Highbury Pub

- 1002 Cortelyou Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11218

Introduction / Overview

Nestled at the vibrant intersection of Cortelyou Road and Coney Island Avenue, **Highbury Pub** stands as a beloved institution in Brooklyn’s Ditmas Park and Flatbush neighborhoods. This establishment is far more than a typical local bar; it is an authentic, cozy Irish-style pub that has cemented its status as a vital community hub and the epicenter for New York soccer culture. Established in 2013 by a Dubliner with a passion for the game, the pub takes its name from the historic former home of Arsenal Football Club, and its walls proudly welcome supporters of **Arsenal, Barcelona, and Gotham FC**.

The atmosphere at Highbury Pub is its undisputed strength. Locals consistently praise the environment as casual, cozy, and having energy that is always "on point." It’s a place that fosters genuine connection, described by regulars as being "very much Cheers like," with a clientele that is 75 to 80 percent regular-driven. This dedication to a welcoming and supportive environment ensures that both newcomers and long-time patrons feel right at home, thanks in large part to the staff, who are known for their fast service and fun, welcoming nature. For New Yorkers seeking an escape from the impersonal city pace, Highbury Pub offers a reliable sanctuary with strong drinks, good vibes, and genuinely great service.

The core offering revolves around a quality selection of libations. The pub is celebrated for its **Great Beer Selection**, which includes a rotating list of draught beers, complemented by a substantial offering of **Hard Liquor** and carefully crafted **Cocktails**. The commitment here is to quality without pretense, creating a space where watching a Premier League match at 7 AM on a Saturday is as natural as unwinding with a thoughtfully made **Manhattan** late on a Friday night. Highbury Pub successfully marries the comfort of a traditional English pub with the dynamic energy of a modern Brooklyn gathering spot.

***

Location and Accessibility

Highbury Pub is strategically located at **1002 Cortelyou Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11218**, right on the corner of Cortelyou Road and Coney Island Avenue. This spot places it directly in the heart of the charming and highly desirable Ditmas Park area, on the border of Flatbush. The surrounding neighborhood is characterized by beautiful Victorian homes and a thriving local business scene, contributing to the pub’s strong neighborhood feel.

For New Yorkers relying on public transportation, accessibility is straightforward and convenient. The pub is easily reached via the **Q train**, with the **Cortelyou Road** station being just a short walk away. This direct subway access makes Highbury Pub a prime destination for supporters traveling from various parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan, especially for early morning soccer matches.

The physical space is also designed with inclusivity in mind, a crucial detail for any community-focused business in New York City. Highbury Pub offers a **Wheelchair Accessible Entrance** and a **Wheelchair Accessible Restroom**, ensuring that it can comfortably accommodate all patrons. The combination of its prime corner location, excellent subway access, and full physical accessibility makes it a premier, stress-free destination in the 11218 zip code.

***

Services Offered

Highbury Pub offers a comprehensive suite of services centered around high-quality beverage options, convenience, and a top-tier customer experience. Their operations are tailored to serve both casual visitors and large groups of regulars.

• Full Bar Offerings: The pub features an extensive selection of **Alcohol**, including a **Great Beer Selection** with rotating taps, a wide range of bottled and canned options, **Wine**, and a full list of **Hard Liquor**. Patrons consistently praise the quality of their **Cocktails** and spirits.
• Value-Driven Deals: To enhance the patron experience, the pub offers **Happy Hour Drinks** and specific nightly promotions, such as the popular **Whiskey Wednesdays**, which feature two-for-one single malt scotches, catering to those who appreciate a fine spirit.
• Food Flexibility: While the bar focuses on beverages, it offers an accommodating policy by allowing **Outside Food**. The pub has arrangements with several nearby local restaurants—including a burger place, a diner, a pizza place, and a Thai spot—making it easy for patrons to order and enjoy a full meal while socializing.
• Entertainment and Events: The space is frequently utilized for community entertainment, hosting regular **Trivia Night** events, **Live Performances** (including monthly music and a solid open mic on the first Tuesday of every month), and acoustic guitar sing-alongs, providing a versatile evening experience.
• Premier Sports Viewing: A central service is the pub’s dedication to showing **Sports**. They utilize large screens and smaller TVs to ensure optimal viewing of Premier League, La Liga, and NWSL matches, often opening as early as 7 AM for morning kickoffs.
• Payment and Convenience: For hassle-free transactions, the pub accepts major **Credit Cards**, **Debit Cards**, and modern **NFC Mobile Payments**, ensuring fast and efficient service.

***

Features / Highlights

The features of Highbury Pub are designed to create a vibrant, cozy, and deeply rooted community space, setting it apart from typical New York City bars.

• Premier Soccer Supporters' Home: Highbury Pub is an official, recognized home for several key soccer fan groups, specifically **Arsenal, Barcelona, and Gotham FC** supporters. This identity means the atmosphere during matches, particularly Premier League games, is electric, authentic, and inclusive—an experience lauded by fans as "way more chill" than other major fan pubs.
• Celebrated Staff and Vibe: The pub is famous for its outstanding bartenders and overall vibe. Reviews highlight the staff as friendly, professional, and crucial to maintaining the pub’s authentic, laid-back atmosphere. This exceptional service contributes to the strong feeling of community, where people meet as strangers and leave as friends.
• Specialty Drinks and Beer Variety: Beyond the standard offerings, the pub maintains a curated and rotating selection of beer on tap, appealing to serious beer enthusiasts. The commitment to crafting high-quality drinks is evident in the positive feedback on their cocktails, such as the excellent Manhattan, and the availability of European beers and savory meat pies.
• Eclectic Entertainment Schedule: The variety of scheduled events is a major draw. From the brainy competition of **Trivia Night** to the creative showcase of the **Open Mic** night and monthly musical events, there is always a reason for locals to gather that extends beyond sports.
• Unique Interior Details: Even the amenities are memorable. The restrooms are famously unique, featuring **Playboy wallpaper** and a literal **penny tile floor**, showcasing the pub’s quirky, welcoming personality and commitment to a distinct, non-generic pub feel.
• Food Flexibility and Local Ties: The policy of allowing **Outside Food** demonstrates a commitment to patron comfort and supports other local businesses. This unique dining option allows customers to tailor their pub experience, ordering from surrounding pizza, Thai, or burger joints while enjoying the pub's great drinks.

***

Contact Information

For specific opening times, inquiries about match schedules, or general information, please use the following contact details for Highbury Pub.

Address: 1002 Cortelyou Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11218, USA

Phone: (347) 533-4557

***

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Highbury Pub is choosing an authentically local Brooklyn experience that is both laid-back and passionate. For soccer enthusiasts, the pub is unequivocally the place to be. It is worth choosing a **match day**—especially for an Arsenal, Barcelona, or Gotham FC game—to fully immerse yourself in the high-energy, supportive crowd and witness the pub’s primary purpose in action. The owner and patrons have successfully cultivated an environment where the commitment to supporting the teams is intense, yet incredibly welcoming to all.

If you are looking for a mid-week break, the **Whiskey Wednesdays** are a strong choice, offering an excellent opportunity to sample quality single malt scotches at a favorable rate. Alternatively, attending the **Trivia Night** or the **Open Mic** on the first Tuesday of the month offers a perfect opportunity to tap into the local creative and intellectual community, making the pub a versatile social venue.

In terms of libations, choosing a pint from their **Great Beer Selection** is always recommended, as the taps rotate and offer both classic and European beers. Be sure to engage with the bartenders; they are highly praised for their skill and friendliness, and are known to make a fantastic **Manhattan**. The overall value is consistently noted by New Yorkers, who appreciate the great prices alongside the strong quality of the drinks.

Ultimately, what makes Highbury Pub worth choosing is its unwavering atmosphere. It's a genuine community spot—perfect for groups, locals, and anyone who appreciates a cozy, casual environment where outside food is welcome, service is fast, and the passion for sports and socializing runs deep. It truly embodies the spirit of a neighborhood pub in the heart of Brooklyn.

Highbury Pub

1002 Cortelyou Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11218, USA