The Narrows

Bar · Williamsburg

The Narrows

Bar · Williamsburg

3

1037 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237

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The Narrows by Noah Devereaux
The Narrows by Noah Devereaux
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Highlights

Exceptional cocktails, craft beer, late-night upscale eats  

Featured in The Infatuation
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1037 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237 Get directions

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@thenarrows

$30–50 · Menu

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1037 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237 Get directions

+1 281 827 1800
instagram.com
@thenarrows

$30–50 · Menu

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payment cash only
reservations

Last updated

Aug 21, 2025

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@infatuation

The Best First Date Spots In NYC

"Are you meeting up with someone who took a mixology class once and now only drinks the finest of cocktails? Just go to The Narrows in Bushwick. It’s one of our all-around favorite spots in the neighborhood, thanks to the excellent cocktails, great back patio, and low-key-but-not-boring atmosphere. If your first date goes well here, consider stopping by Bunna Cafe for an Ethiopian dinner." - will hartman, bryan kim, willa moore, neha talreja

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/where-to-go-on-a-first-date-in-nyc
View Postcard for The Narrows
@infatuation

The Best Bars In Bushwick - New York - The Infatuation

"Meeting that friend of yours who would be happiest if they could only drink fancy cocktails for the rest of their life? Direct yourselves to The Narrows, one of our all-around favorite spots in Bushwick thanks to excellent cocktails, a great back patio, and a low-key but not boring atmosphere. This is also a great date spot—make it the second visit on a one-two punch evening (Roberta’s, Eyval, and Bunna are all close by)." - Neha Talreja, Bryan Kim

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/best-bushwick-bars
View Postcard for The Narrows
@infatuation

The One-Two Punch: A Date Night Dinner & Drinks Guide

"Let’s say you’re using this date to really get to know someone. You already saw how they responded to watching you stuff your face with your hands, so you’re off to a good start. But now you might be looking for a place to drink where you can actually hear each other talk. Make moves to The Narrows, an aptly-named little spot where you can get a good drink and park yourselves at a couple barstools (or outside on the back patio) until you’ve discovered each other’s pretend band names and favorite colors." - katherine lewin

https://www.theinfatuation.com/new-york/guides/the-one-two-punch-a-date-night-dinner-drinks-guide
View Postcard for The Narrows

Mary Kedo

Google
really didn’t want to write this, but… what an unpleasant experience. Came here with a friend on a Wednesday night. The bar was completely empty—not a single person sitting there except us. You’d think in a quiet setting like that, the service would be at least decent. Nope. The bartender clearly wasn’t in the mood to be there. He looked either extremely tired or just mad at the world. Not a smile, not a greeting, no “hey, what can I get you?”—just a very cold, unwelcoming vibe from the start. We ordered a couple of appetizers and cocktails, finished our drinks, and were sitting there waiting to catch his attention. Mind you, the bar is EMPTY. He kept passing by us like we were invisible. Eventually I had to ask for another round. Again—no warmth, no energy, just dead eyes and attitude. We got another appetizer, finished the drinks again… and yet again, had to wait forever for him to notice we were done. Like, what else is he doing? Polishing his resentment? When I asked for the check, he casually dropped, “Oh, it’s cash only.” No heads-up beforehand, nothing. So we scraped together whatever cash we had—enough to cover the bill and leave whatever small tip we could. We weren’t being stingy, we literally just didn’t have more on us. We were there for barely an hour and asked for the bare minimum. And THEN—this man actually brings the change, watches us get ready to leave, and suddenly finds his voice to count the cash out loud in front of us and go, “Is this it?” Like… excuse me? We were honestly stunned. He saw exactly how we paid and that we gave everything we had left. His passive-aggressive attitude was totally uncalled for. It left such a bitter taste after what should’ve been a chill midweek drink. Comparing this night to the other time I came here—wow, what a difference. That night was fun and full of good vibes. This? Zero energy, zero hospitality. It’s frustrating that there’s no contact info for the manager, because this definitely deserved to be addressed. But hey—unless I come back on a Wednesday just to relive this mess and confront the bartender (kidding… mostly), I’m never spending another dollar here. Do better. Empty bars don’t give you an excuse for empty service… P.S. still willing to address my concerns to the manager, because I want to enjoy the service at the bar where I was planning to come regularly

Sangeeta Joshi

Google
The art deco, old style bar left us feeling sad with its cocktails, service and music. The Bees knees cocktail with gin was way too sour. Waited a long time to pay the bill. The bartender got the tip he deserved and he was not shy of showing his displeasure about it, was almost rude.

Giuliano Tortoreto

Google
Great bourbon and rye whiskey cocktail selection. I tried most of them in 4 times I came here. French fries are great. Prices are reasonable and the quality of cocktails is very high and consistent :) Cash only

Tim

Google
Low key fancy vibe, with a bar area that matches its name ... but out back there's plenty of room and they have a larger side room as well. Great staff but mediocre and pricey cocktail list. It's almost like they tried too hard. Still a fun spot and a good for a quieter weeknight date. The door is the one you think it is, but still aren't sure. Just push :)

Jorge Flores

Google
Was a regular with friends but turns out this bartender's ego mattered more than the regulars he "made". Chased us outside for leaving 2 dimes in addition to the $30 cash tip we left on a $31 tab. Dude with long hair, cap in reverse, and a hurt ego.

maachinima maachinima

Google
The burger deal on Tuesdays is one of the best values around. $12 for a Burger (patty melt), Fries (salted AND peppered), and a can of Beer. Normally the burger and fries is $16. Burger can be replaced with Veggie burger, Fries can be replaced with Salad. Do note the fries are very good and the salad a bit mediocre. Veggie burger is pretty good tho. One thing to note is that the burger is a patty melt, I'm not sure why, but it doesn't make a big difference.

nikki

Google
Excellent choice when in Bushwick. Cash only like many places in the neighborhood. Inside was a great vibe and then we walked into the back garden! So nice to have some green space and string lights to set a cozy mood for cocktails and playing cards. We were pleasantly surprised at the delicious burger and will definitely visit again.

A L

Google
Cover up the facade with a flat surface and a simple cutout for an unmarked door and that's what I thought I walked into. It's an unassuming bar with Ryan, the bartender, making the cocktails. It's understated and done extremely well, very much like Ryan. It's not the most creative cocktails we've had, but the execution is spot on and that's more important when it's not a cutting edge bar like Mace or Angel's Share to name a few. They have a good selection of Whiskey, Mezcal, and Gins, in particular Barr Hill Gin, which I was surprised to see. This was definitely an unexpected pleasant surprise.
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Julia H.

Yelp
Came in here for the second time but this was my first time having a drink! This is a cash-only cocktail bar and I found the vibes to be great. Not pretentious, relatively easy to get a seat, and the drinks were great! Bar tenders were chill and prompt. I ordered the milano torino, and if you enjoy fernet I highly recommend this cocktail! Super well balanced and had a fernet + coke vibe. This is a good option for groups as well as they have a good amount of seating in the back so make sure you scope out the whole space if you are looking for a spot to sit!
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Haleigh K.

Yelp
Went here in a Saturday night, maybe around 9-10. It was full but not packed, my friend and I were able to get a table around the corner from the main bar pretty quickly. We both got a patty melt, fries/salad, and 2 babushka cocktails. I loved everything, burger was thick and juicy, thick cheese, and thick soft chewy toasted bread. The total with tip came out to $100 - so maybe a touch more expensive than I'd hoped but not crazy. I also just loved the ambience. Would be a good date night spot.
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Liz C.

Yelp
***Quick Service, Delicious Cocktails, Great for Low Key Vibes*** We stopped by here after dinner nearby. It was pretty busy but we were luckily to find some seating at the bar. The bartender was quick to serve us and the cocktails were delicious. They are a cash only bar.
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Tony L.

Yelp
We came from a lackluster bar in the area seeking refuge in a real cocktail bar, and The Narrows fit that bill perfectly. As its namesake, the bar is really narrow but there's surprisingly a lot of booth seating in the indoors, as well as ample seating outdoors. It had a nice ambiance and the lighting was just perfect. The atmosphere was also great -- not too loud but perfect moodyness. The bartenders and waitstaff were all attentive and not obnoxiously hipster. We got the patty melt, fries, and chicken tenders, and my teenage heart was bursting with joy at the quality and tastiness of it all. It really brought me back to a warm place, but whiplashed back with their amazing cocktails. I can't remember which in particular, but the Mezcalita (I requested) and other drinks were all perfectly balanced and represented true works of art, as cocktails should be. This bar is so great that even though it took a 25 minute Uber ride, I'd definitely seek it out again. Check it out if you're in the area!
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P A.

Yelp
Tried this place out with my best friend on a weekday. It's a dark and sultry bar with booths on the right side and a long narrow (get it...The Narrows) bar on the left. The music selection ranged from deep cut Andre 3000, new house jams, and old school funk and R&B - just perfect! I had the Pilar. It was good but pretty strong. The bartender noticed that I hadn't drank my drink and immediately asked me if I wanted something else. The next drink wasn't on the menu but it was sooo good. For food we had the mozzarella sticks and chicken fingers. The honey mustard is homemade and perfect! Overall, I'd definitely come back. I'd love to try their happy hour next! Ps: it ends at 7pm :)
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Andrew B.

Yelp
Love this place. Amazing cocktails, great design, engaged staff. The music is fantastic too. And I love the different spaces to enjoy from the bar to the seated area, etc. Always a good time
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Gab G.

Yelp
COVID report: vaccines required. My party of four walked in on a Friday and got a booth right away. Super chill spot with great beers and cocktails (I liked the Word). Great service, too.
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Claire S.

Yelp
I got the caufields dream and two pilars. Both so good ! The pilar was so savoury! My friend says his patty melt was "so good" with some real gusto in his voice. And he's not one for compliments. The atmosphere is what really seals the deal. It has that je ne sais quoi. I might end up coming here every time I visit New York.

Art H.

Yelp
Took forever to get the food, which was a salad, and then, when it arrived - despite just saying it had "chicken" on the menu - the chicken was deep fried. Being a celiac, I couldn't eat it. So I got charged $16 for something poisonous to me. Update your stuff or get sued. This is nonsense.
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Elisa L.

Yelp
Keith & Joe are very friendly and professional guys! I was enjoyed my evening because them . Great cocktails! Great atmosphere! Everything you need for having really fun. I'm in love with this place and people working here. All the way up guys!! Thank you
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Wesleyan T.

Yelp
First time here and it won't be my last! Literally off a long flight , did the Veterans Day parade and after a long day with nypd this spot came through with the vibes. The two guys kale and Keith were amazing! Lovely cocktails made with a matching service. Just moved to the neighborhood and would love to come back! Thank you so much for welcoming me :)
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Veronika B.

Yelp
The kitchen closes at 12. Cute bar with a cozy vibe if you can hear over some the bushwick bro's lol. Friendly bartender with prompt service . Interior is small and a bit more intimate, I hate the high bar chairs that don't have foot rests.
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Elena M.

Yelp
Went on a Saturday early evening around 5:30pm. Not at all crowded but there were quiet a few people there at the bar. chill place to hang out with a drink. Atmosphere was cool. Tenders were really nice and gave drink suggestions. Met with a friend and I ordered the Standard Evening drink $12. Very smooth, I enjoyed it a lot. The reason for the four stars is it has waves of very loud so sometimes you're literally yelling to the person next to you. And it's cash only
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op c.

Yelp
Old school, roughly elegant. These people are genuine, pleasant and polite hosts. Unique vintage movie like bar experience!
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Gia G.

Yelp
Good vibe and great drink!!! Really friendly Bartenders and good playlists!!! Good for hanging out with friends and date night too
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Alexander D.

Yelp
This bar sucks. The music is quiet. The bartenders cater to their friends. They are rude. Very unwelcoming.
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Vivian H.

Yelp
"This is just a Manhattan bar minus the crowd." I couldn't agree more. Well, except that it is in Brooklyn, and because of that fact, it is way cooler than any bar in Manhattan. Yea, I said that. I am loyal to my borough. In Brooklyn, people aren't crammed in like sardines, you can move around, breathe, and frankly, people in Brooklyn are just hotter and easier on the eyes. Our quartet arrived around midnight and we were able to scoop up the seats right by the window. Score. The drinks are appropriately priced and very decent. I had a Lucky Lindsay and I can't remember what the heck was in it, but I know it tasted good, and I was happy. Wait, it had gin in it. I was not in the mood for tequila, vodka, or bourbon. I like all those liquors, but I was in a gin kind of mood. It is funny how a place will put you in a certain liquor or beer mood. Candles make it sexy and yes this place is narrow and long. Dark, lanky and mysterious. Just the way I like my men...and cocktail bars.
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Alex G.

Yelp
OG Bushwick spot. Love this place. Simple and done right. Excellent backyard in the summer. Cozy bar all year round. Great drinks and bar food. Open late. Shout out to the homie Kale on the dials.
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Ryan F.

Yelp
The Narrows is a slick backdrop for some cocktails, and with solid selection, terrific staff, and reasonable prices, this is a welcome addition to my Brooklyn bookmarks. We snagged two drinks at the bar, then headed to the outdoor space out back, where we sat down and enjoyed them. Later on, we also indulged in the $6 beer+shot special, which was a welcome addition to our playlist of drinks that evening. Despite being a Saturday night, the crowd was good, space wasn't crowded, and bartenders were fast, yet patient enough to get around to everyone. I'll definitely be back!
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Kate P.

Yelp
Some amazing cocktails - check Great food - check A Backyard for summer drinks - check Wonderful people - check Bushwick vibe - check One thing that keeps it from being 5 stars - check** **The Narrows has by far the worst bar stools in all of Brooklyn. Yup I said it. Now they are pretty, they look wonderful with the backdrop of the space, but they are so so wrong. Well unless you are over 6'4 in which case you might be ok with them. They have no backs, are super high and have no footrests. Even my tall man friend had his legs dangling like a 3-years old. They have a slight dip in them as well. You can't adjust how you sit what so ever.... like I said worst bar stools in Brooklyn. So for that they lose a star, that's seriously how terrible they are.
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Jeremy L.

Yelp
The drinks are bomb and the staff is great! But the best part about this place is the patio!! It's narrow but very cute and beautiful The only down side is it's cash only...
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Mr. N.

Yelp
*Warning: Prejudiced Bar* The first bar tender was cool, but as soon as the other (with glasses and a slight beard) came over it was a problem that a black customer and white customer were there together. He was very rude, dismissive, and knowingly gave the wrong order to us before moving quickly to the far end of the bar as we tried to ask him for the rest of the order. A few minutes later I went calmly down to ask him what the problem was, as if to pass me off he dismissively said "you paid for your drinks so I don't care" and kept walking away from me (back and forth, even down to the other end of the bar again) while I was attempting to speak to him. He said he didn't want to talk to me so I asked him for the manager and he lied saying he was the manager. A couple moments later the real manager (brunette woman in her late 40s) tapped my shoulder and the bar tender lies again by stating "he threatened me." The manager told me "it's time to leave, he doesn't want to speak to you, do I need to escort you out?" She was entirely unwilling to hear a word I had to say. No apparent regard for the truth or her employee's conduct either. I'll never return to this bar. People of color, beware of how they truly feel about you at Narrows. White people who aren't cool with that, be wary of this establishment. Norwinds next door is far better.
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Esther L.

Yelp
There's a back room tucked away with a floor-to-ceiling world map. Which makes The Narrows the perfect place to play a giant game of RISK, on the wall. But no, really, we are eyeing to come back to that big back room for drinks with a large group. It's one long table with benches on either side so it could also work for speed dating. We did not sit at this long table, but at one of the many cozy booths, which are perfectly sized for 1.5 people per side. Wonderful classic cocktails--like the off-menu De La Louisiane, and a champagne+bitters cocktail which tasted like smoky sweet gingerbread. All cocktails were $9-11. Booth service was a little slow (we were sitting for 30 minutes before getting out drinks and water...) but we chose this over sitting at the bar for our particular night so we were okay with the privacy. The place started to heat up around 10pm Thursday night--every booth and the bar was full, but we were still able to converse comfortably. Really knowledgeable bartenders!
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Era B.

Yelp
Had one of the best veggie burgers of my life here. The place was very dimly lit though so I have no idea what was in it or how it really looked but it was amazing. Coming back for that AND a drink next time.
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Kenny C.

Yelp
Look for the nondescript black paneled bar with frosted glass. Then immediately head inside because it's awesome! The Narrows is a very non-pretentious cocktail and beer bar. I've had several of their specialties and loved the Caulfield's Dream and the Que Bonita (made with spicy jalapeno tequila, one if my favorite things in the world). Be sure to say hi to bartender Dave if he's there. He shakes a mean cocktail. Last, but certainly not least, is the amazing backyard. There's a semi enclosed area so you can brave the elements, but there are also a bunch of benches and random metal chairs scattered about. Great vibe with Christmas lights and candles. There are also random neighborhood cats and kittens who pass through. If you're ever in the area, definitely stop by! It's cash only, but cocktails are just $8-10 (unheard of in Brooklyn!).
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Alice B.

Yelp
This place is wonderful. It has an excellent ambiance, excellent cocktails and lovely patrons. I went out of my way to try something different here on the cocktail menu I wasn't apt to appreciate and it was so excellently crafted I had zero complaints. Nice touch with the candles everywhere. Thanks again!

Naomi D.

Yelp
I was overcharged for my drinks on industry night the drinks are normally $12, but on Mondays it's half off I was charged $12 for each drink that I ordered and gave a tip when I realized I was being overcharged I was told they can't give me money back because it was all cash transactions and there's no way to prove it which sounded to me like you can't prove it so we're keeping you're money. I went to order my final drink of the night finally, realizing I was overcharged and only gave half of the price without a tip, which I assumed would be OK since I paid so much extra money. No, not the case I got hassled into giving another tip and also threatened to get kicked out if I didn't so I proceeded to give a 1$ tip on top of the tip I already gave earlier and the extra money that was basically stolen from me. After the bartender realized I gave him a dollar for a tip he started calling me broke after I was harassed and scammed out of my money from him
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Mallory W.

Yelp
Drinks: Very good. Decent selection, excellent quality. Pricing: Fair. Ambiance: Nice. Not the largest bar, but the decor is clean, sophisticated, and minimal. Service: NOT good. The bartender serving us this evening was one of the most arrogant I've ever met. A bartender's job is to take care of their patrons and serve drinks. Period. This guy was apparently under the impression that a bar's patrons are solely responsible for flagging their bartender down incessantly if and when they want service of any kind. Not once were my friend and I asked if we'd like a drink, refill, etc. I found myself thinking, "does this guy even want my money?!" Truly bizarre. And it wasn't just us. He failed to properly address anyone sitting at the bar and seemed to be much more interested in cleaning up the bar for the next day's shift (it was just after 10pm by the way - hardly approaching closing time). I was truly stunned by this guy's lack of customer service. The closest thing I got to acknowledgement of my existence and desire for a drink was a neutral "I see you" look and semi-sustained eye contact. To note: We were sitting at the ACTUAL BAR. I can't even begin to fathom how poor the table service must be. Will not return. While the drinks were great, this guy's vibe killed the experience for my friend and me. Do better, Narrows!
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Aradhna A.

Yelp
Went here for a friends' birthday party recently. Was pretty surprised by the rudeness of one of the bearded bartenders there. He was extremely short with me and completely unfriendly. Then when I gave cash to pay (cash only here, another frustration), he handed the cash to someone else. The other bartender was very nice. The cocktail, a sweet gin drink, was excellent, but did not make up for the bad service. We also ordered some fries and they were rather average. I was excited to come here, but ultimately underwhelmed!

Edgar P.

Yelp
Food is pretty good. Props to the veggie burger. Nice patio in summer. Bar has weird energy and the man bartenders are asshats. I generally sit at the bar and still have to wave these fools down for anything, from another drink to the check. They're usually socializing and not paying attention. Also my partner had some requests for his Manhattan cocktail, and the bartender mocked him and made it really weird. No other bartender at any other cocktail bar ever blinks an eye at his requests. For a cocktail lounge, you need to hire more experienced bartenders or ensure proper training. I live literally a block away from this spot and rarely think about it. That's how meh it is. Also it's cash only which blows.
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Lindsey N.

Yelp
I lived in the neighborhood the past 4 years, and this was my go to place. Literally love the place and people who work there. Perfect to swing by after a long day for a quick dinner and wine. They have a beautiful ambiance and backyard. Molly is an absolute angel and love chatting with her when she is there. The food is so yummy and good cocktails and wine. Best neighborhood restaurant/ bar ever!
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Jeni R.

Yelp
We came here after dinner and fell in love with their back patio. Cute backyard ambiance, great for conversation and drinks. Also, the DRINKS. I had a Tequila slushie that did not disappoint and cannot wait to come here again the next time we're in the neighborhood.
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Torey A.

Yelp
This place boasts interior design as stunning as the drinks themselves, which are typically fun, zingy twists on recognizable classics. I've never experiencing anything other than warm, attentive service at this bar, and have found my interactions with staff efficient, friendly, and professional. I'd highly recommend this place!
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Jennifer S.

Yelp
DOLLAR OYSTERS 5-7 ALERT ALERT! And they are damn good too. As expected with Bushwick bars, the prices of drinks are a little high but this is no dive bar so I can't complain.
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Fionn O.

Yelp
I've only been here twice but the location and the garden make this place one of my favourites in the area. With neat whiskey at their ten dollar prices, I can't come here as often as I'd like, and service can take a while at busy times, but I adore the place itself and the crowd are surprisingly lovely. The garden is really why I come here though. I could spend forever out here.
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Tristan B.

Yelp
I love this place. I live nearby in one of the big converted loft boxes, and wanted something that wasn't yet more Edison bulbs, reclaimed wood tables, chalkboards, and other such annoying prattles of contemporary conformity. At the Narrows, I got what I had always asked about, which is to say, the 30s American modernism-esque style made true. Nice sconces, good atmospheric lighting, good strong classic drinks (Not really super experimental), more than decent food. The fries in particular are probably some of the best in the area. Hearts!
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Max R.

Yelp
Awesome deco inspired interior. Great cocktail menu and great selection of craft beer. They can also mix a mean Sazerac which in my opinion is the true test of a bartender. The prices are super reasonable and they even have a beer and a shot special for $6. They also have a giant patio with comfy seating and a nice herb and flower garden, which I am told some of the herbs are used in the cocktails.
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FakeFoodBabyNY C.

Yelp
This is a really good #Veggie Burger. I don't know why I ordered the #Veggie Burger. I never order a #Veggie Burger. But I did. Then I was regretting it right after I ordered it. But then it came and I was oh, this looks a little different than what I was thinking (i.e. #Boca Burger). And tasted really good. Not like a #Boca Burger. Great tasting #Veggie Burger!

Julia G.

Yelp
delicious cocktails on the cheap, chill people, good atmosphere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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G Q.

Yelp
So, disclaimer: my review is biased because one of my most wonderful pals was bartending here for about a hundred years until last week. So we won't talk about how Will Hutnick is an amazing artist AND bartender who always made me a new and exciting drink because he's a creative genius, because Will has left. So we'll just talk about how nice the rest of the staff is, and how I would slap your mother (yes, yours) to get to their french fries. Protip- the back garden is adorbz but my 8423642 mosquito bites warn you that there are at least 8423642 mosquitoes up in there gunning for your sweet, sweet blood.
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Katherine N.

Yelp
Knocked a star off because they didn't have many cocktail options that interested me, but I tried the ones ordered in my group and they are expertly crafted. Friendly service and atmosphere. Happy hour specials are $1 off cocktails and drafts, or $10 burger+bud light, wish they'd bring the oysters back!
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David P.

Yelp
This place is just okay, to be honest there are many better bars within walking distance. The Narrows Great does have a great tequila shot & beer special at $6, so for that reason it's a decent place perhaps to start a Bushwick bar crawl. My frustration with The Narrows is this: how can a place that charges $11 for cocktails and $7 for an order of fries be cash-only? Cut the hipster crap, you guys. I get that credit card fees are expensive and cut into any bar's margins. But at prices like those, you'd better get with the times. Deliberately inconveniencing your customers is not cute, especially given that there are very few major bank branches in Bushwick - unreliable / sketchy bodega ATM's (like the one at the bar) are pretty much all you've got. Credit card fraud caused by 'skimming' devices installed in sketchy ATM's is hardly news, you guys! http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/index.phtml/tag/CardSkimming I know it's a small gripe to complain about a place being cash-only, but I can't stand establishments that are blatantly "cashing in" on the trend of the day. In this case, that trend would be to ape "authenticity" by adopting the anachronistic practice of being cash-only. If The Narrows had been around for 30 years and had prices that suited the community nearby, there'd be no problem. However, you can't charge Manhattan prices AND dip your toes in the hipster pie by staying cash-only.
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Lane K.

Yelp
I really want to like The Narrows more than I do. I appreciate what they're trying to do; decent food, good cocktails, nice space. But there's always something holding me back from putting it into my regular Bushwick rotation. As many have mentioned before, the cash-only thing is a big drawback for me. This isn't some dive bar with $3 beers or sketchy chinese take-out joint where no one speaks English; you're charging double digits for cocktails and offering food and can't be bothered to accept credit cards? Hell, I would rather even download some stupid mobile payment app than have to go pay some rip-off in-house ATM surcharge if you are really going to tell me that the credit card processing fee is such a big deal. Cash-only always feels like an aggressive "eff you" to the customer. (Sidenote: I once dated someone who sold/leased ATMs on the side in high school in the city. Apparently it doesn't take long for those babies to pay for themselves.) But even if I can remember to bring along a few stripper bucks, The Narrows still manages to fail its potential. On the few occasions I was there over the summer/early fall and there was space in the back patio available, I still didn't want to sit out there because there was always some group chainsmoking their hearts out. (I'm not full-on anti-smoking--if that's your thing, so be it--but I definitely don't want to smell like it for the rest of the night.) And service has always been hit-or-miss when we don't sit in the main room. There's supposed to be waitress service everywhere, but I could've written the sequel to Nathaniel P. in the time it took the waitress to come back to us on the most recent attempt. (The boy eventually just gave up and helped himself at the bar, leaving me to stare at my phone solo and eat the string cheese I randomly found in my bag.) In the end, I'm not going to object to The Narrows if someone else suggests it; I do enjoy myself a $6 beer + (not horrible) tequila special. But I'm not going to go out of my way to go back there, either.
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R. J.

Yelp
I originally gave this bar 5 stars with the following review: "This is my favorite cocktail bar in Brooklyn. They don't mess around with an extensive list of cocktails. They make a few and each one is amazing. Nice dark atmosphere." Unfortunately the clientele here has changed. My partner was attacked by a horrible aggressive patron, who the bartenders rightfully kicked out of the bar. I am not going back to The Narrows or returning my rating to its former 5 stars, until they get a security bouncer at the door. The whole incident could have been avoided if the bartenders and staff who are already busy enough doing their jobs well, could have had the assistance of some much needed security that night. I really hope someone on staff reads this and takes my comments seriously.
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Emma S.

Yelp
The space is pretty devoid of personality. It's neither tacky nor ritzy, definitely not clever. It's clean and plain. It won't earn any merits or demerits on personality. The cocktail menu didn't seem "extensive" to me--perhaps they changed it recently? There were more beers than cocktails listed, despite my being seated near a wholly respectable selection of spirits, amarros and liqueurs. I tried their Fernet Branca concoction from the menu, and it was a bit flat. Something sour would've punched it up a bit, balanced out the earthy bitters. The drink didn't improve on Fernet itself, all the complexity in the glass was clearly a heavy lean on the bitter. My second cocktail was another off the menu, with lemon and a cava float. This was considerably more evolved than the Fernet vehicle. A bit too sour for my personal liking, but the ingredients were playing well. There's nothing else like Narrows around the area, so it's filling a niche. If you're in the neighborhood, you could definitely do worse than an evening here. And they have a good scotch selection, so if you like your spirits unmixed and you want to hang out with a bartender playing FEAR and The Dirtbombs at the bar (and I do!) then step right up. Warning to those living beyond their means: No credit cards. Cash only. There is an ATM inside.
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Elizabeth C.

Yelp
The patio in the back is great, but the inside isn't anything special, as far as design and decor. The bar area is black and white, and I actually don't really like the shiny black paneling they have in the front part. It looks shoddy and cheap to me. It's also so narrow that it can be annoying to stand and wait for a drink while others are trying to pass by. I've never sat in the booth/table service section, so I don't have anything to say about that. Still, it's a solid bar, the bartenders are friendly, and it's a good place for a casual drink. It's not obnoxiously loud and you don't feel the need to dress a certain way or anything. It's also nice that it's not overly romantic. People are just there to hang and have a good time. I like the fact that it feels super unpretentious and chill, especially in the enclosed back area. They could use a few more stools over there, but it's a nice open space. It's also heated, which is great during the winter. The patio is obviously awesome. Lots of seating and super relaxed feel.
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Briana M.

Yelp
One of my favorite bars in the area, especially in the summer - the backyard is huge and super pretty. The drinks are exquisitely made and cost less than others of the same quality. One that stands out in particular is the White Negroni. As a fan of the classic drink, I thought this was a really nice, lighter riff on it. I haven't tried the food yet (mostly been there for emergency after-work cockails) but the menu is lovely and I definitely plan on exploring it!
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Michelle L.

Yelp
Mreh. Seems like a cool little joint, but do not take the name for granted! This place is long and skinny and not so good for groups. I came here with 4 people and it really couldn't accommodate (the back patio wasn't open). Music's a bit loud and place is a bit dark, which could be good or bad depending on your company! I'll be back sometime with the man-friend :)
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Rusty R.

Yelp
I heard about this bar when it was opening up, read about it, and then saw it in my office elevator in manhattan via the video screen elevator ads... which is completely bizarre... are they stalking me?? Anyway, this place is fantastic. Great bar, awesome prices, cool bartenders... ALL in bushwick! Near the Morgan stop, which is fantastic... I had one of the cocktails (Caulfield's Dream?), and it was great, check this place out. Spacious patio too. 4 stars!