Hollow Nickel

- 494 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

If you're looking for a neighborhood bar that perfectly blends a cozy atmosphere, a top-tier drink program, and seriously satisfying comfort food, look no further than the Hollow Nickel in Brooklyn. Located in the popular Boerum Hill neighborhood, this spot is much more than just a watering hole; it's a rustic-chic retreat serving up some of the best bar food in the area, all wrapped up in a welcoming, casual vibe.

The name itself, "Hollow Nickel," is a nod to a fascinating piece of local history—a 1953 Soviet spy case involving hollowed coins—lending the bar a cool, vintage-espionage aesthetic that influences its decor and overall ambiance. Since opening, the bar has become a beloved fixture on Atlantic Avenue, recognized for its fast service, friendly bartenders, and the quality of its offerings, from its rotating craft beer selection to its inventive, juicy burgers.

Whether you’re stopping in solo for a quick drink, gathering a group for a casual night out, or seeking a late-night bite after a show at Barclays Center, Hollow Nickel is designed to accommodate. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance: it’s cozy and candle-lit enough for an intimate conversation, but lively and trendy enough to feel like a true Brooklyn hot spot. Plus, with a kitchen that stays open late and a reputation for serving exceptional comfort food, it guarantees you won't leave hungry.

Location and Accessibility

Hollow Nickel is ideally situated at 494 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, placing it directly in the heart of the energetic Boerum Hill/Atlantic Terminal area. This location is one of the most transit-rich in all of New York City, making it exceptionally easy to reach from anywhere in the boroughs.

The bar is just a short walk from the massive Atlantic Terminal-Barclays Center station, which serves as a major hub for multiple subway lines and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). New Yorkers can access Hollow Nickel via an incredible number of trains, including the 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, and R lines. Additionally, the LIRR’s Atlantic Terminal is just steps away, providing seamless access for those traveling from Long Island or Queens. Numerous MTA bus lines also stop nearby, including the B37, B41, B45, B63, B65, B67, and B103.

For guests driving, paid street parking is typically available, and the proximity to the Atlantic Center shopping mall means there are several parking garages nearby. The venue ensures comfort for all patrons with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible restroom, a vital feature for city dining.

Services Offered

Hollow Nickel provides a full-service experience that caters to both a casual happy hour crowd and those seeking a full dinner and late-night social spot.

• Full Bar Service: Offers a wide selection of alcohol, beer, wine, spirits, and great cocktails prepared by friendly and knowledgeable bartenders.
• Hamburger Restaurant & Comfort Food Kitchen: The kitchen is open late every day, specializing in juicy burgers and classic American comfort bites like wings and fried pickles.
• Happy Hour Program: The bar features happy hour drinks and happy hour food promotions, providing excellent value for after-work or pre-game crowds.
• Outdoor Seating: A spacious outdoor area and landscaped backyard provides a comfortable setting to relax and enjoy drinks and food, especially during warmer evenings.
• Takeout and Delivery: Provides convenient options for customers who wish to enjoy their food and drinks at home.
• Seating and Dining Options: Features seating throughout the main bar area, intimate booths for date nights, and a food at bar option for solo diners.
• Event Hosting: The bar is a popular choice for groups and is known as an excellent after-party spot for Barclays Center events.
• Entertainment: The venue often features TV screens showing popular shows and is noted to have a relaxed, convivial atmosphere perfect for casual conversations.

Features / Highlights

What sets Hollow Nickel apart in a city dense with bars is its unique combination of quality food, a diverse drink menu, and an authentically welcoming ambiance.

• Award-Worthy Burgers: The food menu is a major highlight, centered around the HN Classic Double Burger and the fan-favorite Spicy Smash Burger. Customers consistently praise the quality and flavor of the food, noting that the burgers are "juicy" and served "hot and timely."
• Espionage-Themed Vibe: The bar's design draws inspiration from its building's history, creating a cozy, friendly dive bar feel with rustic decor and a subtle vintage vibe, which is enhanced by intimate, candle-lit back areas.
• Late-Night Kitchen: Finding quality food in NYC after 10 PM can be a challenge, but the Hollow Nickel's kitchen stays open late every day (until 1 AM on weekends), making it an essential destination for late-night cravings.
• Exceptional Beverage Selection: Known for its Great Beer Selection, which features frequently rotating craft brews, including East Coast favorites, alongside a solid wine and Great Cocktails list.
• Highly Accessible Location: Its proximity to the Atlantic Terminal-Barclays Center subway and LIRR hub means that it is arguably one of the most accessible bars in all of Brooklyn, making it an ideal meeting spot.
• Friendly and Fast Service: Customers frequently point out the friendly, inviting bar staff and the fast service, ensuring a low-stress and enjoyable experience whether the bar is crowded or quiet.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, order takeout, or inquire about a group event, please use the following contact information:

Address: 494 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA

Phone: (347) 236-3417

What is Worth Choosing Hollow Nickel

In a city overflowing with bars, Hollow Nickel distinguishes itself by mastering the basics—great drinks, fantastic food, and a chill atmosphere—while offering highly attractive conveniences for the busy New Yorker. Choosing Hollow Nickel means choosing quality and consistency.

First, it's a burger destination. The menu is compact but powerful, offering gourmet twists on American classics, like the HN Classic Double Burger or the unique Breakfast Burger. For those looking for vegetarian options, the menu often features alternatives like the Portobello Burger or the Beyond Burger, ensuring everyone in your group finds a satisfying, high-quality bite. Paired with crispy side favorites like Hand-Cut Fries and the highly recommended Fried Pickles, the food here elevates standard pub fare to restaurant quality.

Second, the convenience factor is unbeatable. Being situated near one of the city's largest transit hubs makes it the perfect neutral ground for meeting friends coming from any direction. Furthermore, the bar's extended hours—open until 2 AM during the week and on Sunday, and even later on weekends—and its late-night kitchen make it the go-to spot when everywhere else is winding down. It is particularly popular as a lively, yet relaxed, option for post-event crowds departing from Barclays Center.

Finally, the bar's vibe is genuinely welcoming and low-key trendy. It avoids the pretension of many other city lounges. Whether you’re grabbing a seat at the bar for a solitary solo dining experience or settling into a cozy booth for a night out with friends, the friendly service and warm, rustic ambiance ensure you feel right at home. Hollow Nickel is an authentic slice of Brooklyn, offering excellent craft beer, strong cocktails, and the kind of unforgettable, flavorful comfort food that will make it your new Boerum Hill haunt.

Hollow Nickel

494 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA