Golden Years Introduce
In a city where new bars open daily, finding one that offers a unique vibe and a truly memorable experience can be a challenge. Located in the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn,
Golden Years
is a bar that lives up to its whimsical name. It’s a place that captures a feeling of nostalgia, blending a cozy, sunny atmosphere with a modern sensibility. This establishment is more than just a place to grab a drink; it's a destination where the great cocktails, delicious food, and a certain kind of "indie sleaze millennial heart happy" soundtrack come together to create a one-of-a-kind experience.Golden Years is a bar that has a bit of an identity. It's a casual and trendy spot that's perfect for both groups and solo diners. The interior has a cozy feel, but it's the back deck that is a true standout. Customers describe it as a space that completely transports you out of the city, into a small-town backyard where you might actually hear a bird chirp. This blend of urban cool and serene escape is a rare find in New York City and a major reason why Golden Years has a dedicated following.
Beyond the atmosphere, the bar offers a solid selection of American comfort food and a wide array of drinks. The menu is concise but well-executed, with classics like the Golden Years Burger and a Fried Chicken Sandwich that has been praised as a five-star dish. The drink list is equally impressive, featuring a great selection of cocktails and a curated list of draft beers, ensuring there’s a perfect beverage to complement your food or simply to enjoy on its own.
While the atmosphere and offerings are generally well-regarded, it's worth noting that customer experiences with the staff can be mixed. Some reviews praise the bartenders and staff for being "super kind and accommodating," while others have found them to be "rude and unwelcoming." This inconsistency seems to be a key point of feedback for the bar's management to address. Despite this, the positive experiences highlight a genuinely friendly and attentive team, and for many, the great drinks and amazing backyard are enough to warrant a return visit.
Location and Accessibility
Golden Years is conveniently located at 221 N 4th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, in the bustling and highly-walkable Williamsburg neighborhood. The area is a hub for nightlife, dining, and shopping, making the bar a great stop during an afternoon or evening out. The location is easily accessible by public transportation, with several subway and bus lines serving the area, a must-have for any popular New York spot.
For guests, the bar provides a friendly and open environment with ample seating. While public information on all accessibility features is not available, the bar's overall commitment to a casual, welcoming environment suggests an inclusive approach.
Services Offered
Dine-in: Enjoy your meal and drinks inside the cozy, trendy interior or on the spacious back deck.
Outdoor Seating: The bar features a highly-praised back deck that provides a tranquil, outdoor escape from the city.
Delivery and Takeout: Golden Years offers the convenience of delivery and takeout, allowing you to enjoy their food and drinks from home.
Happy Hour: The bar provides happy hour drinks and food, perfect for unwinding after a long day with great deals on their menu items.
Accepts Reservations: Golden Years accepts reservations, which is a great option for groups who want to ensure they have a table, especially during peak hours.
Features and Highlights
Great Cocktails and Beer Selection: The bar has a reputation for its excellent drinks. The cocktail menu features unique and appealing options like the "Spicy Margarita" and "Golden Mule," while the draft beer selection offers a variety of craft and classic options, including local favorites.
Delicious Food: Golden Years serves American comfort food that is well-regarded by customers. The "Fried Chicken Sandwich" is a particular highlight, described as a five-star dish. The menu also includes classic bar fare like the Golden Years Burger, Fries, and Wings, all perfect for a satisfying meal.
Unique Atmosphere: The bar's vibe is one of its strongest features. It's casual, cozy, and trendy, with a nostalgic feel. The music selection, often featuring indie rock, adds to this unique ambiance.
The Back Deck: The back patio is a major draw for the bar. It's described as a serene, small-town backyard that provides a perfect escape from the city's noise and congestion, making it a great spot to relax and socialize.
Solo Dining Friendly: The bar is a great spot for solo diners, offering a comfortable and welcoming environment for those who want to grab a bite or a drink on their own.
Contact Information
Address: 221 N 4th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA
Phone: (718) 302-5100
What is Worth Choosing
For anyone in New York looking for a bar that offers more than just drinks, Golden Years is a truly worthwhile destination. The bar’s greatest strength is its ability to create a genuine and inviting atmosphere. The "whimsical name" and "sunny atmosphere" reflect the overall experience, which is about finding a bit of joy and relaxation in the city. The drinks are great, with a good selection of both cocktails and beer, and the food menu is surprisingly strong for a bar, with the Fried Chicken Sandwich receiving high praise.
The standout feature, however, is the back deck. In a dense city like New York, having a space that feels like a backyard retreat is a huge asset. It provides a peaceful and charming setting for a drink with friends or a quiet moment to yourself. This unique feature, combined with the often-friendly service and nostalgic music, creates an experience that feels special and personal.
While some customers have had negative experiences with the service, it's clear that these are not the norm for a majority of patrons. For many, the staff is "super kind and accommodating," which indicates that the potential for a great experience is very high. Given the fantastic atmosphere, solid food and drink menu, and the magical backyard, Golden Years is a spot that is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking to discover a true neighborhood gem in Williamsburg.
Golden Years Vibe
Appetizers
- French Fries $6.00
hand-cut daily in house. Served with a side of spicy mayo
- Fried Dumplings $8.00
5 pieces. Choice of vegetable or pork. Handmade by our partners at Greenpoint's Kimchee Market.
- Wings $15.00
Choice of Buffalo or Soy Ginger. Served with house-made bleu cheese and crudite.
Lunch/Dinner
- Kale Caesar Salad $14.00
Kale, red onions, Parmesan Reggiano, with house croutons and Caesar dressing. Add fried chicken or bacon for $5
- Golden Years Burger $18.00
All beef burger, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and spicy mayo on a sesame seed bun. Served with fries
- Fried Chicken Sandwich $17.00
Crispy chicken, american cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and spicy mayo on a sesame seed bun. Served with hand-cut fries.
- Beyond Burger $17.00
Beyond beef plant based patty, american cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and spicy mayo on a sesame seed bun. Served with hand-cut fries. Vegan option available.
Cocktails
- Spicy Margarita $12.00
tequila, orange liqueur, house jalapeño syrup, and lime with a tajin rim
- What She's Having $15.00
Sweet Gwendoline French gin and Lillet blanc with a twist of orange. Served on the rocks
- Golden Paloma $12.00
tequila, grapefruit juice, lime, and house jalapeño syrup with a tajin rim
- Golden Mule $14.00
vodka, sage-lime syrup, ginger beer, italicus
- Espresso Martini $14.00
codka, Oslo cold brew coffee, creme de cacao
- Lavender Haze $14.00
Empress 1809 gin, sage-lime syrup, sage leaf. Served up.
- 2003 Blackout $15.00
Four Roses bourbon, Antique Pelinkovac, Regan's orange bitters, Angostura bitters
Draft Beer
- Guiness Irish Stout $9.00
- Braven Bushwick Pilsner $8.00
- Rockaway IPA $9.00
- Rockaway IPA $9.00
- Founders All Day IPA $7.00
- Kona Big Wave $8.00
- Radiant Pig Gangster Duck $10.00
- Von Trapp Vienna Lager $9.00
- Founders Solid Gold Lager $6.00
- Montauk Easy Riser $9.00
Wheat beer
- Michelob Ultra $5.00
- Return Kolsch $8.00
Golden Years Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
Popular for
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Food
- Food at bar
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Wine
Dining options
- Seating
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Golden Years Photos










Golden Years Location
Golden Years Reviews
backyardchicken sandwichatmospherehappy hourmenufriespriceareaspicylavender haze
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1The sunny atmosphere and whimsical name of this bar reflect the experience. The bartenders and staff are super kind and accommodating. The drinks are great. Oftentimes they’re playing indie rock from the ’06 - ’14 golden era, which makes my little indie sleaze millennial heart happy. I recently tried their chicken sandwich and fries: 5 stars ladies and gentleman. Exactly what I was craving. Also, the back deck of Golden Years completely transports you out of the city, and into a small town backyard. We actually heard a freaking bird chirp back there. What are the odds.
April 25 · Josiah ClagettLike the other reviewer said “if you you’re looking for a bar where the staff treats you like you’re the problem” is very accurate.I’ve never left a review for a bar before, but I’ve also never experienced someone being so rude and unwelcoming before either. Hostile is the only way I can describe it.The management really needs to look at the attitude and service of their bartender. Although the backyard is nice I’m not coming back because this experience ruined it for me.
July 25 · BellaBartender on Tuesday afternoon was standoffish and rude. Id understand if it was a busy bar but our patronage seemed like an inconvenience as it was empty.I made a joke about not liking a beer and she gave a snarky rude response. Imagine not being able to shoot the shit with the bartender.Better places to go for sure. 100% would not return here.
August 12 · Ryan HoIf you’re looking for a bar where the staff treats you like you’re the problem for trying to make their job easier, congratulations — you’ve found it.Went to the bar as a group and, trying to be considerate, I compiled a full list of our drinks on my phone to make things easier for the bartender — you know, instead of having ten people shouting orders at him. I showed him the list, thinking it would be efficient. He took my phone, did something on his system, handed it back, and said, “I can’t remember.”So, trying to be helpful, I said, “No problem, I can leave my phone here until you’re done — I’m going to sit over there.” No bad intentions whatsoever — just trying to keep things smooth for him. He didn’t object or say anything, so I assumed all was good.Fast forward two minutes and here he comes, lecturing me with a bad attitude about how “that’s not how you order at a bar.” Oh, sorry — next time I’ll make sure to stand there and yell drinks over the noise like a real professional customer.Later, after some conversation with my friend, he apologized and said he was “overworked.” Because, of course, the burden of his entire shift should land squarely on the customer who tried to make it easier, who is also very likely overworked. Makes total sense.No matter how stressed you are, basic decency should never be optional. Customers aren’t your emotional punching bag. Thanks for the unforgettable experience — for all the wrong reasons.
April 27 · Jinglin ChenThis place was freaking great! My family and I were wandering around Brooklyn one night, trying to catch a bite to eat and stumbled upon this bar. Little did we know that they had great food and a really cool backyard for seating. The staff was very friendly and kind and the service was fast. If I'm ever back in the area, I will definitely have to stop by!
June 24 · Nicole Peachey
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