East River Bar

- 97 S 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

In a neighborhood known for its ever-evolving, high-end nightlife, East River Bar stands as a welcome, authentic fixture in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Located just south of the bridge, this establishment is the definition of a great neighborhood bar: unpretentious, dependable, and packed with character. It’s an ideal spot for New Yorkers seeking a genuine, lowkey nighttime hang where the focus is on good company, strong drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere.

East River Bar is not just a place for a quick drink; it's a destination for entertainment and casual dining. It proudly checks all the boxes for a quintessential Brooklyn experience. The interior features a "Casual" and "Cozy" vibe, enhanced by "ambient lighting" and the comforting presence of "Bar games" like pool and foosball. Outside, you'll discover a beloved backyard area that is spacious and lively. The bar is a known destination for a "Great beer selection" and surprisingly "Great cocktails," all delivered with "Fast service." It’s especially popular with "Groups" looking for a fun night out, offering everything from a chill weeknight vibe to a spot for catching "Live performances" or watching "Sports."

One of its most unique and celebrated features is the presence of an onsite taco truck, ensuring that while the bar itself keeps things simple on the food front, patrons are never far from a delicious, satisfying bite. It’s a cash-only establishment, a small detail that adds to its authentic, no-frills, dive bar charm—a testament to its roots in the neighborhood, which was once an underground biker bar and an illicit speakeasy.

East River Bar is perfectly situated in a prime area of South Williamsburg, making it easily accessible for a local night out or a visit from other boroughs.

The bar can be found at:

97 S 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA

Its location near the Williamsburg Bridge and major transit hubs like the Marcy Avenue (J, M, Z) subway station ensures easy travel. In keeping with its commitment to serving the entire community, East River Bar offers a "Wheelchair accessible entrance," a critical feature for any establishment in a bustling metropolis like New York City. Once inside, guests can appreciate the "Restroom" facilities, including a "Gender-neutral restroom," further underscoring the bar’s inclusive and welcoming nature. For digital convenience, "Wi-Fi" is available, and its unique, slightly moody interior is ideal for a fun snap at the "Photo Booth" to commemorate the night.

East River Bar is designed to be a complete, no-hassle spot for a night of social relaxation, offering a focused range of services to enhance the dive bar experience.

• Full Bar Service: Serving a wide selection of “Alcohol,” including an impressive “Great beer selection,” an array of “Wine,” and a full complement of “Hard liquor” for well and specialty drinks.
• Signature Drink Deals: Known for its value and classic dive bar pairings, the bar offers popular combos like the Pbr Tall Boy + Well Shot ($10.00), Tecate + Tequila, and Bud + Jameson ($12.00).
• Happy Hour: Features daily “Happy hour drinks,” providing value specials on “Beer,” “Cocktails,” and other spirits, often running on weekdays in the late afternoon/early evening.
• Outdoor Socializing: Offers spacious “Outdoor seating” in the backyard area, perfect for enjoying a drink and a bite from the taco truck during the warmer months.
• Flexible Dining: The policy of “Outside food allowed” (a nod to the taco truck in the back) ensures that guests can enjoy a full meal alongside their drinks while utilizing the provided “Seating.”
• Entertainment: Provides classic “Bar games,” including pool and foosball, offering a low-stakes activity for "Groups" and friends.

What makes East River Bar a beloved Williamsburg institution is its masterful blend of classic dive bar grit and modern Brooklyn amenities.

• The Unofficial Taco Truck Dining: While the bar does not have a formal in-house kitchen, the presence of an onsite taco truck (which one customer noted offers a "delicious chicken quesadilla for $10") is a major highlight, allowing patrons to enjoy fresh, authentic, and affordable Mexican street food right in the bar’s backyard.
• Exceptional Value and Combos: The commitment to affordable drinking options, particularly through its famous “Shot + Beer” combinations like High Life + Well Shot ($10.00), solidifies its reputation as a fantastic destination for "cheap drinks" and a great spot to stretch your budget without compromising on the fun.
• Authentic Vibe and Aesthetic: The atmosphere is dark, lowkey, and features beautiful remnants of its industrial past—such as pressed-tin ceilings—which contribute to its "Casual" and "Cozy" feel. It’s an ideal setting for “drinks and chats,” where the ambiance is always appealing for a relaxing night.
• Entertainment Hub: Beyond the pool and foosball tables, the bar is known to host “Live performances,” keeping the entertainment calendar fresh and diverse. It is also an excellent venue to catch “Sports” on the two in-house TVs, creating a community feel for game nights.
• Great Drink Menu Variety: Despite its dive bar title, the bar offers impressive variety, with a strong commitment to quality "Great cocktails" (with reported prices around $10-$12 for drinks like mules and margaritas) alongside popular cans and bottles like Pbr, Tecate, Lone Star, Guinness, and local brews like Kona Big Wave and Brooklyn Lager.
• Cash-Only Authenticity: The “Cash-only” policy is a signature detail that contributes to the bar’s no-frills, traditional New York bar identity, ensuring quick transactions and maintaining a simple charm that contrasts with the digital world outside its doors.

For all inquiries regarding hours, events, or group bookings, please use the following contact details:

Address: 97 S 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA

Phone: (718) 302-0511

*Operating hours are generally late afternoon to late night, with extended hours on Friday and Saturday, making it a perfect spot for any evening adventure in Williamsburg.*

What truly makes East River Bar a standout choice in the fiercely competitive Brooklyn bar scene is its unwavering dedication to the classic, unpretentious New York dive bar experience, enhanced by surprisingly modern amenities and culinary delights. It’s the perfect antidote to high-concept, expensive lounges. New Yorkers choose East River Bar because it delivers exceptional value without sacrificing quality or fun.

It is worth choosing for the complete, authentic social package: you get a "Great beer selection" and "Great cocktails" at reasonable prices, combined with "Bar games" and a “Photo Booth” for entertainment. Most uniquely, the massive backyard—a rarity in this part of the city—offers a dedicated space for "Outdoor seating" and is home to the beloved taco truck, providing a delicious, convenient dining option. Whether you’re a local grabbing a well-priced PBR and a shot, a group celebrating a night out with foosball and fresh margaritas, or a fan catching "Sports" and "Live performances," East River Bar offers a consistently "fabulous lowkey night." For Brooklynites looking for a truly "Casual," "Cozy," and memorable bar experience with an edge of local history, East River Bar is the quintessential Williamsburg choice.

East River Bar

97 S 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA