Blueprint is a warm, trendy restaurant, perfect for saddling up to the bar or getting cozy at a table. A simple but delicious menu of snacks, appetizers, small and large plates of seasonal dishes will keep you occupied, while you sip on handcrafted cocktails made with fresh juices, syrups, and bitters, all prepared in-house.
Blueprint, 196 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, USA, +1 718 622 6644
Known as something of a dark brick dive bar with a notable beer and cocktail menu, Uncle Barry’s is a fantastic, open space in close proximity to the Barclays Center. Come by to take advantage of their drink specials, participate in trivia night, or attempt to win their meatball competition.
Uncle Barry’s 58 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, USA, +1 718 622 4980
The Royal Palms Shuffle Board Club | © Aron Roth
The Royal Palms Shuffle Board Club is a great place for anyone seeking more than their average evening of dinner and drinks. This 17,000-foot facility houses ten shuffle board courts and two bars. Grab a bite from a food truck, play a board game, or host a party at this unique Brooklyn venue.
The Royal Palms Shuffle Board Club, 514 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY, USA, +1 347 223 4410
The Royal Palms Shuffle Board Club | © Aron Roth | © Aron Roth
Kick back, chat, and relax at Diamante’s Cigar Lounge, which fosters a homey atmosphere akin to your own living room. Leather chairs, wooden floors, and tin ceilings create a cozy, old-timey ambiance. No alcohol is served, but HDTV, a stocked humidor, and ladies nights on Wednesday are all perfect occasions to indulge in a cigar, as well as ‘conversation, contemplation, [and] celebration.’
Diamante’s Cigar Lounge, 108 South Oxford Street, Brooklyn, NY, USA, +1 646 462 3876
The Montrose | © Aron Roth
The interior of The Montrose is characterized by a beautiful, intricate wooden molding bordering the ceiling, and an open environment perfect for socializing. The menu offers simple bar food and a great beer selection, alongside your typical spirits from whiskey to gin and bourbon.
The Montrose, 47 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, USA, +1 347 763 0010
Union Hall | © Aron Roth
Union Hall’s interior looks like a library, with bookshelves and fireplaces separating cozy seating areas in which to eat, drink, and chat. In the back, you’ll find traditional booths and two side-by-side bocce courts. There is also a downstairs bar area where they have live bands, dancing, and comedy, while the space is uniquely accented with taxidermy.
Union Hall, 702 Union Street Brooklyn, NY, USA, +1 718 638 4400
At Gotham Archery, you can be anything from a beginner taking their first lesson to an Olympic-level expert practicing in their 30-lane facility. Open to anyone aged ten and up, with experts on hand to help you out with tips and techniques, Gotham Archery is a great place for target practice.
Gotham Archery, 480 Baltic Street, Brooklyn, NY, USA, +1 718 858 5060
The karaoke room at Insa | © Aron Roth
Insa is a great new spot for food, drinks, and karaoke (in one of their private rooms). The menu offers a variety of Korean fare including rice, noodles, BBQ, and dumplings to pair with a variety of beers, wines, cocktails, sake, and soju.
Insa, 328 Douglass Street, Brooklyn, NY, USA, +1 718 855 2620
Insa | © Aron Roth | © Aron Roth
By far the closest in proximity to the Barclays Center and the epitome of a pre- and post-game bar, McMahons has a wide range of pub fare to match its Irish pub atmosphere, decorated with televisions and a large open area around the bar perfect for mingling.
McMahons, 39 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, USA, +1 718 230 4549
Alchemy | © Aron Roth
Alchemy is the place to go for a simple meal in a comfortable environment, characterized by antique accents, dark wood, and brick. The tavern offers a decent variety of gastro-pub food options as well as beer, wine, and cocktails.
Alchemy, 56 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, USA, +1 718 636 4385