Kili
79 Hoyt St
(between Atlantic Ave & State St)
Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 855-5574
- Nearest Transit:
Hoyt-Schermerhorn Sts (A, C, G)
Hoyt St (2, 3)
Bergen St (F, G)
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Music: DJ, Live
9 Reviews for Kili
So don't tell anyone, but Kili is my go-to spot for first dates, esp. if it's a blind date. Mainly bc it's dark and located about 50 steps from my apartment. Hahahaha. Yes, I do date but I'm incredibly lazy about it, apparently.
Well there's also cheap drinks, a fireplace, and a laid back atmosphere conducive to conversation. And if things go well...50 steps from my apartment! JK!!! Really.
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Don't go on a weekend! The place is one tiny little room and if there are more than 20 people, it will feel crowded.
Popped in last night (a Saturday night) and there were about 20 people inside, all standing and talking loudly to one another. Not what anyone really wants out of a lounge environment. Thought SURELY there would be another room, but nope -- just the front room, which is surprisingly small. We couldn't find a place to sit where "standers" weren't hovering over us, so we just walked out and headed into Manhattan.
Seems like a great place to go on a weeknight, but if you're looking to unwind and relax and experience some ambience, don't go on a weekend.
This is a tiny bar, but not a bad place for a drink - particularly when it's not crowded.
Came here for the first time for a friends b-day gathering. I like the atmosphere. I actually did not drink anything or stay all that long as I was under the weather. I am sure upon my next visit I will bump kili up to 4 stars-the 3 are not a reflection of the location but more my frazzled state of mind at the time. It is within reasonable walking distance of my apartment and that is always good. Why go into the city if you don't have to?
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I'm pretty sure that I don't like Kili entirely because of its phonetic resemblance to my matrilineal surname. But that might be part of it. Kili is a nice, quiet find on a semi-secluded Boerum Hill street right off Atlantic Avenue. I love the neighbourhood because of how sleepy it seems, in spite of its prime location in Brooklyn. And the bar is a perfect fit for the location.
Kili is a great place to go for quiet drinks with friends. It has a very dark, loungy feel to it, although I understand that sometimes they host DJs and open-mic nights. I've never been there when that sort of thing has been going on, and I'm inclined to say that they wouldn't really add much. I found the ambiance to be really terrific, with a sultry, romantic feel to it, but not in that forced or cheesy way that lounge/bars often over-do the Paris cabaret theme.
Nice people. Good, reasonably priced drinks. Great atmosphere. I'd definitely recommend this for Boerum Hill locals (if you haven't already discovered it), and even for locals of Brooklyn Heights/DUMBO, where the options are somewhat limited. There's nothing really special about this bar (hence the 3-star treatment), but it's still recommended as a great neighbourhood bar!
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Terrific find tucked away on Hoyt and Atlantic, its a really cool little lounge with a partition that separates the bar from the couches and a little space in the corner for a DJ or an open mic, as was last night. I wish I found it earlier in the night, but I'd go back if its in the neighborhood. PBR option upon request.
Everyone was having a pleasant time, two women dancing, lots of conversation, the open mic was for fun and tongue in cheek, and the DJ was playing solid music that was right for the place.
The cool round circle of light over the couches is nice. Its just a great example of a Brooklyn bar: sometimes small, cozy, a little hip, a little variety, out of the way, and a solid find.
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A fireplace does not a chalet make.... That said, I disagree strongly with all the reviews that play Kili off as a cozy ski lodge atmosphere perfect for after work gathering. I will preface my opinion by saying that I went on a weekend when the DJ was blasting bad hotel dance music (no hot 70's beats as i expected except the static saturated snippet of James Brown) at an unbearable volume, making conversation impossible. Perhaps on a weeknight the atmosphere changes, but I'm not inclined to return since there was very little about the random atmosphere that created a mood interesting enough to revisit.
The decor feels unattended to and accidental, leaving a sense of loss in the visual realm. A modern chandelier with no distinctive decoration about it hangs over the main room of simple tables. Little interior design (except the B/W art portraits hung randomly) exists in the space, making it easy to forget.
Yes, Virginia, there is a fireplace, but it's not enough to create this snuggly secret atmosphere that Kili desperately needs.
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this is my favorite local watering hole. people here tell it like it is and the music always hits the mark, especially with Ranjit in the house. tuesdays are always a definite - open mic features some of the best talent from new york and beyond. you never know what you'll find. eclectic and diverse, its the perfect spot to unwind after work if you live in the 'hood (or not) or to come discover for a truly unique new york night out.
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Slightly off the Smith Street path but only slightly. (A to Hoyt Schemerhorn) this place has the BEST open mic night. I cannot believe the talent you are able to see for free here. One of the ex hosts has been playing with the Roots this year, the other recorded with Dave Matthews. John Legend used to play here before he blew up! Claude the owner makes delicious food and great conversation. Decent beer selection from PBR to Fancy-pants. Lovely fireplace for cold nights. Like a ski lodge with Soul-Acoustic Tuesdays. Open mic is on Tuesdays and it starts late but it's worth being tired for work the next day.
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