Iona

- 180 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Located at 180 Grand Street in the heart of Williamsburg, Iona is a well-established bar and a true local favorite. Since its establishment in 2000, this bar has become a cornerstone of the neighborhood, providing a warm, friendly, and unpretentious alternative to some of the area's more formal establishments. Housed in a former candy store, Iona maintains a cozy and casual atmosphere that makes everyone feel right at home. It's a place where locals and tourists alike can gather for a drink, a bite to eat, or to enjoy a range of entertainment options. The bar successfully balances a trendy vibe with a welcoming, no-frills attitude, creating a space that feels both of-the-moment and timeless. This unique combination is a key reason for its longevity and popularity.

Iona is more than just a place to grab a drink; it's a social hub with a dynamic personality. As a sports bar, it draws in fans for major events, particularly European football (soccer) matches, which are shown on flat screens and a live projection screen. The bar also embraces its cultural roots, hosting the "Iona Scottish Session," a weekly event focused on traditional Scottish and Irish music. This blend of sports enthusiasm and live musical performances makes for a multi-faceted experience that caters to a wide range of interests. Whether you're a die-hard sports fan, a music lover, or simply looking for a great place to hang out, Iona has something to offer. The spacious back garden with a ping pong table is another beloved feature, providing a relaxing outdoor escape during warmer months. This versatile and engaging atmosphere is what sets Iona apart from the competition.

The bar's commitment to quality extends to its food and drink menu. With a "great beer selection" and "great cocktails," as noted in a review, Iona ensures that every patron can find a beverage they love. The food menu features unique and satisfying pub fare, including delicious pies from Betty Bakery with various fillings like Steak & Cheese, Thai Chicken, and Shepherd's Pie. This kind of thoughtful, well-executed food is a significant draw, providing a substantial and tasty accompaniment to the drinks. The bar also offers happy hour drinks, making it an excellent value for those looking to enjoy a drink after work. The overall experience at Iona is marked by fair pricing and a high level of service. As one reviewer highlighted, the staff "show warmth instead of attitude" and are skilled at "tim everything perfectly during your meal," ensuring a seamless and pleasant visit every time.

Iona is conveniently located at 180 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211, placing it at the heart of Williamsburg's vibrant social scene. The bar is situated on a major street, making it a prominent and easily accessible destination. Its location near Bedford Avenue is particularly advantageous, as it’s within a short walking distance of one of the neighborhood's busiest commercial corridors.

The bar is well-connected to New York's public transportation network. The Bedford Avenue L train station is just a few blocks away, providing a quick and easy commute from Manhattan and other parts of Brooklyn. The area is also served by several bus routes, making it a simple journey for anyone in the vicinity. For those with accessibility needs, Iona is fully prepared, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible restroom. For drivers, the bar offers the convenience of free street parking, a valuable amenity in a neighborhood where parking can often be a challenge.

Iona provides a range of services designed to make every visit enjoyable:

• Outdoor seating: The spacious back garden is perfect for enjoying drinks and food in the open air.
• Dine-in: Patrons can enjoy the full menu of drinks and food within the cozy indoor seating area.
• Delivery: For those who prefer to stay in, the bar offers delivery service for its food.

Iona is celebrated for a number of features that set it apart from other bars:

• Bar Games and Live Performances: The bar provides entertainment with games like ping pong and features live performances, including weekly Scottish and Irish music sessions and a DJ spinning vinyl.
• Great Drink Selection: The bar offers a wide variety of alcohol, including an extensive beer selection (with 24 beers on tap and 32 bottled beers), great cocktails, hard liquor, and wine.
• Welcoming Atmosphere: The vibe is casual, cozy, and trendy, making it a comfortable place for groups, tourists, and solo visitors.
• Sports Hub: As a sports bar, it is a popular spot for fans to watch live sports on multiple screens.
• Quality Food: The menu features a selection of delicious pies from Betty Bakery, providing a satisfying and substantial meal option.

For more information, or to get in touch with the bar, here is the contact information for Iona:

Address: 180 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA

Phone: (718) 384-5008

Iona is a truly exceptional choice for anyone in New York looking for a bar that offers more than just a drink. The customer reviews provide a powerful testament to its quality. One reviewer noted that the "food quality matches the fair pricing," which is a crucial factor in a city with often-inflated costs. This value proposition, combined with the bar's unique and delicious Betty Bakery pies, makes it a top destination for those seeking both a great drink and a satisfying meal. The consistency is also highlighted, with a customer saying, "I've never had a bad experience with any dish," which speaks to the kitchen's reliability and commitment to excellence.

The positive experience is not just limited to the food. The staff's exceptional service is a major reason to visit. The reviewer's praise for the "warmth instead of attitude" from the waitstaff is a significant point, as it creates a welcoming environment that encourages repeat visits. The strong approval and plans for a "return" from a satisfied customer underscore the positive and memorable impression that Iona leaves. The unique combination of a sports bar and a live music venue, featuring traditional Scottish and Irish music sessions, makes it a truly distinctive spot. This blend of entertainment options caters to a diverse crowd and sets it apart from typical bars. The inclusion of bar games and a cozy, trendy atmosphere further solidifies its status as a premier local haunt. For its combination of great food, excellent service, fair pricing, and a uniquely dynamic atmosphere, Iona gets a "strong approval" and is well worth a visit.

Iona

180 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA