5 Best Bars in Park Slope and Prospect Park, New York City

Barbès

Park Slope Fodor's choice

Outstanding regular performers, such as the Django Reinhardt-channeling Stephane Wrembel, as well as events like the all-women Latin collective La Manga or the Slavic Soul Party, spin threads of folk and global into 21st-century music. Performances take place in the back room, while up front the somewhat musty, Parisian-like bar has a laid-back vibe and a full cocktail menu.

Blueprint

Park Slope Fodor's choice
Homemade bitters, syrups, and ginger beer make every carefully made cocktail here all the more tasty. Try the house favorite Smoky Mary's, with chipotle tequila, agave, and an alderwood smoked salt rim. The warm atmosphere is mid-century modern meets old Western hotel, and in summer you can sip your tiki-style drink on the back patio. An impressive menu of small dishes is served until 2 am. All breads and desserts are made in-house.

Union Hall

Park Slope Fodor's choice

This neighborhood standby has something going on just about every night. On the main floor, two bocce courts and library nooks with couches are popular hangouts. Downstairs, there are smart comedy shows with both high-profile and up-and-coming performers, eclectic talks, or DJs spinning. The outdoor patio is open in good weather. The menu of tasty burgers, wings, poutine, and pizza means the patrons tend to settle in for the evening. Events are either free or have a modest cover (from $5).

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Brookvin

Park Slope
This cozy wine bar owned by the Big Nose Full Body wine store on the same block has knowledgeable staff who are happy to help you choose, and offer tastes, from the selection of wines by the glass, half bottle, or bottle. Friends who want beer or cocktails have options, too. The food menu includes shareable options like cheese and charcuterie plates, pâtés, meatballs with polenta, or mac 'n' cheese. Happy hour lasts until 7 pm on weekdays and until 5 pm on weekends. There's a pleasant back patio.

The Gate

The corner patio makes The Gate, now in its third decade, the best spot to drink outdoors in the Slope. The menu is all about the rotating selection of craft beers—about 25 on tap at any given time—and hard-to-find bottles and cans. There's also a full bar. Trivia, television show viewing parties, and open-mike nights keep the neighborhood vibe alive.