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Greenpoint Bars You Should Visit For A Drink Tonight

Greenpoint is a bustling, constantly evolving neighborhood located in the northernmost point of Brooklyn, New York. It has a large Polish-American community and is sometimes referred to as Little Poland. It has a history as a working-class neighborhood, but recent revitalization attempts and developments have breathed new life into the city and turned it into a nightlife hotspot. 

happy friends out to drink at a bar in greenpoint brooklyn

The area is also home to artists and trendy hipsters who have made their mark on the neighborhood. It houses incredible art studios and galleries in converted warehouses along the river, as well as a variety of unique restaurants, spots to enjoy live music, and parks. 

Let’s explore the best bars in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. 


Broken Land

105 Franklin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
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On my first trip to Brooklyn, I was in the mood for a cocktail in an intimate setting. Broken Land delivered.

This tiny bar is located near the intersection of Franklin and Greenpoint Avenue, in an orange brick building with a blue-glass front door. 

The narrow space has a carefully crafted vintage feel, thanks to the mismatched leather stools and wooden chairs, exposed brick walls, and tin roof. Glasses of freshly cut flowers dot the bartop to the robins’ egg blue wall behind the bar. 

The majority of the bar seating is at the bar itself, an extra-long countertop that stretches the entire width of the room. There are a couple of booths and tables along the edge of the room, as well as a couple of gorgeous vintage couches. A large, partially covered patio in the back has a secret-garden feel perfect for date night. 

Broken Land serves up affordable classic and craft cocktails on the menu, from Old Fashioneds to drinks like the Baby Spice, which features jalapeno vodka, lime, apricot liquor, honey, and honey bitters. They also serve cans and draft beer from local and regional breweries. Those interested in a glass of wine have a limited selection of red, white, and sparkling bottles to choose from. 

Overall, if you’re looking for a charming spot to enjoy a couple of cocktails with a partner or date, Broken Land is not to be missed. 


Black Rabbit

91 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: 718-349-1595
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Black Rabbit
Source: Black Rabbit

Not far from Broken Land is Black Rabbit, a dark, cozy bar with a working fireplace and a beer garden in the back.

The vibe in Black Rabbit is a bit moody. It features a 19th-century bar, dark wood elements, a red ceiling, and warm, amber-colored lamps scattered throughout the bar. The walls are covered in diverse landscapes and portraits in dark, ornate frames that gave me the feeling I’d wandered into a lodge-speakeasy hybrid. 

Black Rabbit serves up a variety of cocktails, beer, and snacks. I tried their signature cocktail, Berry Rabbit, made with Tequila Blanco, Triple Sec, Lime Juice, and Lambrusco Wine. New patrons should definitely try out The Gingerback, the bar’s invention, which is a shot of bourbon mixed with a shot of house-made Ginger Mix. 


The food offerings at Black Rabbit pair wonderfully with their drink options. From house-made spicy pickles and cheese boards to their delicious roasted pork and cheese sandwich, there is something salty and savory to enjoy with your wine, beer, or expertly crafted cocktail.

In addition to the yummy food and cocktails, Black Rabbit also hosts frequent events like Bingo and Tuesday Trivia. Happy hour runs daily until 8 pm and features cocktails from $5 to $8. 


Brouwerij Lane

78 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: 347-529-6133
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Brouwerij Lane has been a staple in the Greenpoint bar and restaurant community for over a decade. Tucked between residential buildings on Greenpoint Ave, this little beer store and local hangout proudly offers a wide selection of kombucha, cider, and beers in cans, bottles, and growlers. 

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Brouwerij Lane is a cozy spot with exposed brick walls and colorful twinkle lights hung around the room’s perimeter. Long bar tables and mismatched bar stools are tucked between the shelves and coolers that line the walls, housing cans and bottles of beer and wine from all over the world.

There is also a small patio in the back with picnic tables where guests can enjoy their beer in good weather. 

At any one time, they have 15 to 20 bars on tap. They are a dog-friendly establishment as well, so anytime you visit, you may get to enjoy some free pets with your drink. 


The Moonlight Mile

200 Franklin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: 718-389-3904
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The Moonlight Mile
Source: The Moonlight Mile

The Moonlight Mile is a trendy whiskey bar with an upscale-hipster feel. It is a clean, modern establishment that combines warm, dark woods, cream-colored walls, and minimalistic decor. There is also a jukebox, which in my opinion, should be a staple of any great bar. 

Located at the corner of India Street and Franklin Street, The Moonlight Mile is a small space that got its name from the owner’s favorite Rolling Stone song. It opened in March 2014 and serves a unique collection of American whiskeys, beer, and wine to its guests. 

What I loved most about The Moonlight Mile was the space. Everything was designed with intention and purpose. From the wooden bar and the reclaimed wood floors to the repurposed chicken feeder lights hanging over the bar, the entire space is both welcoming and calming. Even the artwork hung throughout is done by local artists and friends of the bar. 

At any one time, there are 12 beers on tap and a variety of whiskey-based cocktails. The White Walker, a concoction made with white rye, lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white, and creme de Peche, is something you won’t forget. 

I also appreciated the mix of Game of Thrones references and southern cocktail classics, like the Ned Stark and the Sazerac. However, if you’re going to try only one cocktail, make it their signature drink, The Moonlight Mile—Old Forester Bourbon, honey syrup, lemon juice, and champagne. Delicious! 


Ramona

113 Franklin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: 347-227-8164
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Ramona
Source: Ramona

Greenpoint’s only two-story cocktail bar, Ramona, is a beautiful, upscale space that you go to when you’re in the mood for a fancier drinking experience. 

The space itself is a study in neutrals: white walls, white marble bar top, dark wood tables, and chairs. A spray of greenery cascades down from the top of the bar, and at night the warm light from the modern chandeliers and tabletop candles gives everything a romantic feel. 

The menu is an eclectic mix of frozen drinks, like the Street Sipper or the Orange Creamsicle Gin Fizz, house cocktails, beer, and wine. During my visit here, I sampled the Harvest Moon, a gin-based cocktail with cucumber, mint, honey, lime, and salt, as well as the Black Book, made with bourbon, jalapeno, honey, lemon, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Both were delicious. 

Those in the mood for more classic drinks can choose from a barrel-aged Negroni or Manhattan, an Old Fashioned, or a Sazerac. 


Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co.

1150 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: 347-725-3061
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Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co.
Source: Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co.

If you’re in the mood for a more casual drinking and dining experience, check out Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co. Hidden in the quiet northern part of Greenpoint on Manhattan Ave, the Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co. is an unassuming brick building topped with a stained glass water tower designed by a local artist. 

In addition to its indoor and outdoor dining areas, the brewery is known for its 2,000 square foot rooftop, where guests can sit, drink, and look out over the city.

At Greenpoint Beer & Ale, they serve up a large selection of beers from their brewery, such as the Greenpoint IPA or my personal favorite, the Sponge Worthy sour ale. They also offer canned beer, ciders, and bottles of wine from other local wineries and breweries. 

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The food at Greenpoint Beer & Ale is as incredible as their beer. My partner and I split one of their giant Bavarian pretzels before digging into a Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich that still makes my mouth water when I think about it. Food is available on the weekends until 9 pm.


Achilles Heel

180 West St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: 347-987-3666
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Achilles Heel
Source: Achilles Heel

For a cool yet casual environment, you’ll want to try Achilles Heel as well. Located on West Street, the small corner bar has an incredible view of the Manhattan skyline. The space is simple but warm. 

The food menu is not extensive. However, what is available is complex and well-crafted. Start with a platter of olives before enjoying a Skate Schnitzel or pork with rutabaga, red-eye gravy, and sweet potato. That’s what was available when we stopped by, although we hear the menu changes often. 

The cocktails are the shining stars of Achilles Heel. The Red Lip, a unique take on the traditional vodka cranberry, was delicious, as was the Pen Pal, a bourbon-based cocktail made with amaro, ginger, and lemon. There is a small selection of beers to choose from as well. 


The Brew Inn

924 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: 718-564-7155
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The Brew Inn
Source: The Brew Inn

Burger fans will fall in love with the menu and incredible beer selection at The Brew Inn. Located on the corner of Manhattan Avenue and Kent Street near the Polish & Slavic Center, The Brew Inn serves up huge, juicy burgers, crisp french fries and tater tots, and superb chicken wings all week long. 

Inside, the bar is dimly lit and features an elaborate plaster design along the bar wall and different colored hanging lights that reflect and refract off of the shiny tin ceiling. 

Their beer menu is home to a potent mix of IPAs, Nitro, Wheat Ales, Lagers, and Pilsners from all over the country. In addition to this, they offer Beer & Shot Combos, such as the Cool Dude, which is a shot of Jack or Espolon with a Bud Light. If you’re not a beer fan, they also offer glasses of 7 different kinds of wine. 


Pencil Factory

Corner Of 142 Franklin St, Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: 718-609-5858

Pencil Factory
Pencil Factory

Pencil Factory is the perfect spot for a fun night out with your group of friends. Its loud but simultaneously chill atmosphere, ample street seating, and reasonably priced cocktails are great reasons to frequent this bar on your next trip to Brooklyn

Located only a couple of blocks from the Brooklyn Expo Center, Pencil Factory sits on the corner of Franklin Street and Greenpoint Avenue. The space is dark and has spread-out seating, so you won’t be bumping into the table next to you every time you get up to go to the bar. 

I loved the wide plank wood floors and beautiful brick walls. The apothecary shelves behind the bar were also a very cool touch that lend an old-world vibe to the room. 

The menu is pretty standard when it comes to traditional cocktails and beer. They have a good list of draft beer specials and can accommodate most cocktail requests. 


Capri Social Club

156 Calyer St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: 347-392-7591

Keg & Lantern Brewing Company
Source: Keg & Lantern Brewing Company

For a dive bar aesthetic with incredible service and style that attracts all kinds of neighborhood characters, check out Capri Social Club. 

At first glance, the bar may not seem like much to write home about. It’s a pretty standard bar with tables, chairs, and bar stools. It’s dark, lit primarily by neon beer signs and a string of twinkle lights that hang behind the bar. But its lack of pretentiousness is why people in the neighborhood love it so much. 

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The drinks here are affordable and range from standard beer and wine to cocktails. I recommend stopping in for a drink to get a feel for the neighborhood and its residents, as well as to have a good time. 


Keg & Lantern Brewing Company

97 Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: 718-389-5050
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Keg & Lantern Brewing Company
Source: Keg & Lantern Brewing Company

The Keg & Lantern Brewing Company serves locally sourced beer and food and has been doing so for a decade. They have two locations, one in Greenpoint, the other in Red Hook. 

The ample, open space at Keg & Lantern has a modern, refurbished warehouse feel. Inside, there is a large wood bar, behind which is a full selection of liquors and several big-screen TVs where you can catch a game. 

They serve a wide variety of food, including their Infamous Crispy Chicken Wings that come with several different sauces, such as Hell Fire or Smokehouse BBQ. They also offer burgers, sandwiches, fried fare like chicken fingers, and a creamy mac ‘n’ cheese. Vegan and vegetarian options are available. 

The stars of the show are their beer. They have over a dozen house brews to choose from. During my visit, I tried the Gastronomical IPA and the Night Mode, a dry Irish stout with notes of chocolate and bread. 


Lake Street Bar

706 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: 718-609-0005

TØRST
Source: TØRST

Lake Street Bar is a charming pub that offers Midwestern beer, twelve taps, and a full liquor bar. It has an uncomplicated, cozy atmosphere, perfect for casual hangouts with friends or family. 

The bar itself isn’t very large, although there is a back patio that is great to enjoy during busy nights. At night, the room is dark, and the bottles behind the bar are lit up in a reddish glow. There are TVs on the walls, friendly people all around, and a variety of beer and wine to choose from


The Hidden Pearl

621 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: 718-383-3291
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The Hidden Pearl
Source: The Hidden Pearl

The Hidden Pearl, so named due to its location behind the Japanese restaurant Wanpaku, offers colorful craft cocktails Thursdays through Sundays. The speakeasy bar is tiny, with only 20 seats, and has a modern, tropical design. 

On the menu is a range of tropical craft cocktails presented as individual works of art. Each colorful drink pairs well with the ramen and sushi offerings of Wanpaku. 


Diamond Lil

179 Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
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TØRST
Source: TØRST

One of my favorite Greenpoint bars is Diamond Lil, a colorful hipster bar located a block away from McGolrick Park. 

Its warm bronze and green color palette is inviting and cozy. You feel more like you’ve entered a living room decorated in velvet than a Brooklyn bar. I loved the art deco patterned wallpaper and stained glass booth dividers, as well as the dark green velvet couches tucked in the back. 

They offer a dozen different cocktails, all of which are priced at $13. I tried the Espresso Martini and the Between the Sheets, both of which were delicious. All of their cocktails come in beautiful glasses and are garnished with flowers or fresh fruit. 


TØRST

615 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: 718-389-6034
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TØRST
Source: TØRST

Another popular neighborhood bar is Torst, a unique spot with over 21 draft lines featuring craft beers from local breweries and beyond. They also offer wine, cocktails, and a complex, carefully thought-out food menu that is constantly changing to reflect the season and their creative spirits.  

The beer menu is constantly rotating as well. When I was there, I tried the Taras Boulba, a Belgian Blonde that went well with my Fried Chicken Sandwich. I also tried the Negroni off of their cocktail menu.


Greenpoint in Brooklyn is a fun neighborhood with a wide selection of bars and breweries. No matter what spot you find yourself in, you are guaranteed to have a quality drink in an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. 

If you’re looking for delicious brunch with a few mimosas around Brooklyn, you might want to check out these Carroll Gardens restaurants.

Did we leave a bar off of the list? Be sure to let us know in the comments, and we’ll check it out!

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, Quora, Google Guide and Facebook.