The Charleston: Williamsburg's Iconic Free Pizza Bar, Happy Hour & Live Entertainment Spot

The Charleston Introduce

Introduction / Overview

The Charleston

is a true Williamsburg institution, a legendary

Bar

that stands as one of the neighborhood's most celebrated and unique drinking destinations. Located on the bustling

Bedford Ave

, it is the quintessential Brooklyn establishment, expertly fusing the unpretentious vibe of a classic local bar with a generous, highly appealing concept: a complimentary personal

Pizza

with every drink order. This unique offer is available for a significant portion of the day, making it an undeniable draw for those seeking value without compromising on a fun, authentic New York experience.

More than just a bar, it functions as a lively

Pizza restaurant

, famous for its simple, delicious bar pies. The atmosphere at

The Charleston

is a perfect blend of

Casual

and

Trendy

, attracting a diverse

Crowd

of both local Brooklynites and

Tourists

looking for a genuine, laid-back spot. The space is often described as welcoming and unpretentious, with a long history in the neighborhood that contributes to its authentic, slightly "divey" charm. Patrons consistently highlight the

Fast service

and friendly staff, which contributes to the bar’s reputation as a place where everyone feels at home.

In addition to the unbeatable food and drink deals,

The Charleston

is an entertainment hub. It’s known for regularly hosting engaging events such as

Trivia night

and

Karaoke

, and providing fun amenities like

Bar games

(including Skee-Ball machines). It’s also recognized for supporting

Live performances

, though the programming may have shifted over the years. This combination of cheap, solid drinks, free food, and vibrant entertainment solidifies

The Charleston’s

status as a must-visit location for a fun, budget-friendly night out in the city.

Location and Accessibility

The Charleston

is perfectly situated at

174 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA

, placing it directly on one of the most famous and highly trafficked avenues in Williamsburg. Its location provides exceptional convenience, especially for those relying on public transportation, as it is just a short walk from the L train at the Bedford Avenue station, one of the primary entry points into the neighborhood from Manhattan.

While the address itself is central to the area's social scene, the bar's accessibility features prioritize ease and convenience for patrons. The area benefits from options for

Free street parking

, a valuable amenity for driving within this busy part of Brooklyn. For those who prefer the open air, the bar also provides

Outdoor seating

options, perfect for people-watching on Bedford Ave or enjoying a drink on a warm evening.

Its prime spot makes it an ideal meeting place, whether it's the first stop on a night out or a reliable spot to gather with

Groups

. The surrounding neighborhood is fully walkable, placing the bar near countless other shops, eateries, and transit connections, cementing its role as a focal point of the Williamsburg social landscape.

Services Offered

The Charleston

provides a straightforward and value-packed range of services, focusing primarily on its identity as a welcoming bar and pizza spot:

Full Bar Service: Offers a comprehensive selection of
Alcohol
, including
Beer
,
Cocktails
,
Hard liquor
(with generously priced well drinks like Jameson), and
Wine
. The bar is noted for its
Great beer selection
and solid
Great cocktails
.
The Famous Free Pizza Deal: The primary highlight, offering
Food at bar
in the form of a complimentary personal
Pizza
with every drink purchase (typically before 8 PM, check with staff for current times). Topping upgrades are available for a nominal fee, with options including
PEPERONI
,
SAUSAGE
,
BACON
,
ARTICHOKE
, and more.
Happy Hour and Value: Features one of Williamsburg's best
Happy hour drinks
and
Happy hour food
specials, often including deeply discounted wells, shots, and beer, complementing the free pizza offer for exceptional value.
On-Site Entertainment: Hosts a variety of engaging activities, including
Bar games
like Skee-Ball,
Karaoke
nights,
Trivia night
, and occasional
Live performances
.
Dining and Seating: Provides
Dine-in
service with ample
Seating
throughout the
Casual
space, including the main bar area and
Outdoor seating
.
Takeout
is also an option for both drinks and pizza.
Payments: Accepts all major modern payment methods, including
Credit cards
,
Debit cards
, and
NFC mobile payments
.

Features / Highlights

What sets

The Charleston

apart in the competitive NYC bar scene are its unique and community-focused highlights:

The Free Pizza Phenomenon: This is the single biggest highlight. The inclusion of a free personal
Pizza
with every drink purchase is an unparalleled value proposition in New York City, particularly in an expensive neighborhood like Williamsburg. The pizza, though simple, is praised as delicious, making it the perfect accompaniment to the drinks.
Unbeatable Value: Beyond the free pizza,
The Charleston
is known for its excellent pricing. Customers consistently point to the low cost of their
Cocktails
and hard liquor, making it a top destination for a budget-friendly night out.
Vibrant Entertainment Schedule: The bar maintains a lively and engaging atmosphere by hosting popular events like
Karaoke
,
Trivia night
, and having fun
Bar games
on-site. This variety ensures that there is always a reason to visit, catering to both competitive and casual crowds.
Authentic Williamsburg Atmosphere: As one of the neighborhood’s longer-standing establishments, it possesses an authentic,
Casual
, and laid-back feel that contrasts with some of the more overtly upscale venues. This genuine environment, coupled with the friendly staff, makes it a welcoming favorite for
Locals
.
Great Drinks and Quick Service: Despite the low prices, the quality of the drinks is consistently rated as solid, with a
Great beer selection
. The service is notably efficient, earning the highlight of
Fast service
, even when the bar is at its busiest.

Contact Information

To learn more about their daily specials or event schedule, please contact:

Address: 174 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA

Phone: (718) 599-9599

What is Worth Choosing

For New Yorkers and visitors to the city,

The Charleston

is absolutely worth choosing, especially if you prioritize exceptional value, a lively atmosphere, and a taste of authentic, long-standing Williamsburg nightlife. You should choose

The Charleston

first and foremost for its ingenious

Happy hour food

concept: the complimentary personal

Pizza

with every single drink purchased (check for time restrictions). This simple, delicious offer—a clever idea that keeps loyal customers returning—effectively turns every happy hour visit into a low-cost dinner and drinks experience.

Beyond the food, the bar’s commitment to providing a fun, community-oriented experience is evident. It is a premier spot for affordable entertainment, whether you are battling friends in

Bar games

, showcasing your singing skills during

Karaoke

, or testing your knowledge during

Trivia night

. The wide-ranging selection of

Hard liquor

Beer

, and

Cocktails

, combined with some of the most competitive prices on Bedford Avenue, makes it the ideal venue for

Groups

to enjoy a night out without the typical Manhattan price tag.

Ultimately,

The Charleston

is a genuine Brooklyn gem. It successfully maintains a

Casual

, laid-back, and welcoming vibe despite its prime,

Trendy

location. It offers a consistently solid product—good drinks, great free food, and a lively environment with

Fast service

—making it a reliable and beloved destination that feels like a home base for the neighborhood. For a fun, wallet-friendly, and genuinely New York night out in Williamsburg, you cannot go wrong with

The Charleston

The Charleston Menu

The Pizza
PEPERONI
SAUSAGE
BACON
ARTICHOKE
JALAPENO
MUSHROOM
GARLIC
BLACK OLIVE
PINEAPPLE
FRESH BASIL

The Charleston Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights
Bar games
Fast service
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Karaoke
Live performances
Trivia night

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
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy

Crowd
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Free street parking
Parking

The Charleston Photos

The Charleston Location

The Charleston

New York Kings County Williamsburg Bedford Avenue

174 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA

The Charleston Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 731 user reviews.

pizzahappy hourskee ballcrowdboozetriviashotstipbouncertopping

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I'm so glad I checked this place out. The atmosphere is laid back and welcoming. The prices are great. I was going to get a well drink for happy hour but when I asked how much the Jameson was, and was told it was $8.00, I decided I didn't need to get the well drink. The bartender was nice. To top it off, they have free Pizza with every drink. It's a $1 if you want a topping. The Pizza is very good better than at some Pizza spots. I definitely plan on coming back here.
May 05 · Vivianne Barretto
This is hands down my favorite bar. The vibe is always fun and welcoming, the drinks are solid, and the staff make you feel at home even if you don’t know anyone. The free pizza with drinks is such a clever (and delicious) idea—it really sets this place apart and keeps me coming back. Whether you’re stopping in for a casual night out or bringing friends, you can’t go wrong here.
August 23 · Celyna Wallace
I came here for drinks with my friends, some friends that were visiting from Miami. The ambience is really chill, I like this place a lot. (My friend from Miami did a quick film of us and the ambience. Staff is very friendly, I recommend this spot if you want to hang out and have some drinks. I didn’t have any food, so I can’t give any input on this topic, sorry! Have fun 🥳🫶
March 28 · Christian Pena
I love this bar!The pizza is really good and cheap. The music is usually a mix of genres and so fun. Drinks are reasonably priced and the restrooms are pretty clean! Security is also very polite and on point.
August 20 · Porcelain Widow
A Solid Spot with Awesome BartendersI love this place. The Charleston has that classic Brooklyn dive bar feel in the best way—dark, cozy, and full of character. It’s the kind of bar you can roll into without a plan and still end up having a great night.The real reason I keep coming back, though, is the bartenders. They’re seriously the best—super friendly, quick, and just really cool people. Shoutout to Eric, who not only mixes a great drink but also seriously knows how to slice and dice those lemons and limes like a pro. It’s oddly satisfying to watch.Drinks are strong, prices are reasonable, music’s usually great, and there’s always a good mix of people. Just an all-around good vibe. If you’re in the area and want a low-key, fun night out, The Charleston’s 100% worth a stop.
May 28 · Mark Johnson