Brooklyn Inn

One of the best dive bar out there. One of the oldest bar (if not the oldest) in Brooklyn, worth a stop just to see the building and space. And there is a pool table in the back. The atmosphere is good, the music not too loud and the pours are generous.

Super awesome decor. Decent drink selection. Super busy on a Friday night

Groovy old time bar that has been cleaned up and you could take your parents there. Service was good.

My friend and I walked in for drinks while exploring a bit of Brooklyn. The bartender was stand-off-ish from the start and automatically made us feel unwelcome. She was extremely friendly with a group of white older men at the end of the bar and ignored us after our first round. My friend asked the bartender for a second drink but the bartender looked her straight in the eyes and walked away. The bartender then continued to chitchat with the group of men as she laughed with them and said “I’m not racist, BUT….. “ and said something racist. She then helps someone else (also white) as she turned her back on us pretending we weren’t there. We walked in loving the architecture and what we thought would be a great neighborhood bar and walked out feeling racially profiled and discriminated against. I wasn’t shocked to see all the bad reviews are from non-white folks. What a shame.

Great tenders, good selection of beer, historic Brooklyn location. One trip and it's become one of my favorite haunts.

Cash only. It's got great ambiance; dark wood bar and iron bars on the windows. The drinks are cold and lush. Barbra Streisand and Jay Z may have had a drink there.

completely joyless establishment with racist bartenders who get off on policing anyone who’s not an old white man. if you’re a young woman or a woman of color or god forbid, a young woman of color, or have a state ID (literally federally accepted!) don’t bother giving these people your money

Great atmosphere, outdoor seating, indoor inn feel, wide selection of beverages. Great place for beverages after work

First place I ever got a beer in Brooklyn, 30 years ago in the early 1990s. Hasn't changed a bit since then.

Misogynist bar. Will never return, I have been 100s times because I live in the neighborhood and have had family here forever and the drinks are good l but will never return based off the bartenders and staff tonight. Had an extremely awful experience with one bartender, and when approaching him about it later he would not look me nor my female friend in the eye, only my husband.

A solid bar in a great location; the problem is one of the bartenders (male, long hair) has such a miserable, uncouth and condescending attitude that he makes it uncomfortable to be there. He is not someone who should be working in a service industry. Won't return simply because of him, and it appears I'm not alone, based on other reviews.

Super woke bar! There was a guy here that had wet hands which was great. Bartenders are manly and look like they would chop logs with supreme efficiency! Would recommend.

Love this place. Super friendly bartenders, good drinks - and all for the oldest bar in Brooklyn? amazing.

Lots of woke people working here. Not a great spot unless you want to meet a 20 year old crying because she can't find her drink.

This is a Brooklyn institution. The Guinness was perfectly poured. Perfectly mixed cocktails. The $2 hotdog & chip combo was a 8/10!

I was looking forward to coming here since I moved to the neighborhood but was disappointed by the rudeness of the bartender. There were no seats at the bar, so our group of six walked to the back to look for a table, didn't see any, then came back up front to order drinks. As the bartender is carding someone in our group he complains that we had walked in to use the bathroom. Really?!?

they kicked me out for filming I'm an influencer with 2.4 million followers that reviews nyc restaurants and bars and the manager was just being rude and told me to leave and never come back. He even accused me of being drunk and causing a scene even though I had only one drink and was not causing a scene.

Cool vibe in a neighborhood bar. The bartender with long hair was so unapproachable and just didn't seem like he wanted to be there. Had two drinks and left. I probably wouldn't go back bc of the lack of friendly service.

The Beer was okay. The service unfortunately was outrageously bad. There are much better options in this area. Wouldn't recommend for anyone under the age of 30 because you won't be treated with respect.

Have lived in brooklyn for 10 years now and finally made it over to the Brooklyn Inn after years of passing it and saying, "oh, we should go there". Regretted it as the experience flopped big time. Historically and architecturally the bar is cool, later interior work has muddled the charm somewhat but whatever.. especially as this place is in fact a dive bar. Was very surprised as from the outside it seems like some very cosy and atmospheric date-type of bar. Nope, it's a dive bar but with an old echo-ey interior and smaller pool table in the rear. I was not disappointed by this because I am a big dive bar fan and even named my dog after the best one in the city (not telling you people which one sorry). Anyway, my friends and I played a few rounds of pool and I had a tab open. We decided to head back towards the apartment and stop at some other bars on Smith St along the way so I went to close my tab. For being fairly quiet and not busy for a Saturday night, it sure did take the bar tender with long hair (mentioned in other reviews it seems) to get to me friend. Of course it didn't help that he had to pour some shots and take them with some... how do i say... LES / Lavogirls (regulars ?) at the end of the bar. Whatever, I do shots with bartenders sometimes too. He hands me the clipboard and I get out of the way so my friend can grab the bar tender before he goes MIA again. Also people are itching to order drinks. Right away I'm confused because my credit card is not in with my receipt under the clip. I look around the floor and bar counter real quick to see it it somehow fell... and nope nowhere to be found. I habitually sign the receipt and tip $7 on my $33 bill because I'm that kind of person and inflation, right? Welp, regrettable decision as when I finally get a hold of the bar tender again who at this point is quite obviously avoiding me... I ask if he still had my card because it wasn't with my receipt. He goes, "uhhhh, i can check back here" and he looks at whatever it by the register. Of course, no luck, I have already turned my flashlight on and searched around the bar and my pockets, wallet etc. Nope, I do not have my card visa ending in XXXX and I know at this point I never got it back from him. I never saw it or felt it when I got the clip-board. I go back to my friends and they're like "you didn't give the signed receipt back, did you?" and unfortunately I had fully expecting my card to be found and returned to me. Honestly I just didn't care to pursue it further and had already put a block on my card to later cancel it. My boyfriend was p**sed to say the least and went up to ask where my credit card was and why I was still charged if he lost or gave away my card. Bar tender gets defensive and then changes his story to, "I gave him the card and he must have lost it"..... "this happens all the time" (yikes). This guy was so dismissive and passive aggressive to my boyfriend and then began implying I was drunk and lost my own credit card somehow which made absolutely no sense. Not only that but he said this as if I wasn't right there next to him. I am very patient and understanding but when someone crosses a line and starts to disrespect my boyfriend in front of the bar because of THEIR OWN MISTAKE... I have to chime in. I tell him why don't you just own that you managed to lose or give away my credit card.... why lie and say you gave it to me and that I'm drunk.... I had an old fashioned and a beer over the course of 2.5 hours. Long hair bar tender then decides to tell my boyfriend to leave the bar. At that point I was alike, F this... and emptied the contents of my wallet onto the bar and calmly went through each item aloud. Ending with, "Hmmm, no USAA Platinum Visa Cash Rewards Card ending in XXXX .....must have disappeared into thin air because I'm so drunk.". Like please, just take responsibility and apologize and I'll cancel my card and be on with my life. No apology.. just sass and slander from long hair don't care bartender bro. Maybe it's because we're a gay couple and he thinks we won't say something? I have to wonder especially at the beginning of Pride Month. Anyway, couldn't dispute the charge like I promised the bar tender because I had signed the receipt. Long hair don't care bar tender bro even added in that $7 tip too! Oy vey. Take notes brah, standard practice to to not charge someone when you lose their card... even more so don't charge them and still add the tip. PS: Source close to the owner informed me that the bad bar tender's name is Danny and he is, "always drunk". I kid you not. Well there yah go folks. Jesus what ride. I would skip unless you feel like sparring with long hair don't care ding dong or actively avoid ordering from him. Probably just go to literally any other bar in the neighborhood/city.

What a gorgeous time piece of a bar! After reading the bad reviews, I was a bit nervous to come here but everyone was super nice. They checked vax cards and had masks and hand sannie at the door. The drinks were well made, everything was great. Can't wait to come back for pool in the back!

The Brooklyn Inn is a super quaint pub-like dive bar in Boerum Hill. The architecture on the outside is gorgeous, and when you walk inside it feels classic and cozy. They have beautifully designed booths to sit in, along with pool tables in the back room. Its a great spot to visit after dinner, which is exactly what I did. They've got a full bar, but I didn't notice a menu with specialty cocktails. I'm sure they could whip up any classic cocktail you have in mind. Overall, its a solid bar to visit if you're in the neighborhood and are looking for a homey experience without the fuss. Keep in mind, its cash only!

I love everything about Brooklyn Inn, from the outdoor seating area to the crown molding to the delightfully spooky ghost stories.

I've been to this bar a couple of times, but honestly it is now one of my favorite water holes in my neighborhood. The ambiance is always great, and the bartenders know how to pour out a perfect. guinness. everytime. Absolutely adore this place, and am glad to still see it standing even after hard times

I loved it here. What a vibe. Hidden, dark, wooden rooms throughout the back. Old wooden tables, benches. Felt very old timey, like in a true tavern from a film.

Hung out at Brooklyn Inn on Saturday evening. The history behind the spot is very cool, but the bar itself just felt too dusty and dingy. A dive bar worth a quick stop, but not much more. Quality: Old-school dive bar. I ordered a few draft beers. Okay selection and served cold. Quantity: Fair pours. Value: Beers fell from around $6 to $8. Cash only. Ambiance: The Brooklyn Inn is a Brooklyn area bar that originally opened in 1885. The dark and dusty bar has all sorts of classic architectural stylings that make it a unique place to wander around. The back area has a pool table, which was constantly busy, but the room is just too small for it. Acoustics are rough, making it tough to hear music and conversation, but hard to fault a design over a hundred years old. Crowd: A busy crowd in a tight space. On a less than beautiful day, crowds flocked to the dark and cozy spot. Service: Bartenders well accustomed to a packed room. Staff makes the rounds to clear out empty glasses. Parking: Residential area makes parking tough.

This place is decent. I liked the high Ceilings and stained glass. Service was fine. Got really crowded when I was there, about Saturday leading up to midnight. I'd come back if I needed a drink in the area.

Classic old school Brooklyn Bar. The Brooklyn Inn is a fun stop if you're around Boreum Hill/Downtown Brooklyn area. The bartenders are very friendly and know what they are doing. And they have a pool table in the back. The place is dimly lit and could be a great spot for after dinner drinks if you're on a date. Lots of little nooks to be a little more private. The pool table is good for groups of friends. And if you're just with a pal, the bar could be your spot. I felt the prices were a drop much, but nothing too bad where it'll dent your wallet. The selection of beers are good and the cocktails are delicious. They don't have a menu, but ask and you shall receive.

The last time I came here was pre-pandemic and was happy to have gone back here thanks to a nearby friend's recommendation. Tons of outdoor seating but we managed to get a table Indoors. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. The drinks were pretty strong and on point. Plus the required food options ($2) were pretty good for the price. Hot dog or pretzels with hummus. Yum

Terry was our server. Not only does she guarantee a safe experience, but she gives exceptional service on top of that. Brooklyn Inn a great spot amazing old fashions. But the star of the show is Terry. If you're around do yourself a service and visit Brooklyn Inn.

A classic neighborhood bar in my old neighborhood. If you're in this neighborhood and you are looking for a neighborhood bar, come here. It is a different bar depending on the time of day and day of week. Some nights it's a crazy scene, others it's a quiet place. Most afternoons it's a chill place to relax alone or with friends. It has everything you could want if you know its rhythm. Same goes for the bartenders ;-).

Super cool bar, it's slightly out of the way so you can actually get seats sometimes too. Just a fun vibe that you have to try out. It can be surprisingly hard to find good Guinness in the area, so, if you're on the hunt for a good pour, this is the place!

The bar is really cute. The vibe chill. The pool table a huge plus. So why 1 star? If you stand at the half empty bar for several minutes with a careless and clueless bartender who doesn't even look at you, you would agree with me. Boy... she knows how to make you feel invisible. If you scroll down, you'll read countless reviews about the very rude, unpleasant, unwelcoming female bartender. I didn't want to believe them and totally ignored them. I wish I hadn't. She is really something else.

What kind of place only accepts cash so you have no choice but to pay $3 for their atm machine. Then the bartender tried to charge me $15 for a shot...this is Brooklyn u dont even pay $15 a shot in most bars in the city. And the first drink I got tasted like cranberry juice with water. Never coming here again.

Cool Spot Went here for a couple of drinks last night. On Hoyt off Atlantic in Boerum Hill. It is celebrating 100 years this coming week! Old bar very cool inside......tin ceiling, stained glass, old wooden bar, giant mirror behind it, pool table in back. Drinks were $8. Friendly local crowd. Classic rock in the background just loud enough to hear. Easy to have a conversation. Thanks

I worked in Downtown Brooklyn for almost two years and I went through nooks and crannies all over the area. And with all my walking I still happened to miss the Brooklyn Inn. It was always frustrating to find a low key neighborhood bar. Recently I was invited to come here by a friend, who explained that it's one of Brooklyn's oldest bars, if not the oldest. You had me at oldest bar. At the end of the day, I love a bar that is not full of amateurs. My friend's buddy Terri was bartending. She was an absolute sweet heart. When I walked in I instantly love the look of the bar. And the entrance was also beautiful, detailed and literally the corner. The bar is nice and dark and candle lit. I came back here on a Monday and it was just perfection. There was all kinds of old school tunes like Mac the Knife playing overhead. And there was only regulars, the bartender Tom was familiar with most of the people sitting at the bar. I was able to squeeze on to the bar stool and order a IPA and a water. I enjoyed soaking up the detailing of the bar and the unique carvings. The high ceilings and stained glass were stunning. You just don't see bars like this anymore. As I sat there, Kevin another bartender that works at the Brooklyn Inn was enjoying a beverage next to me. Kevin was super chatty. He explained the history of the bar and pointed out a gargoyle and some of the pieces that are still original to the bar. He was a great conversationalist. He said the best time to come was in the winter, the fresh, flaky white snow is falling and it's reminiscent of a giant snow globe. I will undoubtedly be back and I have to bring my older brother here. He loves playing pool and old bars.

cash only. good drinks. great place to catch up with friends. not too loud and not too crowded. very dark. pool table and private seating in the back.

Really sad to confirm previous comments that the female bartender is disgustingly rude, which ruined our experience here and led to us leaving after 1 drink instead of spending the afteenoon here. Loved the place, but won't be spoken to like s**t when being perfectly pleasant. I was speechless. Would love to go back, won't whilst she is working

It's been here since 1885 and had a great musky old bar smell. Worth a stop for urban history exploration. Good tap selection.

Wish I could give 0 stars. My friends and I are all in grad school in the area and we're looking for a place to drink and chat after a long week. Walked into this bar and these locals sitting on the end apparently gave us dirty looks and started saying something about us to each other - I say apparently because my friends were the ones who noticed. Had I noticed, I might have gotten the early hint that we were probably not welcome. But oh, don't you worry, the bartender made it pretty clear. We approached the bar and she was an older, stout blonde who was the rudest bartender I've ever met. We didn't even get a hello, just a terse "okay, first I need to see some ID." We pulled them out, and after thorough inspection she says, "ok, what do you want?" I was actually shocked at how rude she was to us. As she took our drink orders she just radiated a complete lack of desire to serve us. We sat down for one drink in a little alcove next to the bar and the first thing we all said was "wow, that bartender is a b****!" Completely killed the vibe of what could have been a cool place. When we finished our beers one of us suggested we get another round, and the rest of us said absolutely not, we are not giving that woman any more business. Never coming back here again. Pretty sure that's what the intent was, as I've read other reviews and it seems to be a bar catered to townies only. Luckily there are lots of great bars nearby (we checked out 61 Local right after and it definitely brightened our moods after our horrible experience at Brooklyn Inn) so if you are new in the area, definitely avoid this place at all costs.

I've been a resident of NYC/Brooklyn for around 2 months now (and having tried as many places as possible), I can safely say the Brooklyn Inn has provided the best experience I've had since relocating. Drinks are cheap but great quality, there's a relaxed and chilled environment with all sorts of characters coming through the doors and the service is second to none. Met one of the barmen last night who formally introduced himself (Kevin), who literally tried to interact with everyone at what was a crowded bar, gave a couple of drinks on the house and was full of knowledge on the area. Just an overall great experience and I've definitely found my Brooklyn "local".

The Brooklyn Inn is a wonderful neighborhood spot. It's on a quiet block, very unassuming from the outside, but the inside sure is something else. I'd been to their sister restaurant Roebling Inn on Atlantic, and the two couldn't be any more different. While Roebling Inn is a dive with skeeball, The Brooklyn Inn is more classy, with a pool table and a semi-private seating area in the middle. Great selection on their jukebox (lots of 80s records), and the bar has a decent whiskey selection. Cash only, but they have an ATM inside!

A tiny gem in my neighborhood. It's so tiny that I always walked past it. The place is very neighborly and every one seems to know one another. This place is a perfect place for catching up with friends, or just for a night cap. There's no loud music to annoy you (wow, I hate music?!, I must be getting really old). The bartenders are genuinely friendly. I love to order my double Jameson on the rocks here. There's a Billiard table at the back, and 2 unnoticeable bathroom doors. I could not find fault to this place not that I am looking for any. A must when you are in Cobble Hill neighborhood.

WOOD! - distressed, faded-glory wood everywhere...baroque all up in this piece. Dark, rich pub character, including the lighting and stained glass backlits up high. Strong tunes top to bottom, seemingly floating in the air, welcoming you. The laziest ceiling fans this side of Savannah. Expansive windows to the street on two sides, with an epic wall of mirrors behind the bar to echo the sentiment. The standby of standbys for all proud Pennsylvanians on tap - Yuengling Lager, and at a reasonable $5. Prompt, courteous service. Billiards in back, and not just as a cramped afterthought - it's a commodious, high-ceilinged space distinct from, but nice as the front bar. The Brooklyn Inn has not just good bones, but also good muscle tone. You'll like this joint, citizens - between some of the slicker nouveau offerings and enjoyable dives around the corner, the neighborhood deserves this particular genuine gem of convivial gathering. I can imagine this is also a tremendous spot for an afternoon drink, and I hope to return on a lazy weekend afternoon sometime - watch the leaves fall or snow alight on the street outside through those magnificent windows. I've got one more silver dollar...cash only, Midnight Riders.

I almost walked right past this place when I was looking for it. Once inside, I immediately enjoyed the decor and general setting. There is a large bar right when you walk in. After ordering drinks, my date and I headed to one of the back rooms that had a variety of tables to sit at. We were here on a week night and it was relatively crowded but not too loud. A room further back from the one we were in had a pool table. I enjoyed this place and would probably return, however I could see it getting really crowded and hard to walk around on a busy night.

I am 10000 percent sure that smug jerk faces may work here and actually come here as well for a drink. However, as a jerk face myself... last night the gentlemen who was the barkeep made my point .. a polite welcoming atmosphere is only created by those who pour the drinks. During these fudged up times where cultural sensitivities are heightened this bar hit the mark with me. Like I said I am pretty sure that this joint may normally be smug but man kudos to the barkeep. The bar is beautiful and the pool table is fun. Other than that. I would say it's a rich mans version of a dive bar. My only complaint... the place closed at 4am. I took off a star because of the smugness and they don't take cards at all and probably don't pay taxes like the rich people they serve. Lol.

Great little neighborhood bar in Boerum Hill. Beers tend to stay cheap, bartenders are nice and there are always seats. If I were you, I'd stop by here after a good date, ya know what I mean? There are plenty of corners to cuddle up in with a pint or strong drink. Where you go after, who knows, but at least you'll set the stage here. Cheers!

Rosebud. Nothing less. Nothing more. No frills, no frocks. Stay thirsty my friends... and tip well!

I would just love to sit down with whoever owns this place and ask them what they could possibly be thinking when making their hiring choices. It's clear from these reviews that they are losing money because of their staff. The most unpleasant bartenders you may ever experience, and it's been this way for years. I always say I'll give it one more chance, but last night was my final straw. It's a tale as old as time: people with gigantic chips on their shoulders make for very poor bartenders.

I've now been here 2 times and have nothing but great things to say about the place. For starters, and as many people state, there is so much character and history and I truly love a bar/restaurant like that. A bar from the 1800s are few and far between, OR primarily in Manhattan. Being a hardcore Brooklyner, I do my best to stay out of Manhattan for casual drinks because I'll end up paying my left leg for a few cocktails. Speaking to that, the drinks are cheap! I dislike that it's cash only, but that's a simple fix and it doesn't take much to go to a bank beforehand or use the ATM in the back ($3 charge). Circia $5 for beers, no more than $10 for cocktails. The drinks are well-made, and I can attest that the Old Fashions by Kevin are UNREAL. ALL THE ORANGE. *insert drool emoji*. Onto bartenders - I'm shocked to read some of the negative reviews! I was there when the blonde female bartender was working and last night when Kevin was working. Both were wonderful! I didn't interact much with the female bartender, I was pretty engulfed in the date I was on with my boyfriend but she was on top of making sure we were all set with drinks when we started to get low, was really friendly about a mispriced drink and served us pleasantly all night with a drink or two on the house! Kevin was awesome. My boyfriend and I chatted with him for awhile and he also gave us a round on the house! He was always checking in with us making sure we were good, made time for us with a full bar to attend to, and was incredibly appreciative of the tip we gave which was higher than 20%, but nothing excessive! And like I mentioned previously, his drinks are unreal - he knows what he's doing. The only reason I gave it 4 stars is because if you can't find a seat at the bar (my preference), you either have to stand around the bar, or go to the private seating area where music/noise doesn't reach. It's a personal pet peeve of mine to be sat in a quiet area with no music where other tables can clearly hear your conversation. I prefer to be surrounded by people than the only people sat down, but if you wait 5-10 minutes, generally seats open up at the bar. I've never played the pool there either so I don't know what it's like but the table is always in use so it must be alright! I highly recommend Brooklyn Inn. There's a reason this place has been open since the 1800s and I will be attending many more times in the future.

What a lovely lovely corner of the universe this is. It is the closest bar to my place these days, so I've obviously been there enough times that I've almost got seat with my name on it. :) This place is absolutely gorgious, with vaulted 20 foot ceilings, that remind you of the grandeur of yesteryear. You'll see these giant mirrored panels behind the bar, and stained glass details throughout. It's classy & never to disappoint on a date. One interesting thing is that all the woodwork is original, and very untouched. So don't ask for anyplace to put your drinks down in the back. Because there are none & won't be. I know this might sound like a moot point, but the regular routine is hapless customers put their drinks down on the line of barstools. And you know what happens next, they get knocked over, and you have glass all over the floor. This happens every third or fourth time I've gone. It's odd to say the problem can't be solved. Ah well. The personalities of the lovely bartenders are also very memorable. Just don't ask for a cocktail with bitters. I have no idea why this is a no-no, but apparently it is. PS: Brooklyn lager yes. Old speckled hen yes. Double-white beware!

Mysterious and intriguing, you can feel the chatter of lost conversations and smell the history of social interactions. Originally opened in 1885, seems little has changed within the musky old wood-worked walls. When you feel you need a break from the fast paced of the modern city, Brooklyn Inn stands ready to transport you back to simpler times.

Great local neighborhood bar. Historic. Requires further research. Nice mix of a crowd in a neighborhood that is increasingly very affluent.

Best old fashion I've ever had. We come here every December to celebrate the holidays and this is our favorite bar. Good vibe and great ambiance.

A great old bar with pretty cheap drinks that doesn't feel like a tourist trap. Take a seat at the mid-19th century bar and talk to the locals, or have a secret meeting in the intimate back room and explore their ample selection of well-priced single-malt scotch, or enjoy the pool table in the billiards room. The Brooklyn Inn isn't the place for you if you're looking for something trendy or a wild night, but for a quiet drink it's perfect.

Oldest bar in Brooklyn and it feels like it. Great place to stop in for a drink if you're in or around Boerum Hill. Can be tough to find a seat on weekends. Simple beer selection and lots of booze. Pool table in the back room.

An old bar with an old bar attitude. Classic and simple drinks, nothing fussy. If you try to order something stupid the bartender WILL roll his/her eyes. Cash only. Pool table. Juke box works when the bartender feels like it, jams are always good. No Chumbawamba, thankfully.

CASH ONLY. ATM on site. On the corner in a neighborhood. Old building and appeared to be original finishings. A cool look for sure. Pretty small but there was a nice little space with tables and chairs. Low key for sure. Pool table in the back but only one table back there so no waiting back there for your turn. Staff was friendly would visit again if with a small group or looking for low key spot.