ZaGaya’s

- 471 16th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Welcome to a true hidden gem in the heart of Brooklyn, New York: ZaGaya’s Wine Bar. This distinctive venue is much more than just a place to enjoy a glass of wine; it is a soulful, culturally rich gathering space that has quickly become a local favorite for those seeking an intimate and inspiring evening out. Perfectly balancing a cozy, neighborhood vibe with an elevated culinary and cultural experience, ZaGaya’s stands out in the bustling New York dining scene as an authentic tribute to culture, connection, and music.

Rooted in heritage and a labor of love, the concept behind ZaGaya's is to provide a welcoming space where community thrives and conversations flow as smoothly as the delicious drinks. The atmosphere is thoughtfully curated, drawing inspiration from speakeasy interiors to create a sophisticated yet casual setting. For New Yorkers in search of a spot that offers both a comfortable retreat and vibrant entertainment, ZaGaya’s provides an ideal blend of a top-tier wine bar and a unique eatery influenced by the exciting flavors and traditions of Ethiopian, North African, and Mediterranean cuisines. It's a place designed to encourage guests to slow down, savor the moment, and connect with new and old friends.

ZaGaya’s is truly an experience, combining exquisite food and drink with a dedication to the arts. Locals rave about the attention to detail and the genuinely welcoming service. One customer shared their experience, highlighting: "This place is terrific! Amazing selection of wine and unusual infusions (you can have them as alcoholic or non-alcoholic cocktails). The bartenders Earl and Antoine were a delight as well." Another patron praised the overall experience, noting: "The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented — perfect for pairing with their excellent wine selection. The atmosphere was cozy yet vibrant, with just the right music and lighting to make the evening feel special. What really stood out was the service — attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming from start to finish. Whether you’re out for a date night or a relaxed evening with friends, this spot hits all the right notes. Highly recommended!"

In a city with countless options, ZaGaya’s unique culinary focus—which includes Spanish and Middle Eastern cheeses and North African-inspired bites—paired with its commitment to live performance and a uniquely crafted cocktail menu, sets it apart. The establishment is a delightful discovery for anyone in Brooklyn looking to step outside the ordinary.

The bar operates as a full restaurant and wine bar, offering both dine-in service and table service to ensure a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick after-work drink or a long, leisurely evening complete with live jazz or poetry, ZaGaya's is ready to welcome you. The staff is consistently praised for being attentive and knowledgeable, further enhancing the warm and inviting ambiance.

The commitment to a diverse and rich experience extends to the beverage menu. Beyond a curated global wine list that features rotating selections and affordable by-the-glass options, ZaGaya's specialty cocktails are a particular highlight. These often feature unique infusions and inventive, non-alcoholic mocktails, such as cocktails made with the Ethiopian wine Tej, ensuring there is a complex and flavorful option for every palate. The food menu complements this global focus, with signature items like a Charcuterie Board featuring smokey chorizo and young manchego, offering perfect pairings for a wine-centric evening.

The interior is described as speakeasy-inspired and urbane, contributing to the cozy and intimate vibe. This setting is the backdrop for the bar's regular live performances, where music and spoken word poetry flow to create a truly enriching and cultural atmosphere. This focus on the arts makes ZaGaya's a vibrant destination for locals looking for evening entertainment that is a notch above the standard bar scene.

The location is another favorable point for this Brooklyn hotspot. Situated at the junction of two beloved neighborhoods, it is easily accessible and a perfect meeting point.

Location and Accessibility

ZaGaya’s is conveniently located in Brooklyn, situated at 471 16th St. This address places it within the Windsor Terrace area, a location that is also easily walkable from South Slope and accessible via public transit, including the B68 bus and the F/G lines at the Prospect Park stop. This central yet cozy positioning ensures it serves as a wonderful neighborhood hub for the surrounding community, while still being easily reachable for New Yorkers from across the borough.

Contact Information

Address: 471 16th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA

Phone: (929) 387-8338

Services Offered

ZaGaya’s operates as both a wine bar and a restaurant, offering a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for all guests. The full spectrum of services includes:

• Dine-in Service and Table Service
• Accepts Reservations for easy planning
• A curated selection of Wine, including unique global varietals
• Unique Cocktails, often featuring Ethiopian wine like Tej, and other house-made infusions
• A variety of Mocktails designed for flavor and complexity
• Beer and other Alcohol offerings
• Full Food menu available, including Food at the bar
• Happy Hour Drinks specials for early evening enjoyment

Features / Highlights

The unique appeal of ZaGaya's is defined by several key elements that draw New Yorkers to its doors:

• Intimate Live Performances: Regular nights featuring spoken word poetry and live soft music, including jazz, creating a warm, culturally rich backdrop for your evening.
• Cozy, Speakeasy-Inspired Atmosphere: The interior is described as urbane and cozy, providing a perfect setting for both dates and gatherings with friends.
• Culturally Inspired Cuisine: The food and drink menu is influenced by the authentic flavors and traditions of Ethiopia, North Africa, and the Mediterranean, offering exciting and flavorful bites like Charcuterie Boards with Spanish and Middle Eastern cheeses.
• Inclusive Community Space: ZaGaya’s is explicitly welcoming, designated as an LGBTQ+ friendly establishment and a transgender safespace, ensuring a truly safe and comfortable experience for all members of the community.
• Unique Drink Menu: A focus on unusual infusions in their alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, alongside a long list of global wines and $8 rosé options, provides diverse and high-quality choices.
• Commitment to Service: Consistently praised by customers for fast, attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming service.
• Modern Amenities: The premises are equipped with Wi-Fi and a Gender-Neutral Restroom, further establishing a comfortable and inclusive environment.

What is Worth Choosing

For anyone in New York City searching for a wine bar experience that offers more depth than the average spot, ZaGaya’s in Brooklyn should be at the top of your list. What truly makes it worth choosing is the seamless fusion of high-quality dining, a distinct cultural focus, and a committed sense of community.

It is an ideal choice for the wine enthusiast who appreciates a globally curated list but also wants to try something new, like a cocktail crafted with Ethiopian Tej wine. It's also the perfect destination for the culture lover. The commitment to live art, especially spoken word poetry and soft jazz, transforms a simple night out into an enriching, memorable event. You don't just go for a drink; you go for an experience that moves you.

Beyond the excellent food and unique beverages—which consistently receive praise for being fresh, flavorful, and innovative—the core value of ZaGaya's is its truly welcoming atmosphere. In an urban environment where finding a genuine community hub can be rare, this establishment consciously operates as an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safespace. This dedication to inclusion and comfort, combined with a cozy, speakeasy-inspired vibe, ensures that every guest feels secure, relaxed, and valued.

In short, choose ZaGaya's for a date night, a relaxed evening with friends, or simply a solo trip to enjoy great wine, flavorful Mediterranean-inspired bites, and live music or poetry in one of Brooklyn's most genuinely soulful and inclusive environments. The combination of its unique offerings, warm staff, and cultural highlights makes it one of the most compelling and essential new wine bars in New York.

ZaGaya’s

471 16th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA