Travel Bar

- 520 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Introduction / Overview

For discerning drinkers in New York City, Travel Bar in Brooklyn’s Carroll Gardens neighborhood stands out not merely as a local watering hole, but as a world-class destination for whiskey and spirits. This is the spot that has been recognized by industry giants like Whisky Advocate in their list of the top 101 whisky bars—a testament to its exceptional quality and curation. The name Travel Bar perfectly encapsulates the establishment’s mission: to take patrons on a global journey through the world of whiskey, one meticulously sourced bottle at a time.

The bar is known for offering a selection that far surpasses what is available at most New York establishments. With over 450 whiskies from around the globe, including nearly 200 bourbons, the depth and uniqueness of their inventory are truly staggering. According to the owner, Mike Vacheresse, the bar's philosophy is encapsulated in the beautiful sentiment, "We don't sell whiskey, we sell stories." This focus on the narrative and the craft behind each bottle ensures that every visit is as informative as it is enjoyable.

Despite its elite status among whiskey connoisseurs, Travel Bar maintains a distinctively welcoming, "cozy, trendy," and casual atmosphere. It successfully blends the sophistication of a top-tier spirits lounge with the unpretentious warmth of a true neighborhood bar. Whether you are a seasoned whiskey aficionado or just beginning your journey, the knowledgeable staff and thoughtfully crafted cocktail program, featuring popular options like the Dark Malt Old Fashioned, ensure a high-quality, memorable experience. It is the perfect spot for groups and features fast service, great cocktails, and a clear commitment to hospitality.

Location and Accessibility

Travel Bar is strategically nestled in the heart of Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, one of the borough’s most charming and community-focused neighborhoods. You can find this acclaimed venue at 520 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA. Its location on Court Street makes it easily reachable for locals and visitors alike, situated among other popular neighborhood haunts and boutiques.

Accessibility is a key point of focus for the bar. Public information confirms that Travel Bar provides essential amenities to ensure comfort and ease of access for all patrons. The venue features a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible restroom, making it a welcoming space for New Yorkers requiring these accommodations.

For those traveling by car, parking options include both free street parking and paid street parking in the immediate area, which is a significant amenity in a busy New York City neighborhood. For those relying on public transit, the Carroll Gardens location is a quick walk from nearby subway stations, providing convenient access from Manhattan and other parts of Brooklyn. The atmosphere is described as a "narrow, laid-back space," cozy for quiet contemplation or social gatherings.

Services Offered

Travel Bar’s service offerings are extensive, centered around its unparalleled spirits selection and high-quality hospitality. The service options are primarily dine-in, focusing on the immersive experience of enjoying fine beverages and food at the bar.

• Extensive Spirits Menu: Featuring over 450 unique whiskies from around the world, including bourbon (nearly 200 varieties), rye, scotch, Irish, and Japanese whiskies, and other spirits like rum, gin, tequila, and brandy.
• Whiskey Flights: Offering customizable flights—including specialized options like the Barrell Seagrass Flight or Exclusive Bimber Flights—to allow patrons to "travel through the whiskey" in one-ounce or two-ounce pours.
• Craft Cocktails: A comprehensive cocktail program featuring 32 craft cocktails, including signature drinks, creative house infusions (like the Dark Malt Old Fashioned), barrel-aged cocktails, and classic cocktails (with six varieties of the Manhattan).
• Happy Hour: Providing Happy hour drinks to offer patrons quality pours at attractive neighborhood prices.
• Food Service: Offering Food at bar service with a selection of small plates and snacks, including:
  • Artisanal Meat and Cheese Plates (charcuterie boards with selections like Humboldt Fog cheese and Caputo Sweet Soppressata).
  • Savory Snacks (Meatballs, Smoked Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Mediterranean Plate, Spinach Artichoke Dip).
  • Two Boots Pizza (cheese and pepperoni).
• Beverage Variety: Serving a full array of Alcohol, Beer, Hard liquor, and Wine to cater to all preferences.
• Educational Tastings: Hosting special events and tastings, including "Whiskey 101" classes and producer-focused events, led by the highly knowledgeable owner and staff.
• Accessibility: Providing a Wheelchair accessible entrance and Wheelchair accessible restroom.

Features / Highlights

What makes Travel Bar one of Brooklyn's—and indeed, New York City’s—finest whiskey bars are the distinctive features that set it apart from typical establishments.

• World-Renowned Whiskey Curation: The selection of over 450 whiskies is meticulously curated, focusing on uniqueness and small brands that you "don't recognize," including limited-edition bottles and one-of-a-kind spirits like the rare Athyr Lebanese single malt whisky.
• Proprietary Single Barrels & Collaborations: Travel Bar secures its own private barrel selections (e.g., Eagle Rare, Nashville Barrel Co., 1792 Full Proof) and engages in collaborations with brands like Barrell Craft Spirits, offering spirits exclusive to the bar.
• Exceptional Value: Owner Mike Vacheresse is known for keeping prices "ridiculously low" for premium pours compared to other NYC whiskey bars, often offering coveted bottles like Blanton's or Pappy Van Winkle at bargain rates, making world-class whiskey accessible.
• Expert, Personalized Service: The staff, led by owner Mike, is described as "super knowledgeable, creative, loves the craft, and most of all very nice and kind," providing personalized recommendations and building custom whiskey flights.
• Award-Winning Status: The bar’s excellence is recognized industry-wide, having been included in Whisky Advocate's Top 101 Whisky Bars, validating its stature on the global stage.
• Innovative Cocktails: An acclaimed barrel-aged cocktail program and creative signature drinks, such as the Dark Malt Old Fashioned, demonstrate a commitment to both traditional and innovative mixology.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or inquire about private events, use the contact details below. Please note that the bar is available for private event bookings on Mondays and Tuesdays when it is typically closed for regular service.

Address: 520 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA

Phone: (718) 858-2509

Mobile Phone: +1 718-858-2509

It is recommended to check their official website for current operating hours, which often run from 5:00 PM to midnight Wednesday through Saturday.

What is worth choosing

Choosing Travel Bar is choosing an authentic, high-quality, and educational drinking experience that is unique to New York. It is a necessary stop for anyone passionate about spirits, offering several compelling reasons that solidify its status as a local institution.

For The Serious Whiskey Lover: You simply cannot find a better curated or more extensive collection in a non-pretentious setting. The sheer volume (over 450 whiskies) and the rarity of the bottles, from unique Japanese and Indian single malts to proprietary private barrels, mean you can embark on a global tasting journey without ever leaving Carroll Gardens. This is a place that celebrates the product and the craft, living up to its promise of selling "stories" rather than just drinks.

For The Value Seeker: In a city where premium spirits often come with inflated price tags, Travel Bar stands apart. The owner's commitment to offering "ridiculously low" prices on even the most coveted bottles, like Blanton's and rare Pappy Van Winkle selections, makes elite whiskey tasting accessible. This focus on affordability, combined with the one-ounce pour option, encourages exploration and learning without financial pressure.

For The Neighborhood Feel: Despite being an internationally recognized whiskey institution, Travel Bar retains the "cozy," casual, and intimate ambiance of a true neighborhood bar. The knowledgeable staff creates a warm environment where patrons feel comfortable asking questions and engaging in conversation, whether you are a local regular or a whiskey tourist. The availability of happy hour drinks and quality small plates, like the artisanal charcuterie boards, ensures that the bar provides a complete, high-value experience perfect for unwinding after a long New York day.

Travel Bar

520 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA