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Pete's Candy Store
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Nightlife Bars Dive Bars Nightlife Bars Pubs Music Venues, Dive Bars, Pubs [Edit]
709 Lorimer St(between Frost St & Richardson St)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Neighborhood: Williamsburg - North Side
(718) 302-3770
- Nearest Transit:
-
Lorimer St (L)
Bedford Av (L)
Metropolitan Av (G)
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 5 pm - 2 am
Thu, Sat 5 pm - 4 am
Fri 4 pm - 4 am
Sun 3:30 pm - 2 am
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Sun
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Hipster
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
135 reviews for Pete's Candy Store
Review Highlights
"I realize it's a spelling bee for adults in a bar."
(in 11 reviews)
"The performance space is small, so do get there early."
(in 7 reviews)
"EXCELLENT trivia night (Wednesday nights."
(in 9 reviews)
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135 reviews in English
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Review from Melissa A.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 11/7/2011
I felt that my 100th review on Yelp should be on Pete's.
Its fitting that I am writing it today, because two years ago today, I walked into Pete's Candy Store and I met this guy...... :)
Best- place - ever. Hands down. Go grab some hot apple cider here and find your special someone.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/13/2010
You can't not like Pete's Candy Store. Thats impossible. I've always been able to get a table when… Read more »
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Review from Nick B.
10/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you are stuck in traffic on the BQE and looking to take a break, or looking to abandon the car and enjoy a night out, this local watering hole will meet your needs, and then some.
This bar, with little nooks for conversation, or outdoor area, or bar area has enough to keep you entertained for hours while friendly barkeeps fill your stein with a good selection of brew.
Certainly a place I will return, even if the car does not break down in the area. -
Review from Yaphet M.
Brooklyn, NY
2/4/2012
Nice space. I hear its super in the summertime. A little heavy on the hipsters. The night I was there some of them were a little funky, but its all good. Three distinct spaces - the bar, the performance space and the patio - keep it interesting. Overall worth heading over to. The drinks were priced right and the service was friendly. Nobody bothers you here - just don't smoke in the areas you're not supposed to.
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Review from Hilary G.
1/19/2012
Super cool space! Super cramped space. Awesome backyard, but difficult to navigate overall. Neat music venue, but don't expect to have room to do anything other than stand, let alone sit. Decent drinks. Killer tough (but fun!) trivia. B+, Pete.
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Review from Jess L.
6/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Awesome happy hour deal. Really can't beat the prices.
Given its location, you definitely feel like you stepped into another town, away from the bustle.
I came here for a book opening, and it was really the perfect intimate location for ~20 people. It's a unique, narrow space with a stage and fun, retro lights.
Very cute. -
Review from Vivian H.
6/1/2011
Great place to hang out on a chill Monday night in Williamsburg.
A friend was in town and we were in this area having dinner. We wanted some entertainment afterwards and decided to hang out here on a Monday night. On Monday nights, they have alternating events, spelling bee competition and a lecture series. We happen to come when it was the last lecture for the lecture series. It was a music tribute to the Guiness Book of World Records. Each performer picked out a record holder, shared a bit about the record holder and then performed a song dedicated to the record holder. Record holders chosen included the woman with the smallest waist, the most miserly woman, the man with the longest fingernail, the tallest man, etc. Overall, it was an eclectic event. The back room is cozy and secluded.
The drinks here are well made and the choices of draft beer were good including the usual suspects of Six Point, Hennepin, etc. I had a garden martini which consisted of vodka, dill, cucumber, agave and lemon. Extremely refreshing on a hot summer night. I also had a London Calling which had lavendar syrup, gin and mint. This was a strong drink, so make sure you have something in your belly before this goes down.
There is also a backyard area with plenty of trees. A nice place to relax, chat, and sip on an ice cold brew right out of the tap. -
Review from Colin R.
Brooklyn, NY
7/28/2011 3 Check-ins Here
The stars reflect the bar atmosphere and the price of the drinks: laid back and cheap, respectively. The rest of this review is dedicated to the trivia team, "Chick Fil-a-tio" who, last night, administered one of the most dysfunctional and incoherent rounds of trivia I have ever had the misfortune of participating in.
The first four rounds went swimmingly, then, to begin the 5th round, a team member prefaces by saying, "The idea for this round came to me in a dream." Oh, if only she had left it there.
The title of the round was called "High, Low, Medium". For each question, there was a category and three items from said category. The objective was to place A, B, and C item in the order, High, Low, Medium--BECAUSE THAT'S INTUITIVE. Don't write the actual item, just A, B, or C, and don't put it into an order that makes sense (high, med, low; low, med, high).
As if this wasn't enough, across categories, her definition of depth/height changed THREE TIMES--highest meant deepest lake, then 'highest' circle of hell, as if 'highest' even makes sense in the context of a subterranean landscape. Idiot.
The fact that the entire bar was up in arms about this category was comforting. That's a huge part of the 4-star rating. In fact, if the bar hadn't erupted into a chorus of Boo's during the reading of the answers, I might have stormed out. But it did, so i'll be back next week. -
Review from David B.
5/4/2011
I have been a fan of Pete's for 3+ years now. Dependably chill, with a great vibe and nice staff.
Their short, rotating cocktail list is always fantastic, with interesting concoctions all at $9-10.
The 5 panini options are equally, if not more awesome. My old standby (prosciutto w/ pesto) has been retired and a new star is in town. Pressed between 2 crispy toasts you will find Kimchi, Ham, White Cheddar & Sriracha (hot sauce). This is a spicy treat not to be passed up!
Sometimes you will find nice music in the back, or walk in on a "quizzo" (Wednesday Nights). In the warmer months, be sure to take advantage of their nice "hidden" backyard area. Plenty of tables back there to relax and have a nice cold drink.
Any time of year, Pete's hits the mark. -
Review from kelly w.
Brooklyn, NY
3/4/2011 ROTD 8/19/2011
I adore this place- mostly for the tiny little venue tucked in back.
A railroad car with a miniature stage adorned with bulbs (Heather N., you are spot on with the music box-esque description) that just make my heart go aflutter. As I told fellow yelper Brandon Z., I want to live here. Just in the venue area. I don't care if there aren't any windows- it feels absolutely magical in this space (and if it were my apartment, the proximity to the bar ain't half bad either). I mean.. small, no windows, lots of charm... that's a new york apartment, right?
anyway, if you are seeing a show here, make sure you get a spot early or else you may be out of luck, my "apartment (a girl can dream, can't she?)" gets pretty packed pretty quickly. -
Review from Jennifer H.
Saratoga Springs, NY
7/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
On a recent trip to NYC, my boyfriend and I stayed in Williamsburg. That was a great decision. Close to NYC by train and packed with excellent bars and restaurants of which Pete's Candy Store is one.
I was initially apprehensive about coming in thinking it might be too hipsterish for me but the crowd seemed to be a nice mix and I felt totally comfortable. I ordered a drink off the cocktail menu (don't remember what it was called) but it was excellent. I watched the bartender prepare it and he did so with care. No mixers here.
We didn't stay for music but there is nightly entertainment and I've heard good things. We'll definitely stop in again on future visits to Williamsburg. -
Review from Kasra S.
Los Angeles, CA
10/26/2011
Awesome place.
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Review from Josh E.
Brooklyn, NY
5/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Brooklyn has some great joints for happy hour and this is one of my favorites. They have good prices, a nice, divey, but classic, atmosphere. The short sandwich menu is worth a snack. Peer through to the back, and spy a magical looking, dwarven, performance space that is regularly peopled with local performers.
These days, when it's happy hour, I almost always say "Pete's" -
Review from Campbell K.
Manhattan, NY
EXCELLENT trivia night (Wednesday nights). The incredible five-man team, fittingly dubbed "Bro Biden", placed 10th (so I am told) tonight, although it felt more like 14th.
Get there before 7 (when it starts) to get nice and toasted on 3 dollar Brooklyn Lager from the tap. I can't even believe I can buy a round for the table for 15 dollars and tip. It goes up to 5 dollars once the game starts, but even that is not too shabby for draft beer that isn't Bud or something horrible.
The first round was a mixed bag. We pulled up a set of chairs around a teeny little wall-ledge that I suppose just passes under the bar of being called a table, and we were off. The two John Hodgman dopplegangers threw out questions that seemed to follow the lineage of "Wait, wait, don't tell me" on NPR, in that almost all of them were absolutely absurd. Questions involved fast food chains in Iowa and floating orbs in Wisconsin.
The audio segment was even more ridiculous, culling up Kenny Chesney "hits" and obscure German crooners of whom no person in their right mind has ever heard. But by far the most out-there round was the foreign film section, where the two "MCs" read out lines from foreign films. I don't think anyone got those.
All in all, I'm sure the people who won cheated using smartphones, because the peer-grading allowed us to see many of our competitors, and most teams were incapable of answering even one or two per round. Once again, Williamsburg delivers, if a bit inundated by hipster types.
The backyard garden was the best. It was full-on blizzarding outside, but somehow it complimented the area. My friend commented that he would like it more in the summer (duh) but I rather found it charming, a great locale to drunkenly hip-check your smoking friends into a snowbank.Listed in: Campbell's Index de Bars
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Review from alan l.
Updated - 4/18/2011
When a friend asked me to check out a band here last Saturday, I was worried. As stated in my original review, this place is the about the size of my studio apartment.
For whatever reason, the place felt less crowded on a Saturday then it did for weekday trivia, but I'm not complaining.
After checking out the band (better than expected), our group of six easily found a table and hung out for the rest of the night.
While it was still a little cold to be outside, I discovered their awesome outdoor space and will definitely be coming back once summer (finally) shows up.Listed in: Brooklyn, TOP NYC Bars
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/5/2008
i've only been to pete's for trivia-night, but it is definitely a good time.
the major downside is… Read more »
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Review from Sean S.
1/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
It says dive bar, and I suppose it is in theory, but in practice it is a top notch music venue, which superb acoustics in a converted train car. Yeah really!
I was there listening to some gypsy jazz, meanwhile having a heartwarming conversation with a cute chick with zero attitude. I'd almost guess she was from San Francisco. Wait she was...
This is honestly a perfect date spot though I wasn't on one. It's low key, chill, but major fun factor, with a lot of great live performances. I'd go back in a flash... -
Review from Mindy K.
Albany, NY
9/22/2011
I wouldn't go out of my way to come all the way out here unless you have a particular friend to meet or a particular act to see. The name seems more appealing than it should be, but it's a cute little place good for a drink or two during the week - a decidedly local bar. The tables with Japanese newsprint is a nice, fun touch.
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Review from Brandon Z.
Ridgewood, Queens, NY
2/20/2011
Ah, Pete's is a magical place to see a smaller act. The tiny railroad car room in the back is always an intimate experiece (although a bit TOO tight if the band has more the 20 fans or so). Small backyard in the summer, spiked hot cider in the winter.
I tend to get too claustrophobic to hang out here much longer than a show is going on. -
Review from Lindsey M.
Astoria, NY
4/21/2011
Interesting cocktails, awesome paninis. Love the grunge-y newspaper-topped tables. I've come here with large crowds before and pretty much taken over the entire bar. This place is tiny!
The best part about Pete's Candy Store is the small space in the back for bands to play. I saw Jeffrey Lewis here and was literally standing right in front of him; there is no stage/barricade, just you and the band. It's great if you are in front, but kind of crappy if you come too late and get stuck standing in the hallway where you can't see anything. Hint: come early.
The worst part about Pete's Candy Store is that it is really in the middle of nowhere. I have gotten lost a few times trying to find this place (i'm from Queens). Also, it's hipster central. Ehhhh.... -
Review from Pargeet B.
Manhattan, NY
8/19/2011
Came by on a Sunday night for the open mic night...missed that but caught a performance by a Danish fellow. he was really good (a bit arrogant though!) Love the performance area, it's cute and dimly lit. Would love to bring a date here. And the bartender gave me a free coke, woo! The outside patio is nice at the back but it closes at twelve/one so we had to go back inside. Their cocktails are good too. I'll be heading back here soon!
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Review from Irene F.
6/21/2010
Next on my list of places that Yelp events have been held at but I haven't actually gone back to until recently? Pete's! You'd think that a venue named after the great king of Yelp himself (this is Peter D's namesake bar, right?) would be awesome, and you'd think right!
I came through with Molly and we split an artichoke and cheese sammich. Incredible. The lovely wait staff gave us two pickles, a nice touch so we didn't have to share/fight over one. Cos you know I'll cut someone for a good pickle. Delicious and awesome, I couldn't have been happier. Of course the beer selection and crowd is off the hook.
I'll be back for a show some time, I'm sure, and more sammich, cos that's almost as important as more cowbell. -
Review from laura b.
San Francisco, CA
8/28/2007 1 photo
The way back room is what I believe to be an exact replication of the Country Bear Jamboree set at Disneyland. But cooler in that you're not at soul sucking Disneyland but less cool in that there are no full grown men dressed as Country Bears who play Banjos. Andy R. (the finder of all things internet amazing) posted a link to an article in the SF Examiner (the only time the Examiner has broken ANY kind of a story) about how all the people in character costumes at Disneyland were getting crabs and pubic lice because Disney never laundered them. That is fucking DISGUSTING. Also, Disney was a huge anti-Semite and prolly liked to do it dressed up as a mouse. So I guess Pete's has nothing on Disney in the HOLY FUCKING SHIT department.
Also, my friend lives right next door and says that the bar is incredibly respectful of its neighbors as far as noise is concerned and I think that's cool.Listed in: New York City! Ow!
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Review from sarah w.
Brooklyn, NY
9/3/2009
Over the years, this is where I saw my friend playing, friends of friend playing or a band that my friend of friend knows playing and etc.. LOL --- all but myself, before and after the renovation.
Small and narrow stage room in the back and front bar area. However, have to say that the stage area is clean and very attractive compared to other live music places. Not at all trashy. I have seen some Jazzes on Thursday nights and some up and coming(?) Indie Rock Bands and even with the mini size, the venues there feel like theatre than Live bar. Maybe the seat setting makes you to concentrate on the performance. They did really great job with renovation which they added sound proof insulation to the wall and redoing wooden and glassy deco which I found quite lovely.
In front, you have relaxed regular bar where you can be in and out of the venues in the back, to hang and talk. The bar is located still a bit deserted street and in old times, I used to get lost getting there.
Definitely they play better music than others around. And Yes, Pete used to have Candy Store here.Listed in: WILLIAMS-BURG, When I want to chill
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Review from Scott B.
New York, NY
10/22/2007
Yesterday afternoon, I came to Pete's Candy Store for $2 beers and some quality time with..... the Lord.
Every week is gay church that Jay Bakker made! The NYC branch of his Revolution Church has services here. Kevin A. has been going and I finally tagged along yesterday to hear Bakker himself speak or sermonize or whatever it is. He was just ok. His message was nice, but not really mind-blowing. I remain faithfully heathen.
BUT, I loved this bar, probably because $2 beers got me good and drunk really quickly. After the sermon, a few of us went outside to the back patio and just drank and smoked and had a grand old time.
There was an open mike going on inside, and a guy from there drifted over to us with his guitar and sang a Johnny Cash song. It was so hot...... hmmm...... I'm imagining having sex with him again.....
Anyway, Pete's Candy Store has that kinda fake run-down feel, cheap beer, and a friendly and attractive bartender. It's a fine spot for a Sunday afternoon gathering (read: bender). Careful, though, one of the bathrooms doesn't have a mirror.
My friend Sam wants to check out the Spelling Bee. I say, capital Y E S.Listed in: Let's Get Drunk and Shake…
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Review from Briana M.
7/9/2009
First and foremost: IF YOU ACHIEVED HIGHER THAN 12th PLACE AT TRIVIA LAST NIGHT, I PROBABLY WANT YOUR HEAD.
Pete's popped my trivia cherry and now I can't stop thinking about it. Over several pints of Yuengling, I exercised my brain to a pulp, poring over images of "bald headed freaks", wishing i read the newspaper more often, and kicking ass when it came to greek/roman mythology. It was a blast, but hopefully next time I come I won't be on a competitive streak. It really takes the fun out of things.
One of the best things about Pete's is their garden. There's room for a good number of people, and perfect for happy hour (5-7) drankz in the sun. I don't think I've ever encountered a d-bag here, but that doesn't mean it won't happen. I wouldn't blame a d-bag if they came here, it's just that good.Listed in: I am a drunk., I hate you when you call it…
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Review from Jesse S.
Brooklyn, NY
3/6/2008
What can you really say about a place like Pete's Candy Store? It's tiny, and Billville hipsters flock to it like they're having a half-price discount sale on chuck taylors every night. But these are things that we all know and understand beforehand, so how can I really complain about that? It goes with the territory. All I can suggest is substitute your fancy-schmancy manhattan for a lukewarm PBR, and dig into your closet for whatever Brooklyn Industries hoodies and skinny jeans that you might have lying around.
Musical interlude: "I wanna live like common people..."
Ahem, anyway, at PCS, you don't even have to do the former, because they actually have a fairly impressive little specialty cocktail list. Nothing will knock your socks off, but there are definitely some interesting first-tries here, certainly the best fancy drinks I've had in a place like this. Okay, so the bartender might roll his eyes a bit as he takes his hand off the Miller High Life he was already about to offer you, anticipatorily, and goes for the cocktail shaker. When you're in the desert, you don't turn down an oasis because they don't offer chilled bottles of Fiji water, do you?
And plus, they bring some terrific live bands to play here, often for free! Sure, you're packed into the back room so tightly that if the place ever got set alight, it'd be this (http://www.theonion.co...) all over again... -
Review from Phillip L.
Brooklyn, NY
10/2/2007
I sucked it up last night to go to a neighborhood that I dislike greatly in theory. Oh, and in real life as a I found out. The grand Williamsburg Spelling Bee is an adult spelling bee that happens twice a month on Tuesdays at Pete's Candy Store. I went with a pal that was once a state spelling bee finalist and thought we'd have a grand time. Boy, were we wrong.
First of all, as other Yelpers have mentioned, the back area where apparently performances and the Spelling Bee happen is too small and cramped. It gets fairly stuffy in there when the sliding door is closed for noise reasons as well.
Second, the people in the Spelling Bee are the people that populate my own imaginary hell. When one of the contestants was asked, "If you could combine the mind of any person with the body of any other person, who would they be?" his response was, "Well, I like MY brain a lot." in a completely non-ironic tone. I can spell D-O-U-C-H-E-B-A-G. There were awkward girls who took too long and plenty of other awful characters that made me secretly pray that my friends would be eliminated in round 1 so that I could run, screaming to the hills. Alas, this was not the case.
Third, the hosts are funny and their banter is decent, for maybe the first half-hour. Then you realize that the Spelling Bee is taking way too long because they are using this more as their personal stand-up comedy routine, rather than moderating the goddamn Spelling Bee. Also, hearing about one of the host's personal fantasy of stabbing someone in the face was quite the disturbing moment.
Oh, the well drinks are around $5 and beers on tap around $3-4, so that was decent, but I would need an open bar to ever return to that God-foresaken spelling bee.Listed in: OVER-RATED
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Review from Ethan C.
Brooklyn, NY
6/25/2008
One of the best bars in Williamsburg. Off the beaten path of Bedford, just off the park near the track. I currently live on Richardson Street, about a 10 second walk from my bedroom, and I'm sad to say I have to move away from this location due to high rent.
Music stage in the back, and an awesome outdoor patio with tons of seating. Two dollar Yeunglings during happy hour 5-7. Toasted panini sandwiches at all hours are amazing and cheap. Bingo, Trivia, and spelling bee nights every week to give you something to do. Board games available to keep you busy too. Live music pretty much everyday of the week for free, and its usually decent. Pop in on Sunday's for their BBQ's out back when you're at McCarren. Great place for visitors/friends to the area. I will continue to make the trek here. -
Review from Heather N.
Brooklyn, NY
7/30/2010
One of my new favorite places in Williamsburg it's hard not to like with cheap drinks, great musical acts and a killer backyard. I esp. like the feel of the music venue which is sort of like an old 1920's music box. The bar is super unassuming and you would probably not even know it was there if it wasn't for the few hipsters smoking ciggs outside. There also isn't a crazy long bathroom line which i really like. This bar has also been crowded every time I've gone (whether a Saturday or a Tuesday night) and the people are warm and welcoming.
Definatly worth check out. -
Review from Kat F.
6/12/2009
A perfect bar.
Going here actually made me angry at my hometown because I know we have nothing that even remotely resembles any portion of it - the fact that it's in an unlikely location away from other bars, the bustling front area, the weird studio/private stage area with bands playing, the sexy, wallflower-lined corridor and the beautiful garden patio. Toronto has none of that, so if you're ever visiting hoping to replicate a Brooklyn nightlife experience, forget it...
Spent most of the night sitting on the back patio peoplewatching and enjoying the night. Beautiful atmosphere and vibe and friendly people. This is the type of place you could easily sidle up with strangers at, and it'd not only be welcome, but encouraged. If I lived in Brooklyn I'd be here on the regular!! -
Review from Kim M.
New York, NY
6/8/2008
I never knew Williamsburg had such a monopoly on cute bars with nice outside spaces. I guess now I know.
Also the toasted sandwiches? Awesome. And I don't think that I think that because I was drunk when I had a bite of one. (does that make sense?) -
Review from Kevin A.
Long Island City, NY
1/10/2008
Yes! Pete's Candy Store! The ultimate Brooklyn Beer hovel. Seriously, there's a bar, bathrooms, a back garden, and an interesting little performance space shaped like an old time San Francisco cable car, making it a pretty intimate space.
I took my Jew friend Scott B. here to listen to Jay Bakker's Revolution church congregation on Sundays (and by "listen to" i mean "sit in the back, giggle at the Jesus freaks, and get monstrously drunk on the $2 beer special").
That's right kids, $2 beer specials!
Unfortunately things got awkward between the Church and I when they told me to take down the sexual details of one of the pastors from my blog, but Church Censorship was not Pete's Candy Store's doing, so that will not count against them.
There are some very interesting people that hang around here, and lots of great bands with attractive singers too (hint hint, omg secret crush!). There was no shortage of crazy people at the Candy Store, including Jesus freaks, acoustic bards, and sexually active Priests.
The wait staff is so nice and tolerant, that you think they're secretly up to something vicious, but then you realize that they are JUST THAT nice and tolerant, and YOU have paranoia problems.
Bring friends to this one and make some more! -
Review from Heath R.
Los Angeles, CA
8/22/2006
One of the more consistent small venues in the Williamsburg/Greenpoint area, Pete's is also home to events like the Williamsburg Spelling Bee.
The performance space is small, so do get there early. You might be able to linger in the doorway off the hall, but if you get there late, you'll be hard pressed to see much.
One thing people haven't mentioned is that Pete's also has food. Their ciabatta sandwiches are quite good, so get there early enough for a beer and a sandwich in the front room and then head into the back before the crowd.
I've been in and out here more than I've actually hung out here because it gets way crowded in the front room, as well as in the back. And the space isn't very navigable when it gets full up.Listed in: For Williamsburgers
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Review from Michael H.
Washington, DC
2/10/2009
Even though I've only been there once, I want to go back. I felt welcome, and I sensed that everyone else in the bar had a similar feeling. Service is good, drinks are reasonably priced for NYC, and the crowd was ethnically diverse and quite international. I had a nice conversation with a nice group from Germany and Austria. Fun.
The band space is small but extremely unique. And certainly eclectic. We saw two people dressed up in large bunny suits playing a strange type of electronica styled music, followed by a singer-songwriter, followed by a hard-rocking emo band. Trippy.
If you want to see the show, get there early for a table, otherwise you'll be squeezing yourself into the back. -
Review from Peter H.
San Francisco, CA
8/16/2006
This place is slightly hidden in Williamsburg, which is a good thing because it keeps the crowds local and somewhat light considering how great this place is.
They normally have a cheap beer special and their speciality cocktails are priced reasonably.
The space is nice and the back room with stage is gorgeous although VERY small. Come early for a seat.
The garden out back is relaxed with christmas lights and ample seating. They BBQ on Sundays. The garden closes early (1 AM or so) just like most places.
All in all one of the best bars in Williamsburg. -
Review from JOSEPH M.
Brooklyn, NY
5/23/2011
Very cool and unique little dive. Often has very good music.
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Review from Chris S.
Brooklyn, NY
12/30/2008 1 Check-in Here
There are essentially three types of nights at Pete's Candy Store, so you should know what you're getting into before you go there.
If you're going there for drinks with friends, this is a pretty great place. The Happy Hour is limited to bottom shelf liquor and to certain types of beer, and it goes until 7pm, so if you get there early, it's definitely worth it. Their sandwiches (actually panini) are pretty good and they change every couple of months. They also have a nice back patio to hang out and smoke in nice (or not so nice) weather that almost doubles the available space.
If you're going there to see a band, this is a great small venue; their backroom for music can be closed off for live music, so there aren't too many drunken idiots whooping it up while you listen to the newest singer-songwriter play in the back room. It's a good place to see intimate music.
And finally, there's Quizz Night. Yes, the second Z is intentional, and no, I have no idea why. Every Wednesday night at 7:30, there's team quiz competition--one of the most cutthroat in NYC. It's a lot of fun, it can be pretty difficult at times, and the prizes are generally so small that you're mostly competing for bragging rights. There are lot of regulars fighting it out for 1st place ($25 bar tab), 2nd ($15 bar tab) or 3rd (a tasty sandwich, which you can split between your teammates).
It can get very crowded for all these occasions, so try to come early and drink heavily. You can drink for cheap at Pete's, but they also have some premium cocktails, which they make expertly.
I've been going to Pete's for years, and while it's definitely a hipster hangout, it's one that you can head to and hang out at without feeling like too much of a hipster douchebag. You should be warned, though, sometimes the regulars bring dogs in, which they totally allow and means you should probably watch where you step. -
Review from Ms. J.
Washington, DC
7/21/2009
Pete's is like that friend who's just so nice that you're dumbfounded to find other people who have negative things to say. It's good. Good cheap drinks, good music, good people, I'm going to guess good food though I've never tried it, good trivia. I couldn't think of anything bad to say if I tried.
Last time I was here, the bartender kindly informed that the minimum bar tab was $15 after I tried to close my $10 tab and when I told him to just charge it $5 more, he said "Oh no way, I'm not going to do that." Earning a special, particularly cozy nook in my heart.
If a drawback is to be found, I haven't noticed it. -
Review from Cy F.
Brooklyn, NY
6/22/2011
This bar makes me happy. I go here most Wednesday nights for trivia, and even though my team will never win, we have a great time. The place is super casual, people tend to be friendly, and the bartender is amazing. She seems to do everything on the nights that I've been there.
The space is actually quite small, and tends to fill up quickly on lecture nights, trivia, or when someone is playing. Beer prices are pretty standard, and mixed drinks are typically on the strong side. -
Review from anna f.
New York, NY
9/3/2011
i stopped going here because they stopped putting candy in baskets at the bar
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Review from Matthew R.
Austin, TX
12/30/2009
I've only been to Pete's when my buddy Jason has a residency for a month. The back room is really awesome with it looking like an old train car. This also means that there is ZERO air circulation and for a fat guy like me, I get sweaty during an acoustic show.
The bar prices are super fair, as far as NYC/BK are concerned. I haven't had the food but it sounds alright.
Honestly, probably one of the more intimate venues in the city. It's also really close to a park, I don't really know or care which one. I'm just telling you it's close to one. Quit being so needy and figure it out for yourself.
