The Exley

I left a tote bag here featuring the face of a BEAUTIFUL pigeon. For several days I felt her calling to me. Coo, Coo, COOOOOOOOO! I went to several nearby places in an attempt to answer the call, but my missing bag was nowhere to be found. My geolocational awareness has finally failed me, I thought. Finally, I checked in at the Exley. A prolific ornithologist, Josh, asked me what the bag looked like. I described the beautiful eyes of my grandpigeon, and he immediately sprung into action. He climbed to a far away perch and found my tote bag. Nothing within it was out of place. Basically 10/10 fun spot and good place to lose things (your mileage may vary).

I went to order a drink at the bar, so I placed my order, then my friends decided that they wanted to get a drink as well, so when the bartender returned, I went to tell him. The bartender gave me a nasty look and had an attitude because I asked to add on a canned drink and 2 gin and tonics. Even when returning to close out my check, the bartender that I dealt with earlier was rude for no reason. I would not recommend this place to anyone, ANIMAL that is up the street has better bartenders and is more fun.

had an amazing time here 💫 the staffing is amazinggg. Lovely red head was our bartender, she SERVED in so many ways, drinks, banter. Will be back 💋

My brother and I were kicked out for tipping $1 on our first drink, expecting to be there for hours and spending and tipping more. The manager rudely questioned the random tip we placed and yelled at us for placing it. We offered to buy another drink and tip more but he had security kick us out for not tipping enough. Now I know I should not have left a tip at all until the end of the night, which I don’t believe the bartender/manager would have deserved anyway. If this is a problem then you should require a minimum tip amount for every purchase or not comment at all. Extremely rude service, will not be going back and would not recommend this bar to anyone.

Was having a good time with my boyfriend until the female bartender told us to move away from the bar stools so she could “serve someone else”. Not the vibes you want after spending money on this establishment

Fire bar. Cheap drinks despite a nice open clean interior. The bartenders are absolutely fabulous, especially David. Definitely will come back just for the barkeeps alone!

Went on a Tuesday night (6/3) around 11pm. Only people in the bar were couples on dates. Espresso martini was delicious. Bar staff was polite, but not friendly. Typical cliquey gay bar scene with mood lighting and slightly above average drinks. Very pretty disco ball when it’s turned on. Vibes are probably quite variable night by night.

Great bar. Came here early on a Friday and had multiple drinks during happy hour. It's a small, clean and well lit space. The cocktails were delicious and the bartender is friendly.

I enjoyed the aesthetic of the space, and the crowd seemed very cool on Pride weekend. I would absolutely come here again. I believe I had a mezcal negroni, and it was clearly not memorable in a positive or negative way. It was just a solid gay bar experience. I wish we'd gotten to connect more with people around the bar, but it was mostly groups of friends chilling out on the patio on a Saturday afternoon. I'm excited to return and explore more of the bar and the community it attracts.

Popped in on a random Friday evening with a friend for a drink. It was my first time and did not realize it is a gay bar, but kind of glad it was as I was not in the mood to be bothered. It is very small and has a nice vibe out in front where you can enjoy your drinks outside. Inside the music was good and I think after a certain hour it turns more into a place to dance. Drinks here were pretty affordable at less than $10 a piece so definitely a good place to have a couple drinks to start the night.

Love this spot, been going for years. I find most of the negative reviews here are by people who didn't have any luck getting laid and took it out on the venue, or by people expecting a club crowd at 4pm on a Monday.

I like coming here. The space is very inviting and the drinks are made well by knowledgeable bartenders. The clientele is friendly and handsome.

Great local spot, cute inside and great outside seating. They make their drinks well and strong had an espresso martini and gin and tonic both were great. Highly recommend

Bad service at the beginning! I was went inside to let them know that if we want a table do we have to wait or we just pick any table. During COVID-19i don't mind to be self service but you just have to communicate with me! The waiter almost bump into me and when I asked the bartender he said I have to get out and wait outside! How rude they can be? I don't mind waiting but sometimes customer does not know if you the place doesn't want to communicate at all then when I asked the question they are back to me wirh the attitude. After my friends heard that we decided to leave and won't suggest anyone to ho there.

Popped here on a whim after hearing about the spot for quite some time. Although I came during the day and things werent too active, the mixologist was personable, knowledgeable, educated me on the menu, and gave me some tips/tricks on cocktail recipes. Opted for rhe blanca nieves which had a nice kick of mezcal while presenting a level of smoothness at the same time. Despite being a small spot, it definitely opens up upon entering and has plentybof seating. Will definitely return to take advantage of the evening crowd, board games, and the neighborhood vibe it gives off!

Superior cocktails. Excellent service. Fun crowd. Killer music. Better than anything that's happening in Hell's Kitchen.

Love the cocktails. I prefer it there when it's not overcrowded. There's only one single-use bathroom, so a crowd quickly causes a line to form through the indoor space as people wait.

One bathroom that gets monopolized for doing blow. Wonderful view of a a BQE underpass. Staff leaves little to be desired...

The best gay bar in NYC! Great location, amazing cocktails, the staff are the best! Never not had a good time here. ‍

Came on a Sunday afternoon for the corn hole not realizing this is a small place. There is corn hole, but you have to set it up yourself on the sidewalk in the front of the building, which makes it kinda awkward if there are people walking by. The owner is also very strict about making sure we know that the drinks must be inside the gated area, which is understandable. What we didn't understand was why he needed to give us attitude for setting up in the fenced area. Aside from another party of 3, we were the only people at the bar. It's right next to the highway, which is also weird, but this bar is cute and has its charm. The space isn't big, just bar seating and a couple tables. *there are also board games in addition to corn hole

Great new bar in Williamsburg, quaint and well done queer space that anyone can enjoy! Great staff, great drinks!!

Tucked away under the BQE, Exley is a casual watering hole serving up tasty cocktails at a reasonable price. The relaxed attitude of the one man bar tender sets the mood for the entire bar. Enjoyable spot for a quick and casual pre-dinner drink or nightcap.

Nice space and a very diverse clientele. Drinks are good and there are a selection of books and board games in the back. Bar is quite small and haven't been when it's packed.

Owner treated my party of non-white patrons with clear disdain, bartender seemed more concerned with hitting on my girlfriend/other women than prompt service. Tried to express my concern to the owner, who acted in a holier than though, arrogant, fashion. Also wayyyyy overpriced drinks, watered down, and based on my experience inferior service for POC. Also clearly are trying to flag my negative review for removal.

My favorite, my local. I've had my bday party here, new year's celebrations and it's my favorite night cap spot (not just because of the convenient proximity to my apartment). My friends and I frequently hit up trivia on Thursdays, too. I'm reluctant to let the secret out of the bag, but it Trivia Thursday's really is THAT much fun. The bartenders are the best (the Penicillin is my go to drink), the family love keeps me coming back....and that penicillin drank ;-) ps- i'm not actually in san fran.

Casual watering hole just by BQE - great cocktails and decent bar food. They also have a great happy hour - all weekdays.

Pretty much everything works about this place: cool interior, friendly bartenders, awesome location, great cocktails, boardgames, and 80's playlists that is the stuff of tangerine dreams. A fav, and a fav for quite some time.

Nothing special. Been here twice and did not care for it either time, though it seems like a place if you came through with a large group of people, it would be a good time. My first experience was on a Wednesday night. Dead, no one in there. I ask about specials, deals, what they have to offer. Nothing. Please don't try too hard for my business. The beer selection was alright and enjoyed a few drinks before it was time to venture to my next destination. Came back again on a Friday night and once again, wasn't many people. More than last time but still pretty dead except for three groups of people who were all together. As I stated earlier I suppose this is a dead spot to hit up if you and your group just want each others company. In the end, the staff here was rude and the patrons are the worst. I've never seen such disgusting people in my life. Had the vibe of some pretentious club in the meat packing. After writing my review, an individual claiming to be associated with the bar wrote me a message. They freaked out on me. After that, it ruined my experience further and I had to lower my review. For that, I will never give the place a chance again.

It's funny to me that all of the reviews say that this bar was dead, because frankly I think I would have enjoyed it more if the place had been more dead... Exley features books on the walls, tvs in front of the bar, a cute little patio with a grill and complimentary hot dogs (strangely, no buns were provided). There were also board games that you could sit and play while you enjoy your drink. These all sounds like fabulous additions to a cute little bar for a Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately for me, the place was so packed that I couldn't enjoy it. I ended up leaning against the railing on the patio near the grill because it was so full inside that you couldn't turn around to address a friend without excusing yourself for bumping into 2-3 other people. I want to go back when these other people aren't there! There was only one bartender working and she wasn't enough to cover the massive crowd, but she held her own. Never say die! Gotta appreciate her efforts to keep drinks in our hands. Hope she made tons of money!

Great well priced bold cocktails with rotating seasonal menu and Jim and Richard at the bar always make it feel like home!

Cozy cocktail far nearby to Union Pool and other more crowded destinations. Solid cocktail menu with prices at $10 which is much appreciated. Good music, fast service, I'm a fan!

Great drinks, chill vibe & awesome music. Might I add the music is actually at the perfect volume. Loud enough to enjoy & low enough to hear who ever you're with. I am definitely going to be a regular here!!! Cheers, Ed!! You're awesome & I'm glad to finally have come to support this local bar.

Came here for drinks last Thursday and accidentally stumbled on trivia night, which is always fun. The bartenders were attentive and easygoing and the space itself, though small, was pretty and definitely good for small groups and/or date night (low lighting + board games + cocktails = win win.) I don't live in Williamsburg but would definitely come back for a low-key night with friends in the area.

Great selection of beer and liquor. Decently located. Cozy, stripped-down kind of joint. Trivia = banging. I've seen cornhole here in the past. One can order food delivery to the bar. (Can I say that?)

This place is chill - it has a dark romantic vibe when it isn't too crowded. They have a good cider that I tried. It wasn't too sweet.

Exley is fresh. It's a neighborhood bar, but the drinks... spot on. Awesome beers, solid cocktails, fair prices. Super nice owners. Even a bike-by window for a streetside drink. If this is where Williamsburg neighborhood bars are going, I'm on board. A fantastic addition to the neighborhood.

I love this place. Exley is a brand new bar in Williamsburg and on its way to becoming a neighborhood favorite. They managed to renovate a 3-car garage into an amazing intimate well thought-out space. Great prime location. Low-lit, laid back and good vibes crowd, and a beautiful mural as a signature piece. The beers are good. Cocktails are on point. My favorite is the bell pepper margarita...so yummy I can't get enough! The owners...super cute and charming...and they work the bar!

I'm in love with Exley. This little gem sits in the shadows of the BQE and shines with its bright white exterior. Inside you'll find a simple, clean, adult bar backed by a nice mural (the bathroom is also covered in a mural). You're presented with an ecclectic crowd. Usually late 20's-late 30's of all sorts. You're also presented with a great menu of carefully curated cocktails (try the penicillin and thank me later) always made to perfection by the great bartenders. Always friendly and helpful. If you're a beer person there's a rotating selection of mostly small breweries always on tap as well. They also have some delicious sandwiches if you get hungry. You bring your good friends to Exley. It's the place you can have some cocktails and a good conversation, not the place hipsters get shitfaced on PBR. Tip well, these are not easy cocktails for the most part and they're always well executed. Also the best well probably in the borough.

I just moved across the street from this bar and it's going to be my low-key go-to place. Good ambiance, good music, and a decent board game selection (I'm not sure what more you can ask for from a neighborhood bar). I could see myself going here for happy hour beers and some dinner all the time--just be advised, there's only about 3 sandwiches to choose from but they also let you bring your own food. I didn't know that it was named after a writer (Frederick Exley), but once I saw that on the menu I picked up A Fan's Notes immediately. Who doesn't love a story about a crazy, drunk New Yorker's failures?

I have had more fun nights at the Exley than any other bar- in fact now that I think about it when I head there I know it's going to be a good night. It's sort of perfect: perfectly mixed creative cocktails that aren't expensive and pack a punch (check out the chalkboard for new additions or old staples), or you can opt for beer/ wine / well stuff without any judgment. Also it's somehow always busy but never too crowded. There's an outdoor space and it's super close to the Lorimer stop on the L, and the bartenders are friendly and clientele cool. Highly recommend trivia night - Thursdays I believe, I've won before and lost horribly and had fun doing both. Go to there!

Good vibe; good place for pre-dinner drinks; the Bartender was friendly and an expert in his field.

Just moved out to brooklyn and looking for a new neighborhood local. the place is small, but definitely one of the cooler spots i've been to in a while. the mural behind the bar alone is enough to get me in there for a few drinks...if you stare at it long enough, after a few drinks, you might get lost. good selection of beers and when they have the jalapeno margarita cocktail, it's hard not to drink 7 of them. i dig the reclaimed wood on the ceiling and walls and industrial feel. good small plates...i recommend the meatballs..and the guys behind the bar are pretty chill. i've been in there a bunch of times now and the only negative is that it can get a little packed at the bar and it can be slow to get a drink. such is life. check it out, if for nothing else the mural.

I'll always love this bar... Trivia on Thursdays at 9pm. So much fun and great prizes $$$

Came here on a Saturday and had drinks. The bartender was knowledgeable and was a cool guy. I like that they had board games that we could play in the afternoon. Big fan. Also cocktails are reasonably priced.

Nice Cocktails And beer list. Small space doesn't Need DJ/projector for non events.

Nice small drinking joint. Extremely friendly bar man, lots of screens showing football on a Sunday. Good under the radar local spot for a quiet beer; not a place to see and be seen.

Had the best mixed drinks and love going to this bar every time we visit our daughter in Brooklyn!!

This is a GREAT little bar! The bartenders are easygoing and friendly, plus the decor is minimal but very cozy. Was there on a damp, chilly Friday and it got pretty full but not overly so. The beer/shot specials and cocktail list are solid. It was a good time!

Perfect neighborhood bar! It's always staffed with super friendly folks and it's so cozy; we love stopping by for a seat at the bar or in their sweet outside area. These guys make some killer cocktails - consider yourself warned ;)

The space is small but kinda cool, the drinks happen to be good but the owners/bartenders just think they're way too cool for school. On top of incredibly rude attitude they only serve food to those they feel like cooking for. I've lived in the hood for 7+ years and have experienced some lazy/couldn't be bothered attitutde but nothing that even comes close to this place. How is this any way to run a business or even get one off the ground? I will never step foot in this place again.

I've been going here since they opened and it's actually so hard for me to write a review bc I want to keep it a secret...alas the world must know what a good bar is in "cool" Williamsburg so here it goes! Wait...also - people who are reviewing and saying their beer list isn't good? Do you miss your Coors and Bud? You want a Heineken? Keystone? Natty ice? Try a real beer. Honestly I do not know of a better bar in Williamsburg. The owners/bartenders give it everything they got! They put their lil hearts into each cocktail and ensure every guest gets the attention they deserve. Not only do they have a 100% craft (usually local) draft list but their creative cocktails have been featured in magazines! LITERALLY the best Old Fashioned I've ever had. If there isn't something on the menu/on the top of your head that you want, they will be MORE than happy to discuss your fave flavors and make you a one of a kind cocktail. They're not like the dickish bars around WIlliamsburg. They're real people (midwestern boys) who don't pretend to be the bees knees. Speaking of bees! Word on the street is that they'll soon have their own honey via their own apiary. Not sure if there's a more local Penicillin being served around. AND you can bring your own slice(s) of Best Pizza and eat at the bar. Best of the best. Love you guys :)

Something about this place keeps me coming back whenever I am in the area! It is small but the seating is nicely arranged so that you can sit looking outside if sitting at the bar is not your thing. The liquor offerings aren't anything different from other places, but they are tastefully selected! however, the difference maker for me is the friendly staff and their eclectic selection of background music. From jazz to rock, obscure r&b and even some chilled out dance songs. The music selection in Willyb bars can be very one dimensional and tough on the ears and Exley apparently wants to break out of that mold and contribute towards an enjoyable drinking experience.

Reasons to go to the EXLEY: -- Trivia on Thursdays -- Hang with your dogs -- Hang with your dawgs -- Film a movie -- New Years Eve soirée -- Easier access to Stan's Cafécito -- Breaking Bad series finale

Cannot say enough good things about this place. When you're there you're family (though I think Olive Garden already owns this). Amazing cocktails, friendly staff and just a great bar. Not to mention cornhole on the weekends!

I am not the typical Exley customer, since I was in town visiting for the weekend and not a Williamsburg local. The Exley is near my hotel and I noticed it while out on a walk so I stuck my head in and liked what I saw. It was late afternoon so they weren't busy and the bartender, who was very friendly and knowledgeable, filled me in on the fact that they had only recently opened. I like the vibe of the place, they have a great selection at the bar and they have some pretty awesome domestic and imported micro brews. It was the perfect spot to savor some small batch bourbon on a cold day while relaxing to some great music. I look forward to my next visit!

Great cozy bar with an interesting mix of cocktails and tap beer and bottles. A few sandwiches to snack on as well. Worth stopping by.

Gorgeous bar! I first went here on a Sunday eve to watch Breaking Bad and it was fantastic, the staff is really nice, the drinks are great and the space is really welcoming and chill. I highly recommend this spot!