Washington Commons

- 748 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Introduction / Overview: Your Go-To Neighborhood Spot in Prospect Heights

Washington Commons is a beloved neighborhood bar nestled in the vibrant heart of Brooklyn, serving the communities of Prospect Heights and Crown Heights. It’s the kind of local establishment that perfectly balances a classic, unpretentious "ale house" vibe with a modern, inclusive, and well-curated beverage program. For New Yorkers searching for a friendly spot with a fantastic beer selection, quality cocktails, and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere, Washington Commons consistently delivers.

Far from the clamor of a high-volume, overly-hip venue, the bar is known for its inviting, dark, and cozy interior, which offers a great space to unwind with friends. Yet, the main draw, especially during the warmer months, is the famously spacious outdoor area, often referred to as an "enormous backyard," providing a refreshing escape from the city streets. Patrons appreciate the casual and welcoming atmosphere—a place where both regulars and newcomers feel immediately at ease. Whether you’re looking for an after-work happy hour, a lively trivia night, or a quiet spot for a quality pint, Washington Commons is a true staple of Brooklyn’s bar scene, combining the best of old-school neighborhood charm with a modern appreciation for great drinks. It has consistently proven to be an excellent spot for all types of crowds, offering a genuine, fun, and memorable experience without pretense.

This bar has built a reputation not just on its selection of drinks, but on the overall experience it provides: fast and efficient service, a great vibe, and a welcoming policy that includes both outside food and four-legged friends. It's truly a commons for the Washington Avenue community and beyond.

Location and Accessibility

Washington Commons is conveniently located at 748 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA. Situated in the lively Prospect Heights area, close to the border of Crown Heights, the bar is easily reachable for locals and visitors exploring Brooklyn.

For those traveling by subway, the bar is a short walk from the Eastern Pkwy–Brooklyn Museum station, which is served by the 2 and 3 lines, making it highly accessible from various parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan.

The establishment is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all guests, offering several key accessibility features. This includes a wheelchair accessible entrance, wheelchair accessible seating, and a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for patrons with mobility needs.

Parking in the area is generally limited to paid street parking, which is typical for a busy Brooklyn neighborhood. We encourage guests to utilize New York City’s excellent public transit options for the easiest travel experience.

Services Offered

Washington Commons offers a comprehensive range of services and options focused on providing a high-quality, enjoyable bar experience. Their services cater to various preferences, from a laid-back afternoon drink to a lively group gathering.

• Full Bar Service: Offering a wide selection of alcoholic beverages including draft beer, bottled/canned beer, cocktails, wine, and hard liquor.
• Extensive Beer Selection: Featuring a rotating and extensive list of craft beer on draft and in bottles/cans, covering a range of styles from local favorites to international classics.
• Specialty Cocktails: Known for crafting great cocktails in addition to classic drinks, including seasonal and specialty options.
• Happy Hour Specials: Available Monday through Friday from 3 PM to 8 PM, featuring appealing drink specials that offer great value.
• Seating Options: Providing comfortable indoor seating, as well as a popular, spacious outdoor seating area (backyard/patio).
• Dine-In Service: Standard service for enjoying drinks and the atmosphere on-site.
• Outside Food Allowed: Customers are welcome to bring in food from nearby establishments, which is a great perk in a neighborhood with many excellent dining choices.
• Event Programming: Host of popular weekly events, including Trivia Nights every Wednesday starting at 8 PM.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts major payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for convenience.

Features / Highlights

Washington Commons is celebrated by locals for a variety of distinctive features that make it stand out among Brooklyn bars. These highlights contribute to its reputation as a genuinely welcoming and reliable neighborhood staple.

• Spacious Outdoor Area: The bar is famous for its "enormous backyard" or patio, providing a large, comfortable space for outdoor drinking and socializing, which is a highly valued amenity in New York City.
• Great Beer Selection: The highly curated and extensive list includes many craft draft selections, unique bottled options (like Belgian specialties and sought-after craft beers), and standards, ensuring something for every beer enthusiast.
• Inclusive and Welcoming Atmosphere: Described as "LGBTQ+ friendly" and a "Transgender safe space," the bar fosters a casual, cozy, and trendy environment that is unpretentious and open to groups and diverse crowds.
• Exceptional Cocktail Program: Beyond the beer, the bar is noted for making "Great cocktails," providing quality mixed drinks for those who prefer spirits.
• Trivia Night: A popular weekly feature, with Trivia Wednesdays starting at 8 PM, adding a fun, engaging, and competitive social element to the middle of the week.
• Dog-Friendly Policy: Pets are welcome, making it a favorite stop for neighborhood residents looking to socialize with their dogs in tow.
• Affordability: With happy hour specials ($2 off all drinks Monday-Friday, 3 PM-8 PM) and reasonable pricing for high-quality drinks, the bar maintains an affordable and accessible price point for a Brooklyn establishment.
• Free Popcorn: A simple but appreciated perk that adds to the casual, classic pub atmosphere.

Contact Information

To plan your visit or inquire about the bar, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 748 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA
• Phone Number: (718) 230-3666

What is Worth Choosing: Why Washington Commons Stands Out

In a city saturated with bars, Washington Commons has carved out a distinct and essential niche. It's more than just a place to get a drink; it’s an anchor for the community, prized for its genuine approach to hospitality.

The bar’s key differentiating factor is its masterful balance of quality and comfort. On one hand, you have a sophisticated beverage menu: a draft list that includes choices like Blue Point Toasted Lager, Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier, and Speakeasy Double Daddy Ipa, alongside an extensive roster of craft cans and bottles, including international gems like Chimay Bleue and Delirium Tremens. The cocktail list, with options like the Bee's Knees and Jungle Bird, proves the bartenders’ dedication to quality mixed drinks. This focus on great beer and cocktails means you never have to compromise on taste.

On the other hand, this quality is delivered without any of the stuffiness or high-cost barriers often associated with Brooklyn’s trendier spots. The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and refreshingly unpretentious. The freedom to bring your own food is a huge convenience, allowing patrons to perfectly pair their drinks with takeout from one of the many fantastic local restaurants without the bar needing a full kitchen.

The sheer amount of space, particularly the spacious back patio, is arguably the biggest asset, offering a highly sought-after refuge in New York City. This feature, combined with the bar’s steadfast commitment to being a welcoming and safe space for the LGBTQ+ community and its dog-friendly policy, makes Washington Commons an undisputed local favorite. It’s the ideal spot for nearly any occasion: a lively trivia night with friends, a relaxed date enjoying a craft beer, or a quiet solo cocktail in the cozy front room. For New Yorkers seeking a reliable, high-quality, and genuinely friendly local bar, Washington Commons is simply the best choice.

Washington Commons

748 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA