This blog was originally published in 2013; we have since updated it for the most current and accurate information.
Nearly six decades ago, Brooklyn’s collective, sports-loving heart was broken when the Dodgers baseball team was moved out of the borough and their home turf at Flatbush’s Ebbets Field.
But in September 2012, professional sports were finally brought back to the borough in the form of the Brooklyn Nets and New York Islanders, thanks to Barclays Center.
Today, Barclays Center serves as a sports and concert venue like no other. It boasts more than 17,000 seats, 90 luxury suites and many deluxe accommodations that make it a must-visit attraction for Brooklyn residents and visitors alike.
There have been many memorable regular season and postseason matchups at Barclays Center, along with concerts by Jay-Z, The Rolling Stones and other world-renowned performers, since the venue’s inception. There’s always an event or sporting event to attend.
Every great event deserves a great drink to go along with it.
But which bars rank among the best near Barclays Center? Here’s a closer look at five must-visit bars near this sports and concert venue:
WEATHER UP
In step with the Prohibition revival trend that’s sweeping the nation, Weather Up offers a classy and vintage-inspired interior. The mixologists on staff are friendly and certainly know their liquor, too, as each drink is poured with an eye toward local liquors, seasonal ingredients and a great deal of showmanship.
For those who have time to spare before their upcoming Barclays Center event, Weather Up provides an outstanding option to grab a drink and make the most of your time with family members and friends.
ALCHEMY
Alchemy offers a pub atmosphere and quality drinks at affordable prices. And if you head in for happy hour, expect to have your pick of wines, beers and much more at significant discounts.
Perhaps even better, Alchemy provides a happy hour menu that includes delicious oysters, tasty mini-burgers and other exceptional cuisine. Therefore, it’s always a good time to pay a visit to Alchemy, a Brooklyn bar that is considered one of the best places for happy hour in the borough.
DIE KOELNER BIERHALLE
There’s a lot to love about Die Koelner, an authentic German pub with knowledgeable and beer-centric bartenders.
From Die Koelner’s extensive ales and lagers menu to its wide range of starters and sides, this Brooklyn bar represents a top choice for those who are near Barclays Center. Meanwhile, Die Koelner boasts an atmosphere all its own, with long, beer hall-style tables where you can sample wonderful beverages and snacks any time you visit.
PORK SLOPE
A roadhouse-inspired neighborhood bar, Pork Slope offers amazing bar food as well as a comprehensive whiskey selection, making it a superb choice for those who want to enjoy a comfortable meal before or after their Barclays Center event.
Pork Slope’s menu features irresistible pub favorites like baked mac ‘n cheese, loaded nachos and fried shrimp. Furthermore, Pork Slope offering more than 20 different ice-cold canned beers and three wines on tap, along with a distinct “boozy slush” that you are unlikely to find anywhere else in Brooklyn.
MISSION DOLORES
For exemplary beers, cocktails and other beverages, you simply cannot go wrong with a trip to Mission Dolores.
This Brooklyn bar offers a large assortment of top-notch beers on tap. Plus, it hosts a happy hour every day, making it easy for you to enjoy stellar beverages at below-average prices.
ENJOY SAFE, COMFORTABLE GROUND TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM BARCLAYS CENTER
A Barclays Center event provides you with a great opportunity to enjoy a day in Brooklyn with family members and friends. Getting into Brooklyn, however, can be exceedingly difficult, particularly for those who are traveling around Barclays Center.
For instance, public transportation offers no guarantees. And if you need to catch a train to get to your Barclays Center event, it may be tricky to reach your final destination on time if your train is delayed by even a few minutes.
The best option for reliable, punctual transportation to the Barclays Center is a New York car service.
Executive Ground Transportation has been providing top-notch car service to New York sports fans for nearly 20 years.
Be sure to enjoy your Barclays Center event with the help of Executive, a best-in-class Barclays Center limousine service. That way, even if grabbing a beer after the game turns into a full-scale pub crawl to celebrate a victory (or mourn a loss), you’ll end up home safe.
image credit: © Duel | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images