Tip-Top Bar & Grill

When I say this was such a great place I’m a 33 year old female. This place was so nice it felt like I was spending a night with family music was so cool because they played everything they had a jukebox and I loved to listen to what the other customers played and the song selections made great conversations… the food smelled and looked so good I don’t eat fish or sea food .my friend ordered the fish and fries and the smell was amazing and the look I wish I took pictures.. This place is really family it is a place that has been handed down threw several generations so amazing. I had 3 of my regular drinks tequila sunrise and I wanted to try there homemade punch I got the hurricane girlllll let me tell you it had a punch

Remember when Barack Obama got elected? Before we realised he was a neoliberal drone striking shill of the establishment, we had hope. We thought the forever wars would end, beers were five dollars, and its cash only. This place takes me back to that time. My dog was young, I would walk her through tompkins without a leash. Winters were colder, snow days were called by bloomberg twice a year. What a time to be a tween. Great bar.

Yeah I'll be back! Again and again and again. Going to Tip Top is a treat for me these days as gone is the 2014/15 era when I lived one minute away. Isn't it awful how we judge a book by it's cover? On my first visit, I was told that this joint was just for a mature (they said old) crowd and judging from the look of it I thought "nah, not my cuppa tea". I should have know better. I march to my own beat. Clinton Hill! This is your spot! The drinks reasonable! The staff mature and the decor definitely dive of the year! As you walk in there's a long main bar. If you turn and walk right, you'll get to what is traditionally known as a "sweatbox". In this space, sometimes, some heavy dancing (ie sweating) goes down. There's sometimes a little bar area here to the opposite end of the DJ. There's a "lounge" area at the back that seems to turn storage, turn domino/card room, turn smoking room. It's the craziest, most amazing "room". HOWEVER, I've noticed a shift here since the machine has been churning heavily in this area of BKLYN. The back has started looking different as the "just moved in folks" are leaving their mark through "hosting" events here. **Shrugs**. Anyway, back to TT, I've even been here for an "End Of Year Christmas Party" and had the most wonderful time with the thank you Caribbean and South Dishes. The vibe, definitely awrite! Yeah, I'll be back. The End.

Great dive. I’ve seen the legendary artist Dan Fig there a few times. Affordable, great vibe, back yard, friendly and visionary clientele, and the bar tender gave me hug on my way out. Perfect spot.

A family owned place. With a wonderful atmosphere I really enjoy the Tip-Top Bar & Grill .

I went here once for their free comedy night. The comedians were dry as all get up but didn't mind being heckled. It added to the experience and we had an overall great night. The owner was so lovely as was the staff and the talent. Definitely I will go again just to be supportive of beautiful people.

I've always liked this place for sentimental reasons, their affiliation with Tarheel. Their clientele has changed,, but the memories and nostalgia is the same. Their trips to NC are awesome. Drinks are well priced , the old crowd do not frequent as much but the food is very good.

Cool spot with an old school black vibe. The owner sits at the door and checks ID while welcoming everyone in. The bartenders and cooks are very friendly. And there is a jukebox with the best old school Soul and RnB songs. Cool place to visit when you want to chat with some of the old neighborhood, watch a game, listen to some tunes and be surrounded by hospitality.

Tip Top bar and grill welcomed us last night with open arms! A kind woman made sure we had proof of vaccination, and exchanged a few jokes before we sat for drinks. The Christmas lights and Barak Obama memorabilia were fantastic! You really feel like you're in a culturally informed space - lots of strange juxtapositions in there but pleasant nonetheless. They also have FISH! Fish and CHIPS! I mean- what more can you want at 12am on a Saturday??? The drinks are really affordable too. If you haven't gone yet. You're missing out!

I used to make fun of Tip Top when I'd walk by. Unassuming is an understatement. One night when we were already a bit buzzed we went here as a joke. I can't explain it, but... this bar is kind of magical? Incredible patio. Immaculate vibes. Now it's one of our favorite spots.

I felt like I was tripping back in time on a stone cold picnic as I entered this strange but vaguely familiar dive-tastic bar. A bunch of us alcoholics from the Yelp event at Do or Dine a few blocks away decided to keep the party going at the Tip Top. As I walked in I felt like I was in someone's old semi-fixed up basement rec room. Groovy lights, makeshift bar, hot dogs on a little grill, no beers on tap, good tunes. Pictures and newspaper clippings of Obama everywhere. Sketchy but fun clientele. Cheap booze. Perfect dive bar for the Bed Stuy area. We basically took over the whole backyard patio area. This spot is even more fun as it's covered in tarp, old birthday signage on the wall, deflated balloons, old lawn furniture, NO DRUGS signs, etc. Love it! This place has friggin character! The bartender was awesome. She kept coming by to take drink orders and to see if we were ok. Even gave us bowls of party mix. Hey, many of us at this point were feeling no pain. Those drinks were magical! Tripping the light fantastic for sure!

Yeah I'll be back! Seems like lately I've been giving away 5 stars! Hehehehe. Isn't it awful how we judge a book by it's cover? I was told that this joint was just for a mature (they said old) crowd and judging from the look of it I thought "nah, not my cuppa tea". I should have know better. I march to my own beat. Brooklyn! This is your spot! I finally found my LARRY'S PUB (Long Island Valley Stream) in BROOKLYN! If you've read my reviews on Larry's you'd know how much I love that joint! To find the equivalent where I spent some of my time is an awesome discovery for me. The drinks cheap! The staff mature and helpful (yes helpful). The pub is ole skoll (as we would write it in Trini. But the vibe is definitely awrite! There's a long bar and a "lounge" area at the back that seems to turn storage, turn domino, turn smoking room. After the day I had, it was just what I needed and I'll be back. Hey! They told me to! Lol The End.

One of my favorite, no frills bars in Bed-Stuy... CA$H ONLY! ATM is inside, in the back room next to the folding chairs where it looks like a family birthday party happened a few years ago. It is always a treat to gaze at the Michelle and Barak Obama montage. Any time I miss them I know I can go here and see them smiling back at me from behind the bar. Free chips as snacks and a kitchen that does up some fried fish sandwiches on the weekends. Bartendress will take zero sass, and will serve a mean drink, and I'm in love with her. Order a pina colada or a mai tai and see how fast you get kicked out. The whole staff there loves the place, and made me love it too. Can't wait to go back for a very strong mixed drink, regret it, and switch to beer.

Tip Top is my favorite bar in Brooklyn. It's cheap, it's historic, and the people there are so kind and happy to see you. They also have amazing Barack Obama memorabilia and Christmas lights! They have great food and a great backyard. I really feel like you're in your grandpas basement listening to great music, stories, and occasionally going out back to have a smoke. I LOVE YOU TIP TOP, stay there forever. Don't let them buy you out!

It's kinda ironic that this bar would call itself tip top when it's anything but that. Perhaps the owner was drunk and named this place while he was intoxicated or perhaps Tip Top was the name of his favorite stripper who had amazing yet unspeakable talents. Either case the world my never know, but what I do know is that Tip Top is definitely not in tip-top shape! I came here after a yelp event with my fellow drunkards so we can continue to party on like its 1999 or at least that's what it felt like since this bar was in such disrepair. The drinks were cheap and the vibe was chilled. The bartender was a major sweetheart as she was very attentive to encourage our drunkenness. She also did not snicker when a friend of mine only asked for water. Tip Top is a dive bar that looks like its decoration came from a 99 cents store. Their patio looked more like a sad dilapidated shack that was erected with cheap wood and plastic corrugated roof, while the inside of the bar was illuminated with cheesy clearance Christmas lights and dusty looking garlands. Nonetheless, the bar was very chillax and it seems to attract nearby locals that calls this place home. Cheers!!

**Disclaimer, this review may not be suitable for all ages** This review is dedicated to Ol' Dirty Bastard, as Tip Top is a block from the "famous" ODB graffiti mural. It should be read to the tune; Dog Shit by ODB The song choice is not a reflection on Tip Top Feel free to listen along as you read; it might help Heres a link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GoZU9H4Ry8 Ahem... MISS! T-O, T-O-P, T-ha, T- Ha-AAAOP!! We flew in with the cool Breeze, All ten of us. Yeah, we all roll deep. They went Loco-Nuts. Slipped my hundred, we mean to go nuts. Dont want it if it aint no Bud, Miss! Start the shit; I got a round, like fly on poop B-day, got invited. I came the fu(k down Tunes come out, I am the DJ 7 juke plays no Jester. 2 bucks, no free play My stom's empty hey, it aint nothin, let some time pass Birthday-mission is- get him blast Trips on the way out, gave him a cookie for the next bash Bud's dog piss on my lips, "Mac-n Cheese?" Like please. Got Meals, my fill. Fried chicken and that old good welfare cheese TOOOOOKE! Green hay! TOOOOOKE! AHHH! TOOOOOKE! HIT! Let that hit go! Shame on the one, who played Sisqo n junk That old jukebox needs some updatin, huh? Bathroom? You got to walk round. These walls too tight Its alright, you still gonna get yucked tonight. GROSSSS! Stankin piss hole! What kind of of prig don't appreciate this? Never had it like this, no yall won't be missed. That schmirnoff there, wasnt played fair. Oh my lawdy, on ya knee what a folly. now drink it down *SLURP, SLURP* Doo Doo Brown! HAHAHAHA! Toss a salad, to get the taste out ya mouth Callin on the phone, man leave a dog alone Couldnt make it in the flesh, man stay ya a$$ home We're in the backyard of someone else's house. In Bed Stuy, when it got dark out Here comes Schlomer, sippin on his glass Pardon me B, as I split on your a$$. That means home, to be headed on; Im not the first Dog that's dipped on your fun. HOOOOME. HAR-LEM, I COME. T-O, T-O-P YOU ROOOOOCK!! This is dedicated to all y'all yelpa's!

Dive bar in Bed-Stuy, I must admit I wasn't expecting this when I was told it had 4.5 stars on Yelp....:) Met Kevin G. for pre-game before the Do or Dine Yelp Elite event....and wished I came earlier! Drinks are cheap...$4 for beer? Nothing on draft, everything's in bottle. :/ Bartender girl is super friendly....originally from the FLL area! :) I was told by the boys that the liquor's cheap too...so what else can you ask for? Oh...free snack-mix? If I am in the area, I would probably swing by for the cheap drinks...and the chill peoples working/hanging out there! Tip-bits: Absolutely no drugs, you are being watched! ID to drink Cash only I believe Covered patio in the back. Bathroom in the other room, to the back, before you exit to the patio

Remember that time you went to the bar and began fighting your friends with plungers, a muffler and some fishing rods? No?!?!?! Well than you certainly haven't lived life. Tip Top is a wonderful wonderful dive bar. You see many bars these days attempting to ironically be a dive bar. This place is a legitimate dive bar. It's super dirty in the bathroom. It has junk just laying around. The back seems like someone's garage. And the drinks are cheap. To it's credit the place is pretty clean. The bathroom though, ummmmm. Yeah it's gross. And I have to admit, it makes the place a bit more charming. I love the signs and pictures around the bar. You'll immediately notice ones that state "No Drug Use Allowed. We Are Watching You!" Pretty random to have in a bar like this, but that is law here. So do all your drug use outside on the streets of Bed-Sty before coming in here. Next you have random pictures of Oprah, Magic Johnson and Obama all over. It's awesome! The back is nice and chill. They have old school school chairs. No, I didn't write the word school twice by mistake. "Old school" school chairs. You know what I'm talking about if you went to New York City public schools. The best part though is the random junk in the back. It's like a hoarder's garage. Pieces of a carburetor, dog bowls, fishing poles, lamp shades and a partridge in a pear tree. The drinks are very reasonable here. The bartenders are very cool and friendly. Got to love the staff here. The place even has a bouncer. That's right, this place has a bouncer. You better watch yourself here! If you're on some mission to check out some of the best diver bars in New York City, this is a must do!

I came here eons ago after a Yelp Elite event that was held nearby. Apparently this housed our rowdy crew and became the home to the "Yelp Event Afterparty". Upon walking in I was handed a glass of bourbon neat. Yeah, um, okay. I'm cool with that, lol. Tip Top Bar & Grill is the ideal personification of the term "dive bar" and I say this endearingly. Myself and another Yelper went postal using $5 to dj the night away using their sweet, kinda old-school juke box and we played all the Michael Jackson and 90s Destiny's Child that we could. Trust me, the bartenders and bouncers were NOT ready for this jelly in the least! Well drinks in this fine, divey establishment will run you only about $4-5 a pop, as will beers on draft and bottle. Beer selection had all the usual suspects and the most exciting you're gonna get here is probably Blue Moon. But still, not bad. Between the ability to choose your own music and the friendliness of the bartenders, bouncers and staff, Tip Top is a fun place to go to have a fun, no-frills night out, wind down after work or cap off a night of debauchery. If I were in this hood I would totally come back.

"Charged $42 for 3 drinks" MANHATTAN PRICES for a LOCAL ONLY BROKLYN BAR We asked for 2x vodka sprite doubles and a Hennessy Coke double. All the sudden the bar tender poured our drinks and said $42 dollars. This is the classic example of the people taking advantage of you because you didn't ask for the price first. When I expressed to the bartender I was upset with the prices the responses with "no one has ever been upset with the prices for the last three years since I've started here. Talk to the manager if you're upset" I would NEVER come back here. Also always ask for the prices of your drink before you order because bars like "Tip Top Grill & Bar" take advantage of you.

So I missed the last Yelp afterparty or UYE that was held here in the past but I remember hearing about the spot. We got to try this after the Do or Dine YEE on this past tuesday night. The bar was nice, I just got a bottle of Bud, since I already had a bunch of other stuff to drink earlier but it was enjoyable. Nice partying a little bit extra with the Yelpers like Phil, Lovet, Jamel, Florence, Briana, Brian H., Julia B, Matteo, Margaret, and Jonathan. It was funny, I saw that sign as well " Absolutely no drugs, you ar being watched". We were sitting in the patio in the back and enjoying the weather and the night. I think left there around 10 pm or so, our other event ended at 8...Got home pretty quickly from the C train then travel to the A to Queens. Haha, I like that term used by someone else too, sketchy but fun, I AGREE.

Went here randomly a few years ago after bar hopping around bedstuy/Clinton hill Brooklyn with a group of 4. Came here not knowing what to expect, but after entering, we were all pleasantly surprised by our bizarre experience. Dive bar to the extreme, you feel like you are in your weird Uncle's basement who has slight hoarding issues and likes to decorate the place with christmas lights even in the middle of June and even has Grandma serving hefty drinks at the bar. Drinks are incredibly cheap and Grandma is incredibly attentive and friendly. They have a intimate cement walled back area that is truly like an un-finished dusty basement furnished with those white plastic lawn chairs from the 80's. Not remembering how I had got there, I wondered if I would ever be back I just moved near Putnam Ave and Bedford Brooklyn in February and was taking a walk around the hood, stumbled on this place and BAM, all those drunken memories flooded back. I was so happy that now I have such an awesome bar literarily a block away from my apartment. Anytime anyone visits, I bring them here and tell them to brace themselves for a true brooklyn experience.

Me : "Blue Point Toasted Lager for $4.00 ? What a great happy hour, when does it end ? " Bartender : "Happy hour is over. This is normal price " How can this not be a 5 star review ? One of the best dive bars around. While it's cheap it's not too dirty, I don't fear getting the clap when I use the bathroom. If you like classic soul and R&B, this is one of the best jukeboxes around. The covered back area looks like a picnic area and is spacious and a place to smoke ( just no drugs, it's forbidden, read the sign). FYI-- When the kitchen is open they make one of the best fried fish sandwiches around. Sadly , unlike many of my friends, I haven't seen Jesus here. Plain and simple this place is cool. Always a great time, great price and great service, what more can you ask ? .

I pass this place nearly everyday to go to class or the subway and up until yesterday I was terrified of what loomed beyond the chain link door, next to the ABSOLUTELY NO DRUGS sign. After much cajoling and the promise of drinks first elsewhere to give my roommates and I liquid courage we set out for a night at the Tip Top Bar and Grill. Who doesn't love a good adventure with a bunch of friends?! I was absolutely thrilled with the amazing "One night we went to this bar and you won't believe what happened..." story that this adventure could provide. Suffice to say we were shocked and delighted at what we found instead. Essentially a dive bar, but if your family ran it, and charged you (and everyone else) what essentially amounts to half price for drinks. We ordered two beers, a vodka soda and a coke and it came to $15 and the vodka was a strong one. So assuming 1-2 for a coke, we're talking 4-5 bucks a drink. More so, Ruby the bartender that night was an absolute treat. I really felt like I was sitting at home and I was related to the barkeep, who constantly made sure I had booze at hand. Also the music was amazing.

I generally disagree with most of Spike Lee's recent public indignation re: the Christopher Columbus syndrome, but I can't help but feel some of his exasperation when I come to Tip Top (and read some of the yelp reviews). Having spent my fair share of time in South Central LA and pre-gentrification West Philly and having seen some of the "gentrification" process in Brooklyn, I get a bit of a sense of whether an existing neighborhood spot is seamlessly evolving with a changing neighborhood, isn't keeping up and simply falls to the wayside, or seems to pique an interest in the changing demographic because of its "Other"-ness or exoticism. I can't help feeling that Tip Top, in particular, falls into that last category. I'm not going to expound on the merits or demerits of it-- I'm no Edward Said. But it's all to say, I feel some amount of Spike's argument when I come here (which is not necessarily true for other places in the area). All that being said, Tip Top is a great neighborhood spot. Drinks are cheap. Vibe is super lowkey. Music is great. Includes an outdoor space where you can breathe the fish frys. I wasn't served once because I forgot my ID. That sucked, but I respect that they took the time/made the effort to enforce the rules.

One of the best places in Brooklyn. Highlights include Jr (at the door), fish sandwiches and the never changing jukebox full of soul.

I used to live across the street from this gem of a dive bar. Since day one the owner and what also appears to be the mayor of the street literally helped stop traffic and assist me as I moved in. Over the course of the year I have started and ended most nights out at this bar. Their drinks are stiff and the price is oh so right. The wait staff are all related and they will not only treat you with respect, share good stories, but also feed you against your own will. As the area is quickly becoming heavily gentrified they not only welcome newcomers but also encourage you to bring your friends and make use of their stage/dance area. Like a true NY bar they don't have an official close time; they stay till the last one is standing. Tip Top was the grand finale to all parties we've hosted while living in the area. Give it a try. psst- they have a secret pool table - inquire within!

OK, so we've established that Tip Top is notoriously a "fantastic dive bar." A decided "must do" on the list of neighborhood joints to visit in BedStuy. And it is. Heed the advice of all of these other Yelpers, and pop in for a cheap drink. Since other reviews clearly outline the ambiance and decor, I will just tell you all about my recent Tip Top experience. My boyfriend and I finally strolled into Tip Top the Sunday before Christmas. After getting a little tipsy at Berg'n, it was a logical last stop on the walk home. We had to ring the doorbell to be granted entrance, and I'm not sure that we would have been allowed in if it weren't for the regular entering before us. I haven't read of anyone else having to ring the bell...so I'm not sure if this is the norm. It could have been because it was late on a Sunday, or because they were having their company Christmas party...who knows. Anyway, we took a seat at the end of the bar, and quickly realized that we were the youngest people in there by at least two decades. The bartender (Rosy, I believe) sized us up in a friendly way, asking if we were from the neighborhood, etc. Everyone was very friendly and the regulars around us quickly welcomed us into conversation. I felt like I was visiting old friends. The man who answered the door kept watch while simultaneously keeping quality tracks coming on the Juke Box. Rosy explained the token system to me -- if someone buys you a drink the bartender places a token in front of you, to let you know that your next one is on them. A regular then proceeded to buy my boyfriend and me a round, wishing us happy holidays. As we were getting ready to leave we were told to grab a plate of food in the next room. This is when we realized they were having their holiday party. Drunk and hungry, we eagerly accepted and enjoyed an early Christmas feast with the lovely staff and regulars of Tip Top. This is by far the friendliest bar I have been too in BedStuy. We'll definitely be back.

The bartender doesn't like Nurse With Wound or Field Mice, and neither do I. Have your birthday somewhere else, mope pants. And if you need to spend your birthday here, don't invite your friends to come breathe all over everything. "Dmitri" spent several minutes talking to a stern girl with cartoonish orange hair about the "conceptualism of Midtown," and also managed to breathe all over my neck no matter how far away I tried to move. And why is there always some older balding dude with long string hair tagging along with these Pratt groups? From what I gather, school will soon be out for the summer. Perhaps this means birthday boy will return to Scotch Plains, NJ, where he'll have to wear normal man clothes for a bit and clean out Dad's garage. Either way, and despite the best efforts of people wearing my mom's pants, Tip Top is a really great place. A really, really great place.

This is a true dive bar. If you're looking to pre-game for cheap, this one's for you. If you are having an amazing night and are looking to wind down but can still go for one or two more, this one's for you. This was my last spot for the night. We were greeted by an older gentleman who scrutinized out IDs, no doubt making sure we were of age and that our ID matched the person. We then proceeded to the bar. I had two more beers while my friend had one or maybe two shots that came in a larger than average shot glass. We enjoyed looking at the random assortment of people that came through the door. No one ever stayed too long so it never got crowded. They have a jukebox. There is also a room in the back. So if the liquor puts you in the mood to dance, there's room for that. And if the bar area gets too crowded, you can go to the back and watch people dance poorly to Michael Jackson's "Bad". All very entertaining. They also sell food but I suggest you stick to the drinks.

This place is GREAT. Locked behind a gate to keep out the riff raff or the law for all we know, this is the best dive experience Bed-Stuy has to offer. The owner is a tall, lanky, pimp type probably in his late 70s with a relaxer and a doorag. Yes! I love coming here b/c it's good and cheap. I also love to hear old men reminisce about their days of glory when Bed-Stuy was their playground, and the ladies couldn't get enough of them. The clientele can actually be pretty diverse. A bar is a bar, really. But the median age probably holds steady at 50+. That's what I love about it.

On my first trip to Brooklyn my bro Kylie Cyrus and his hetero life-partner Andy Leebovitz buzzed the door of Heaven and a Saint with my same birthday allowed us to enter into a cloudscape accompanied by Sam Cooke swooning all us thirsty souls. And Ronny kicks ass. Plus the backyard is huge.

What a great dive bar. I came here after a Yelp Event for a Yelp after party to consume multiple plastic tumblers of whiskey. What? I don't drink whiskey. How the hell did that happen?! House drinks run $4-5. The music here was great, emitting from an old jukebox. Very drunk. There were a lot of lights strung up. I would come back if around the area and wanted to get schwasted. Kind of feels like being in mom and dad's basement without mom and dad there.

Tip Top Bar & Grill is the best dive bar in Bed-Stuy. Rolled in there with the YELP gang, after a YELP event. Had a great time. Jukebox full of tunes, sweet bartender and an owner dressed like Jerome from Martin, who appeared to really be getting a kick out of us doing the bump and twerking to Salt -N- Pepa. Neat booze and beer selection. Wings and a few other lite bites available if you can catch the kitchen open.

Not wanting to Elite party to end, I was led to this dive bar a few blocks away. We pretty much took over the bar when us Yelpers walked in and the friendly bartender took care of us all night. She even hooked us up with some snacks! She kept checking on us in the back, always with a smile and a sense of humor. They have a big covered patio in back, with lots of seating. It seemed like you weren't in NYC anymore, sitting back there! Only a few blocks away from the Franklin Ave station so location is quite convenient.

I'm glad that this bar isn't that close to me otherwise I would probably be morbidly obese and I would probably have developed an alcohol problem. This was a stop on our bar tour and it hands-down reminded me of some of my favorite bars in Africa. The staff are incredibly friendly, drinks are strong, atmosphere is the diviest ever, and regular patrons are hilarious. We learned from the bartender (the owner's daughter) that her father has owned the bar for over 40 years. How impressive! We ordered fried fish and french fries for only $6.50 and it was soooo good. The juke box has some great hits and dancing is certainly encouraged. Hopefully this bar is able to continue to thrive giving the increasing changes in the neighborhood.

The owners have been here for 40 years. The atmosphere is one that allows for everyone to be themselves and the sirens blaring outside the building keep the customers who wouldn't appreciate The Tip Top away from enjoying one of the best bars in NYC. Cash Only, No Drugs Allowed, $5 for any beer no matter if it is domestic lite beer or an IPA. The back patio area can be made into a makeshift friend gathering area where conversation dominates. No loud music, no pretentiousness, real people, lovely bar. I recommend The Tip Top to everyone who cares about getting to know better the people they are with, best friends and strangers alike.

My friends had a the first of their poetry reading series here (Check out Shit Luck readings! Every last Saturday of the month http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shitluck-Reading-Series/420744601319795 ) and it was an awesome time! Like everyone else has said this is a true dive bar with super nice and welcoming owners and bartenders. I like a heavy hand on my drink and when Antoinette ran out of ginger ale she topped my whiskey ginger off with more whiskey. At $5 a drink I was drunk by $15. The outdoor space is large and so is the side room. I almost gave it 4 stars because I wish I lived closer! But I can't blame them for being located in BedStuy, so at 5 stars you will remain

Divety Diveness at its best. Seriously, it's like drinking in someone's house basically, if my family lived in Bed Stuy and talked about the best way to jerk your chicken it would be exactly like this. OK, maybe not. But I still dig Tip Top in a big bad way, and the back patio is awesome cos it is covered, which means you can sit outside when it rains! Sometimes they have food, I still haven't figured out when that is exactly, but it's in there somewhere.

Lei Le Effin Black Cherry Fried Chiggen I have pix in my Outbound and Down folder on FB. I cannot wait to bring my out of town friends here, as they are dive bar aficionados too.

Fantastic. Went with a friend of mine who lives in the apt above me; he'd been dying to go. We get buzzed in and sit down to drink some ice cold budweisers for $3 a pop and watched the Mets game. Pretty friendly clientele: we were offered a plate of fried chicken by one of the women there, did we say no? What do you think?! ***Update(I love update)*** Apparently we watched the Yankees game! Ah-Ha!

Tip Top is one of my very favorite bars in NYC. Dive or not. This is a true Brooklyn neighborhood spot and a family business. Junior will greet you on the way in and his granddaughter is often tending bar. It's a friendly crowd and all types mingle comfortably here. Fantastic jukebox and excellent prices. I love this place. Even had the pleasure of catching Black Velvet's amazing James Brown impersonation a few years back. For those who don't know Black Velvet is the extremely talented Charles Bradley of Daptone Records. This spot is a gem.

This bar is amazing. Great prices ($4.50 for a rum and pineapple? Yes please and keep it coming), greasy food (fish and chips, fish sandwiches), friendly old bouncers, and a weird, spacious outdoor area. Though, if you're a Republican, you might want to skip it- they have President Obama and his family's pictures plastered all over the place. I love it. This might be my new favorite place.

Came here last night with a group of my fellow Yelpers after the latest elite event and we pretty much took over the place, considering there was hardly anybody in there. This place has a great amount of character for a dive bar. It's a cash only bar and they do have an ATM but if you want to avoid the fee just pick up some cash on the way. The bartender was awesome, full of personality, friendly and very attentive. We started off sitting inside at the bar until we realized that there is an patio of sorts in the back. It's a covered patio with a mish-mash of tables and chairs from non-matching sets, with scattered decorations on the wall that don't match either...but thats what makes a great dive bar. The bartender would come outside and check on us and make sure we always had a steady flow of booze and she would even stop to have some laughs with us. Drinks were very cheap...as would be expected from a dive bar...which made it easier to get a nice buzz on a budget. I will definitely be back around since its within walking distance from my apartment.

Hidden gem. This is run by a guy in his eighties who also functions as the bouncer. No frills in the best way possible. Make sure to get the bartender to turn the volume up on the jukebox... which has a killer selection. It has Levert, Sweat, and G (I forget what the G stands for).

SO divey and perfect. As Peter commented, "feels like a church basement." Throw in a dash of Knights of Columbus and you got yourself a serious dive bar. Love the decor (fake plastic jukeboxes) and an actual old school juke box which plays all old school music. Loved the SALT N PEPPA late night style. Serious woman dance party ensued. I think we also played some Thong Song. In love. I want to come back to Bed Stuy just to come here (and Bedford Hall).

Cute, neighborhood dive bar. Friendly and funny staff. The drinks are a bit pricey for the ambiance but I get businesses have to keep up with the rising rents in Bed-Stuy. If you're looking for a super laidback spot with that neighborhood vibe, check out Tip Top. I was expecting a more diverse crowd but didn't find that on a snowy Thursday night. I'll check it out again on a weekend night.

Great dive bar. I wouldn't come here looking for anything fancy, duhhh, but if you want to get yer drank on and drunkenly storm the juke box, this is your place. The beers are 5 bucks and the staff is super friendly. I spent a good hour talking to the woman who was managing the bar and the bouncer/owner. This is a great old school place and I would come back if I am in the area.

I love it here. No attitude. Not from staff, not from customers. Reasonable prices, no pretension, decent jukebox, fish and chips on the weekend, smoking patio out back. I don't need anything else from my local bar. For a long time after moving to the area in '05 I didn't venture in (I had a sort of downer experience being made to feel very unwelcome in one of the older neighborhood bars), but now it's a rare week that I'm not here at some point. And everyone is welcome, just behave yourself and be polite.

Moving to Bed Stuy, I realized I wasn't going to have the same bar selections I've enjoyed in Carroll Gardens, Park Slope and Clinton Hill. I only need Tip Top though. I love the owners and the bartenders and the banter is amazing. On top of that, Miller High Life and I am happy. Unpretentious with a fantastic jukebox.

While Tip Top is a dive and a welcome one the stretch of Franklin Avenue it's on, there are points where it lacks... The lighting is rough. Is the outside better? Of course. Is it going to be winter soon? Soon enough. There's a kind of stale cigarette smell that seems to waft in most of the time, which is kind of gross. And the ambiance of the Yankees game on TV should just be expected at this point I suppose... However, they have a pretty decent selection of liquor and beer. The place seems to mesh the old school characters of the neighborhood with the new wave of gentrification coming pretty well. It's worth a trip back, though I don't think I'll be stumbling over myself to get there.

I was thinking that TipTop would be a great place to weather a blizzard in a few months. I'm just glad...It's snowing today! This Bed-Stuy family treasure has a-lot going for it. -The bouncer will help you find a seat when it's crowded. -The juke box is simply bursting with soul. -Beers are dapperly served with a napkin in the bottle's mouth. -The no-nonsense patrons can handle their booze, so you can hear your own conversation! -The Fish n' chips are hot and tasty on chilly nights. -Christmas lights, Obama Portraits, and baby photos speak to the countless celebrations this bar's enjoyed over the years. This is a neighborhood bar, and proud of it. I'm looking forward to sipping a beer on their back patio...once it stops snowing.

This says it all: http://www.complex.com/city-guide/2011/09/the-50-best-dive-bars-in-nyc#51 I love this place. The bartender made my drink extra extra strong, and it was only $5. Pretty much worth 2-3 drinks in one glass. I love the cheesy decor and the weird combination of locals & hipsters.

Uh, yeah. Two keys to this place: 1. All beers cost $5. 2. "Absolutely No Drugs."

Excerpts from a recent conversation at Tip Top... G: Goodnight :::waves to bartender::thanks so much! 'Night gentlemen *tips hat to gents* (man in blazer and straw hat pops out of his stool) RA: Wait hol' up, I want you to make sure you go see my movie this November 15, have you heard of Ol' Dirty Bastard? Did you see that mural right outside when you walk out? That's him G: Duh have I??? Yeah of course I heard of ODB. I met the man at a Burger King in Jersey City when I was 13! He signed my napkin!!! RA: That's great! That's why I love you even more. Well I'm the Zookeeper. I'm Raison Allah his brotha! You heard of the Wu Tang Clan? G: :::pats nervous hubby on back to relax::: Yeah and I know who YOU are I see that tat on your neck (takes time to point out the signature "W" RA: Damn then you have to go on myspace, look for Brooklyn Zu, and don't forget to check out the ODB documentary. It's called "DIRTY" G: Hmmm my kinda movie (strokes chin) RA: OH that's why I love you guys (proceeds to hug us) Mr. G: Ummm we really have to go... G: Naw it's ok it's ok. So Raison, you have to HAVE to promise me though (stumbling), you GOTS to tell ODB thank you for signing my napkin Mr. G: honey...he's dead G: I KNOW!!! But Raison...please you have to pass the message (stumbles some more) RA: Well...I can when I get to the other side... G: Please do. I still have his napkin. I love him and I will watch your movie RA: Yes watch it and don't forget it's November 15. NOVEMBER 15!!! G: I will. Peace out. I love you man RA: You keep coming back ::proceeds to hug G tightly::: Mr. G: umm sorry we really have to go...G, come on. G....G! Just one of the many reasons why I love going to this Bed Stuy family-owned and operated establishment. They really treat you like family. Upon entering the gated door (knock first), it is like one big family reunion with people you either never met or have seen boozing on the regular. If "Cheers" was set in Bed Stuy, this would be it. Go there once, the bartender on duty will be sure to make you feel right at home as you casually sip on your preferred cocktail/bottled beer, sing to your favorite songs on the Jukebox, or play cards in the dimly lit & covered outdoor area in the back room. Go there more than twice, and "EEEverybody knows your naaaaaame"... They do in fact serve food, but you never know what's available until that day. The drinks are as refreshing as the prices. I was not aware of what was on tap or if they even had one as I frequent this place in an already wasted state (as I am right now in writing this). I can say for sure that the bartenders do know how to mix a great cocktail. As a professional drunk, I am the type to send back cocktails when they are not properly prepared and this is one of the few places that I have not had to do that. The bottled beers are basic, although I was shocked and pleased that they happened to carry Blue Point Toasted Lager (squeals!). For the snobbier beer drinkers out there, it would be worth it to ask for the selection on hand. You never know what you're going to get. This almost made me tear up, but one of the bartenders will take the extra time to make sure they bring a special bottle of wine for a specific wine-drinking regular. Upon discovering their dedication to their customers, I thought: They get me here...they really get me. Okay to be honest, that DID make me effin cry like a fat 5 year old boy who couldn't reach his cupcakes from the top of the fridge. ::sobs::: THEY ARE SO SWEET! So there is one more thing left to this bar that makes it so great: THE PEOPLE. You never know who will roll in and at what time it will truly get busy. The regulars are pretty diverse, from 21 year old Pratt students to my Grandpa. This is the place where you can bring a date to chat it up, have a flash mob sing to Michael Jackson's greatest hits on the Jukebox, or it can be a haven where you can lug along your little brother OVER 21 OF COURSE for some quality time and catching up. This bar is what you make of it. So you ask about ambiance? HAHAHAHA FOOLS! You needn't any ambiance when you're here. Let's just say you need to pass a green awning with Christmas lights hanging from it... Check out this unique dive bar when you're passing through for happy hour or sticking around for last call. If you see me with the mister playing with the jukebox for some Al Green or chewin the fat with a Wu Tang affiliate, don't forget to buy me a drink (pssst I like a cold Guiness please). Just make sure to leave at 4 am. The good folks at Tip Top need to sleep too.

I have gone past the Tip Top on several occasions with the distinct impression that I would never ever go up in that spot. From outward appearances, it looks shady as hell. Especially with the NO DRUGS sign posted on the door and the big "Brotha Man from the Fifth Floor" looking bouncer. But after reassurances from a couple of friends, we stopped in on a Saturday night. I have to say I had a really good time. At first I felt like I was in some "juke joint" that my 60 year old mother would frequent, but as you got deeper into the bar you noticed how diverse the crowd was, which ranged from 20 year old "hipsters" to that lovely older gentleman with the fingerwaves and gold "teef". They played a mixture old school and new school hip-hip and r&b and drinks were approx. $5. There is also an outside covered patio in the back with more seating. I have to say my favorite part of the place was the fried fish that I almost swallowed whole at the bar for $5 a plate! Tip Top is definitely a spot I have to hit up again.

i have heard many tales of the tip top over the last couple years. i had this mental picture that it was some marvelous fantasy land where all your dreams come true. where unicorns shit rainbows. a bar where all my chicago dive bar wishes solidified. it's all this and more.