I really enjoy this spot! It's become a reliable location for me and my friends when we want to grab a beer and chat. It's especially great when the weather is nice and you're able to sit in the outdoor area. There are booths in the main inside area with warm lighting and some music playing. Then there's the indoor/outdoor area which is very chatty with some bench seating and the outdoor area with picnic tables and a food truck. If you're looking for a high class fancy location, this is not the place but it's certainly not a dive either. I've never had a bad experience with the workers there, everyone is friendly and chatty. It's usually pretty populated but not too packed to hang. It won't disappoint! read more

Wonderful dive like bar with a fun patio and ambiance for a casual happy hour or hang anytime The patio tables are first come first serve, but there is also space to stand or sit inside. There are tacos for food, which are nothing remarkable but solid when needing to eat something on a pinch . The people visiting and mainly local neighbors and it fosters a very cool community feel where people know each other. Great times! read more

Union Pool - two tacos on a paper plate - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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This place was a lot bigger than I expected! Lots a great room to come and hang with friends when you want to go out but also have your space. Even looks like they hold events here, which I would love to attend! They had a great cocktail menu and a vintage Photo Booth! They even have a food truck on property so if you need a quick bite, you can stay and enjoy the fun! read more

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Like most millennials, Union Pool holds a special place in my heart. I spent many nights in my 20s here drinking outback in their outdoor area into the wee hours of morning, subsisting off cheap beers and food from the taco truck. I was recently in the area with friends and decided to take them down memory lane with me. The outdoor area is just as good as it's ever been, though I was here on a weeknight so there wasn't as much going on as what I remember. Still casual, still a little grungy. The food seems to have gotten better over the years, though we didn't eat here whatever was happening in the food truck behind me smelled amazing. Drinks here are more expensive than what I remember but that's par for the course these days. A mixed drink will set you back around $15. There's a self serve station for water which is key for these hot summer months. Service was fast, there was sometimes a bit of a wait to order but the bartender kept things moving. I was getting emotional watching the new wave of 20 somethings enjoying this place, tbh. I'm an old New Yorker now, I suppose. read more

a bit of a discrete bar from the outside, but warm and inviting atmosphere inside. had a fun pre dinner drink here with my cousin, and we had a great time. they also have a photo booth! loved that! read more

Union Pool - Spicy Margarita (Margarita w/ Tepec Chile licor) & a Gin Lizzy (gin, aperitivo, fresh lime mix, and pineapple juice) - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I went here with a friend on a Thursday night for drinks. The backyard is huge and it's a great place to hang out with a group. There is a taco truck in the backyard, but we didn't get any food. read more

This place is so ridiculous. God forbid you request a song, you will be thrown out for having an opinion. I am a mild mannered individual and will always treat people the way they deserve to be treated, but to be asked to leave an establishment for requesting a song to be played is a plague to society. I will never go back. Union pool? More like Union POOP read more

Particularly outstanding. The food impresses while the bill doesn't shock. Sharing dishes enhances the experience here. Every employee shows exceptional niceness. Really happy with my meal. I can't wait to return for other menu items. read more

I haven't been back here in like 15 plus years to throw out a number that horrifically ages my timeline in New York. Although, I have passed it numerous times and have just never found a specific reason to go back. A friend this weekend wanted to go check out their free live music Sunday thing in the backyard. So we went. They do still surprisingly have some weekend deals with a variety of cans being marked at only $5 and frozen margs are $10. I think happy hour entails weekdays until 7pm with some kind of $5 on everything happy hour and thinking about it. . . hotdog. . . that's a pretty good deal these days. They also have cheap tacos somewhere in the backyard from a truck I believe. It's an alright space. Really It's like 3.5-almost 4 stars. But it can get a little stuffy and crowded and the music that particular day was just not my jam. It was bordering on giving me a headache. I like their old-fashioned looking fridge made of wood and the old antique toys and stuff on top of the bar. It has a fun eclectic fair and vibe. read more

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Stepped out on a Friday evening for a casual drink with friends and we headed to Union Pool. As a first timer, didn't really have an idea of what to expect. Thought it would be a chill indoor bar with a small outdoor area, but was super happy to see that the backyard area was much bigger and had so much space. In the back, there is a taco truck parked that is cash only. Overall, I'd say you wouldn't come here for the drinks. If you're a beer drinker maybe there are better options, but I opted for a few glasses of white wine and it was very mid for the price. I was here for quite a few hours and it was kind of insane to see how filled out the backyard area became. Like no space to walk kind, having to push people out of the way kind of packed. Overall, I'd say this would be a fun spot for a big group if you come early-ish/it's a good spot to start the night. Apparently they have a dance floor but I never checked it out. read more

Cool space but p mid spicy margarita - it was fine but idt id get another cocktail if i came back. I like how open the space is tho and that u can explore a bit. read more

we go to union pool every friday, they always have great djs. great divey bar with good drinks and bartenders and big outdoor space

This cute neighborhood bar is great for large groups. They have plenty of areas and heated lamps outside.

The 3 stars are all for the tacos. Visited here last weekend after going to some other bars in Williamsburg. There was no cover and the line didn't last too long. The beer selection was subpar, and the prices weren't that great compared to other bars in the area. When my friend and I went to get tacos 10 minutes before the bar closed, leaving 1 friend at the table, an employee came through and threw away our unfinished beers before asking our friend if we were done with them. Never had this happen to me at a bar before. In the back patio, they have a permanent food truck that serves tacos and is cash only. The tacos were absolutely amazing. So far they are actually the best ones I've had in NYC. I wouldn't mind coming back sometime in the future purely to have the tacos again. read more

Union Pool - a person holding a plate of food - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Nice rowdy big bar. It's a huge space which is nice but can be pretty chaotic. Fun though

great brooklyn bar. perfect for big groups. cheap drinks and quick service. live dj. perfect for summer

This is a fun venue for a night out. It's conveniently near the L/G train, so it's very easy to get to. There was a line to get in on a Saturday night around midnight, but it moved very quickly. We waited maybe 5-10 minutes max. There's no cover. The inside is massive, with three separate bar areas. The first is the inside bar area, which was pretty crowded but chill. There was also an outdoor garden type of area, with lots of seating and what looked to be a food truck. This was great for getting some air. The third area was a dance floor with a DJ. The DJ was alright, nothing amazing, but it sounds like they get different DJs throughout the week. This one played older top hits, but like the medium energy ones. The dance floor was very chill compared to other places, and it seemed like the demographic leaned mid to late 20s. Drinks are relatively cheap compared to similar places in Manhattan. Canned beer for $5 and there's also a beer/shot combo for $10. read more

I saw King Khan and the Shrines here. Fun show. In Union Pool, there's the bar, outdoor patio area, and performance space. Great tacos.

New covid hours alert: 4-11PM ALL DAY EVERY DAY! This neighborhood pillar has been reliably serving GOOD mexican food (a high order from this Southern California gal) year-round (see attached picture of my forehead enjoying Christmas Eve, circa 2019 before life took on another meaning in 2020). After taking a mandated hiatus, UP (no one calls it that) is back and strictly observant of personal space. Love that. Bring your ID (remember bars?), park your intimate hangout or small group (remember being safe and socially distant saves lives?) at a table that the server designates for you, get yourself some carnitas tacos, Tecáte and tequila specials, elote (Yelp Elote lol), and guac, and then tip really well and go home! Hopefully one fix of being out at a bar will satiate you for a few months, during which you can drink at home and be extra safe. read more

Union Pool - Happy christmas - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This place is fine but a little dumpy (in an endearing way, mostly). I read a lot of reviews mentioning horribly rude bartenders and/or bouncers but I've never had an experience that I'd consider notably bad. Sure, they can be a little gruff, but this is a dive...you want great service, expect to pay more than $7 a drink. I've read some reviews of people complaining that bartenders were rude after they didn't tip...well no shit! Tip your bartenders. If you can't afford to tip, stay in. The outdoor space is cool and the taco truck is even cooler. The quesadillas here are $6-$7 and some of the best I've ever had. Depends on the day but generally there's a good amount of seating available outside. Bathrooms are fine, but I wish they had more stalls for women. The indoor space is kinda gross and dark. I don't think I'd come here during any time of the year where I wouldn't take advantage of the "backyard". But in the summer it's hard to beat a $5 tecate, $6 bomb quesadilla, and some good weather. Will return. read more

Fun and hip dive bar on Union Avenue in Williamsburg, right by the BQE and across from Macri Park. They have a big backyard and just recently reopened the inside to those with proof of vaccination; Excelsior Pass is accepted. Historically this has been a hub for live music and meeting people. The scene is considered one of the best in New York. The drinks, meanwhile, are nothing special. Get a cheap beer, a well cocktail, or a beer+shot combo. read more

Great little dive. Photo Booth, indoor/ outdoor seating, music space, and great selection of drinks. Friendly / efficient staff, even on a jam packed weekend. read more

Cool spot in Williamsburg. Nice sized patio to hang outside, and it's right near the L/G train so you it's convenient to get to.

This bar is so adorable! I love the outdoor seating area. It was a very casual place to grab a drink. The drinks were average priced. I wasn't too upset over the price because their raspberry margarita was so tasty and great for the summer! The service was incredible. The bartender was quick and kind. read more

Union Pool - Bar at Union Pool - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Dive bar in the front with a patio in the back. There's a taco truck out back and another bar. Both are cash only. There's also another venue space when you step outside onto the patio and make a right. Attended a lesbian party here that happened once a month and it was PACKED. (I think the 2nd Thursday of the month). The line outside literally wrapped around the block lol. read more

Pretentious, douchey, and not fun. They reject people who are on party buses even if they're normal and just there for a good time. Typical stuck up Brooklyn vibes - would never go back read more

The real selling points here are the beautiful patio and sweet little music venue (with its own bar!). Drinks are fairly cheap-- our gin & tonics were $7 a pop and reasonably strong. Service at the bars is efficient and friendly, as people tend to congregate on the patio and elsewhere in the space rather than packing in to schmooze by the bar. The restrooms are all gender neutral, which is awesome. That said, there are plentiful urinals but only a few toilets, so if you're not a urinal-user there may be a wait when the place is busy. It would also be nice if there was a restroom in the music venue, since it's inconvenient to worm your way through the crowd, then out the door into the patio, then into the bar to get to the restrooms. read more

Union Pool - Back patio is outdoor decor #goals - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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This is a great spot and has been around for a long time. For good reason. It takes care of the basics. Decent prices. Plenty of beer options. Great service. The live music in the back is awesome. The outdoor space with the taco truck is awesome too. Depending on the weather (obviously). No question that you will be surrounded by low to mid 20 year olds if you go on a weekend so be warned. Still fun. read more

There were two drunk, belligerent bouncers who tried to fight us because we asked if they could smoke a cigarette somewhere else. This happened on Friday, July 12, 2018 around midnight. These guys harassed us while we ate dinner next to the taco truck and screamed for 20 minutes about how they have the right to smoke wherever they want because they work at Union Pool. There was about an arms length between us and the taco truck. They walked up to us while our group of 12 was eating. There was plenty of standing room throughout the back patio for them to relocate but they'd rather harass customers. One of the bouncers said his name was Terence and the other one just walked away screaming about how we wouldn't get up and fight him. Mind you this is a group of 6 girls and 6 guys. Don't waste your time or money here unless you like your Mexican food showered with cigarette smoke and a side of threats from insecure men. Avoid this place. read more

Union Pool - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

fun stop in the neighborhood. the place is spacious with two bars, outdoor patio area, and a performance space. there's also a taco truck in the patio area. the place was not too packed and the crowd seemed pretty chill. we ordered two beers and hung out in the outdoor for a little while. we also partake in the photo booth but be warned tho, it will start as soon as you put the money into the machine. we didn't know and wasted a few takes. regardless, it was still a fun experience and would do it again when in the neighborhood. read more

Rude bartenders with horrible attitude specifically the ones working last night 3/8/24. There are better places in the area to spend your money. read more

I truly heart this space in the summer! It's got a super large patio and a delicious food truck that produces tons of tacos for my tummy. It's the kind of place that one ends up at on a hot summer day, getting cheap beers and tacos when it has barely become "after" noon. And if you research right....there will be some incredible rock shows!! In the middle of the day. I actually hate to spread the word on this since, it's one of my favorite things to do in the NY summer and I don't want too many people squeezing in here since, it's tight already butttt I'm here to share 'cause I care. Last year we had the great fortune of coming and meeting the amazing Thurston Moore from Sonic Youth!! I can't believe we got to see one of my teenage alternative rock heros for free in a patio, drinking beer on a gorgeous summer day. This summer my husband and I went and saw the uber hip and talented J. Mascis. J is in amazing bands like Dinosaur Jr. and a current fave Witch! And the unspoken model for Mishka (super cook clothes and beanies)! His new project called Heavy Blanket played a free show at Union Pool. We were definitely not missing it! It was the perfect weather and the music just what the music doctor ordered. read more

3/8/24 having a great time for a friends birthday. Male bartender skips my friend who already spent a lot of money as well as the rest of the group. My friend just states he won't be tipping on a bill over $100 because of the disrespect. My friend ends up getting kicked out. Manager comes to deescalate the situation but doesn't address the issue that my friend was just embarrassed . Fuck this place !!!! You don't kick paying customers for not tipping , tipping is not mandatory it's a gesture of good will for service read more

The one male bartender was so rude. I bought multiple, alcoholic drinks over the night, and tipped well, but they refused to serve me water. They told me there was water in jugs in another room but they wouldn't give me any at the bar. They said, and I quote, "you're in the way of paying customers." I even offered to pay for a water. I just wanted to stay hydrated while drinking. (I then told my friend what happened and she went around checking the water jugs - they were empty) read more

One of the best places to see a live band in an intimate atmosphere in NYC. IF YOU CAN ... go!

Is it so wrong to rate a bar if you never actually bought a drink? I'm doing it, because this has to have one of the best ambiances in Brooklyn. The inside bar is cozy and unique, but the backyard is where it's at. Picnic tables, flattering lighting, and a taco truck-- what more could you want? Came to the tail end of a birthday party here. Everyone was happy sipping on cheap(ish) beers, snacking on tacos, and indulging in the occasional alcoholic slushy. On a Saturday night, it wasn't too crowded around 8:30, but an hour later it was already getting packed. All of the people lining up for a Xiu Xiu show didn't help. I've heard it gets pretty meat market-y at night. Would recommend in a heartbeat if you have a big group of friends and want to sit outside somewhere hip but not too pretentious in Williamsburg. read more

Union Pool - Taco truck - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Union Pool is most definitely a staple of the neighborhood. I've been here several times throughout the years and it's one of my favorite bars in Brooklyn! Large indoor interior and spacious outdoor space that serves up tacos and also has an outdoor bar. The most recent time I was here was for halloween when they were hosting a costume themed night as well as a concert for the occasion. This is definitely a great spot to catch some live music as well as grab drinks with friends. Good for any occasion and season, go here if you haven't already! read more

Ok so this was another spot that we happened on. We were looking for some live music since we're not familiar with the area and by asking a few locals we found it. This place from the out side looks very small. It's right in the corner if union st and you would never know it had music. However once you walk in you find it a lot bigger then you would have thought. They have a huge outside patio and a small inside bar. The music was really good. She had the Spanish music going and I was living it. They also have a taco truck in the back. It really feels like a bodega vibe. Very laid back and trendy. They have live performances and a huge area for the live music although you have to pay to see the music and the tickets ran out. But till very cool because we could still hang out at the inside and outside bar while the performance was going on. It was a great time. I would recommend this place if your looking for music and a more relaxed setting were you don't have to get all dolled up. read more

Pretty fun spot with multiple bars to vibe in. Very crowded always but to be express. Great place for meeting people or bringing friends of all crowds. Long lines so pre game if you can! Taco bar outside makes for a great late night bite with drinks on a nice night. The inside dancing dj started a party quickly and attracted everyone's moves. Super fun area! Didn't love the indoor bar a bit frattier for my taste, but to each ones own. Overall tons of fun and besides the long lines for drinks or bathroom it is a very good time and makes for a good night between the different bars and multitude of people out! read more

Union Pool - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Miss me with the $8-a-taco truck. I'm sure it's a hit with the inebriated Williamsburg crowd and tourists so good for them but that feels like robbery. The bar's good I guess. read more