Rent the perfect bar in Brooklyn

Even though the name stems from a piece of Philadelphia history, Clover Club is now considered one of the best places to drink in NYC. It’s been around since 2008, and any bar that’s lasted that long must be really good. Occupying a brick building on otherwise quiet Smith Street, it’s expanded beyond its beloved Carroll Gardens to rank as one of the World’s Best Bars.

Despite the big name, it still feels like a neighborhood gem. It’s unpretentious in decor, with exposed brick, vintage sofas, and a mahogany bar, eliciting the elegance of bygone NYC bars. A working winter fireplace and a jazz soundtrack keep things cozy. To drink, try its namesake Clover Club, a gin and vermouth-based cocktail with a raspberry twist. There’s an extensive menu, with unique spirits, punch bowls, and beer & wine. On the weekends, stop in for brunch.

The Parlor, a private room with a bar, can be rented for up to 45 people. A full buyout will accommodate 100.

We don’t know who Janice is, but she sure knows a great bar. Hidden behind Upside Pizza (so New York) is this nostalgic speakeasy-style cocktail spot. Half listening bar, half cool kid hotspot, the sleek decor features low lighting, checkered details, and a cassette jukebox. It’s from the same people behind Greenpoint listening bar Eavesdrop, which, according to AFJ’s Instagram bio, is their “evil twin”.

It’s definitely intimate, with a full buyout option for up to 25, but you’ll want to gatekeep this spot anyway. Unique cocktails are made with small batch bourbon, olive oil gin, or Earl Grey & nectarine syrup, and you can choose from a short but sweet beer and wine menu. For food, there’s an Italian-American-inspired snack menu with calzones and stracciatella, or you can pop back through Upside Pizza for an iconic late-night slice.

Inspired by the small plates and aperitivo bars of Spain and Italy, Bar Americano is a Greenpoint favorite. With interiors straight out of Architectural Digest (no, literally – the design firm is featured in the coveted AD directory), we found it hard to find the right images to feature. The timeless interior is highlighted by a mahogany-backed U-shaped bar with a vintage clock feature. Tucked in the corner of a residential building, it'll be hard to believe it only opened in 2023.

The menu features classics like an appletini, negroni, and a namesake Americano. If you're looking for something a little different, try their Mandarin and Olive Oil Spritz. They've also got small plates for a casual dinner, with lamb ragy cannelloni, steak tartare, and a bavette steak. If you're still not convinced – there's a whole menu just for vermouths. They know what they're doing.

Private or semi-private events can be booked from Sunday to Thursday for up to 60 guests.

While Talea Beer Co. has a few locations across the city, its flagship is in Williamsburg. You can explore 20+ rotating draft beers brewed on-site, as well as cocktails, wine, and sharable snack plates. The Williamsburg location is the largest, boasting airy, Bauhaus-inspired industrial design as well as an outdoor space. You can rent the entire space for up to 170 guests, or just the 50-person courtyard for a summer soirée.

The beers are self-described as “beers for people who think they don’t like beer”. A big and somewhat self-effacing claim, but with their menu of fruity sours and unique IPAs with flavors like watermelon and pineapple, there’s a good chance you’ll change your mind. This will make you someone who likes beer, which means… Anyway, accompany your drink with snacks like spicy nuts, Bavarian pretzels, and a Greek olive mix.

This spot has two things that 2025 Brooklyners love in a bar – a pop of red, and its own merch. Layla blends wine bar energy – a soft rock soundtrack, small plates – but with expert cocktails, and a great selection of wine, if you want it. Though you really should try the cocktails. We’d recommend the Rose Cadillac (a mezcal and tequila based cocktail with salted watermelon and basil) or the Lost Lady (a blend of clarified whiskey, strawberry, mint, and white chocolate). And if you like your martinis filthy, they make a mean one. The small plates are simple but done well: pan con tomate, skewers, and tuna tartare. Come for happy hour and get $2 oysters.

With an airy interior and a spacious terrace, it’s the perfect place for a first date. It’s unpretentious, and you can stay for one drink or order snacks and yap all night long. However, if you prefer to be the center of attention, Layla can be booked for private events.

On the 10th floor of the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Harriet’s Rooftop offers panoramic views of the Manhattan Skyline, Liberty Island, and the East River. With 2,800 sq. ft. of flexible event space, including a stylish indoor lounge, you can host up to 350 guests (min. 30). The rooftop space is open seasonally and includes a pool so you can take a dip city-side.

The fare is Asian-inspired, with sharable dishes like lemongrass gyoza, wagyu sliders, and ponzu oysters. Harriet’s Rooftop is dedicated to supporting local farmers and providing responsibly sourced ingredients. Cocktails include classics and unique signatures: try a shishito pepper margarita, a Sakura martini, or a Dumbo old-fashioned. If you’re feeling fancy, bottle service is available for wines, spirits, and champagne.

If we’re not including a natural wine bar in a list of Brooklyn bars, is it a list of Brooklyn bars at all? We don’t think so either. Rhodora in Fort Greene is a little more special though. It's striving to be the first zero-waste wine bar of its kind in the country, with no single-use plastics, compostable products and ingredients, and low-intervention wine.

Along with a long list of natural wines from across Europe, there's a tapas-inspired menu with shared plates like a bread service, cheese plate, burrata, and crab dip. Rhodora is available for wine tastings, private dinners, and private events of up to 70 standing guests. There's also a more intimate event space next door for 22-34 guests, perfect for engagements or personal celebrations.