Dolly's Swing and Dive: The Women-Owned, LGBTQ+ Friendly Bar with Great Cocktails and Live Music in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Dolly's Swing and Dive Introduce

Introduction / Overview

Located on the bustling edge of the Williamsburg waterfront,

Dolly's Swing and Dive

has carved out a distinct and cherished space in Brooklyn's nightlife. More than just a bar, this establishment embraces a wonderfully paradoxical identity: it's a proudly self-dubbed 'dive bar' aesthetic reimagined with a modern sensibility, premium cocktail program, and an unequivocally inclusive ethos that is essential to the New York spirit. The result is a welcoming, vibrant, and incredibly popular destination at

101 Kent Ave

that successfully blends the cozy nostalgia of a classic neighborhood haunt with the contemporary energy of one of the city's trendiest areas.

One of the most noteworthy facts about Dolly’s is that it

Identifies as women-owned

, setting a strong, empowering tone for the business. This commitment to inclusion is palpable, as the bar explicitly welcomes the

LGBTQ+ friendly

community and serves as a designated

Transgender safespace

. It fosters a warm, casual environment where

Groups

and individuals feel equally comfortable. The atmosphere is consistently described as

Casual

Cozy

, and

Trendy

, featuring a décor that often pays playful tribute to strong women—most famously in its quirky, record-covered bathroom shrine—creating a unique backdrop for a night out.

From a service perspective, Dolly's delivers on all fronts: a

Fast service

team ensures you don't wait long for your drink, whether it's a selection from their

Great beer selection

or one of their acclaimed

Great cocktails

. They also offer a tempting menu of late-night

SNACKS

that are elevated beyond typical bar fare, ensuring you have the fuel to enjoy the lively mix of

Bar games

Live music

, and

Dancing

that frequently fills the space. This combination of quality offerings, engaging features, and a commitment to community safety and fun is why Dolly's Swing and Dive is an essential stop for a memorable night out in North Brooklyn.

Location and Accessibility

Dolly's Swing and Dive boasts a prime Brooklyn location at

101 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA

. This address places the bar in the heart of Williamsburg’s dynamic Northside, directly on Kent Avenue, which is a bustling artery near the East River waterfront. This proximity to the waterfront makes it a fantastic starting or ending point for an evening out, often capturing foot traffic from local residents and visitors enjoying the area’s scenic views.

For New Yorkers relying on public transportation, the bar is conveniently accessible via the

L train

at the

Bedford Avenue

station, one of the neighborhood's major transit hubs. This subway access connects the bar easily to Manhattan and other parts of Brooklyn. Given its high-traffic location, the availability of taxis and rideshare services is generally excellent.

In a city where accessibility is a crucial consideration, Dolly's is a leader in inclusivity. The bar provides a

Wheelchair accessible entrance

and a

Wheelchair accessible restroom

, ensuring that it is welcoming and functional for patrons with mobility needs. Furthermore, the option of

Outdoor seating

provides a desirable al fresco experience, which is highly sought-after in New York City, particularly during the warmer months.

Services Offered

Dolly's Swing and Dive offers a variety of services designed to create a comfortable, fun, and engaging experience for its diverse clientele:

Full Bar Service: Serving a wide array of
Alcohol
including a
Great beer selection
,
Wine
,
Hard liquor
, and expertly mixed
Cocktails
.
Seating Options: Offers
Seating
inside the
Cozy
and
Casual
space, as well as highly desirable
Outdoor seating
for enjoying the Williamsburg vibe.
Food and Drink Deals: Features both
Happy hour drinks
and
Happy hour food
specials, making it an excellent destination for post-work or early-evening meetups.
Light Fare: Offers
Food
and
Food at bar
options, primarily delicious
SNACKS
like
Pigs In A Blanket
,
Seasoned Tater Tots
, and a
House Baked Warm Pretzel
—perfect for accompanying drinks.
Entertainment: Provides a robust entertainment schedule that includes
Bar games
,
Live music
,
Live performances
, and
Dancing
to keep the atmosphere lively well into the night.
Takeout Service: Allows patrons to order beverages and snacks for
Takeout
, catering to those in the neighborhood on the go.
Payment Flexibility: Accepts major
Credit cards
,
Debit cards
, and modern
NFC mobile payments
for customer convenience.

Features / Highlights

The unique selling points of Dolly's Swing and Dive are rooted in its atmosphere, community focus, and commitment to quality:

Exceptional Cocktails and Beer: Known for their signature
Great cocktails
—with a variety of spirits and styles—alongside a curated
Great beer selection
that includes both local craft and affordable options.
A Welcoming and Safe Space: A key feature is its proudly
LGBTQ+ friendly
and
Transgender safespace
status, ensuring an inclusive and respectful environment for all patrons and
Groups
. The fact that it
Identifies as women-owned
further enhances this progressive and empowering environment.
Dynamic Entertainment: The bar’s dedication to a fun night out is highlighted by its offering of
Live music
and
Live performances
, transforming the casual setting into a venue for
Dancing
and entertainment.
Classic Bar Games: Patrons can engage in
Bar games
, which fosters a social, interactive, and classic 'dive bar' element, encouraging mingling and friendly competition.
Great Value Happy Hour: The availability of dedicated
Happy hour drinks
and
Happy hour food
deals offers a fantastic value proposition for the Williamsburg area, making premium cocktails and food more accessible.
Speed and Service: Staff are consistently praised for
Fast service
and being friendly, ensuring an efficient and positive experience, even when the bar is busy.

Contact Information

For Brooklyn locals and visitors planning a visit or needing to inquire about events at this Williamsburg favorite:

Address: 101 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA

Phone: (347) 294-0690

What is Worth Choosing

Dolly's Swing and Dive

is a standout choice in the vibrant Williamsburg bar scene, primarily because it delivers on both quality and atmosphere—a difficult balance to strike in New York City. For a local looking for a reliable, fun, and high-quality spot, it is worth choosing for several compelling reasons. The bar’s commitment to being

women-owned

and a genuine

LGBTQ+ friendly

Transgender safespace

means that you are supporting an authentically inclusive community establishment. This welcoming, unpretentious vibe is priceless in a large, often overwhelming city, guaranteeing a comfortable night out for everyone, whether you are part of a large

Group

or visiting solo.

The beverage program is a major draw. While it maintains a 'dive' attitude, the drink quality is far from it. Patrons consistently praise the

Great cocktails

, a clear indicator that the bartenders are skilled, even while offering excellent

Happy hour drinks

that make an evening more affordable. The personalized service, highlighted by customer comments about bartenders going the extra mile, reinforces the feeling of a true neighborhood bar where staff care about the customer experience. This service commitment, paired with

Fast service

, ensures a smooth visit.

Finally, the all-encompassing entertainment—from the lighthearted

Bar games

to the energy of

Live music

and

Dancing

—means that Dolly's is a dynamic destination that can suit a variety of moods. It’s the perfect all-in-one spot for New Yorkers: sophisticated cocktails without the snobbery, a friendly and inclusive crowd, and engaging entertainment all in one

Cozy

Trendy

package on Kent Avenue. For those seeking the best of Brooklyn nightlife with a friendly, conscious twist, Dolly's Swing and Dive is an undisputed top choice.

Dolly's Swing and Dive Food & drink

SNACKS
Pigs In A Blanket $8.00
100% Mini Beef Hot dog, Pastry, Spicy Mustard
Seasoned Tater Tots $8.00
Ketchup
House Baked Warm Pretzel $8.00
IPA Beer Spicy Beer Cheese & Dijon Mustard

Dolly's Swing and Dive Details

From the business
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeout

Highlights
Bar games
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Live music
Live performances

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Dancing
Food
Food at bar
Happy hour drinks
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Wine

Dining options
Seating

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Dolly's Swing and Dive Photos

Dolly's Swing and Dive Location

Dolly's Swing and Dive

New York Kings County Williamsburg Kent Avenue

101 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA

Dolly's Swing and Dive Reviews

An average rating of ★4.6 from 190 user reviews.

pricesbathroomdolly partonjukeboxspacehappy hourseatingatmospheremargaritapretzel

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Cute bar and you can order to go. Horrible margarita , however, I will say it had a lot of alcohol in it . But the mixer ( lime juice ) was so sour . But for $13 before tip- I’ll choke it down .
June 08 · michelle moses
The bartender here (Tati) is the cutest, working overtime to make cocktails whilst also keeping me company with my negroni (only negroni I’ve ever liked)!
March 14 · Diviya Padman
The bartender there during happy hour on Mondays is the reason why my partner and I will be returning. First time there this past Monday at 6pm and it was such a great vibe right by the park. Once they get that jukebox working, it’ll be a wrap!
April 29 · MHz Studios
Great “upscale dive” in this area! Cocktails on point and prices are fine. However, they’re not true dive prices. Definitely a regular stop when I’m in the area for an event.
February 06 · Philip Bradley
Obsessed with this place! Found it as we were heading to Smorgasbord across the street and ended up staying becuase the vibes were good and the drinks were affordable. Had so much fun that we ended up coming back that same night and the music was bumping. The bathroom is basically a Dolly Parton shrine and any bar that honors Queen Dolly is 5/5 stars for me.
August 17 · Fanise Cannon