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

Huge place with a nice patio and outdoor heating. It's perfect on a cold night. There's a taco stand / truck inside. It wasn't super crowded when we got there around 10pm. Beer selection is good and bathrooms weren't shitty. Overall, good bar to hang out and chill. Nice vibe. read more

Never coming here again. I asked for a veggie taco they gave me beef. Too crowded for my liking.

After reading and article on this place, I had to come and see it in person. It is actually a very special and unique place. The backyard is lovely with a romantic and relaxed ambiance to it. The back room for live music is really nice. The art on the walls, the live DJ, the whole bar is just like an excellent place to come and have a relaxed time with friends or alone to unwind from one's daily activities. I absolutely will be coming here more frequently. read more

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I just had a terrible experience. I am 23 years old and I was cleared by the bouncer to be let in. However, I was denied drinks, and I needed to get the manager to check if I was 21+. The bartender was rude to my whole group and refused to serve all of use due to the bartender's disbelief in my age. The bartender also made my group of friends pour out at least $200 worth of drinks because he thought I was underage. Terrible service and terrible hospitality. Do not come here if you might look younger despite your real age. Don't come here. Genuinely do not visit this bar ever. read more

Huge patio in the back that was really warm and spacious when I came here on a Thursday December night for a goodbye party for a friend that was leaving the city. We were about 15-17 people and we had plenty of space in the back patio (I believe it's called a tent in the winter). The tent was extremely hot and lacked air. Even though it wasn't busy, the bar service was slow as it took me 15 minutes to get a beer lol They have a bunch of caned options too as well as on the tap The patio/tent has a food truck! Cool concept! I didn't get anything so can't review that The crowd is pretty young. I would say from my experience mostly in their 20s. Lots of wanna be hipsters. Nonetheless I had a good time with my friends at this dive bar! read more

Came here on a Saturday night for the first time ever, and it was as packed as a can of sardines--Williamsburg to the tenth power, hipster capital of Brooklyn. All the tables were taken and everyone who didn't have a table was scouting for the next available seats like vultures seeking their prey. I gave up and went straight for the bar! Usually, it takes me a cool minute to get attention since I'm only a good 5'1" but I managed to get in a little elbow room and made my order in just a few minutes wait. I ordered a "beergarita"--which if you love beer and you love margaritas, then you need to add this to your bucket list if you've never had it, trust. The cute bartender had no idea what the hell a beergarita was, as I expected, but he was nice enough to offer to make it for me if I just told him what was in it. BEERGARITA aka Party-In-A-Cup 1. salted rim 2. tequila [preferably a white tequila--blue agave] 3. triple sec or citrus patron... citron? 4. limeade or fresh lime juice 5. beer [preferably corona, tecate, pacifico, etc] Outside there was more room, more seats, a taco truck, a large fire pit, decorative lights and the music was blaring at a level appropriate enough to accommodate both conversation and dance. This place reminds me of our bars out in Echo Park/ Silverlake... but better, SO much better. The drinks are just as cheap, but there's so much more room to play. Now if you're a Union Pool newbie like me, you might have to pay a little better attention to the pissing facilities or you might barge in on some dude trying really hard to keep his, um... 'gun' steady for fear of possibly writing his name on the wall. Bathroom Etiquette [there is a hallway of doors horizontal to where the line begins. these are the stalls. at the very end of the left side of the hallway is a mirror and sinks] A. there is only 1 line for both sexes B. wait until there is an open door and/ or someone walking out of one C. LOCK. YOUR. DOOR. D. try and do this sober for the first time so hopefully you'll remember the process when you're drunk I think the only thing I missed coming here was the photobooth, and for me, that's a sin. Union Pool, expect my return! Preferably late summer/ early fall, when I'm not freezing my ass off in the winter cold and using a left-behind-metrocard to shovel snow off the benches and ledges for a seat. And this time, I'll be ready for your bathroom--save the surprises for some other tourist. read more

Union Pool - beergarita. 2$[?] pbr, someone's left behind metro card used to shovel away table snow - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

**3 stars for the place, 4 stars for the awesome weather** I am glad I did not read the reviews prior to my visit here. But then again, it was an impromptu excursion. It was a nice warm Saturday afternoon and we were just loitering around in the area, enjoying the weather, watching the fabulous beautiful people on the streets (yes I think Brooklyn has some of the most beautiful people in the world). After eating lunch, we decided that a beer was in order. And it was only 2PM? Who cares? Every hour is beer o'clock. Now tell that to your AA group! My name is Vivian, and I am an alcoholic. MR had told me about the awesome taco truck in the garden, and I had to witness it with my own eyes. We walk in and there only 3 other living souls around. Yes, I know. Its 2PM, only alcoholics and bartender friends come at this hour. We are part of the former group. Not cool enough to know the bartender personally. But this bartender was personable, and proceeded to show us the smallest lime he had ever seen. You see at 2PM that's when the bars get ready for the evening and I guess they also inspect each and every lime they are about to slice. So we meet Mr. Runt Lime ;-) and his friendly bartender owner. We both order a Belgian White on tap. Then we move outdoors. Wow. The space is nice and large. I read a few reviews saying this place is way too packed. Well, I suggest you come here at 2PM and you will have the place to yourself, including the cabana chairs, which we took full advantage of. We lounged and sipped our cool beers and savoured this beautiful life. And I did get to see the taco truck with my own eyes. There really is a taco truck in the backyard!! WOW! And apparently, the A/C is supplied by Satan. Now that's my kind of place. FYI - We had the Shock Top, which was decent, but while doing some research, I learnt that the beer is made by Anheuser-Busch. I guess not an authentic Belgian White, but it is 5.2% ABV ;-) read more

Now this is a cool-ass bar with the kind of outdoor space you just can't find at all in Manhattan bars. Huge sprawling backyard outdoor deck space. Fire pit. Yes, a fire pit! Cool bartenders and cheap drinks. Actually, a decent tap/bottled beer selection. Full main bar on the inside and beer/hard liquor bar on the patio. A DJ spinning tunes with an impromptu dance party in the air-conditioned inside. They have bands playing on occasion. A taco truck in the backyard. Yes, a full real taco truck! Last night it was a bit hot and steamy out but that did not deter the crowd from coming here on a Saturday night. The backyard was jamming and the whole bar was jumping. Crowded and sweaty. Union Pool is the Williamsburg mothership for hipsters though! It is Super Hipster Central! A ton of scruffy looking skinny guys in skinny jeans and sculpted facial hair drinking cans of PBR while surrounded by the women/groupies who dig that look. A hipster meat market for sure judging by some of the awkward hookups we encountered around us. Retro neon sign on the taco truck - "Air Conditioned By Satan". Love it! Hey, it's a fun place dripping with irony and pretentiousness that the locals seem to gravitate to and the hipsters call home. read more

The bar was good, great atmosphere. the tacos man, he is so lovely but The bartender guy working on Sunday night at the bar, he didn't care or take my order like he didn't see me. I've been waiting to order a drink for like 10 minutes and he's just keep ignoring even someone who came after me gets drink before me. It might be because I'm Asian. read more

i work in the area and after some convincing, decided to check this place out. It is VERY spacious and there's probably tons more to do once the weather clears. They hae a taco truck in the back, so im dying to check out their food when it opens. the ONLY thing that may stop me from coming back is that my credit card was double charged. When i called to speak to a manager (information was taken twice by two different people), it seems like the managers can care less to talk to people because my calls were never returned. IM sure even writing this review, things wont change. if i come back, im bringing cash. you guys should do the same. read more

Great spot to hang out and meet up with friends! The best part about this place in my opinion is that there's a taco truck in the back outside section of the bar. This place knows what up! The one thing that they don't have is any energy drink, thumbs down for me because that's how I start my night so I don't start feeling drowsy and tired in the city the never sleeps. read more

It's late. There are several rooms. Trying to not look suspicious. Started to type this review to try and look like I am getting an Uber out of this place. Have talked to more people now, than all night. read more

I like the vibes here but in just not sure the attitudes are welcoming to my plain Jane self. The drink options could be better but they have a great outdoor space and taco truck, making it hard to complain. Smoking is supposedly not allowed but everyone was smoking. read more

this is a pretty unique bar. right next to the BQE in an old pool supply store. happy hour until 9PM on weekdays, so that's just awesome. they offer some beer and shot specials and $5 drafts with a couple of six point options and brooklyn lager amongst the choices. they have other beers as well in bottles and cans in the $6-$8 range, which isn't too bad. the real neat thing about this bar is that it has a mix of spaces. there's a main bar area and right outside is an outdoor area with picnic tables, outdoor bar, and a taco truck. also, there's a separate concert venue. the varied seating and indoor/outdoor mix allows for mingling which is relatively hard to do in a lot of other bars because they tend to be cramped and uniform seating wise. so it's a good place to come have a good time with your friends or to meet new people. salud. read more

Think friendly people, fair drink prices, lovely and spacious outdoor patio, live music, and its very own amazing taco truck. And it's right off of the Lorimer (L train) stop. I was very pleasantly surprised at how relaxing and chill the atmosphere was. I came here on a bustling Saturday night, and although there was a lot of very beautiful people, it did not feel crowded. Perhaps the breezy pre-autumn weather helped much, but sitting out in the patio on a wooden table with close friends, away from the usual crazy/smelly/crowded bar scene, it definitely got me wondering if this was indeed NYC. The tacos from the taco truck in the back patio are really delicious. They are of course all freshly made. I tried their fish and chorizo (each 4 dollars) and both were excellent. I highly recommend both. Their guacamole/chips were also very fresh and delicious. Overall I would definitely come back for its chill atmosphere, lovely outdoor space, and their tacos. read more

Union Pool - back patio - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I went for a July 4th party in the recently redesigned backyard and loved the chill vibe here. The frozen Margaritas were pretty good as well. I think it's a good summertime hangout place to chill with friends. It is pretty easy to get to from the L train or B62 bus also. read more

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I stopped by union pool for the first time in years to say what's up to an old friend. I do not like change. I don't just wanna beat these people up, I wanna rob them Dudes w fluffy hair and shirts that look like old couches. Girls that look like dudes with a pile of foundation makeup. A loud chaplain bragging about work, asking for beers that don't exist read more

UPDATE: Greg, who runs the Taco truck is awesome! He cares enough about his customers to follow up with a situation such as the one below. I assured him that we will be back, and that things like this happen all the time. I don't want anyone to NOT eat from the truck because of this posting. It was delicious! I don't want to point any fingers... but I was sick for 2 days from the shrimp taco. It was amazing when I ate it, but we all got a bit sick from the truck. I don't want to blame the guac, but that's the only other option. read more

Whoa hipsterville? Nothing wrong with that, and taco cart is awesome. I'm use to Roosevelt Ave taco's by authentic Mexicans and this was very comparable. Only $3 for one, (50 cent premium over Jackson Heights) which is more than reasonable for a bar environment. Didn't get a chance to stay for too long, just 30 min but I can see why Willyburg residents frequent this spot. read more

Amazing!!! The taco truck is EVERYTHING and the venue is marvelous! The staff is all delightful and Reverend Vince & The Love Choir on Monday nights is the best phenomenon of all time & space. Five stars times ten!!!! read more

Love the prices at Union Pool! Great happy hour deals and who can deny that the backyard has arguably the best taco truck in Williamsburg?! I've definitely binged in tacos here -- highly recommend the steak, shrimp and chicken tacos or tostadas. I appreciate that this space can be very QTPOC friendly, as there are sometimes day parties or DJ sets hosted by QTPOC community builders. The typical crowd, however, is not very diverse. One of the most laid back bars in Williamsburg, definitely recommend stopping by if you're in the area. read more

Loved the vibe of this place there are like 3 different areas that you can hangout in all with a different atmosphere. You walk into a normal bar area and as you continue to walk you enter a cute outside area with picnic tables and a taco truck. Then you can enter another section where there's a bar and a dance floor with a DJ. So we danced then got a quesadilla at the taco truck (which was awesome). Definitely a good time :). read more

Union Pool - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

This place is fine. The tacos are good...they serve drinks... Whatever. Their bathrooms, on the other hand, are infuriating if you're a woman who has to pee. If you were lucky enough to be born a man you have the awesome option of cutting the line and being fast tracked to a room of urinals or if you prefer, you can wait for one of 4 or 5 private unisex stalls to do your business. If you're a woman, the only option you are given is to wait for one of these stalls. So we have more than 15 available restroom options for men, and then only 4 that are unisex. If you're a woman you get to wait 25 minutes in line for one of these unisex stalls. Get your bathroom situation together Union pool!!!!!!!!! read more

Really trash place with terrible bouncers. Had high hopes but unfortunately the people working here don't know how to handle business. Would not recommend coming here if you have a fun group read more

Been coming here randomly for years, but now that I moved a block away, I've been here a lot more. Here are the good things: 1. Out back there are fire pits, and they are amazing. 2. Out back there is a taco truck, haven't tried it yet but seems like a good start. 3. Drinks are relatively inexpensive. 4. There is a photo booth with actual photo paper, not some digital nonsense. Yeah it can be crowded and douchey, but what isn't in the area and if you go at an off time you can spread out and really enjoy the outdoor bit. read more

Union Pool - WINNING - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Not one star, ZERO Stars. As an actual Williamsburg native for 30 years, the noise and belligerence that comes from this bar is atrocious. I haven't enjoyed a quiet Saturday or Sunday in years. Whoever awarded this bar an approval to play amplified heavy rock/metal music should come sit in a nearby yard to hear how terrible and inconvenient it is. People still live here - hard working people. If you want to listen to amplified music, go to a concert hall, NOT a back yard which is what this originally was. If you're going to ruin every weekend and be so loud, at least hire bands to play good music. If the manager reads this, would love to have an in person conversation. Sincerely, A very unhappy native/neighbor read more

Extremely large space with a tiny truck-style taqueria in the back. They have a large open setup flanked by two covered spaces one of which gets really going with a DJ running the show. I loved the bartenders too as they acknowledge you as soon as you show up at the bar and are quick to lay out your drink, which is usually lower priced than Manhattan. There are free water coolers everywhere which is a gracious touch. If visiting, enjoy the unpretentious vibe and do not hate on the hipsters. What did they ever do to you! read more

went back with a friend while we attempted to bar hop between three bars but ended up in only two (macri park and here) since i had a horrible experience here the first time and she has never been i figured why not. After a few minutes of watching the bouncer use his iphone calculator to determine my friends age (she was born in 1990 and it 2011, come on now. smh) we were in. we ordered the infamous drink we drink (stella artois) and were happily satisfied no hot cup or warm beer... oh did i mention it was dead inside? well that is definitely why the beer was so yummy. after drinking our drinks at macri then coming here she was ready to try the food from the truck (i was not yet ready for that, nor will i ever be). she gobbled her taco down in what looked like three bites, lmao. needless to say she enjoyed it (im sure she would eat anything though:) overall a better experience this time around (i added another star, but i think that star go's to whom i was with than to the actual bar). oh and we were there on a weekday i forget which (maybe tues. or wed.) read more

PBRs, good music, taco truck, outdoor space! Oh and hipsters, smelly and wannabes. Good times until it gets too crowded and smoky. You know you want to go! read more

Union Pool - Food from the Taco truck! - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

"Perfect dive bar in Williamsburg" I stumbled on this place by accident because I really do not hang in Brooklyn that much and I wanted to eat and drink. However, I was pleasantly surprised with this divey environment. I went on a late Tuesday night (maybe more of an early Wednesday morning ;) ) so the place was not crowded at all. The prices were reasonable, 7 bucks for a beer and a shot of whiskey. Plus, there is even a taco truck in the back area. The meat in the al pastor taco was seasoned very well, which made the taco amazing. The tacos were almost as good as the ones in Jackson Heights. However, I found the chips to be a little stale. This place may make travel through 1.5 boroughs and hang on in Williamsburg again. read more

I love the fact that Union Pool has three separate rooms with different types of music! It also has a large outdoor space, it's definitely the place to be when it's warm out. Also the tacos and tamales are amazing. Great crowd , very chill it just lacks diversity. read more

The mango in the fish taco ($7) was very fresh but you barely tasted it, definitely under ripe. Hot sauce was really good and it tastes like theres buffalo sauce in there too which added a nice dimension. I also had the corn with mayo and cheese ($5). Mayo and cheese was very light and not over powering. I really enjoyed the corn because usually at restaurants the corn will taste old and will become chewy or have a "burnt" taste.. but theirs didn't and it was so nice and soft! Super buttery. 10/10 will order again! read more

Union Pool - Fish taco! Highly recommend - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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Dive bar , get a spot really close to the bar , tip well and treat the bartenders well and I promise they will take care of you , every 2 drinks or beers we bought we were bought back which is freakin awesome in Williamsburg because that does not happy often or at all anymore . This place gets very busy and fun on the weekends . read more

Great place! So much variety of music and different rooms with different vibes! I love that theres an outdoor space, with food options. They are cash so bring cash. read more

This bar and music hall venue has three distinct spaces. There is the front portion, where the bar is, then there is the back patio where the taco truck and picnic tables are located and then finally the music space where performances are held. Be aware, shows can get sold out quick as the space is small and there is very limited seating of about a half dozen bar stools. For the show we attended, tickets were purchased online and we stood during most of the performance. read more

Union Pool - Music venue of Union Pool - Bars Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

I used to like this place a lot but I went dancing there recently and went up the stairs in the room with the dance floor, which had no rope or sign saying "don't enter" or any designation that would alert someone that they can't go up the stairs. After a few minutes, a bouncer came up and kicked me out of the club. He could have easily said, "hey, please don't go up the stairs" or "people aren't allowed upstairs" but instead of giving me any information, he just kicked me out. I was completely amenable to not dancing up there and there was no sign or barrier, but instead of having an honest human conversation and just telling me to not dance there, he had to have a power trip and kick me out. If he had just told me to not dance up there, I would have come down. But he was unreasonable and uncommunicative and just made me hate Union pool. read more

Have to give this bar 5 stars on the taco truck alone. Great bar too. The shot/beer combo is a great money saver. Huge patio and cool hipster crowd. Bar will always be one of my favs. Worth the visit! read more