These Black-owned bars don’t just serve great drinks—they’re also hubs for music, culture, and community. Whether you’re looking for a craft beer bar featuring Black-owned breweries or a stylish lounge with live DJs, these spots have you covered.
1. Harlem Hops
📍 2268 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, Harlem
Perfect For: Big Groups, Day Drinking
If you’re a craft beer enthusiast, Harlem Hops is the place to be. This Harlem gem specializes in hard-to-find beers, particularly from small-batch breweries and Black-owned businesses. The backyard, featuring beer barrel tables and a vibrant mural, makes it a great hangout spot.
2. Cocktail Bedstuy
📍 305 Halsey St #2411, Brooklyn
Perfect For: Drinking Great Cocktails, First Dates
Tucked away on a quiet stretch of Halsey Street, Cocktail Bedstuy is one of Brooklyn’s best-kept secrets. This intimate bar serves expertly crafted cocktails in a dimly lit setting. Whether you’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder on a busy night or relaxing in the backyard, this spot guarantees a great drink experience.
3. The Rum Bar
📍 733 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn
Perfect For: Drinking Great Cocktails
A haven for rum lovers, this island-inspired Crown Heights bar offers reggae vibes, a peaceful back patio, and unique cocktails. While their rum-based drinks shine, you can still grab a tequila soda if that’s your preference. The DJs and Happy Hour specials make this a lively destination.
4. Las’ Lap
📍 74 Orchard St, Lower East Side
Perfect For: First Dates, Drinking Great Cocktails
Las’ Lap is a cozy, Caribbean-inspired bar with high ceilings, tropical décor, and a menu featuring rum-infused cocktails. It’s a great alternative to the crowded LES bar scene, and if you’re hungry, the jerk chicken egg rolls and oxtail plates are worth trying.
5. Lucky’s Cocktail Lounge
📍 334 Marcus Garvey Blvd, Brooklyn
Perfect For: Happy Hours
This Black-woman-owned cocktail lounge in Bed-Stuy exudes a relaxed, yet stylish atmosphere with its pink and purple lighting. Enjoy a selection of craft cocktails alongside delicious tapas like crispy catfish strips and cheesy cauliflower arancini.
6. The Bush
📍 333 Troutman St, Bushwick
Perfect For: First Dates
A vibrant and inclusive space, The Bush brands itself as a “dyke bar for queers” and has become a nightlife favorite in Bushwick. Whether you’re dancing under disco balls or attending a comedy show, this bar offers an energetic and welcoming environment.
7. Harlem Hookah
📍 381 Lenox Avenue, Harlem
Perfect For: Brunch, Late Nights
If you’re in the mood for a fun night out, Harlem Hookah is the spot. Known for its stylish décor featuring crystal chandeliers and marble accents, this lounge offers strong cocktails, hookah flavors like gummy bear, and a lively late-night scene.
8. Pearl Lee’s Washtub
📍 314 Rogers Ave, Brooklyn
Perfect For: Casual Drinks
A laundromat and bar in one? Yes, please. Pearl Lee’s Washtub in Crown Heights lets you sip on beer while doing your laundry, and even gives you a 10% discount if you’re washing clothes. The family-friendly atmosphere, complete with the bartender’s mother on aux, makes it a truly unique experience.
9. BierWax
📍 556 Vanderbilt Ave, Brooklyn
Perfect For: First Dates, Music Lovers
BierWax is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts and music lovers alike. With a DJ booth, a full wall of vinyl records, and an extensive craft beer selection, this Prospect Heights bar is the ultimate hangout spot. Need a quiet escape? Head to the backyard or browse the bookshelf filled with beer-related reads.
10. Miss Barb’s
📍 1038 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn
Perfect For: Drinking Great Wine
Named after the owner’s mother, Miss Barb’s is a cozy cafe-turned-wine-bar in Flatbush. During the day, you can work on your laptop with a coffee in hand, but at night, the space transforms with dim red lighting and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air re-runs on a projector. Glasses of wine are generously poured to the brim, making it a must-visit spot.
