Elsa

- 136 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Elsa Bar: Where Art Deco Style Meets Impeccable Mixology in Brooklyn

For New Yorkers who believe that a cocktail should be a carefully orchestrated experience—a blend of intentional design, balanced flavors, and a touch of magic—Elsa Bar in Cobble Hill stands as a beacon of excellence. This cocktail bar is far more than just a place to grab a drink; it is a destination where every detail, from the stylish Art Deco light fixtures to the homemade syrups and infusions, is thoughtfully curated.

Named in homage to the legendary 1920s couturière Elsa Schiaparelli, the bar’s aesthetic is a sophisticated blend of Art Deco and Art Nouveau, featuring clean lines, curvy molding, reclaimed wainscoting, and a candlelit intimacy that makes it one of the "cutest" and most attractive spaces in Brooklyn. The atmosphere is an appealing mix of casual, cozy, trendy, and upscale, managing to impress without ever feeling "buttoned-up" or pretentious. This beautiful design, praised for setting a standard above most other bars, creates a perfect backdrop for socializing, be it a clumsy first date or a relaxed night out with a group.

Elsa has secured its reputation among local patrons as a bar that delivers consistent, world-class quality. Customers frequently describe the cocktails as, without exaggeration, "some of the best in New York City"—thoughtfully balanced, creative yet not gimmicky, and consistently elegant. The commitment to crafting signature elixirs using ingredients like Sichuan peppercorn, sweet corn-infused tequila, and homemade syrups solidifies its status as a premier cocktail laboratory. Located right in the heart of the desirable Cobble Hill neighborhood, Elsa is a must-visit for anyone who knows how to appreciate a truly great drink.

Location and Accessibility

Elsa Bar is perfectly situated at 136 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA, placing it directly in the vibrant Cobble Hill neighborhood. This prime location on Atlantic Avenue allows for excellent people-watching, particularly from the window seats. The bar’s position makes it a convenient stop for locals walking between Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights, and the Carroll Gardens area.

The area is highly accessible via public transportation, with proximity to the Bergen Street station (F and G lines), as well as other nearby subway lines that service Downtown Brooklyn, ensuring ease of access from across New York City. For those driving, the location is a notable plus as it offers Free street parking, a highly valued amenity in a dense urban environment like Brooklyn. Elsa also offers flexible seating options, including an Interior space, a charming Patio/Outdoor Seating area (available for private events and daily use), and comfortable brown leather booths and marble tables for an excellent dine-in experience.

Services Offered

• Dine-in: Guests are welcome to enjoy the full cocktail and snack menu within the stylish interior or on the patio.
• Outdoor Seating: A lovely patio and backyard space is available, perfect for enjoying a drink on a warm summer night.
• Takeout: The bar provides a takeout option for those who wish to enjoy their exceptional cocktails at home.
• Table Service: Comfortable seating arrangements and table service ensure a relaxed and attentive experience.
• Happy Hour: A highly popular feature, happy hour runs Tuesday through Friday from 5 PM to 7 PM, and is offered All Day Sunday.
• Full Beverage Offerings: A complete selection of Alcohol, Hard Liquor, Beer, and Wine is served, but the focus is clearly on the innovative Cocktails.
• Food and Snacks: A small, limited food menu featuring excellent bar snacks is available, including a highly-regarded Charcuterie & Cheese Board.
• Private Events: Both the Interior (capacity 72) and Patio (capacity 30) are available for private parties, film, and photo shoots.
• Payment Options: All major forms of payment are accepted, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

• World-Class Cocktail Program: The bar is celebrated for having "Great cocktails" and consistently delivers creative, thoughtfully balanced drinks driven by house-made syrups and infusions. Past favorites have included the Scotch-based Spider in the Cup and the tequila-laced The Golden Fang.
• Art Deco and Art Nouveau Design: The interior design, inspired by Jean Royère and the Vienna Secession movement, features curvy molding, wrought-iron light fixtures, and handsome brown leather booths, making it one of the most aesthetically pleasing and romantic bars in the city.
• Exceptional Happy Hour: The generous happy hour, especially the All Day Sunday special, is a major draw for locals looking for high-quality cocktails at great value.
• Focus on Culinary Mixology: Cocktails often incorporate a distinct culinary angle with unusual, impressive ingredients like lemongrass, sweet corn, Szechuan peppercorn, and smoked chili bitters, providing complexity and depth.
• Cozy and Intimate Vibe: Described as cozy and perfect for one-on-one situations, the bar maintains a "quiet confidence" and is often cited as ideal for a blind date or a relaxed evening conversation due to its appropriate noise level.
• Unique Barware Detail: A quirky centerpiece from its original Manhattan location was the beer on tap funneled through a large, old sewing machine, embodying the bar's unique and artistic spirit.
• Quality Bar Snacks: While the snack menu is small, it includes excellent pairings like the Charcuterie & Cheese Board and Curry & Lime Nuts, perfect for complementing the strong cocktails.
• Fast and Friendly Service: Patrons consistently praise the "super friendly" bartenders and the generally Fast service, adding to the overall positive experience.

Contact Information

Address: 136 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

Phone: (929) 387-8308

General Opening Hours:

• Monday: CLOSED
• Tuesday - Thursday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• Friday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
• Saturday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM
• Sunday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM (All Day Happy Hour)

Note: Reservations for parties can be made via Resy, which is highly recommended for Friday and Saturday nights.

What is Worth Choosing

Elsa is worth choosing for New Yorkers who prioritize exceptional cocktail quality and stylish, intimate environments. The reason to make the trip to Cobble Hill is not simply for drinks, but for a meticulously curated and consistently executed drinking experience that few other establishments in the city can match. Patrons who describe the experience as "just a bit magical" speak volumes about the bar's appeal.

To get the most out of your visit, plan to attend during the All Day Sunday Happy Hour. This allows you to sample several of their complex, world-class cocktails at a special price while enjoying the laid-back weekend atmosphere. Additionally, you should be sure to order one of their current signature elixirs—the ever-changing menu guarantees innovative creations, but the consistent use of unique infusions means you are always in for a treat. Whether it’s a spicy, complex blend like the Spider in the Cup or one of their refreshing frozen drinks on a hot summer evening in the backyard patio, the quality remains paramount.

Finally, secure a cozy, candlelit booth for an Art Deco-infused conversation. The combination of the visually stunning space, the impressive cocktails, and the famously friendly service makes Elsa the ultimate destination for a sophisticated, relaxed evening that truly "delivers excellence" in the New York City bar scene. Do not forget to pair your drinks with the highly sharable Charcuterie & Cheese Board for a complete Cobble Hill cocktail adventure.

Elsa

136 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA