Altar Introduce
Introduction / Overview
In the heart of Brooklyn's Crown Heights, Altar emerges as a premier destination for those seeking a cocktail bar with a unique and intimate vibe. This stylish establishment offers a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, often described by patrons as having a 'speakeasy energy.' The space, while intimate, is well-designed with a mix of seating arrangements, from high tables to cozy booths, all centered around a chic bar area. The thoughtful lighting and the presence of a fabulous disco ball contribute to an ambiance that is both classy and laid-back, making it an ideal setting for a variety of social occasions, from a romantic date night to a casual catch-up with friends.
Altar's commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of its operation, from the meticulously crafted cocktails to the thoughtfully curated small plates menu. The drink offerings are a highlight, with a diverse selection that includes classic cocktails like the Jack Rose and Daiquiri, as well as a range of inventive signature concoctions such as the 'High Fever' and 'Black Market Sour.' For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, the mocktail menu, featuring creative drinks like the 'Sterling Ginger,' provides a refreshing and flavorful alternative. The bar also boasts an impressive selection of wine, beer, whiskey, scotch, and rum, catering to a wide range of palates. Complementing the drink menu is a selection of delicious small plates, or 'tapas,' that are perfect for sharing. Dishes such as the Tartare, Lobster Roll, and Sticky Fried Chicken offer unexpected and satisfying flavors that elevate the overall experience. The combination of an exceptional beverage program, a delicious food menu, and a captivating atmosphere solidifies Altar as a must-visit spot in the Brooklyn bar scene.
Location and Accessibility
Altar is ideally situated at 645 Sterling Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11238, in the vibrant Crown Heights neighborhood. Its location is a major convenience for both locals and those visiting from other parts of the city. The bar is just a few short blocks from the Franklin Avenue subway station, which is serviced by the 2, 3, 4, and 5 lines, making it easily accessible via public transportation. For those arriving by bus, the B48 bus runs along Franklin Ave, with a stop conveniently close to Sterling Place. The area is also known for its lively and bustling atmosphere, with other popular establishments like Chavela's and Ras Plant Based in close proximity, making Altar a great stop on a night out or a starting point for bar hopping. While it does not have a dedicated parking lot, street parking is available in the vicinity. The establishment is also committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, ensuring a welcoming environment for all guests.
Services Offered
Altar provides a range of services tailored to a modern clientele. These include:
Dine-in and Table Service: Enjoy the full, intimate experience with dedicated table service, allowing you to relax and soak in the atmosphere.
Outdoor Seating: The bar offers outdoor seating, a popular option for enjoying a drink and a bite to eat during pleasant weather.
Takeout: For those on the go, the option to order takeout allows you to enjoy Altar's delicious food and drinks from the comfort of your own home.
Accepts Reservations: Guests can plan ahead and book a table, which is especially beneficial for groups or during peak hours to ensure a seamless experience.
Features / Highlights
What makes Altar a standout spot in Brooklyn are its distinctive features and highlights:
Expertly Crafted Cocktails: The bar is celebrated for its fantastic drink menu, which includes a wide selection of expertly crafted classic and signature cocktails. Patrons rave about the creativity and quality of drinks like the Jack Rose and the 'Pineapple Negroni.'
Inventive Small Plates: The food menu is not an afterthought. It features a selection of 'small plates' that are noted for their high quality and unexpected flavors, with options like the Lobster Roll and Sticky Fried Chicken.
Intimate & Speakeasy Vibe: The atmosphere is a key highlight. The bar's gorgeous decor and intimate, cozy setting make it a perfect place for conversation and unwinding, with music that is enjoyable but not too loud.
Private Events: Altar is the perfect venue for hosting private events. With its amazing cocktails, great food, and beautiful ambiance, it's an ideal location for birthdays, corporate gatherings, and other special occasions.
Diverse Drink Offerings: Beyond cocktails, Altar provides an extensive list of wine, beer, whiskey, scotch, and non-alcoholic mocktails, ensuring there's a perfect drink for everyone.
Attentive and Friendly Staff: Customer reviews frequently highlight the amazing and attentive staff who are praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor, making every visit a memorable one.
Contact Information
For more information, to inquire about a reservation, or to book a private event, you can contact Altar using the following details:
Address: 645 Sterling Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA
What is worth choosing
Choosing Altar is a decision to prioritize quality, atmosphere, and a truly unique experience. For a New Yorker looking for a bar that offers more than just drinks, Altar stands out. The reason it's worth choosing is the remarkable balance it strikes between a top-tier cocktail program and a comfortable, welcoming environment. The cocktails are a cut above the average, with a focus on both classic recipes and creative new flavors. The fact that patrons praise hard-to-find classics like the Jack Rose speaks volumes about the bartenders' skill and dedication. The menu of small plates, which one reviewer described as having "unexpected flavors," adds another layer of enjoyment, providing a perfect complement to the drinks.
Furthermore, the ambiance is a major draw. The bar successfully creates a space that is both chic and cozy, making it suitable for a variety of moods and occasions. Whether you're there for a quiet night out or a lively gathering, the intimate setting and good music—which is kept at a volume that allows for conversation—ensure a pleasant experience. The staff also plays a crucial role in making Altar a worthwhile choice. Many reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the bartenders, a key component of great service. The ability to book for private events also positions Altar as a versatile venue in the neighborhood. In a city filled with endless options, Altar distinguishes itself by offering a refined and well-rounded experience. It is a place to discover new favorite drinks, enjoy delicious food, and relax in a beautiful setting, all of which make it a compelling choice for a night out in Brooklyn.
Altar Menu
Tails
- Hing Pretty
Classic Cocktails
- Grasshopper
- Cameron's Kick
- Daiquiri
- Pineapple Campari Spritz
- Calvados French 75
- El Diablo
- Mulled Wine
- Bobby Burns
- Lucien Gaudin
- Fitzgerald
- Jack Rose
- White Negroni
- Hot Buttered Rum
Wine
- Cava, Conquilla, Catalonia, Spain $13.00
- Macebco Sauvignon Blanc $12.00
- Brut Rosé $14.00
- Rosé $70.00
- Barbera D'asti 'Ca Di Pian $13.00
- Lambrusco $12.00
- Groppello $13.00
Beer
- Mama's Little Yella Pils $6.00
- Forever Ever Ipa $8.00
- Aspall Dry Cider $8.00
- Saison Dupont Belgian Ale $8.00
- Non-Alcoholic Ipa $6.00
Mocktails
- Sterling Ginger $10.00
- Passion Play $10.00
- Razz Rookie $10.00
- Easy Rider $10.00
Whiskey
- Rittenhouse Rye $11.00
- Old Forester Rye $13.00
- Woodford Reserve Rye $15.00
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon $15.00
- Michter's Bourbon $14.00
- Suntory Toki $15.00
- Two Stacks Irish $13.00
- Tulamore D.e.w $12.00
- Buffalo Trace Bourbon $13.00
- Old Overholt Bonded Rye $11.00
- Jaywalk Bonded Rye $15.00
- Redbreast 12 Year $16.00
- Suntory Yamazaki 12 $25.00
Scotch
- Compass Box Blended $11.00
- Monkey Shoulder $14.00
- Laphroaig 10 Year $14.00
- Glenlivet 14 Year $20.00
- The Balvenie 12 Year $18.00
- The Balvenie 14 Year $20.00
Rum
- Plantation 3 Star $12.00
- Probitas Blended White $12.00
- Appleton Estate Signature $12.00
- Ron Zacapa No. 23 $15.00
- Smith & Cross $14.00
- Rhum J.m Vsop $15.00
- Worothy Park 109 Jamaican $12.00
- Diamond Reserve Spiced $12.00
- La Favorite Rhum Agricole Blanc $15.00
- El Dorado 8 Year $13.00
- El Dorado 12 Year $16.00
Amaros
- Amaro Nonino $12.00
- Montenegro
- Ramazzotti
- Cappaletti Pasubio $12.00
- Brauilo $14.00
- Averna $11.00
- Cynar $11.00
- Fernet Branca $12.00
- Fernet Menta $12.00
- Vecchio Amaro Del Capo
Natural Wine
- Cava, Macabeo, Xarel-Lo, Segura Viudas Nv
- Lambrusco
- Grenache Blanc, Domaine Ozil, Rochette Vdf 2020
- Malbec Merlot Rosé
- Kisi
- Corvina Rondinella
- Carignan
- Trebbiano
Signature
- The Dillio
- Fade To Black Manhattan
- High Fever
- Too Easy
- La Extraña
- Bramble On
Signature Cocktails
- The Dillio
- Fade To Black Manhattan
- High Fever
- Too Easy
- La Extraña
- Bramble On
- Smoking Palomino
- Black Market Sour
- Something Pretty
- Bastard Child
- Cherry Bomb
- Jungle Birdie
- Pineapple Negroni
- Spitfire
- Not Another Word
- Chai Tai
Clas
- Grasshoppe
- Cameron's K
- Pineapple Cam
- Calvados F
Small Plates
- Tartare
- Burrata
- Duck
- Two Sliders
- Sticky Fried Chicken
- Lobster Roll
- Ny Strip Skewers
- Ciabatta Melt
- Tuna & Toast
- Marinated Olives
- Truffled Corn
- Boquerones
- Patatas Brava
- Yucca Fries
Holiday Cocktails
- Boxing Day Punch
- Dear Santa
Others
- Lagrima Del Valles Tequila Plata $13.00
- El Velo Reposado $14.00
- Tapatio Tequila Blanco/Repo $13.00
- El Tesoro Blanco/Repo $13.00
- Siete Leguas Blanco/Repo $12.00
- Tlamati Espadilla $15.00
- Cumbrita De La Sierra $10.00
- Pal'alma San Luis Potosi $15.00
- Amatiteña Tequila Blanco $10.00
- Atanasio Tequila Reposado $10.00
- Santanera Tequila Anejo $15.00
- Hottt For Santa
- Burrito De Belen
- Santa Papiii
- Chocolate Hallelujah
Altar Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Food
- Food at bar
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Wine
Dining options
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Altar Photos










Altar Location
Altar Reviews
atmospherehappy hourpricesnacksmocktailssmall platesthe menumezcalboqueronesnutcracker
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Lovely little bar with an intimate vibe. They've got music playing but it's not so loud that you can't talk. I got a Jack Rose (which is not always easy to find, even in cocktail bars) and it was delicious. My friend got a mocktail that was also really good. We got some fries and they were great. Will definitely be returning frequently.
August 05 · Arava GreeneSoooooo this was one of my best finds for a local spot to have drinks along with a few bites to eat. I had the pleasure of being served by Carlos and Kevin. Amazing staff members who have made my experience here at Altar one to remember. I’ll definitely be back here to explore their fabulous drink menu. And the Tartare paired with the fries was amazing. Carlos, the manager and bartender made all drink to perfection. I’ll definitely be back to explore this beautiful gem. Thanks to all the staff who have made this a wonderful experience.
July 06 · Irwin BurgessThis is a great spot to spend a couple of hours catching up with friends over cocktails and small bites. We stopped by on a Saturday around 5 pm without a reservation and were seated right away.One of the highlights is their happy hour, which runs even on Saturdays until 7pm (a rare and welcome find!). The drinks and bites were solid, and the atmosphere was relaxed. Service was attentive, friendly, and added to the overall good vibe.Perfect for a casual hangout!
June 08 · Katy RodriguezGreat cocktail bar! Our drinks were amazing, paired great with the olives, and service was attentive and friendly. Atmosphere is great for dates or bringing friends too!
September 10 · Onyi O.I had an amazing time at this restaurant! The cocktail options were fantastic, and the ambiance was incredibly comfortable and relaxing with a groovy vibe. The music was just right—not too loud, but enough to enhance the experience. The staff was attentive, friendly, and professional, which added to the overall enjoyment. The food was also great. Overall, it was a wonderful experience that I'd recommend.
August 21 · Wilmer Vasquez
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