Nu Bar & Lounge

- 87 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Welcome to the vibrant heart of Brooklyn, where the energetic pulse of Downtown meets the brownstone charm of Boerum Hill. Nestled right on Smith Street, the Nu Bar & Lounge (also referred to in various mentions as Nu Bar & Marketplace or Misdemeanor Bar and Lounge) is not just a hotel bar—it is a true local gem and a key part of the modern, creative, and authentic experience of the NU Hotel at 87 Smith Street. For New Yorkers in search of a relaxed yet sophisticated spot to unwind after a long day, meet friends, or grab a drink before a night out, this lounge offers the perfect blend of urban style and laid-back comfort.

The location on Smith Street positions the bar perfectly within one of Brooklyn’s most coveted areas, surrounded by premier cultural, retail, and dining attractions. It provides an immediate sense of being "in the know" for locals and a welcoming base for visitors. The atmosphere is consistently described as light, airy, and the perfect mix of "urban cool and laidback," making it an ideal casual backdrop for any occasion. Whether you're heading to an event in the nearby Brooklyn Cultural District, exploring the chic boutiques of Boerum Hill, or just looking for a quality handcrafted cocktail, Nu Bar & Lounge promises a refreshing experience. It's a place where you can relax, mingle, and take in the authentic Brooklyn scene without the pretense of a typical nightlife venue.

The design and ambiance of the lounge reflect the broader aesthetic of the NU Hotel itself—one that embraces Brooklyn’s artistic spirit. The space is intended to feel like an effortless, artistic local neighborhood refuge, ensuring that all guests, whether staying at the hotel or just stopping by for a drink, feel safe, secure, and integrated into the local landscape. For New Yorkers, this means a reliable, comfortable, and centrally located spot that lives up to the borough's reputation for genuine cool.

Location and Accessibility

Nu Bar & Lounge is strategically located at 87 Smith St, within the lobby of the NU Hotel in the 11201 zip code of Brooklyn, NY. This address places it at the intersection of several of Brooklyn's most engaging neighborhoods: Downtown Brooklyn, Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, and Carroll Gardens. This central positioning makes it exceptionally accessible via New York City’s extensive public transportation network—a critical factor for local patrons.

The area is a major transit hub, ensuring a quick and easy commute from almost anywhere in the borough or Manhattan. New Yorkers appreciate the multiple options for getting here:

• The F and G trains are readily available at the Bergen Street station, just a short walk away (approximately 0.16 miles or a 3-minute walk).
• The A, C, and G trains stop at the Hoyt-Schermerhorn station, also a very close walk (approximately 0.14 miles).
• The Jay Street - MetroTech station serves as another massive hub, providing access to the A, C, F, and R lines (approximately 0.21 miles).
• For those connecting from the 2, 3, 4, and 5 lines, the Hoyt Street station (2 and 3 trains) and the Borough Hall station (2, 3, 4, 5, and R trains) are both within an easy walking distance (approximately 0.21–0.26 miles).
• The larger Atlantic Terminal complex, which includes the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and numerous other subway lines (D, M, N, R, B, Q, 2, 3, 4, 5), is also accessible via a slightly longer, but still very manageable, walk.

For those who prefer a car, limited information on overnight and hourly parking is available through the associated hotel, which is a rare amenity in this dense part of the city. Regardless of your mode of transit, the convenience of the location contributes significantly to its appeal as a central meeting place in Brooklyn.

Services Offered

Nu Bar & Lounge offers a range of services and provisions tailored for both a quick stop and a leisurely visit. The services emphasize convenience, quality beverages, and a comfortable environment.

• Dine-in Service: The primary service model is for patrons to enjoy their drinks and food within the lounge area.
• Full Beverage Selection: The bar features a comprehensive offering including alcohol, beer, and hard liquor. Specific mentions point to a focus on craft cocktails and local spirits, appealing to the New York standard for quality and locally sourced goods.
• Food Menu: In addition to a selection of drinks, the lounge provides food options, which are often described as light bites or a quick bite.
• Continental Breakfast Service: As the lobby-level bar for the NU Hotel, it also serves a daily continental breakfast for hotel guests.
• Event Space: The lounge area is available as an option for private events, such as wedding toasts, welcome cocktails, rehearsal dinners, after-parties, or post-wedding brunches.
• Happy Hour: The related bar "Misdemeanor" at the hotel features a dedicated happy hour, which for New Yorkers means great deals on quality drinks and light fare.
• Outdoor Seating: During the warmer months, the bar opens up onto the street, offering a rare and highly sought-after sidewalk cafe experience in Downtown Brooklyn.

Features / Highlights

The Nu Bar & Lounge is set apart from other bars in the area by several unique features and consistent highlights that define the customer experience.

• Urban Cool and Laidback Atmosphere: The bar is celebrated for its relaxed, casual, and distinctly "urban cool" vibe, steering clear of stuffiness and formality.
• Fast and Efficient Service: Highlighted by guests, the 'Fast service' ensures that patrons can grab a quick drink or bite without unnecessary delay.
• Exceptional People-Watching Spot: When the bar opens onto the street in warm weather, it becomes one of the best spots in the neighborhood for people watching, a favorite New York pastime.
• Focus on Local Spirits and Craft Cocktails: The beverage program emphasizes quality, offering cocktails made with local spirits and a curated selection of beer and wine.
• Lobby of the NU Hotel: Its location within a boutique hotel means the space is well-maintained, aesthetically pleasing, and offers reliable amenities, including a clean restroom.
• Ideal Pre/Post-Event Destination: Due to its proximity to the Brooklyn Cultural District and venues like the Barclays Center, the bar is a popular and convenient stop before or after a major event.
• NU Marketplace: In its role as a marketplace, it offers a selection of drinks, snacks, and wine available for purchase beyond the bar's main menu, enhancing convenience.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers planning a visit, confirming the details of the venue is straightforward. While the address for the hotel is 87 Smith Street, the bar is most easily identified by the hotel’s contact details, as it is situated directly within the lobby.

• Address: 87 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
• Phone: (718) 852-8585 (NU Hotel’s main line, which will connect you to the lounge)
• Hours of Operation: Lounge/Bar hours are typically advertised from 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM, but the space operates earlier for hotel services. Continental breakfast is served daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM (Monday to Friday) and 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM (Saturday and Sunday). Check the hotel’s website for the most current bar hours and any seasonal changes to the outdoor seating availability.

What is Worth Choosing

For the discerning New Yorker, Nu Bar & Lounge is worth choosing for several compelling reasons that speak directly to the local lifestyle and priorities.

Firstly, its reputation as an "urban cool" and "laidback" establishment makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a casual, pressure-free evening. In a city where finding an authentic, comfortable spot can be a challenge, Nu Bar & Lounge delivers a casual atmosphere that feels like a true neighborhood refuge, integrating seamlessly into the trendy yet friendly culture of Boerum Hill. The emphasis on fast service is another key draw, catering to the New York pace of life, whether you are on a quick lunch break or stopping in briefly before hopping on one of the many nearby subway lines.

Secondly, the central Brooklyn location is unbeatable. Located near a nexus of public transit, you are never far from home or your next destination. This ease of accessibility, coupled with its proximity to cultural hubs and entertainment venues like the Barclays Center, positions the bar as the ultimate flexible destination. It's a convenient spot for happy hour drinks right after work, a meeting point before a game or concert, or a place to grab a nightcap.

Finally, the quality of offerings ensures a rewarding experience. The selection of alcohol, beer, hard liquor, and local spirits appeals to a sophisticated palate, and the ability to grab a quick, quality bite of food rounds out the offering. The added seasonal perk of a street-facing outdoor seating area solidifies its status as a must-visit in the warmer months. When you choose Nu Bar & Lounge, you are choosing a reliable, well-connected, and stylish piece of authentic Brooklyn life.

Nu Bar & Lounge

87 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA