Carmelo’s

I give this place four stars because it’s exactly the type of dive bar you want to be at. Deep in Brooklyn but still close enough to the L train - you feel like you’re at a neighborhood spot that everyone goes to. When you arrive your ID is checked and then you walk into the ground level. There’s a wrap around bar with booth seating throughout. I went in the winter of 2024 and the upstairs was closed for construction, but I’ve been told when it’s open there’s even more space for large groups to gather, play pool, and have an overall good time. Drinks are CHEAP (draft bud was $3 and a martini was $10). Staff were friendly and brought your drinks out fast. Remember, this is a cash only spot and they do have an ATM within the establishment.

A classy, diveish spot. The vibe is laid back. The space is sexy. The prices are amazing. The bartender, Emily, was super nice. I'm so glad my friend and I listened to the person who recommended this place. I will definitely be coming back. Finally got back to Carmelo's on 1/25/25 and it is still a vibe. Had a different bartender and he was also very nice. The prices are as great as ever. Love this place.

Honestly this bar is great and it’s huge, many places to sit or even hide but don’t worry the bartender Wilson will find you to make sure he fulfills your thirst needs…. If you go make sure you go when Wilson is there. He’s the best bartender, plays the best playlist, has the best attitude and is the only reason to go! Wilson makes all the drinks, plays all the jams and is the coolest guy !

TLDR: NOT A SAFE SPACE FOR WOMEN VIA THE STAFF. A great bar. BUT a man came and was absolutely harassing me and my friends saying that he liked that we looked 15. We told the bouncer and he refused to kick him out because “that isn’t enough” even when the guy wouldn’t leave us alone. NOT A SAFE SPACE

I haven’t been to pianos in like 4 years, I always saw it as a jump off spot for like 21-24 year olds who are just starting to get into the bar setting. I’m very impressed with the slight changes in the bar. It’s still cash only, you either love it or hate it. They raised their $2 draft Bud to $3, they now have a great selection of natural wines on the menu & I happened to be there during happy hour so I bought a bottle of chilled Red🍷. They also changed the layout of their upstairs to outline the pool tables with little orange banquettes for a more lounge vibe. They also reduced the number of pool tables from 3 to 2. I will say, this feels like a much more mature bar already and I can now secretly pull up and be okay with it. The name still carries weight from what people my age have known before. GOOD WORK!

Arrived with no line and was told it would be 15 minutes for a table, not a problem for us but numerous French people arrived after us and the waitress sat them all before us as tables opened up. I have been to France 3 times and have never been treated rude until I went to this restaurant. They lived up to the stereotype, don’t go here unless you are French

Wilson is the greatest! He was so kind and so awesome! I’m a local and come in all the time and he’s the best in the business. There’s pool upstairs and the perogis are out of this world!

2$ beers just incredible for New York! Shot and beer for 4$. Wow I’m impressed! Highly recommended - clean true bar/pub with hipstish Bushwick crowd and two floors of music/drinking area.