Best Cocktail Bars in Williamsburg
Updated July 28, 2026 · Ranked by combined rating and review volume
Where to find the best cocktail bars in Williamsburg
Hole In The Wall is a beloved spot known for its comforting dishes and exceptional brunch items, like the much-praised Pulled Pork Benedict and decadent Bucatini Carbonara. Guests consistently rave about the cozy, welcoming atmosphere and the attentive, friendly service. It's an ideal choice for a relaxed meal or a delightful happy hour, complete with pleasant outdoor seating.
Bar Madonna
Bar Madonna is a standout addition to Brooklyn's bar scene, celebrated for its elevated and delicious cocktail menu, featuring unique creations like the Nonna’s Half & Half and a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned. This super cute cocktail bar has even earned international recognition, being ranked among the world's top bars. Patrons consistently highlight the amazing cocktails and the attentive, welcoming service.
Blinky's offers an elevated tavern experience with a cool, clean interior and a fantastic backyard space, setting it apart from typical NYC dive bars. The staff is consistently praised for being welcoming and friendly, creating a wonderful experience for patrons. It's also known for serving up some of the best gin drinks and is a great spot for events, offering a vibrant ambiance with good music and available games.
Mr. Melo
Mr. Melo captivates with its crafty, flavorful drinks and innovative food offerings, such as their unique take on chips and dips. The bar is lauded for its tremendous hospitality, vibrant music, and a special community-focused atmosphere, often hosting pop-ups with other local creators. Their service is exceptional, with bartenders taking time to guide guests through the menu and even servers coming to tables in crowded moments, making for a truly special experience.
Dead Letter No. 9
Dead Letter No. 9 offers an amazing space with a truly unique concept, where every room boasts its own distinct aesthetic, transporting guests out of Brooklyn and into another world. From a camper under the stars to a treehouse vibe, the diverse environments create a wonderland-like experience. This spot is celebrated for its epic music, beautiful people, and great happy hour deals, making it a truly unforgettable destination.
Contenders
Places submitted by the community. The top contender with more points than #5 gets promoted.
How we ranked the best cocktail bars in Williamsburg
Every place on this list is scored by a Bayesian weighted formula combined with a volume bonus. It rewards consistent positive feedback at scale, not just a high average rating — a 4.9-star place with 12 reviews ranks below a 4.6-star place with 800.
score = (v / (v + m)) × R + (m / (v + m)) × C + γ × log₁₀(v)
The prior m adapts to each neighborhood: it's the median review count among local candidates. So 200 reviews counts as “small sample” in dense markets like the West Village, but “solid” in quieter neighborhoods. Places with extreme review volume that clearly dominate their peers are promoted to #1. No paid placements — every spot earns its position via the public data.
Frequently asked about Williamsburg cocktail bars
What is the highest-rated cocktail bar in Williamsburg?
Bar Madonna has the highest Google rating in our list of the best cocktail bars in Williamsburg, with 4.9 stars across 205 reviews.
Which cocktail bar in Williamsburg has the most reviews?
Hole In The Wall has the most reviews of any cocktail bar on this list — 4,760 ratings averaging 4.8 stars on Google.
How are the best cocktail bars in Williamsburg ranked?
Each place is scored using a Bayesian weighted formula that combines its average Google rating with its review count. This pulls small-sample places toward the local mean — so a 4.9-star spot with 12 reviews is ranked below a 4.6-star spot with 800 reviews. Volume and consistency matter, not just an inflated average.
When was this ranking last updated?
This ranking of the best cocktail bars in Williamsburg was last refreshed in July 2026 using the latest Google ratings and review counts. Restaurants and bars change constantly — always verify hours and current status before visiting.
Why isn't my favorite cocktail bar on the list of best cocktail bars in Williamsburg?
To be considered, a place needs enough Google reviews for the rating to be statistically meaningful (at least 5 reviews, ideally 25+). Newer or hyper-local spots can be excellent but score lower until enough people review them. Boundaries also matter — a spot just outside the Williamsburg area may show up on a neighboring ranking instead.