if you want to be there with a large group. They allow birthday cakes from outside as well.

Dimly lit vibes

I love when the menu has the glass type next to it. The drinks are incredible.

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The purple rhino

Carousel

4.2(21 reviews)

0.1 mi•Bushwick

Love this bar, it is massive. so much to see in here. there's a photo booth too! there's more than…read moreone bar area which makes it easy to get drinks. does get packed though.

This bar feels like something straight out of a 1970s porn but in a good way. It's super aesthetic,…read morea place to be seen, and enjoy the vibes. Be warned that it can get a very long line outside but I promise you it's worth it

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Every drink is super aesthetic

Carmelo's

3.9(54 reviews)

nahhhhhhhhhhhhhh they had the quesabirra tacos right but they also had this Dorito pack which was…read morelike some nachos made from Doritos but they put it back into the bag. Well I took some of those Doritos and put them onto the Quesabirra and wow really just a top-tier experience I love New York and

Overall rating: 4.8…read more I LOVE CARMELO'S. Only downside is cash only. Love the vibe but when I went there was like no one there. I went around 6pm on a Saturday. Probably too early. The staff was so friendly. Definitely want to come back here when I am in the area. Highly recommend!

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Left Hand Path

4.2(52 reviews)

0.2 mi•Bushwick

Crowd, drinks, atmosphere all nice would def go back to start a night or a midweek date night.read more

Love this place. Literally refuse to go anywhere else. Left hand strikes the perfect balance…read morebetween dive-y and classy

Entrance

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20 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Benjamin S.

10 years ago

This place has the worst customer service I've ever encountered in my life. The have a bouncer who discriminates against minorities and literally won't let them in the bar. His actions have offended several of my friends on multiple occasions. The manager and bartender are also supporting this guy's racism. I am the farthest thing from a 'social justice warrior' or 'pc policeman', but this is actual racism, segregation style. This particular bouncer will outright deny black people entrance. I can't imagine the feeling of frustration and belittlement that someone suffers in a circumstance like that. I can't support anything that puts such pain on another person. Stay away! read more

Eric H.

12 years ago

So I went here on a Tuesday night this week and had an amazing experience! The staff was very animated and conversational. The copious amounts of Jameson left me elated and I was delighted to know The Johnson's closes at 4am, allowing us responsible patrons to get to work on time following an amazing night of greats music and company. Five thumbs up to Chris(I think his name was) and the rest of the staff who's always been amazing! read more

Benjamin W.

10 years ago

Notoriously one of the worst bars in bushwick. There's nothing particularly bad about this establishment except the dick head clientele it attracts. I once witnessed some hipster d bag break a pool stick over his knee and do the whole "come at me bro" to someone he was playing against. I'm assuming he was having a bad day because his trustfund check came late.. The original location however is pretty great. read more

Tina B.

8 years ago

The have a really rude and unprofessional bouncer that should definitely be fired. He's so insecure that he decides to antagonize people in the bar and walking by. The fact that management hasn't fired a horrible staff member that behaves extremely inappropriately is repulsive. If you want to go to a bar that hires facists visit the Johnson's! read more

Zoe P.

151

10 years ago

The inside is cute but I have received terrible service in the past. As much as I love a $2 beer, their cocktails are not good! I also have had the bartenders charge me for multiple drinks I never bought and be extremely rude to me. I would look into an attitude check and hopefully it will get better as time goes on. read more

Bee D.

9 years ago

The kitchen is fucking nasty, I would rather lick my dog's leaky asshole than eat the food that came out of there. Also I didn't know that white people could also gentrify food. Wouldn't be surprised if one of those dudes was from Jersey due to the smell of armpit wafting from his pale hairy body. read more

Julie L.

10 years ago

This place is racist - the service horrible and I would NEVER ever recommend this to anyone. I wish that new owners would come and make this place lovely and open for the community that surrounds it. There is a before and after this place just because of its BAD vibe. Don't go here ! read more

Taylor O.

339

12 years ago

A nice, quiet little spot to have a cocktail and a conversation. Lounge decor, very chill. Bartenders are really friendly. I had a delicious mezcal and pomegranate cocktail that I'm still dreaming about. Going back tonight! read more

Lauren D.

10 years ago

Friends have been denied entry by the bouncer based on race and/or country of origin. I will not be going there again or visiting their LES location, which I've gone to for years. Don't support racist gentrifiers, please. read more

Dayi N.

3 months ago

hii this is embarrassing but THIS IS AN EMERGENCY my friend just left her bag at your place last night she thinks and she has her work laptop n keys in there... could someone please help unlock asap WE WILL PAY read more

Aaron C.

10 years ago

Having read a multitude of reviews citing discriminatory behavior at this place, I can no longer support The Johnson's in good conscience. I plan to stay away. I urge you to do the same. read more

Brooklyn S.

10 years ago

Good music decent bar atmosphere but the big white bouncer surfer dude with tattoos is a fucking prick get rid of his ass! Know what F this place unless they fix their vibe. read more

Thomas V.

3 years ago

Homophobic Disrespectful, disrespectful, appropriating, disrespectful, disrespectful disrespectful. I'm just trying to get home. I love your tops so much. read more

Justin S.

7 years ago

Stay away from their animal fries , it got me sick in few minutes. Cocktail is OK but not the food for sure.

James C.

7 years ago

Great atmosphere and vibes. The staff is very friendly and a great place to meet up with friends.

Mart F.

7 years ago

Great atmosphere, the bartenders are all super friendly. I'll be bringing all of my friends here

Joanne U.

104

10 years ago

My friends tell me the staff is racist.. 'nuff said.

Danielle E.

Elite 13

12 years ago

I meannnnnn happy hour till 9pm? Yeah. That is all.

L M.

Elite 20

178

162

12 years ago

Hey- $2 beers? Can't get much better than that.

Kenny H.

521

9 years ago

This bar is doo-doo, poo-poo nana nana boo boo.

The Johnson's - cocktailbars - Updated August 2026

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I stopped in Merv's for a beer while I waited for my pizza ordered at Lucky Charlie down the…read morestreet. Merv's does not look like much from the outside, but inside one is met with modular sofa type lounge seating at the entrance to the right and then the bar lines the right side toward the back. Other seating is on your left as you walk back to an area beyond the L shaped bar with a pool table and darts. Merv's has good capacity and does not feel crowded as you find at other bars shoulder to shoulder. I ordered a wheat beer at seven bucks and saw regular pricing for other beers at even lower price points. Happy hour must be good here. Burgers and sandwiches were around fifteen on the short menu. Great and friendly service awaits you behind the bar. One can afford to frequent Merv's and this would be a great place to get together with friends and sit with a date; though, it is a bit loud for a good conversation. Still gets a high rec from me. Four stars!

There have been several iterations of similar bars in this spot over the past few years. Merv's…read moreseems like it may have the most staying power. They have pool, darts, a photo booth, and old school nintendo. The interior has a variety of seating, from cute tables, to an aesthetic window area, to standard bar stools. Service has been friendly on all my visits. Their bar food it great! They run good specials, like a burger, fries, and a beer for $15. Or the same combo with a martini for $20. My personal favorite is their hot dog, crispy and fresh covered in relish, onion, mustard, cherry peppers, and hot honey for only $4! Definitely a nice neighborhood spot to stop by.

The Whiskey Brooklyn

3.5

(658 reviews)

This place at night is definitely really fun, but the service was kinda meh. I could tell the…read moreemployees were somewhat stressed but it was a little much at times. But super cool they have claw machines and basketball court!

Loved the drinks here! Luke is great and super chill. Loved the vibes and have to become back!…read moreGreat prices too!!

Heavy Woods

3.9

(316 reviews)

I had a craaaavvvving for some Mac and cheese so I hoped on DoorDash to look something up and came…read moreacross this place - I had no idea we had a Cajun restaurant in Bushwick but I was thrilled!!! Unfortunately my budget didn't allow me to try out as much as I wanted to put I was very happy with the Crawfish Mac & Cheese. Super flavorful with a nice bite. I definitely plan to go in-person but for now I'm cool ordering delivery.

Was here for karaoke night and had such a good time! Drinks were decently priced, crowd was great,…read moreand the vibes were awesome. A perfect dive bar!

Reclamation Bar

4.1

(105 reviews)

I long for a casual watering hole and Reclamation has been an old reliable for practically the last…read moredecade. Williamsburg has so many nightlife options now that places like this end up getting lost in the shuffle. Their happy hour is lovely, the drinks are potent, the bartenders are fun, and the general vibe here is laid back. The first thing folks will notice is the rainbow swag from the exterior, which makes this venue a safe space for our friends in the LGBTQ community. During the daytime this place has a bit of a rustic feel and becomes a cool intimate bar at night. They have a little area for outdoor seating in the back / front but the booths are perfect for some group convo or the bar is good for some one-on-one time. I appreciate that they have some pre-made cocktails (margaritas?) to cut down on the wait time for eager patrons. I try to indulge on their happy hour here, which I believe is from 5pm-7pm. I also trust the bartenders to surprise me with a beautiful and stiff drink, which has never failed thus far. The hibiscus mule gets my vote followed closely by anything in their whiskey selection. The prices are good for the area and it's rarely packed. I value good service and a good drink and feel this place is the establishment is a good option to get the night started or end it on a good note.

I lost my keys and they personally reached out to return them, as well as dealing with my poor…read moreattitude in what I'd argue is some of the best customer service correspondence I've ever received. Visited for a wedding after party and received excellent service & drinks. The bartenders were friendly & on top of everything that night.

Pine Box Rock Shop

4.0

(237 reviews)

Went to this bar to kill time with a friend while waiting for my girlfriend. We are vegan so I…read morethought this bar would be perfect to grab a bite and a drink. The bartender was pretty nice. When I realized there was no cellular service inside the establishment- they provided the WiFi no problem when I asked. But when I ordered food, they let me know that the only vegan option they had was a vegan cheese pizza. It took about 15 minutes to finish because they said the cheese was frozen and had to defrost. When it came out it was very lack luster.. it was like a frozen pie you bought from the supermarket. But the pickle back margarita I ordered was good. Here's why I probably won't return to this bar - I guess we came on "karaoke night". The guy hosting the karaoke came from the back of the bar and asked everyone at the bar BESIDES my friend and I if they wanted to participate. They all declined. So he left. Maybe 15 minutes later... he came out and AGAIN walks past my friend and I then asks everyone else. Which was very weird being that we were the only people of color at the bar. The energy I got at this bar was unwelcoming. But I feel like it has so much potential.

I came here for a unique vampire show, which was in the back room of the bar. I have to warn that…read moreit is extremely cold at the bar so make sure to keep your jacket on or order their hot alcoholic beverages. Unfortunately, they had ran out of hot apple cider and boozy hot chocolate so I ended up ordering their most sour draft beer. I don't usually drink beer but this drink sounded interesting with a mix of oranges and mangos. I loved it! I was also hungry and wanted a quick snack while waiting for the show to start so I asked the bartender about the nachos with jalapeños. He recommended it but I wasn't so sure about the jalapeños since I didn't want to burn off my tongue. He said that he could give me the nachos without it but highly recommended it. He then added that he didn't want to pressure me in choosing something I didn't want. So he was very helpful and thoughtful. I ended up going for the full nacho experience and loved it. The art on the wall in this place is meant to be hard rock with its skulls and coffin drawings garnishing the place. I loved it! The bathroom has tons of porn picture, which made me feel like a teenager again sneaking into a bar that I'm prohibited from going to. Definitely made me feel naughty. I recommend this bar if you're in the Bushwick area!

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•$

We stopped in for a drink before our reservation at The Four Horsemen since it was raining, and…read morethis place is conveniently right next door. It turned out to be the perfect choice to start our evening. We began with pickleback shots, and the house-made pickle juice was a highlight. I had a Tecate, while my wife ordered a martini that she said was excellent. The bartender was kind and attentive, and the relaxed atmosphere made it even better. The bill was very affordable. This spot is definitely our new go-to before heading to The Four Horsemen.

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