Jalopy Tavern

My girlfriend and I were wandering around the neighborhood and were sucked into this twinkling ruby of a place. The music they played the whole time was great, mostly talking heads. Mets game on in the corner, cold rolling rock in my hand and good conversation with long time locals. What more can you ask for in a pub? I recommend ponying up to the bar and saying hello.

Charlie was an absolute gem! Needs a raise! Great recs on the menu, super nice and just honestly great vibes. Good food, good people, I left before the music but can’t wait to go back and see some :) also I’m gf and my friend is vegan, easy to eat!!

Fab local with great vibe and jambalaya. Too jet-lagged to spend the whole evening soaking up the atmosphere, but deffo on list for visiting again next time I’m in town 🤩

I love Jalopy Tavern. Way off the beaten path but totally worth coming. Jalopy Theatre and School are incredible as well and have amazing events catered around folk, bluegrass and world music with really unique performances. The tavern has free live incredible music that one should or could pay a lot of money to see based on the sheer talent. It's always a fun mix of people and love the dim lighting, reasonably priced drinks, quirky and helpful bartenders, and just a truly amazing place all around. Bravo! Wish I lived closer, if I did, I'd for sure be a regular!

The burger was thick and juicy and came with the best fries I’ve had in a while. My daughter had the veggie empanada- listed as an appetizer but a very generous size so more of a meal. It comes covered with cheese so if you’re vegan you’ll need to ask to have it left off. The food was average priced for NYC ($12-18), good prices on drinks (about $18 for a vodka cranberry and two shirley temples). We had come to catch the music at the Jalopy Theatre next door after an earlier concert elsewhere so we were grateful the kitchen stayed open until 10:45. We enjoyed the band that was playing and the crowd was friendly. It was a bit challenging to get the attention of the bartenders, but thats to be expected on a busy Friday night and the service was good. Well worth the hike from uptown

Fun atmosphere, good food & drink.

If you are a regular here, you know it's power. You just might find an interesting person here whilst seeking enlightenment through excess and the bar food will keep you going happily.

Cool little diver bar in Red Hook that’s good for impromptu social gatherings and live music.

This is the main food and drink venue; the main music venue is next door. In other words, I've only been to a few concerts here, and they've all been great. Mostly what I do is eat here and then concert next door. That said, the food here is good, and they have a few good vegetarian options that change from time to time. The vegan tacos are a good cheaper option, and the veggie burger is quite good, though sometimes a bit mushy. The nachos are underwhelming but fine as a shared snack with a few friends. Good sweet potato fries! There's also a nice beer salad if you're feeling healthy. If you're not, they have Guiness on tap! Pay cash (there's an atm) and tip generously, especially if there's live music. They also show sports on tv. Clean restroom. You might be lucky enough to park nearby, otherwise, there's the B61 bus, or it's a long walk to the F/G.

Old school bar / pub. The food was decent, but nothing special. Had the jumbalya, which maybe was a mistake. It was a bit dry and didn't seem fresh. The cheeseburger was OK, but nothing special. The fish and chips actually was the best, pretty good. The beer selection was decent with about 8-10 beers on draft.

Jalopy Tavern is the social nexus of southern Columbia Street Waterfront District. There's a lot of history and culture imbued in this establishment, and it anchors the neighborhood. The live music is some of the finest blues and folk you'll find in this city. Add in cheap drinks and a solid food menu, it's easy to see why Jalopy attracts a steady and regular clientele of locals. The facts: it's a ten minute walk from the F/G at either Carroll or Smith-9th, or you can ride the bus. Cash only, though there is an ATM on premises. As of right now you can dine outdoors, either street-side or in the backyard, or at a booth inside. Sorry, bar seating is still off-limits. Beers start at $4/bottle for Miller Lite and High Life, though on a recent rainy night they were sold out of the former and I don't much care for the latter. Instead, a cold pint of Yuengling ($5) hit the spot. All the kegs are fresh from Jalopy's reopening on April 1st, so get some drafts while the getting's good. As for food, can't go wrong with the french fries. Jalopy's fries are some of the best in the area. Get them as fish and chips alongside several tender portions of flaky cod; splash some malt vinegar and squeeze a lemon then go to town. The fries can also be ordered alone or with a burger. The Jalopy Burger is a meaty majesty that features a thick beef patty topped with bacon, cheese, onions, and jalapeños. I ordered my burger rare, just to see if the kitchen would do it, and they did. Delicious. I like the nachos, too, though I actually prefer the smaller, cheaper version rather than the fully loaded edition. The chicken quesadilla special was also flavorful and filling, while the vegan roasted veggie bowl presented a potentially healthier alternative to all the fried and grilled foodstuffs. In some ways, Jalopy combines the best elements of both gastropubs and dive bars, offering quality fare in a modest, no-frills setting. Live music gives the place soul and character. The service is reliable, though the staff can get a bit stretched during peak hours: BE PATIENT and TIP WELL.

An absolute gem of a bar and music venue, one of only dedicated venues for folk, bluegrass, and Southern music in the city. Old NY charm, local art, cozy booths, dim lighting, tons of characters and staff that treats you like family. My only gripe is the food is downright bad much of the time, the mac n cheese in particular was most recently served with mushy overcooked noodles in a sea of completely liquid cheese. The menu has lots of Cajun call outs (and you'll often hear a New Orleans classic played in the background!), but I've never been happy veering into anything except french fry territory. Not a big deal to me as that's not why I come, but something to keep in mind if you arrive hungry.

Great vibes - just a warm, comforting space to hear authentic music. Highly recommended.

We enjoyed our time at the Jalopy. Service was excellent. Food was okay. Piled high nachos were not piled high with anything. Drinks were excellent. Went next door for Rukus and Roots- eclectic mix. Fun time!

This place was everything I wanted and more. The food was so good I'm still thinking about it today. The tater tots were like mashed potatoes on the inside, the Mac and cheese balls were juicy in the inside, crispy on the out and the veggie empanada stole the show - sooo delicious. On top of that this place has great live music and has been a bar since the 1930s! The mirror and refrigerators behind the counter are original.

OMG, so this is the second time in one year i went to jalopys. I was with a wedding party over the weekend. I got in hella late HOWEVER the staff was still at 100% as if they just opened. Jackson played tunes which was always and consistently epic, but the main inspiration of this positive review. Keep in mind im from SF the birthplace of yelp so i can be a tad extra especially when it comes to customer service. Cause I also work in the industry on an executive level and I have my expectations. With that said the bartender Talia was amazingly brilliant, professional, helpful fun and knowledgable. Her attitude and personality was consistent withij my interactions with her. She ALWAYS had a smile, and the most important thing she has passion. Thank you Jalopy, and thank you Talia for a great night. My only downfall is i lost my bundt cake

One staff handling all restaurant and bar orders. Patience! You'll get served. Chicken sliders with salad. The mayo or pickle had a tiny kick (spice) to it. Enjoyed my sliders. Didn't order a drink. The place is small not meant for large groups. If you're in a rush to see a concert, dong worry. You can bring your food and drink to the music venue next door.

Never again. I used to eat breakfast here frequently. After hair in my eggs for the _second_ time I swore it off.

This place was a pleasant surprise. Very small place and decent menu. I loved the atmosphere and the waitress was very nice. Food was ok. We had fried chicken sliders which were just ok. There was a lot of bread. Also, we had piled high nachos and have to say wasn't much piling going on. That was a disappointment. I would definitely go back to try other things. I really liked the atmosphere. They also have live music.

This is a cozy, homey place right next to the Jalopy Music Hall. The food is not expensive (Burger $13, Jambalaya $14), and its quite good. They've got some exceptionally cheap beers ($3 a can) and some pricier stuff. I can't recommend the two wines I had, but hey. I wouldn't travel a long distance to eat their food, but it's great to know that there's someplace to have a decent meal if I'm going to an event at the Jalopy.

Great bar, not as divey as Moonshine was so if you're looking for a hole-in-the-wall dive, this aint it. It is however laid back and inexpensive. Most beers are around $5 though they have Yuengling on tap for $3, some $5 can and shot specials, and it's $1 off all drinks (except can+shot deals) M-F 4-8pm. Yes that means you can actually get a $2 draft beer 5 days a week. I'm not a huge fan of the mason jars they serve the beers in but other than that the decor and atmosphere is like classy honky tonk. The real selling point to the Jalopy Tavern is the back patio, it's a decent sized yard with 4 picnic tables and plenty of elbow room. Lastly they just added a very small menu of delicious sounding food at reasonable prices ($6-12). I haven't had any of it yet but it looked good.

Came here right before our Raaka Chocolate tour (a 5 minute walk) and was thoroughly impressed! The four of us all got different things, and loved it all! The chicken sandwich was my personal favorite, but this place will not disappoint! We got Brooklyn Lagers also (when in Rome?) and I found my new favorite beer! Overall, great for a quick bite to eat in a cool environment.

this is the best place ever. incredible music, beautiful vibes, delicious food, gorgeous neighborhood, tremendous people

Good food, better music. We were in NY for a short time 10.7.2019 and wanted to see some live music and good food. We came for the band playing at the tavern and after a great dinner and a couple of drinks, we decided to go next door for their live music and adult only beverages. They had amazingly talented musicians uniquely original. It felt like home even though we were 1500 miles away. I'm not sure of the place's name next door, but it's the same owner and they're both great.

Good place for a late burger and nice music

Really surprised by all the positive reviews here. This bar is ideal for those looking for the same "authentic Brooklyn" vibe that has been replicated on the cheap everywhere. It's a good business model: margins are pretty high when you charge this much for frozen tater tots. I found this "Tavern" to be misguided, overambitious, at once too slick and too crude, an attempt at rustic charm that misses the mark and lands face first in its own self-satisfied slop. It took me 15 minutes to get a menu, when I got off my bar stool and picked it up from the serving station myself. If you find yourself at the dead end of a street with few options, staring into wormhole that is the entrance to the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, with a cold wind and a pissed off boyfriend at your back, you might as well go here and pretend that this is why you left your home and moved to New York: to revel in cheap nostalgia for the rusticity you worked so hard to leave behind.

This place is just about 2 blocks from my apartment, and yet I had never visited until a few months ago. It's hidden, off the beaten path, a tiny place where I can see myself becoming a regular. The adjacent theater has great live music nearly every night, and the tavern recently took over the space next door. The happy hour is great, the beer selection solid, and the bartenders friendly. There's a small backyard with picnic tables and red lights, perfect for watching the twilight descend over Brooklyn, and the inside has a couple of cozy booths and a bigger table for larger groups. They only recently started serving food, and I partook for the first time last night, after several beers. The tater tots were super tasty, as was the mac and cheese. My only complaint was that they were perhaps a little too heavy.

A desire for a post-happy hour drink in Red Hook and a friend's recommendation brought us here one night. Initially confusing the adjacent Jalopy Theatre for the bar, we almost turned away. Then we realized where the bar was and went inside. Jalopy Tavern is definitely a local watering hole, with a very laid-back clientele and equally relaxed staff. The ambiance is welcoming and homey, and I believe there's outdoor seating. It wasn't terribly busy when we were there, so our server greeted us right away and we got drinks almost immediately. There was a solid, concise list of drinks and food. Having eaten before, we didn't order food, but it looked good. Drinks were served in Mason jars. We drank some beer, played Yahtzee, and hung out: perfect setting for a much-needed Friday night out in the area. If in the Red Hook area, it's certainly worth a stop if you're seeking a laid-back atmosphere where you don't have to shout above annoying music to have a conversation. Hopefully next time we return, they'll have found/replaced the two missing Boggle dice because I kill at that game.

Very interesting food. they have a chef from New Orleans and that its definitely reflected in the food and the specials they have on the menu. last night we had an excellent jambalaya and achicken Salad . A salad with grilled chicken on top. Sampled the burgers today. All the food was very good. very friendly staff. lots of good drinks and beer. Next door was a Cajun music festival awesome roots music. they have music almost every night here. well worth checking out .it's a little gem in the Red Hook area of Brooklyn

Great brunch food. Went on Valentine's Day and the fried chicken and biscuit was out of this world. Burger and beignets were good too- definitely recommended.

Fiddles + Banjos + Tater Tots Not sure it gets any better than that. Seriously though this place is magic. Not just the amazing food and drinks, but the beautiful community of folk/bluegrass/old-time musicians that hang around and have on occasion been know to spontaneously break into jam sessions. Every time I go I find cool people and chill vibes. And the Jalopy Theater is right next door!

My kind of bar! Made me feel like I was right at home in Logan Square in Chicago. It's run in conjunction with a music school, theater, and instrument store. Pretty cool. They have live music of the "Americana" variety, Folk, Country, Jazz, Bluegrass, Blues, Swing, etc. There's a great old school, laid back feel and the staff's attitude matches. They're friendly and casual, which is great. We had a couple of appetizers, beer, and a few cocktails. All were solid. If I lived nearby, this would be my go-to bar. Loved it!

Step across the street from Jalopy Tavern and you'll be overlooking the romantic and scenic Battery Tunnel funnel. That may incline you to think this isn't a place you want to stop... but you'd be wrong. The Jalopy is a quaint out-of-the-way joint deserving a visit. Normally, I'd call it a dive bar but that doesn't do it justice. It's more of a rustic gin joint that serves surprisingly good food. Let me repeat - they serve surprisingly good food. On a few visits, my wife and I have torn through their Jambalaya, Patty Melt, Handcut Fries, Nachos, Fried Brussel Sprouts, Shrimp & Goat Cheese Quesadilla, Pulled Pork Sandwich, and the Cod Sandwich. The jambalaya is addicting, the patty melt is excellent with its parmesan bread and nicely crisped onions, the bitter brussel sprouts off-set by the sweet chilli sauce made my wife smile, and the fries are a Nirvana of real potatoes. Nothing we've tried has disappointed. Whatever else you can say about the Jalopy, the folks in the kitchen care about what they serve. Its off-the-beaten-path location makes Jalopy something of a hidden gem... which explains why it seems mostly populated by neighborhood regulars on a first name basis with each other. But don't let that discourage you. Unlike many local watering holes, newcomers won't get cool looks here. The staff - especially Christine - are all friendly, chatty, and approachable. Give it a few minutes and you'll be chatting with the regulars about what's playing on the TV set in the corner or getting into an animated discussion about the sociological differences between Batman in the old comics and the Adam West/Burt Ward send-up in the 60's. And what's not to love about drinks served in jam jars?

This place is a must-visit. It is worth the hike of getting out to red hook (though in a car not bad at all!) Always great music playing every night of the week next door at the Jalopy Theater. The food is delicious. The staff is friendly and relaxed. I can't recommend it enough! You won't be disappointed.

We were looking for somewhere close to the hotel where we were staying (The Look). We took the short walk over and I'm so glad we did! Super friendly and great atmosphere. Make sure you order the tots (OMG) and the chicken sliders! You will not regret!!

Such a great quiet divey local bar with great knickknacks and a fun theme. Has great food, and the bartenders are always so nice and friendly. Highly suggest heading down to this bar, and seeing what it has to offer.

Craving some good folk music and a few beers, I headed to Jalopy a few weeks back. The place didn't disappoint. I had a few of the six-point beers and a few glasses of whiskey, then retired to their concert room and heard some great tunes. A gem of a place, hidden away on Columbia St. right by the highway.

I live nearby and have been in a couple of times now. I can't speak for the theater or school, just the tavern -- on a good night, it's a quiet place to get a beer and the food isn't great but will do in a pinch. But on a recent brunch trip, everything was comically bad. I understand that they were perhaps understaffed, because it seemed like the bartender was waiting on the three or four parties at tables as well (or maybe that's standard), but the food was so blah and the service so hostile that I doubt we'll be back. First, we tried to sit in the backyard, which we were told was "closed" at that hour, so we sat at a table near the bar. Then we had to flag the bartender down every time we needed something -- it seemed like he was intentionally avoiding eye contact as he rushed by. We would have been glad to order at the bar, but that was never made clear to us. In any case, I'm usually not a service snob, in general, but the food was also so, so bad. The caesar salad was just kind of mayonaissy and flavorless, the omelettes were a mess, and my friend ordered pancakes that showed up raw and runny in the middle - which the bartender glared at and incredulously took back to the kitchen, as if we'd somehow uncooked these pancakes at the table just to make his day more difficult. Too bad, it has all the makings of a good spot otherwise.

Bunch of yuppies trying too hard to look/act/consume different while listening to horrible music. Stinks.

Every time I take a break from this place because, hey it's New York and you should always try new things, I always leave whatever other bar I've just tried and think, "I should've just gone to Jalopy." Great live music; my favorite bartenders; a wide variety of characters coming in and out; Bingo on Sunday (although this weekend tradition is a seasonal tradition) - it's been my Cheers ever since moving to the neighborhood. As a girl from Chicago, this is about as close to home as it gets.

Great local atmosphere and the food is most always fantastic and fresh. Cash only but you are rewarded with some of the best drinking prices in town. Dining booths are a big plus! Love this place!

If this review was based on the food it would be a 10. It was honestly some of the best southern comfort food I've ever had. But the 2 hour wait for it was not okay. Long waits happen, I get it, but no one came to check on us, no one came to refill our drinks or even let us know there was a delay. Finally we got the waiters attention and he just said "it's on it's way" again not refilling our drinks or apologizing. Another hour later it finally came, and he just threw the plates down and said "sorry." After we finished we asked for the check and it took another 30 minutes to get it. This place could be so amazing, it's a great space, fantastic food, but I don't think I will be returning.

we love this place! not only for the fab music and shows next door but for the amazing food, comfy bar, great drinks and wonderful service!!. the kale salad is my fave and my husband goes for the burger and tater tots. every time. prices are very good for the food quality and portions. we are so happy to have Jalopy!!

With a small and well thought out menu, a small but good beer selection and reasonable prices, this place satisfies without breaking the bank. The chickpea sliders and really yummy kale salad make the perfect Sunday afternoon early supper.

Great Beer selection, Great ambiance and PIMS CUPS. And the bartender told me rolling rocks are 2 bucks so during happy hour they are ONE DOLLAR. ONE DOLLAR!

Great bar and food tavern with a New Orleans feel and menu. Funny waitstaff and a good cheap drinks list as well as a tasty generous menu make this place a hidden gem. The backyard open space is also very cool.

Great selection of beer. Great atmosphere and service for this part of town. Chicken sliders were excellent.

This bar is great. Went with a bunch of NOLA firefighters who were in town to help out with Hurricane Sandy recovery, and Jalopy was the perfect place to hang out and wind down after a long day. Our bartender was great, the music wasn't too loud, and the people were friendly. I would go back to Jalopy in a heartbeat... Now if only I didn't live in Texas...

This is my local bar and I love it! Good food, good selection of craft beers and whiskeys, great wait staff. Awesome music too. You have got to check it out!

Even though it took over Moonshine- its even better. Free music and drink specials Tues night, bingo on Sundays. Movies in a great back yard. And cheap drinks and cool bartenders. Great hood bar!

Was my last stop of a ten cent tour of Red Hook. So I was feeling pretty good by the time I got there. Nice place, friendly Staff. Good crowd very welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. What I appreciated most was the place is just divy enough to give it that authentic local watering hole appeal, but not filthy and gross to the point I would be hesitant to order food. all in all the place has a great vibe.

A few days after posting this review, the owner of the Jalopy reached out to me and wrote me a very thoughtful email. She apologized on behalf of the staff, and informed me that the bartender who contributed to the abusive behavior was let go (mine was not the first complaint). She also went as far as to refund me my six dollars as well as provide me with a certificate for a free drink and free dinner at the Tavern. These five Stars are to show my appreciation for the the care and attention she gave this matter.

Loved this little place right next to the Jalopy Theater? Cheap good eats such as BBQ pork tacos,pulled pork empanadas and black bean hummus.My buddy Linda and I shared a bite, but not dessert. She had the brownie topped with caramel and whipped cream and I had the chocolate bread pudding, also topped. Yummy! Oh, and live music too - piano.

Jalopy Tavern is the best. They recently started serving food and the chef is fabulous!!! Delicious menu including yummy comfort food and yet more expansive than the typical bar food one might expect. The actual bar is long and huge with a good stock and the bartenders are friendly and attentive. They also have a wonderful backyard for socializing! This place is a keeper!

Grab some friends on a Saturday or Sunday and make the trip down Columbia Street to try Jalopy's new BRUNCH. If you do brunch like I do, you can start with some hot coffee (it comes in a cute French press for the table), followed by the obligatory weekend morning Bloody Mary. I had the steak and eggs last Sunday, which comes with a biscuit that's so good I don't have the vocabulary to describe it. The steak and eggs: cooked perfectly. But, speaking of biscuits: you can design your own breakfast sandwich (get as crazy and creative as you want). The coconut french toast is also fantastic. Great atmosphere and an even better crowd.