For: live music on the edge of the world. This cash-only gem in Red Hook really does have genuinely great music - from our favorite Jazz singer, Tamar Korn, to an open-to-all Bluegrass Jam every Sunday.
For: THE local’s spot. This seasonal outdoor bar actually lies beyond the borders of Gowanus, but that doesn’t really matter. To all of the regulars who probably hate us for sharing this spot, we’re really sorry, but we mean well <3
For: some of the cheapest beer in town. We can’t remember the name of the beer they serve, but we’re pretty sure it’s still $2 and can, and it definitely tastes like beer. If that’s not your thing, they also have a great frozen drink and sling top-tier burgers from Strange Flavor all night long.
For: Bocce ball and beer flights. Don’t worry, a beer flight here isn’t a few 2oz pours of heavy IPA’s - at Floyd, a few bucks will get you an ice-filled bucket of cheap beers from around the country.
Image credit: On The Grid
For: Karaoke in an old sailor’s bar. After you miss Mariah’s high notes, you can cheer yourself up with another beer and a bag of chips.
For: taking a step back in time. Brooklyn Inn is kind of the perfect bar. Yes they have a pool table, but they can also make a mean Negroni. Everything a bar should be, and nothing it shouldn’t
For: of all the dives on this list, Ear Inn is the most likely to have a good martini. For the record, we haven’t had one here, but that should give you a solid read of the place.
For: a Red Stripe and a scene! This LES hot-spot even takes over a good chunk of E. Canal during open streets so you can sip your bevvy al fresco to the sounds of failed kickflips
For: a cajun oasis a stone’s throw away from the madness of Le Dive. Bonus points for serving Genny Cream - if you know, you know.
For: a dive you can take your boss to. Old Town almost borders on not a dive bar, but in the end it’s warm and worn wooden bar and lively atmosphere put it into the dive camp in the best way possible. Don’t skip on the burger here!
