Maracuja

Quite literally the best time ever! I had the shittiest week and Pam and Tay completely lifted my mood. Kevin brought the brightest smile to my face at the door. And one of the regulars here, Cesar, was one of the kindest souls I’ve encountered. The entire staff is so welcoming - also had the greatest hair. Truly felt like family here. This is the spot you need to be!!!!! Felt like a piece of home here.

Kicked out over a pool whiteboard. Let that sink in. This bar used to be great back when Charlie and Connie ran it-chill atmosphere, good people, and a local bar where you could enjoy a game of pool. That’s clearly no longer the case. I stopped in for the first time in a while and was hit with tense, aggressive energy around the pool table. It was my turn to play, and suddenly people were coming at me from all directions in the middle of the game, demanding to know where my name was on the whiteboard. One guy wouldn’t let it go and insisted I erase my name off the board and the names above mine, so I did to stop the chaos. Next thing I know, the owner demands to know who erased the names. I explained what happened - calmly, no attitude. His response, “You need to leave now. I'm kicking you out". I was so taken aback and asked if he was serious? He said, "you’re causing a scene, people are mad about the whiteboard, you don't erase the names. I tried to explain it to him again and he just said, you need to leave now.” Over a whiteboard misunderstanding. No interest in what actually happened, just immediate overreaction. I didn't argue, just grabbed my bag and walked out, confused and quite frankly embarrassed. Only after my friend stepped in did the owner try to walk it back with a weak “sorry for coming in hot.” Too late. You don’t get to throw someone out in front of a crowd and then casually reverse it once you realize you overreacted. I’ve spent years supporting this bar. Apparently none of that matters. If you’re into weird ego trips and whiteboard drama, maybe this place still works for you. I’m done.

Horrible experience here, and judging by other reviews I’m not the only one to experience something like this. As soon as me and my 2 friends took a seat at the bar the bartender walks over to us and gets angry that we weren’t immediately ready to order. There was maybe 2 or 3 other people in the bar, it was a tuesday night. It was such off putting behavior that we genuinely thought he was joking at first. One of my friends tried to order a manhattan and he got angry again saying that he wouldn’t make anything with more than 2 ingredients. As I try to place my “simple” order he angrily demands our IDs. Now we realize he is not joking and also clearly wasted. As he’s checking the first ID we decide it would be better to just leave and avoid the hostility. We tell him we’re going to head out and he throws my friend’s ID at him and says any bar around here will also check our IDs (wasn’t the reason we left and we are all in our mid-late 20s). We went to Midway across the street and a very sweet bartender made my friend a manhattan. Absolutely ridiculous behavior and extremely unprofessional.

My favorite place to be on a Wednesday. Pamela and Rio are my favorite bartenders of any place I frequent. Always a good time AND of course the music is always fantastic :) the pool table is also one of the best with a great crowd any day of the week

This place is FUN! Me and some friends stopped in before a nearby dinner and had the best time. Bartenders were terrific, drinks were affordable/strong, music was great. We liked it so much we came back after our dinner, and have returned several times since.

One star. I used to love this place when it was owned by the original couple — they built a warm, welcoming dive-bar atmosphere. Since the new ownership, the vibe has completely shifted, and not for the better. My best friend was kicked out for no good reason. In the middle of her game, some random guy instructed her to erase her name and the two names ahead of her, which she did. Instead of clarifying what actually happened, the manager unfairly blamed her and threw her out — a completely unnecessary overreaction that showed poor judgment. Separately, one of the girls waiting to play mistook my friend for me (we’re both Asian). That kind of mix-up isn’t just frustrating, it’s racially insensitive and highlights the unwelcoming crowd this place now attracts. Between the manager’s mishandling of the situation and the increasingly cliquey, insensitive atmosphere, this bar has lost what made it special. What used to be a neighborhood gem now feels overrun and mismanaged, and it’s no longer a place I can recommend.

great bar and great vibes, but for me the bartenders are the best in the city. never have a bad time here, helps that the pool table is v nice also

The Cuj is a fantastic spot in Williamsburg with great vibes, a proper pool table, and sharp shooters. The bartenders—Rio, Tay, Pam, and Richard—are top-notch, adding to the lively atmosphere with their excellent, attentive service. Can't wait to return for another round and rack.🍹🎱

We came by this bar Friday night and had a great time. The bartenders were attentive and friendly, and they have a pool table! Will definitely come back!

Horrible service by the two bartenders on Friday October 4, 2024. it was my friends birthday and we asked about shot options and the bartender said "no " and preceded to tell her coworker something and the coworker said outloud "They want those shots?!?l" and laughed and nobody came to take out order. lol like legit just tell us you can't do it or not. horrible, just don't bother.

An okay bar if you're looking for a chill vibe. And by chill, I mean, literally most people here are sitting/lounging on couches. The most interactive part of the bar is probably the pool table. There is a board on the wall where one can sign up to play. They only have one table so it definitely takes a while for your turn, but I suppose this is common at most bars. I ended up here on a random Saturday very late, enjoyed a drink at the bar with a friend and was here almost til closing. The bartenders are very nice and were often telling men to stop hitting on drunk women which is a big plus.

I see a lot of people in the reviews share the feeling that the staff are truly some of the most miserable, hostile, and incompetent people that you could ever come in contact with. They seemed drugged up. We were ridiculed by them for asking if we could order a mixed shot. It really upset them for some reason, specifically the old curly hair woman and the pick-me brunette. If they didn't want to make it, just say no. Truly a bizarre experience at a bar. The place itself is nothing special at all either. It's like any other bar. No vibes or anything memorable. Boring place with a miserable nasty staff!

Staff was very unfriendly, the bartender told my friend after a round of drinks that I bought if he wasn't gonna tip the next round she wasn't gonna serve him and she had the right to refuse service. And telling by the reviews people have had the same experience with the same curly hair bartender. They also stopped serving food all together. But she needs a attitude adjustment

I am not someone who walks into a restaurant without carefully considering their menu and reviews first, but Caracas Arepa Bar next door quoted me a half hour wait and Maracuja's chalkboard touting their $8 frozen margaritas spelled a great way to pass the time. Fortunately for me and my dining group, they had plenty of outdoor seating, the frozen drinks were delightful, and even the requisite side order of fries were really well made. I appreciate all the precautions the state and city have been taking and requiring businesses to take during the ongoing coronavirus crisis. The Raines law-esque requirements that patrons must purchase "substantial" food to accompany drinks is a bit perplexing and has been spottily enforced in my experience. I've been met with anything from one dollar grilled cheese to free PB&J's, but I sympathize with businesses who need to abide by this rule to avoid getting their liquor licenses suspended so I'd never scoff at having to spending a bit more so I can freely have my outdoor drinks. The most inexpensive side here was their $7 fries, which came in a sizeable portion, were almost skinny enough to be shoestring, were perfectly crisp, and went really well with the delicious frozen mango margarita everyone at my table ordered. Next time I'm in Williamsburg I may make this a destination instead of a lucky happenstance encounter.

Was here on Thursday May 23rd 2024 from 8pm until 9, opened a tab on my card ending in 0170, closed out, bill was $37 and left a 7 dollar tip, a couple days later I look at my bank statement and I was charged $106... management needs to use this review to weed out the person who thinks they know how to pull a fast one and/or help them with the count at the end of the night...

Super hostile staff. Dumpy dive bar with no charm. Poor drink selection, e.g. all mass produced beers. The only thing that probably brings people and are relatively cheap prices: Budweiser is five dollars for a long neck. But you get what you pay for.

Great bar, lousy service. There was an altercation when I was there and the older female bartender with glasses and short curly hair got involved and made the situation so much worse. Telling people that her "regular" did nothing wrong since he's there 5 days a week....

So after 12 years, this place really turned around! Came back here for a birthday party and it was a totally different vibe when I left a shit review back in '10. The bartenders wasn't giving us a hard time and the backyard still rocked. As a matter of fact, one of the bar tenders was looking after me. I ordered a modelo, and gave to me and said he doesn't think it was cold enough. Sure enough, it was room temp, so he gave ma real cold modelo negra. Totally knew what was happening. Go here with a group, and party down!

I liked it! It was a fun looking place and great music. All I had was a couple of beers but they were great and the female bartender seemed very nice; not pushy or anything like that. The only thing that stinks is that they're located in the middle of nowhere. It just stinks bc I'd like to go there again and it's gonna be a commute; trains are like a 10 min walk away. I was there solo but they have a pool table in there so looks like a great place for friends and dates. Thanks!

horrible experience.. The bartender spent more time trying to flirt with women than making drinks for an incredibly busy Saturday night crowd. Loser weird staff and made me very uncomfortable as a woman; male dominated crowd and wouldn't recommend.

Went her back in summer of 2021 ..very fun place and good vibes. Bartender Vale D. Was Perfect bartender and friend! Here ... I had the $1 oysters and their happy hour is fabulous too. Pool table in back ... it's has booth too too inside the place too.. And great music too.

Divey bar with great seating and billiards. We ordered the margarita and espresso martini. Nothing amazing but did the job

Maracuja gets an extra star for the name alone, but this longtime Brooklyn drinking hole has been a Billyburg mainstay for as long as I can remember. They deserve all the kudos for two key reasons: super nice staff and lots of seating. The mere fact they serve drinks are almost a bonus. The place is almost always dark. Pictures are a hard sell here as it would look like any other dive bar. Dig a little deeper and one will find some local art decor, a fun backyard patio, a disco ball in the ceiling, a candle lit interior, and even a pool table. The latter is so popular that I find it hard to rock a billiards game without first waiting my turn. Pool wise, the equipment could use some sprucing up, but I'm not complaining because it's free. Bartenders make this place what it is. I have made nice with the staff behind the bar and they tend to throw some bar specials my way. I appreciate the pickle back shots and fun conversation. Once I have a few drinks in hand, I'll try and find myself into one of their comfy booths and /or couch. They also have food as well and the last time I had any was years ago. They have a lot of bar friendly foods but I'm not sure if the menu has changed much since (i.e. brunch or anything). I do know that they have happy hour every day from 6pm-8pm, which is a great time to kick back and relax from all the other pseudo hipster spots in the hood.

GIANT NO ! Walked in here to have a drink and a bite sat down at a table for 15 minutes then was told I have ti order at the bar sat at the bar and a the battened asked what we wanted i started to speak and he saw a friend walk in and literally left to speak with this women. I walked right out service here is none existing do not recommend

Went to Maracuja on my birthday and had the BEST TIME. Rafa's service was second to non and the music was on point. Would definitely come again.

Bartender was extremely aggressive and rude, yelled at all my friends and then flipped me off while I tried to pay my tab. Didn't catch the name of bartender but orange dyed hair/ buzzed head plus mullet situation, very unprofessional. Honestly worst experience I've ever had with bar staff, never coming back here

AUTHENTIC BROOKLYN EXPERIENCE strap on your cool guy boots bc this place is KEWL! Owner Shane rocks my socks don't bother putting your name on the board to play pool, it will just continuously get erased! And by all means, do Not come here if you're fun it's extremely serious biz playing pool and being a hipster bonus points for AMAZING natural wine and vibes

yeah, for every review that mentions Connie and Charlie the old owners, please know that the new bartender is the opposite. where they were warm and welcoming, the white lady bartender who works on Sundays is rude, surly and overcharges for happy hour drinks hoping you won't notice. Every time we think about going there I will definitely wonder if it's worth it for having to deal with her.

Great service by Vanessa she's a one person show and gets things done . There was a mixup in the order but they made up for it with their extra plates to make up for it . Great place and vibe will be coming back because those fries wowwwww food is amazing too very surprised for a bar excellent staff from cooks to servers

Came here for dollar oyster happy hour! Was surprisingly delicious. Didn't look like a place that would have oysters at first glance. More of a dive bar feel. Strong drinks and great oysters!

Fun dive bar with a pool table and tons of seating. Great beer and shot specials (beer selection is pretty meh, however). But hey, as long as they've got pickleback shots, I have no complaints. Note that they no longer serve food here!

Bartender didn't acknowledge us, maybe because were minorities. Absolutely no eye contact at all. After sitting awkwardly, and trying to get her attention, I wave my hands. She shakes her head and says "no, have proper etiquette. I'll get to you honey." Excuse me, I've been to plenty of bars. This bartender makes you feel like your at the DMV dealing with unnecessary attitude. She was rude. I left immediately because she does not deserve wasting more of my time or money. Found another place across nearby without the drama.

I give it a 4 for the super limited menu. It's a bar & grill with zero grill food besides Mediterranean snacks but it wasn't a full grill menu. The HH $1 oysters, wellfleets, however were tasty and I enjoyed those and the service was very prompt. I think they're getting it together and I will come back and try it again. The margaritas were okay but the bartender was nice.

AMAZING place. Would give 5 stars except they waited a week to charge us, and overcharged us on everything we ordered in the non-happy hour price (even though we were there well during happy hour times). Would love more options for food since everything was so great. But such a great hidden gem in Williamsburg. Great drinks and oysters,

Maracuja has always been a great local bar with friendly owners and a good happy hour. They recently brought back the kitchen and the Spanish food they're serving is *chef's kiss*

Nice spot. I absolutely love the owners. It can packed on the weekend because everyone wants to play pool but if you are respectful and chill, all is good. My favorite bar with a pool table in Williamsburg. Drink selection on hard liquor is decent. Great artwork and decor that has a bruja vibe. if you know what that is, then you will love it.

My absolute FAVORITE bar in wburg. Been coming here for years and it never disappoints, the vibe, the people, management, staff make this place a treat. Oh and a thousand (real) candles, what more could you want?

Cozy, dark bar with divine garden! My friend and I went the other night and they were playing Hank Williams all night. I usually go in the warmer weather, because that garden is just the best one in the neighborhood. Strung with fairy lights, candles and music coming from little speakers, it's the perfect place to hang out with friends over a few drinks. One minor gripe: their wine is not really drinkable. I ordered a glass of Pinot Noir the other night and it tasted like iodine. The bartender seemed to be miffed that I wanted something else and said, "It's 6 dollars," (as in, what do you expect for 6 dollars). Thank you, but I don't want to feel sick to my stomach at the price of 6 dollars. When I asked if I could try one of the others, she all but refused, saying they were all similar wines. I don't think she realizes that it's common practice to let a customer taste the wine before committing to a glass. Please get some better wines and I'll keep coming back! There are decent varieties out there that aren't expensive. Trust me, I know. I'm a cheap wine drinkin' gal!

I'm not sure if she's the owner or a staff member, but the woman with curly hair at Maracuja is the best bartender in New York. I always feel at home here. The 'house drink' she makes - must be something with passionfruit juice - is delicious. Sweet, tangy, refreshing, and strong.

I love Maracuja. Fantastic owners and a fun vibe with a pool table and dim lighting. Great music. Nice people. The theme is "bar" so don't try to order some silly fancy cocktail. Cash only and don't bring your bitcoin or wall street bro cousin.

Myself and 3 friends came here on a Thursday night to play pool, there were no more than 5 other people in the bar. We all ordered drinks and started a game once two people had finished theirs. Not even 15 minutes in, the bartender came over and told us we were being really slow and to hurry up. We brushed it off and kept playing. He came over again, and continued to berate us saying people were waiting and we had to get off the table. None of the other very friendly people (with whom we had been talking to) had even asked us to play next. He was was extremely aggressive and rude. He took the remaining 3 pool balls off the table, and shoved a few quarters at us. Will not be going back, and will be telling my friends to avoid this "bar".

Wowwww. What an amazing experience. A modern menu with a Spanish twist. My review won't do this restaurant any justice. It's really a gem in a beautiful neighborhood.

Maracuja is a wonderful bar, it definitely has a lot going for it. The friendly bartenders, comfortable booths and couch, small but well thought out menu, friendly bartenders, pool table, and a secret garden like patio out back with plenty of seating (unless of course you're coming on a busy Saturday night). I ordered the sliders (2 for $5). I was told that it was a very popular item on the menu so I had to give it a try. If McDonalds was to add sliders to their menu, I suspect they would be like this. The pattys were thin and tasted pre-frozen, and they loaded each with ketchup and mustard (which was not listed on the menu). The pickle wedge that it comes with is supposedly house-made and that was very good though. The drink prices are a tad high, there's no reason why a laid back Williamsburg bar should be charging $5 for a Bud Light Bottle. It's not completely out of line but it is just enough to keep me rushing back here. If this place was a little cheaper and the food was a tad better it would shoot at the top of my favorite bar list. Still Maracuja is a great spot worth checking out.

I am not sure if it was the absinthe, the tequila, the vodka, the dark and original decor inside, the very friendly bartender/owner, or a combination of all, but we had a great time at this bar. It was one of those places that friends and I still talk about, even months after being there. The place was semi empty, granted it was a sunday night, but it was perfect for talking and having good conversation. Charlie, the bartender/owner made us feel very welcome and even served us a round or two of Cazadores, on the house. It is a must visit for anybody in the 'Weeburg' area, tell Charlie the mexican boys from san diego said hi! and look for the 20 peso bill on the window autographed by us, the drunkards.

Classic dive bar, been going here for years. The owners are awesome and usually work behind the bar!

Every neighborhood needs a bar like this. Great vibe, friendly staff, good prices. All cocktails are just $11 and they've also got a solid happy hour with $1 oysters. The food may be the secret weapon though. Chicken skewers are highly recommended.

Sexy spot, nice staff, enchanted garden out back, there's even some tasty food if you want to eat. Their matchbooks have an optical illusion that can be recognized when held upside down. Charlie and "Coan-ee" are the owners, they're so sweet, no wonder the staff's happy!

The Williamsburg scene is liable to drive me to vomit or cry, especially at the end of the night. And I generally think that North Williamsburg is pretty much Bushwick; dirty, sketchy, depressing, and remote. Cash only establishments piss me off. On top of this, I'm a horrible dancer, especially if I can't hide behind making ironic and skilless gyrations to the beats of hip-hop. Yet, none of these conditions (plus the rain/hail of last Friday night) prevented me from having an unreal time at Maracuja. I'm giving Maracuja five stars just for the bar and impromptu wooden dance floor, and the fact that food is involved at all only impresses me further. A part of the awesomeness of the time I had here can be attributed to the fact that I was with a perfect mix of great people. Riding on a buzz cultivated much earlier in the evening, we kind of just wound up here. I made a beeline for the bar, and was in that "surprise me" mood. "Well," said the kind female bartender, "Our punch is really good." And it was, for being punch. It was $8 or $9 (it's all a blur), but with the strength of as many drinks as the dollars in its price. Then the music began (or had it always been playing?). It was ALL be-boppy, diner-y, swing type stuff. Usually, places and/or deejays do this a little bit, but never had I been in a situation that was NOT deliberately themed towards this era that was so relentless in its musical genre. At one point, my drunk ass went up there calling for hip-hop. A lady with gold between her teeth said, "No. No hip-hop. We NEVER play hip-hop. We HATE hip-hop." At first, I wanted to default by acting indignant for being thus rebuffed, but then something weird happened and I just got into it. Yes, by refusing to change their song selection even one tiny bit, the Maracuja staff commanded all our respect and opened our minds to jiving to songs normally reminiscent of the most contrived Quentin Tarantino film soundtracks and possibly bar mitzvah reception repertoires. I got into twirling around with my buddies, and following their lead in the dance moves of the '40s through '70s. Soon, I started feeling like I was a part of good old boy Americana, earnestly forgetting the reality of how I may have been marginalized or persecuted or simply not here during this era. I was having a fine time (and a lot of punch), and it was "a gas." Mysteriously enough, I had no hangover the next day. I was, however, sore from head to toe, wondering, with a smile on my face, "Where WAS that crazy place?" It was Maracuja.

Welcome to Williamsburg! The pool table and the jukebox are to your right; fashionable microbrews may be ordered at the bar on the left. The yard is out back; feel free to take your happy hour (-8PM) drinks there if you fancy a smoke. Plenty of picnic tables. Sorry about the divey decor; we find it makes our patrons feel at ease. It's not that they're not pretentious - they just prefer ironical representations. Never had a pickleback? Stay right there. The waiter will be around to see if you'd like some yuca fries, or maybe a cheesesteak sandwich to nosh on. CAN there exist a single true neighborhood bar? IS Maracuja a microcosmic biosphere, with systemic, proportional representations of all of Williamsburg's perks and jerks? SHOULD you check out Maracuja before deciding whether or not you want move to the 'hood? We really couldn't care less.

Without a doubt, Maracuja is my favorite bar in all of New York City, and therefore the World. All of my Very Important Criteria are fulfilled: * The drinks are adequate and sensibly priced. I'll pay $11 for a good Manhattan but I'd just as soon pay $3 for a PBR out of the beer spout thing * The music is excellent, it's what I play at my own parties. Heavy on the Motown. * Cocktail waitrons. The bar gets crowded, don't make me arm wrestle for my drinks! * Best backyard in Brooklyn. It's not like the backyard at Spuytin Duyvil where you feel like you're sitting in a parking lot, or at No Name where you're sitting on the floor in an air shaft. It's perfect. And the cocktail waitress means you don't have to leave it. * Cheesesteaks. Check. * Soft, dim lighting. I have to see these ugly people enough on the subway. * A smart floorplan. Plenty of seating when you need it, and enough space between for a makeshift dance floor. * Well-behaved clientele. Not a lot of yelling or horseplay. * Very friendly bar staff. Yes, you should come here.

My favorite plane in Brooklyn! The food is INCREDIBLE and the service is amazing! It's my new spot!

This might be my favorite bar in Brooklyn. Bartenders are some of the sweetest people in the industry. Casual vibe and affordable drinks partnered with friendly staff. Matt was the best! Also, some of the best French fries in town. To die for.

Question... What do you get when the two nicest people to ever walk the face of the earth get married and give birth to a bar? Answer: Maracuja - the perfect bar. Charlie and Connie are just fantastic human beings and they've created a wonderful bar. The decor is breath-taking, from the vine covered front to the beautifully painted ceiling to the stringed lights and the magical backyard garden. The beer selection is not massive, but features quality microbrews at reasonable prices for Williamsburg. And the food is shockingly delicious. They have a simple menu, but the homemade empanadas are to die for and the chicken (and steak) cheesesteaks are the best in town. The bar is very low-key 90% of the time, but gets crowded late on Fridays and Saturdays. The lack of a television keeps the jocks away!

I can't stand this bar. Maybe I'm not hipster enough? People there are either too cool or think they are too cool. And music is so loud that you have to yell at your friends. Like, I get it, it's a bar, but my ears hurt and i'm not at a concert. Their patio is very awkward. I've always ended up standing in the middle of 5 tables listening to all kind of amazing conversations people are having. Make sure you are not in people's ways when you are walking from the patio back to the bar or vice versa. Because people get MAD. like real mad. Never going back. I'm not cool enough.

Didn't see the hype about Maracuja. Came here for a friend's birthday gathering on a Saturday night in January. There was already drama once I walked in - apparently a friend of mine took a pic of the decor and was brusquely addressed for doing so rather than saying 'excuse me sir, could you please not do that' or i don't know, have a sign up? That aside, the bartender was cool. We were a large group(ten people total) and we got seating by the door. A plus 'cause the place was packed. We got some food - sliders and fries. Downside was that we had to grab it ourselves from the bar in addition to drinks. With no trays even to help you out with the load. I wanted to like Maracuja, but there seems to be a split between being as hip as one of those spots you'd see on a TV show and actually providing a good all-around experience. Seems like it was trying too hard to be too cool.

A+ friendly service at a neighborhood bar. The food is phenomenal and the drinks are strong! Great vibe, beautiful outdoor garden & awesome music.

This might be my favorite bar in Brooklyn. They always have a amazing play list of old new wave and alternative 80's and it just has a great ambiance. Bar tender is very sweet guy. Haven't tried food there but it's a great bar.