Turtles all the way down

- 236 Malcolm X Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11221

In the ever-evolving landscape of Brooklyn's nightlife, finding a bar with a truly unique and genuine personality can be a rare treat. Enter Turtles All the Way Down, a bar that not only embraces its identity as a classic dive but elevates it with a generous dose of quirkiness and a genuinely welcoming spirit. Located in the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant, this bar has become a cornerstone of the neighborhood, beloved by locals and newcomers alike for its unpretentious atmosphere and friendly vibe.

More than just a place to grab a drink, Turtles All the Way Down is a community hub. The name itself, a nod to a famous philosophical concept, hints at the bar's unique and slightly eccentric character. This is a place where you can feel comfortable and be yourself, whether you're a regular or just stopping in for the first time. It's the kind of spot that prioritizes a good time over high-end aesthetics, creating a trendy yet casual environment where everyone feels at home. The bar’s commitment to providing a safe and inclusive space is evident, as it proudly positions itself as a transgender safe space and is openly LGBTQ+ friendly. This dedication to fostering a diverse and welcoming crowd is a key part of what makes it so special.

Turtles All the Way Down is situated at 236 Malcolm X Boulevard in Brooklyn, a well-known and easily accessible street in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood. The location is convenient for those living in the area and is reachable via various forms of public transportation. For those who drive, the bar offers the added convenience of free street parking, a valuable amenity in this bustling part of the city.

The establishment is committed to being accessible to all patrons. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can navigate the space with ease. The seating is also designed to be accessible, creating a welcoming environment for a diverse range of customers. In addition, the bar is pet-friendly, allowing dogs to join their owners on the outdoor patio, which further enhances its appeal as a local community spot.

Turtles All the Way Down focuses on providing essential services that create a fantastic and low-key bar experience.

• Outdoor Seating: The bar features a cozy and appealing outdoor patio. This is a highly sought-after amenity in New York, providing a relaxed space to enjoy a drink on a nice evening or during warmer months.

• Fast Service: Despite its casual atmosphere, the bar is known for its fast and efficient service. The staff, who are described as professional and kind, are adept at handling a packed house while maintaining a friendly and attentive demeanor. This ensures that you get your drinks and food in a timely manner, even on the busiest nights.

• Happy Hour: The bar offers happy hour specials, which are a major draw for budget-conscious New Yorkers. The combination of cheap drinks and a great atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for an after-work gathering or an early evening out.

• Simple Food and Drink Menu: The menu is simple and to the point, offering classic bar fare like hot dogs and tamales. This focus on "mandatory food" ensures a seamless experience while providing satisfying snacks to pair with your beverages. The drink list includes a great selection of beer and cocktails, along with hard liquor and wine, catering to all tastes.

• Delivery and Takeout: For those who prefer to stay in, Turtles All the Way Down offers both delivery and takeout services. This is a convenient option for anyone looking to enjoy their favorite drinks and food from the comfort of their home, especially for those looking for a quick bite or a cheap beer.

The unique features of Turtles All the Way Down are what truly set it apart and make it a memorable destination.

• The Turtles: As the name suggests, the bar is home to live turtles in a tank by the restrooms. These are not just pets; they are the main attraction, as the bar holds famous turtle races every first Sunday of the month. This eccentric and fun tradition draws a crowd and adds an element of delightful unpredictability to the bar's atmosphere.

• Bar Games: The bar features a shuffleboard table, a classic bar game that provides entertainment and a friendly competitive spirit. This, combined with the bar's casual vibe, encourages social interaction and a relaxed good time.

• Great Beer and Cocktail Selection: For a place with a dive bar reputation, Turtles All the Way Down surprises with its excellent beer and cocktail offerings. The beer selection is praised for its variety, and the cocktails are well-made and expertly crafted, providing more than just the basics.

• LGBTQ+ and Transgender Safe Space: The bar's commitment to inclusivity is a major highlight. It is recognized as a transgender safe space and is very LGBTQ+ friendly. This makes it a place where people from all walks of life can feel welcome and respected, a crucial factor in the New York bar scene.

• Cozy and Trendy Dive Bar Atmosphere: The ambiance of Turtles All the Way Down is a perfect blend of cozy and trendy. It's a proper dive bar without being "sleazy" in a negative way, offering a genuine, no-frills experience. The dim lighting, bar games, and friendly crowd create a relaxed and inviting environment that feels both classic and modern.

To find out more about events or to plan your visit, you can locate the bar at the following address.

Address: 236 Malcolm X Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11221, USA

Phone: No phone number is publicly listed for general inquiries or orders. Please check for online delivery options or visit in person.

Turtles All the Way Down is worth choosing for New Yorkers who appreciate a bar with genuine character and a welcoming spirit. It’s the perfect antidote to the overly polished and expensive cocktail lounges that are prevalent in the city. The bar’s primary value lies in its unpretentious, friendly atmosphere. It's a place where you can be yourself, hang out with friends, and meet a diverse group of people.

The quirky details, from the live turtles to the bar games, make it a destination that's not just about the drinks. The turtle races, in particular, are a unique and fun event that draws a crowd and creates a memorable experience. Furthermore, the bar’s commitment to being a safe and inclusive space is a crucial reason to support it. It's a place where the LGBTQ+ community, locals, and everyone in between can feel at ease. The combination of a great beer selection, surprisingly good cocktails, and affordable prices makes Turtles All the Way Down a top choice for a casual night out in Brooklyn. It’s a bar that stays true to itself, and that authenticity is what makes it a local favorite.

Turtles all the way down

236 Malcolm X Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11221, USA