If you want to get 77.7% drunk after only the first drink...... (confession or FAQ, I was already quarter drunk before richardson, does that count?) If you want to see how golden damask wall papers & chandelier mixes with the country music... or the likes. if you want to study a gigantic drink menu that makes you read for 15 minutes to the point of making you insecure, so that you just want someone to order for you... If you just want out and about whether you are dressed or not....mingling with the crowds from sportbar boys to hipsters or just your neighbors like (except landlords)..... *hurry to the Richardson. Drinks here are super strong... I repeat again... STRONG!!!! Not talking about beers, you know.. and you know the feeling that the alcohol preception system in your body tells you whatever you pour in from now on, I feel good.... and I feel you every drop from the moment it hits your tongue down the throat to the point why my heart or stomach burning so hot like I saw the one? or two? It happens shortly after the first drink at the Richardson. Drinks are cheap-eR ($9-10) Foods are cheap($5-8) for the good portion~~~ But you need to wait long. even though you sit at a table, most likely selfserving with the absurd excuses of "the wait stafffs are too busy to serve you" How oddy?... and what does that mean? Why? Why? Well it was too loud that they couldn't hear my questions. So...we collected our plates from the bar and even paid the bill at the bar even though we were sitting at a table. Hm.... Is this a new thing? Loud... A bit obnoxious.... Drink menu is really intense though. Liquor ingredients used are rare. For example... one made with Zibrowska (buffalo grass polish drink) and of course Absinthe and Rye whiskeys. But, let me remind you again.. they are Stoooo---Rong........ My dates with Richardson always ended up in alcohol overdose.... with drinks that actually wake you up with a head shake like your morning coffee to be ready for tomorrow's early edition... this isn't one of my favorite bars but I won't consciously skip it if in my way. *After Tom R's question of "Why Hurry?", I think he is right, why hurry? so I agree on to " Take it Easy".... read more

Take the characteristics elements from a prohibition-speakeasy spot, transplant it in a typical American Bar and you will have The Richardson as result. With cocktails reaching the category of Raines Law Room or Hotel Delmano and a look as an old fashioned house with candles, sophisticated wallpaper, dark wood floor and ceiling, everything could indicate that you will need a secret number, a sign labeling a secret door or to wait for a text message telling you that you have a table to be occupied in the next 15min. But the only you will actually need is your ID and to be ready for a pleasant surprise that once was even soundtracked by Elvis Presley. Its not like at Raines, Delmano and many others that I love there is rules other than seats available, but The Richardson's advantage is how spacious it is; A date? maybe .. but the place where your friends could first meet your date .. yes definitely. As well as the place to hang out with them frequently. Casual, no matter if you just coming from work, wearing sneakers, jeans, fancy or not, a jacket or your favorite Tshirt... the most sophisticated look, actually doesn't match too much. But.. feel free. It can be huge but to get a table can be a challenge, and to be served for the waiters other than for one of your friends, could be a challenge as well. To have an spot in the bar is always more cool to me; the bartenders have that look that tell you they know how to mix your booze. Talking to you, having a little fun and showing their tattoos as the ones at Delmano. You can also leave your glass in the wooden benches located all along the main room and bring a stool to seat. Once seated you will receive first the drink menu and a bottle of water. If you think that its not necessary wait until a first sip to your drink. Beers and wines; impressive Whiskey selection and cocktails. To me, the cocktails belongs to the purist group (Raines Law Room) not to the creativity ones (Pegu, Milk and Honey, White star); the spirit is what matters more than the textures, extra-flavors and treats. And for purist I'm talking about it seriously. Dilution had to be a miss during the training of The Richardson gang (the bartenders, not the cruel criminals "working" at London 50yr ago *). You can choose among the Classic, House or Seasonal and it will not cost you more than $10. I tasted The Jam, Treebeards, Stone's throw and Widow's kiss. It takes me long time to finish it and I could have fire a candle with my breath. Water will help you to dilute. You can help yourself as well with a Toast of prosciutto with fig jam. They don't use Serrano ham, and if you have compare both you know why I'm pointing this out, but still, the toast bread is as good as the one I had at El Jamon, Mario Batali's Spanish tapas bar. Perfectly crispy, right thickness and a bit juicy because the oil drops. The portion is huge, and the touch of jam to sweeten it its perfect to me. $6 for moments of pleasure. But, other than prosciutto? yes sir, and more small plates other than toast? of course. I actually don't like The Richardson .. too much. Because at the end, flowers, fruits, treats and sweet scents as the ones that I receive at Pegu are my thing...personally. However, give me the chance to live in a unpretentious speakeasy with high quality drinks and I'm in for it. But please, don't eat my toast, don't drink my water or you will have to take care of me. And before to be done, a shout out of David C's review. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ * (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Richardson_Gang) read more

It's a nice space but that's where it ends. 3/4 filled martinis is not my thing. The bartenders don't really seem to be on the ball here. They also seem to not have enough of them on duty... whenever I am there anyway. It literally took us 15 minutes to get two martinis with 6 customers total in the bar and the guy was frazzled and a dick. When we were finally settled in at a table someone from the back came out and slapped a bunch of RESERVED plates on the tables (including ours) and told us we needed to vacate at such and such a time. This place tries to disguise their ameture-ness with velvet wallpaper and brass old-timey details but I am not falling for it. Not going back. It sucks. read more

A few of the appetizers were tasty - the Brussels Caesar and the Crispy Polenta. The polenta dish is on the small side. The salmon rillette was bland. The Pork Tortellini was very bland and tasteless and not much pork. Nice spot, very loud, nice servers. May try again. read more

I came to try the cocktails. I had one and it wasn't very good, but perhaps it was just that drink. I ordered a different one. Second chance blown I wasn't wasting any more time here. I came in early as far as bars go so perhaps it was my bartender, but I probably won't return without a good reason. read more

whenever i leave the richardson, i try to think of some amusing antedote that i can use in my yelp review. it never comes to me. so i walk home, under the BQE, my mind racing to think of something clever to say; and i come up short. the drinks are creative and well made. the food is tasty, interesting and there when you need it. the bartenders are polite, adorable and dressed to the nines. it's great in so many ways. for drinks with friends, for a date, for anything. xoxo richardson, see you soon. read more

I love this bar. The bartenders are nice, not stuffy, but know so much about mixing it's ridiculous. I've discovered five new favorite drinks in the five times I've been here. If you go early, it's dead empty, and kind of depressing. But at night it's pretty busy and a sight to see the bartenders whipping up so many fancy drinks so quickly. I sat at their outside tables yesterday, which you enter through the back doorway. It may be a little hot for that now, but I can imagine how nice it will be in September if we don't end up having an indian summer. read more

Lots of seating at the bar plus plenty of tables. Looked like a young neighborhood crowd on a Sunday afternoon. Not a sports bar. Lots of loud conversation. I don't recall if they had any background music.Bartender made a nice Jack Rose cocktail, friendly, professional. read more

Choosing the four-star option on Yelp's automated system alerts the phrase "Yay! I'm a fan" as designation for such a rating. However, in awarding the The Richardson a four-star review, I would amend this phrase to read "It's Not Like They're Doing Anything Wrong .." which in my book is high praise. First off, there should be two designations for rating these Williamsburgy-type places: "Friday/Saturday Night" and "Rest of Week." I went to the Richardson on a packed Saturday night. They make a decent drink, the staff is attentive, and the place would look right at home with Joe Pesci entering and saying to his date "this is my friend Jimmy .. Henry, it's his joint .." and later smashing Frank Vincent's face repeatedly with the butt of his gun. However, you will find neither Pesci nor Vincent here on a Saturday night and will instead be shoulder to shoulder with mostly Williamsburg type kids. Despite the sophisticated surroundings, many of them get quite drunk and on the night I was there a dude puked on the floor from a standing position and then remained in place as if the gesture were no more alarming or off-putting than a polite sneeze. (I did notice a particular odor upon entering the establishment which on reflection made me wonder if it's a popular spot to blow chow.) The guy was escorted from the bar and the floor mopped, and of course his inability to hold his liquor is no fault of management .. but this sort of stuff can be a real atmosphere-killer. Still - vomiting patrons and suspect odors aside, this is probably a fine spot on a mellow Wednesday night. They play the standard hip tunes, keep the lights low, make the Frank and Dean cocktails along with an assortment of other drinks, emphasize single malt scotch and adult beers on tap, and pay attention to the wood finishings. It does seem, however, that for every cookie-cutter Irish bar with seventeen flatscreens and a video jukebox in Manhattan, there's one of these exquisitely polished, low light, ultra cool spots in Williamsburg. But as long as nobody throws up on your wingtips, it's worth a weeknight visit. read more

I hate that I'm not the first review... because I want to be the review that brings everyone here. But I love the great reviews, it makes me happy to know that others have the same warm, fuzzy feeling too for this place. Walking in, I notice the dark wood floors, the classy wallpaper and the comfortably spaced tables. For a Tuesday evening, the place was fairly busy. Not so much so that the owner, Joel (he's mentioned here quite a bit), didn't take the time to talk to us. Great conversationalist and entertaining - made us laugh!!! Decent scotch collection and glad to hear that it'll be expanding soon. Love the idea of possible outdoor seating soon as well. The cocktails were great - I had the Old Fashion and the French 75... loved both and will try the rest soon! I liked that they placed books at the end of the shelves. I don't know why, but put a book next to alcohol and I'm like "classy joint". (It really doesn't take much for me...) Just go - it's a great place for a date. They also serve food - we didn't have any but will be going back soon to try their brunch menu. I really don't have anything bad to say except maybe the music was a tad too loud but other than that... amazing bar. read more

I made a brief appearance here recently for a "Boys Night Out" celebration. It's not the easiest place to spot from the street as there is no sign marking the place. The bouncer outside quickly alerted us to the fact that we were in the right place. I guess they are going for the whole speakeasy thing that was all the rage a few years ago in Manhattan. Inside, it was not quite what I expected. It was a pastiche of refined decor and very casually dressed Brooklynites. Seriously, a t-shirt and ball cap is no hindrance to entering, so no need to dress up so much. To its credit, the place was packed and loud. As such, there was no table available to sit down and have a snack. Standing around, I figured I would just have a drink and head out. Their list of house cocktails included 10 selections ranging from $9-11. Curiously, most of them involved the use of ginger in some way. I ended up going with the "Black Wing" ($10) which consisted of ginger beer, fernet branca, and blackstrap rum (presumably Cruzan). It was basically their version of a dark and stormy, and it was very gingery. I was able to drink it kind of quickly too, so there was not much subtlety in the flavor or composition. The price is reasonable though, as the same drink would cost me $15 in Manhattan, surely. Overall, nothing I would leave the city for to try out. It's fine if it's your neighborhood spot though. It wasn't a place I felt like lingering however, so I could only ever find it so pleasing. read more

This is probably the best bar in Williamsburg. Intimate setting, but not over the top. Not divey, not pretentious...just right. The bartenders are friendly and super knowledgeable about their craft--always good conversation. The drinks are beautiful and strong. Nice selection of quality brew on tap. Great small eats. Just an all around sweet little spot to unwind or bring a date. read more

Where to start... how about with the nicest bartenders in Brooklyn? If I'm going to spend $10 bucks on a cocktail, serve to me with a smile (Matchless - take note). The drinks are outstanding too, perhaps the best in Brooklyn. The ambiance is appropriate, I dig the prohibition era decor, which usually annoys me. If there is a fault, avoid Saturday nights, as it gets much too crowded / loud. But otherwise, thumbs up all around. Bravo The Richardson, thanks for keeping things classy! read more

Such a good addition to the 'hood. As others have mentioned inside its cross btwn Harefield Road and Hotel Delmonico. Excellent drinks esp. beer and wine selection. Both are well chosen and go beyond the run of the mill. And they have Titos! Based on what we heard they are slowly ramping up - opening evenings right now, then adding afternoons, light food, etc. Hopefully it will be up to full speed in the next few months. Bottom line - excellent drinks, nice space, and a good alternative to the current bar scene. read more

Came into the joint, asked for a drink and so far so good! The rest of the night will be history. I'll keep sipping on this nice cocktail and talking... no one seems to mind, why not. read more

I used to love The Richardson; I threw a party here, and would go for a great Manhattan and cocktail. Now on Saturdays, they're pretty busy. Tonight, after waiting, the bartender told me to move out of the way, and when I asked if he was going to take my drink order, told me "Not with that dirty look on your face." I wasn't being rude, I just wanted to order! I was there to support one of my favorite bars in celebration of my friends - and instead I was insulted because I wanted to order a round of drinks. Sorry for trying to give you some business. Save yourself the time and money and go somewhere else. read more

Graham ave is so lucky to have the richardson. Its perfect for every season and every type of day. I just love everything about it. The management seems great. They recently had a lot of turn over of despite the change in staff the place remains cool as a cucumber. I dig it a lot read more

Really nice CLASSY bar, with amazing drinks for $9. They are totally worth it!! A generous amount of booze and some seriously interesting mixology going on. This place is special, come and see for yourself. (Hipster/sophisticated crowd) read more

Great neighborhood spot to grab a real cocktail. Friendly, helpful staff. Good atmosphere, no tvs!, so def not a sports bar, think more old timey real drink style. I will continue to go back. read more

What more could you want in a bar? Awesome cocktails, quality beer, friendly service, nice interior, and reasonable prices. I have only been here in the early evenings, so I can't comment about the scene at night, but in my experience it's been the perfect place to grab a cocktail. read more

My favorite cocktail bar in Williamsburg--hands down. Great atmosphere, friendly bartenders, and no cocktail is over $12 (I believe) and most run around $9 or $10. Everything is impeccably made, and because of the dark wood and small tables, it's a great spot for a date or for catching up with a friend. Not-at-all pretentious (no need to dress up), and a great first stop for a night out: once you've had a drink or two here, head over to one of the divey-er spots near by. The Richardson is not to be missed! read more

I love the Richardson. I had my birthday here last weekend, and even though I didn't reserve the back room for the occasion, the waitress and bartender both insisted I take it, and on helping me get it set up for my guests. I don't ever expect overwhelmingly friendly and helpful service around here (Williamsburg), but when I get it it's always welcome and appreciated, especially when coming from an extremely sexy bar staff. It made my birthday that much more special. So, thanks for that, Richardson. Of course it goes without saying the cocktails are spectacular, and I always like to fill up on one of their appetizer plates with a friend - we always do the 5 for $25 and a selection of four delicious gourmet cheeses and their delicious olive salad. And the bread they serve it with is phenomenal; always toasted to perfection and refilled for free if you need it (just ask). A little brie on their cinnamon raisin is pretty tight. One of my favorite speakeasies in the city. Have you ever had a French 75? If not, go get yours there. NOW. read more

This is a great bar! Joel (the owner) is really delightful and the entire staff is very friendly and warm. The outdoor tables are really great and the back room for events is wonderful! Great food and drinks as well. Highly recommended! read more

If you want a dark romantic spot to go on a date I bet this place would be awesome on the weekend. I went casually on a Tuesday around 8-9pm bc I was in the hood and someone at work said it was their favorite bar. I had the beer plate which seemed like the best value for food and a cocktail. We sat outside which was nice but it felt very minimal no music or lights or anything. You order at the bar and someone brings it out to you. Could see this being the move for a big group on a bday bc it's a larger space without furniture but for a Tuesday night drink, meh read more

This is one of my top 10 bars in Brooklyn. EXCELLENT cocktails, beautiful bar/ambiance. IN a non-cheesy way it's like old skool Brooklyn, the kind of place where you might even dress up a little, order a Rye Whiskey and talk to an interesting person. Highly recommended. read more

Delicious drinks, great music, awesome location, and flawless and streamlined design for the actual space itself. This place is really quite great! read more

I was really excited to come here and enjoy sitting outside, but let me just say that the chairs are so terribly uncomfortable it is hard to enjoy more than one drink here, and you will likely leave with a sore back. The drink list is nice. We ordered a cheese plate, which was not very well conceived, as all 3 cheeses were very similar, small portions, and overpriced. read more

This place is pretty cool. I love the decor and the bartender was friendly enough. The drinks weren't half bad either. I mean it was kind of a pain for me to get to though, yet again I got lost and was in a rush, so it probably wasn't that hard to find in actuality. The only thing is I didn't love it, I just liked it. So, I'm not exactly sure if I would in fact go back again. Maybe I should go on a more upbeat night, I went on a Tuesday and it was kind of dead. read more

I don't know what it is about this place, but I know I was somewhat sober when I arrived and totally trashed when I left! This is not the first time this has happened too... I'm so glad I live nearby, I don't think my boyfriend and I would have made it home if we lived further away! I keep trying to go and not get drunk there, but the drinks are so good I can't help myself! read more

Just opened last Friday. The space is adorable yet rich, and has that old-timey yet modern look, similar to Death & Co, but kind-of casual like Harefield Road. The owners/bartenders are sweethearts and will make you whatever delicious concoction your heart desires. There's a good selection of beers, wines, liquors and lots of fun cocktails on the menu, reasonably priced. This place fills the fancyish cocktail bar gap left between the dive-ier R Bar, Daddy's and Boulevard Tavern, but without pretension. They told me they'll start serving food soon... I can't wait. read more

This is a great place for cocktails. The bartenders are very friendly and knowledgable. They'll help you navigate the menu. The place is rather dark and spacious-good place for a date. read more

The Richardson is half as fun as stepping on a rusty nail during a screening of "Valentine's Day" on Valentine's Day, alone. I went there on a Friday night for a friend's birthday party. When we showed up, a man told us that the bar was at capacity. We waited patiently, while he was replaced by another man, who seemed to be the actual bouncer. This guy let several newcomers in before us, so we asked him about it. After about twenty minutes of pure patience on our part, he let two of the five of us in. Once we got inside, I tried to order a drink; the bartender was rude and rolled his eyes when I ordered a beer that wasn't on their menu (which was nowhere to be seen) . When we stopped in the hallway to talk for 10 seconds, the buswoman told my boyfriend that "this wasn't going to work" and then grabbed his elbow to push him out of the way. Would never go back to this place, even if someone stabbed me in the ribs with a ballpoint pen, and I was desperately looking for a place to call for help (because the stabber stole my phone), and the only place I could find was the Richardson. I would be like, "Fuck this place. I'm going to walk 1200 feet to Mother's and call 911 from there because I don't want to give The Richardson the satisfaction of having me die on their floor." read more

Love it but not absolutely crazy head over heels in love...decent food, nice vibe and I saw/shook hands with my most favorite photographer ever (Clayton Cubitt) on a random Tuesday.... Like the decor, good service and right by my apt...I'll be back for sure. The bread with the goat cheese spread was amazing but it may have been because I was starving and a bit drunk...like I am writing this review. Good place for a date as well as catching up with friends... read more

Cool atmosphere and brings a little bit of class to the dregs of Williamsburg... and that's about it. It's not so much my style, but I'm not going to penalize it for that. It's definitely got a good vibe, the bartenders are classic mixologists, and cool. But I just don't feel like getting dressed up to go out in Williamsburg. This definitely fits in a little better in Manhattan. read more

Good open space. Came here on a Saturday afternoon for a beer. The drinks are kinda old school and pretty strong. The scene included light jazz and a super small food menu. I tried the tuna melt and wasn't impressed. Overall, I think I'd pass on this again but it could be a totally different scene at night. read more

This place is a really pretty bar. There are a bunch of tables along the side, areas for bigger groups in the back (I heard there is even a private room if you are having a birthday party), and a bunch of stools at the bar. There are some guys there dressed in their ties and vests, serving you some strong whiskies, and some tasty and a bit expensive mixed drinks. This place is nightly lit, dark, and a wooden atmosphere. The food selection sounded really good - I wished I didn't eat anything beforehand as everything sounded really tasty. Our bartender was nice and the beers are also good. I would come here again! Good for a night out with some close friends. read more

Strong fabulous drinks, friendly bartender (at least in the middle of the afternoon) and candy for kids on halloween! One slightly bad point - they claimed to have pumpkin beer but alas, it was just a seasonal beer, no pumpkin involved whatsoever. read more

Great bar, with great service and atmosphere. Definitely not what I was expecting and I was very pleased. Even on a crowded Saturday night, this bar had a relaxed and somewhat intimate vibe and I really enjoyed myself. To top it off, $5 beer pints! Can't beat that. This will def be one of my fave places to come for a drink. read more

Gorgeous decor, amazing bartender, and delish food. What more could you want?

Friendly, helpful bartender. Good cocktails at the usual price ($10-12 per drink). Only tried the pretzels, which tasted just like pretzels. Expected Willliamsburg kind of place: saloon-inspired. I'd go back if I was in the area. read more