There was always one bar from Williamsburg that was deemed trendy enough for the masses, a reason for Manhattanites to schlep “all the way to Brooklyn,”  Hotel Delmano has put Williamsburg on the map in terms of nightlife and entertainment.   Although Delmano opened over a year ago, the reviews and write ups continue to flow  it’s  even up for Paper Mag’s Best Lounge Award with the likes of The Boom Boom Room, Abe &Authors, and Avenue.

I like Delmano – but there are other place in the Burg that are worth the enduring the L Train. I guess I will let the secret out.

Huckleberry Bar
588 Grand St @ Lorimer
What can I say? Huckleberry has it all – the drinks, the music, the atmosphere, the garden, late night snacks, and to top it all off, it’s moderately priced!  Off the beaten path to some, Huckleberry is one of the Burg’s original cocktail bars.  While the motif isn’t that of Delmano – a speakeasy- H’berry has DJ’s most nights and is a crowd favorite amongst locals.

Rye
247 South 1st St. Between Roebling & Havemeyer.
Oh my god. Where do I even begin!? Rye is by far the best meal I ever had… Ever.   Yet another gem off the beaten path aka Bedford Avenue – Rye is more of a word of mouth kinda place.  There is no sign on the door, and is located on a primarily residential street – a speakeasy restaurant if you will.   It is pretty much impossible to have a bad meal here and the bar seems to be a pretty popular, yet low key, hang out.

Bar Celona
104 S. 4th St. Between Berry and Wythe.
I’m not gonna lie.  I actually haven’t been here yet.  But the reviews are in! and they are all good.  Word on the street is they have the best cocktail list in town and the decor is to die for.    I am trying to hit this place up ASAP.

Larry Lawrence
295 Grand St. Between Roebling and Havemeyer.
Good ole Larry Lawrence.  Like most cool places, you would barely know it existed, except for the crowd of people ripping butts outside the unmarked door, with the single word “Bar” etched above.  You enter and walk down  a long hallway to another door, then enter in to this mysterious, candlelit, wooden lodge, with tons of beers on tap – most of which are $6 a glass.  It’s so hush hush I couldn’t even track down a good pic of the place online.  Enjoy my screenshot straight of the website!

Manhattan Inn
632 Manhattan Ave.   Between Bedford and Nassau.
Believe it or not, the same people who brought you The Glasslands (music venue) opened up something of a different nature – The Manhattan Inn – a Piano Bar, lounge, and restaurant.   Another place, I have yet to visit, but plan to head over this weekend.   Gothamist loved it, and I love Gothamist, so I am sure I will love it also.  The decor appears to be very old fashioned and quaint, for sure to be a local favorite and a big draw to the Northside.  Rumor has it that the cocktail menu was created by James Endicott of Per Se and Allen & Delancey – so you know that shit is going to be good!  The best part is – this place was made with all recycled materials – just makes ya feel good, doesn’t it?

Rose Live Music
345 Grand St. Between Havemeyer St & Marcy Ave
This restaurant/cocktail lounge/music venue is a one stop shop for a good time.  Watch your favorite band perform in the most intimate of settings up stairs, dine on fine “new Mediterranean” cuisine downstairs, or sip on some specialty cocktails upstairs in the in lounge.  You really cant go wrong with Rose.

There you have it… the classiest places in the Burg.  Did I miss anything?

Be on the look out for the Least Classy.