Spuyten Duyvil

 

3

35

Vallen S.

Brooklyn, NY

They consistently have the most phenomenal cheese selection.  Truly, the best cheese.  Cheese cheese cheese.

Only downside is the narrow shape of the bar inside, which tends to get way too packed later on.  

Upside, they own Frette Sau across the street, so just spill over.

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0

2

Josie L.

New York, NY

This place isn't expensive at all, considering the neighborhood and the crowd it draws. I always enjoy myself whenever I go here and it's just great. I met some pretty strange and interesting people here, and would say I have had some of the best conversations with friends at this bar.

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17

45

Brandon K.

Brooklyn, NY

Some old crazy story tells of a Dutchman going to warn people about an English attack on the tip of Manhattan.  Though a treacherous crossing, he dove into the channel there in spite of the devil - or in "spuyt den duyvil." He was Dutch you know.

He died a horrible gurgling death, but managed to warn somebody. Then the Dutch lost anyway, and the whole place got renamed by the British who like to go around renaming everything so it's more proper you see. Well all except for Spuyten Duyvil, which is still there in the Bronx.

Not sure what the bar on Metropolitan has to do with all this except for their insane selection of Dutch, Belgian and such beers. They have good wine too. Long live New Amsterdam!

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Elite '08

50

117

karen g.

Astoria, NY

Really? this place is a big deal? Meh, i didn't think so.

Went on a Friday night and it was crowded, duh..

I will say the following in my internet monotone voice
There are a lot of beers. Wow.

Continue in normal voice
Perhaps this is just not my scene, which is why I'm drinking on the hatorade. SD isn't bad-it's just not moi.

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0

4

Selina D.

New York, NY

Incredibly large array of beer choices. Located in Brooklyn, so  the crowd is pretty laid back. The decor might be one of the best things about the bar itself. Can be kinda crowded at times, but it's totally worth it, once you're in you'll probably have nothing but a good time and find lots of beer enthusiasts like yourself.

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5

35

Megan R.

Dumont, NJ

One of the best beer bars I have ever been.

The decor is very garage sale, but all can feel at home.  That is if you are a beer or wine drinker.  Why order anything else here.

Grab a cheese tray and a beer off the bar and you are set.  That is if you find it wonderful place, the name is only on the mailbox.

Good beer here I come.

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Elite '08

305

200

Justin C.

Brooklyn, NY

It's a beer enthusiast's eden, and only a short stumble from Fette Sau (same owners). Walk right on over and wash down them burnt end beans with a sweet pint of Wipe Out IPA or a Sly Fox. Actually don't get a Sly Fox because it's gross. I got one and hated it and asked if I could swap it for a Wipe Out but the barkeep refused. He did so in a most upstanding manner though so I couldn't hate.

This is a small little place which is kind of like an old New England farmhouse in decor, with it's old paint red ceiling and vintage maps hanging from the walls. They also have a ninja star on their knife magnet. There's a little back courtyard too, which would about double their seating capacity in nice weather (it's pretty small otherwise).

Wackily inviting environs aside, they have a solid selection of Belgian trappist ales in bottles, and other generally high end malted beverages. They serve a lot of their 10% alc style beers in wine glasses which is honestly a bit lame but I guess it's the right way to do it. I prefer the Queen's pint meself.

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Elite '08

135

208

john w.

Cambridge, MA

A bar where monks and hipsters can both feel at home. The extensive beer selection is absolutely first class. The cheese plates are superb. The back patio is lovely.

Best beer bar in Brooklyn? How about best beer bar EVAH!

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0

5

KYLE l.

Brooklyn, NY

I hear the term "foodies" being thrown around often enough that I've decided to coin my own term: "beeries".  I, friends, am a beerie.  I like certain beers, I appreciate their qualities, and I enjoy finding new beers like a foodie likes foods that are hard to pronounce and, in all likelihood, ridiculously expensive.

Spuyten Duyvil is a fantastic pub, with an abundance of beers (many Belgian beers, my weakness).  These beers aren't exactly cheap (not the good ones, anyway), but that's how it goes.

Oh, and the pub itself is nice, as well. Comfortable, friendly, and the bartenders are eager to suggest new beer-tasting experiences.

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1

20

rita c.

New York, NY

Sometimes I feel like I need to pay penance for all the horrible, watery cans of Busch Light I downed as a college freshman who didn't know any better. It's times like that when Spuyten Duyvil comes in handy.

The beer selection is incredible and this is the kind of classy joint where you can get a plate of gourmet cheese and/or meat to go with whatever you're drinking. I'm not terribly knowledgeable about beer but according to my Belgian beer loving boyfriend, this is one of the better places he's been to in terms of selection.
It's definitely a step ahead of most Williamsburg dive bars.

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4

49

evan d.

Brooklyn, NY

I feel pretty soothed by this place when it's not crowded. When it's crowded it's pretty hellish, as it's a fairly small, narrow room. I wish they had more food selections. Love the interior. Basically it rules, I just wish nobody knew about it.

Oh right I live in williamsburg....

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2

16

kuchen s.

Brooklyn, NY

After taking a road/beer trip last summer I appreciate this place even more. Yes, it gets ever more crowded, but I consider that a good thing: just a great example for more bars to follow. Craft beer is taking over Brooklyn!

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0

3

Tania O.

New York, NY

the last time i was here, i didnt recall my experience, the second time i went i decided to lighten up a bit on the alcohol so i could register the atmosphere that i was in. i have been there 3 times since and i continue to go simply because of the people that go on a saturday night. unlike the rest of nyc, bars tend to fill up with stuffy individuals, this does not happen at spuyten. The beer variations are off the wall, and it's always difficult to choose, I recommend you ask for a recommendation, and everyone is more than willing to offer their little piece of beer advice, all in all a great saturday night location.

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6

18

Laura D.

New York, NY

One of my absolute favorite bars.  When it comes to the beer or even the jukebox, the selection is fantastic.  This also happens to be one of the few places where they encourage you to taste before you buy.  The staff is extremely knowledgeable, and yet refreshingly down-to-earth.  To the helpful bartender with the love for Fela - I would love to check out one of your shows someday!

As others have mentioned: it does get crowded at times.  A minor but - let's face it - expected drawback.

My advice:  Start the night off at Fette Sau and have yourself some delicious bourbon and BBQ in front of the toasty tele-fire.   After dinner, head on across the street to S.D. and chase your meal down with a nice Trappiste (or, your obscure ale of choice).

Good times.

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1

3

Tim T.

Brooklyn, NY

Beyond an unmarked red gate in Williamsburg lies the Spuyten Duyvil or "in spite of the devil".  A narrow joint with a Flemish feel, this bar doubles it's capacity during the greener months with an open air yard.  A knowledgable crew behind the bar and a sophisticated take on bar fair add to the experience (precisely what it is; an experience) and we have yet to speak of the beer. A consistent roster of cask ales, creative rotation of draughts, vast collection of international bottles coupled with an eclectic domestic list make for an experience nothing short of a beer Shangri-La.  Though it may prove difficult to accommodate your party of eight on a Friday evening, this establishment still finds itself head and shoulders above any bar this Brooklyner has "experienced" this side of the pond. Cheers.

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Elite '08

143

82

Norah K.

Brooklyn, NY

You know how when you're in love, you can't put into words why you love that person so much, you just do? Well that's how I feel about Spuyten Duyvil. I guess this means I am in love with beer.

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8

162

RblWthACoz ..

Brooklyn, NY

I gave you my cask virginity Spuyten Duyvil. I just wanted to make sure you were aware of that.

If you are a beer lover, this is an absolute must. You have no excuse to pass this one up. With a selection leaning towards the international side, there are only 6 taps and one cask. It's a Belgian inspired, Flemish edged type of place, so hence the minimal taps. Bottles, baby. That's where the variety is. Sure it is expensive. But you can't deny that these guys continually deliver quality in every pint.

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6

27

Linda J.

Brooklyn, NY

I always seem to stop by a bit early on weekdays so I haven't seen it super crowded.  To me it's a warm, charming, laid back place with a great selection of beers.  In summer the backyard is lovely.  It feels like you're having a few drinks in your friend's parents' backyard.  In winter they have delicious mulled wine.

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33

16

Katie H.

Brooklyn, NY

There's Steely Dan on the jukebox, unpronounceables on the beer menu and pretty people every night. A solid lineup up for some, a nightmare to others. For me Spuyen Duyvil is THE place to take friends when they're not-so-familiar with the neigborhood. Unmarked and unfriendly-looking from the outside (nothing says "Welcome!" like window cages!), this Belgian beer bar is warm and fun inside.

Considering the staff's encyclopedic knowledge of beer, it's a little intimidating picking out a $23 bottle of anything without sadly asking what the hell it is you're about to order. But they're helpful if you ask. "I like Newcastle" is enough for them to whittle down the hundreds of beers. If it's draft, they'll let you try some. If it's bottled, they'll run down why it's tasty and why you'll like it. Also, the bartenders (the boys anyway) are pretty cute.

Also, during the winter, they have mulled wine. I recommend you not spill this on your person. Like I have.

Also, during the summer, the back courtyard is really beautiful, though it's next to impossible to get a seat for big parties generally.

With a killer menu of white-collar cheeses and olives and pickles and bread and thinly-sliced fancy-schmancy meats, it also yummily aids in soaking up all that 'hol you just consumed.

Gotta admit, I hate the place late night on the weekends. Too crowded and, if you're unlucky enough to sit next to the door, gets to drafty and drunk people constantly forget to close the door behind them.

Fun fact: you can buy just about anything that's in the place -- tables, chairs, wall art, collectible dishes -- if you ask.

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1

6

Mark A.

Brooklyn, NY

Most interesting beer selection in NY.  Apparently size DOESN'T matter.  Excellent charcuterie & cheese plates.  It's nice to see a bar mgr take the time to showcase great int'l and domestic beers that you've never heard of ... but that you won't soon forget!  Excellent, knowledgable, non-pretentious bar tenders.  Its great to get beers that are from some very localized European brewers and that are brought over with obvious care and attention to quality.

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Elite '08

64

120

Brian D.

New York, NY

The only reason I ever take the L train anymore

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0

46

salim v.

New York, NY

Yes.

Beer, cheese, charcuterie, -- pleasant staff, comfortable chairs inside and out -- what more does one want? I like to spend my money here in exchange for good times and good beer.

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Elite '08

120

354

Jen N.

New York, NY

The beer selection is excellent.  If you're a purveyor of beers, this is the place for you.  We started out here fairly early, so we had no problems finding a place to sit.  The bartender was very helpful in suggesting which meats and cheeses that would pair well with our beers.  And he was cute to boot!

I highly recommend this place for good drinks and nibbles on an early Friday night.

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14

71

Nathan J.

New York, NY

The lighting in this place is so weird. I feel like I am sitting at the kitchen counter back home, waiting for my moms to make me a late-night ham sammie. Seriously. Dim that shit.

Also, while you are at it, improve the ventilation. I know smelly-hipsters is a oft-used sobriquet, but the place smells like an Emmenthaler cheese-cave most of the time, and no, no, it is not from the cheese.

Good beer.

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0

3

Brian B.

Brooklyn, NY

Praise regarding Spuyten Duyvil's selection are well founded.  Yes, these people care deeply about well made beer, and love to pair meats and cheeses with their off-the-beaten-path fizzy selections.  But, the best thing about this spot is the massive back yard, perfect for getting lost in hours at a time.  Relaxing with an ever-expanding group of friends with the sun setting somewhere to the west is one of Williamsburg's most sublime experiences.  The closeness of the yard holds in some of that heat as the sun disappears, and people you randomly talk into stopping by on their way somewhere else find themselves happily losing hour after hour to hoppy goodness and artisanal meats and cheeses.

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Elite '08

31

254

ROBERT L.

Port Jefferson, NY

A seemingly well-researched and thought-out place.  Asked for "something hoppy, an IPA or something", and the bartender gave me Captain Lawrence's Pale Ale ($6) which was bitter and hit the right notes. . . bartenders were not above helping you pick something, and atmosphere was good.  Jazz and vintage teaching aids.   Six taps?, cask options, and true pints.  One of my associates was eying to steal some of the vintage Correlle dinnerware on display, as he had hand-me-downs matching the same pattern, and probably could use a few replacement pieces to make a full set. (Talk about bottom feeders). . .

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Elite '08

59

116

Jodi B.

Brooklyn, NY

A great place to go if you like beer and do/don't know a lot about it. It's been my experience in life that, typically, experts on anything tend to talk down to those who know nothing about the subject, but this is not the case when it comes to the beer-smart and friendly bartenders at Spuyten Duyvil.

I said, "I want something light and fruity," and the bartender smiled, said, "Here, try this," and handed me a sample of exactly what I wanted. I like that.

The seating inside leaves a bit to be desired---I like the decor, the bar, and it's cozy, but when you're this alluring of a bar, there must be more space. The back garden is nice, especially now that fall is approaching (well...maybe), but ladies beware: the stones are surprisingly hard to walk on in any semblance of a heel or wedge.

The prices are not bad, especially considering that people would probably be willing to pay a lot more for the vast selection of delicious beer available.

Not pretentious, not expensive, just awesome. Worth making a trek to Brooklyn!

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28

28

Michael M.

Kew Gardens, NY

To my way of thinking this is the best bar in NY. Very Knowledgeable bartenders that almost never steer you wrong when suggesting a beer. A selection I have never seen rivaled in NY and the tastiest cheese and meat platter anywhere. My wife and I try to get there at least every couple of months and always rave about how great a place it is.

In the summer time and early fall the place to be in the outside court yard, the crowd is always mixed and laid back,

Great fun

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10

27

Katie K.

Brooklyn, NY

I went in here a while ago on a rainy Friday night with a girlfriend an it was exactly what we were looking for. We sat at the bar and the bartender didn't rush us into ordering right away since we were chatting it up. The bartender was extremely helpful and charming. She helped us pick out a wine and some tapas. We had intended on going in for a quick drink before meeting up with some other friends but ended up staying for two hours since it was so cozy.

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1

13

Christopher B.

Brooklyn, NY

This place is great!  Excellent selection of beers, friendly staff and nice ambiance.  The place, however, can get a bit crowded, which normally turns me off of a place immediately but all of the other good qualities out weigh this so I let it slide.  I haven't had the chance to sample the meat and cheese plates but it is on my list of things to do,  they look pretty good.

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Elite '08

37

123

angela h.

Brooklyn, NY

This is like a little hipster museum.  And, I love it.  Not solely because it's a hipster museum (I feel neutral about this) but partly because of the old school maps and posters that belong in a classroom hanging on the walls.  I want them for my own classroom.
The beer and patio and bartenders are pretty cool too. I think this is my favorite bar.

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5

20

Clint B.

New York, NY

Really cool spot - great beer, laid back scene, pleasant bartenders, and they let you bring in Chinese food from down the block to eat while sitting in a big leather chair.  Who's complaining?

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1

13

EJ H.

Brooklyn, NY

Went to a bday party here recently. When the weather is warm the backyard is the perfect place to be! However, the inside bar area gets very crowded on wknd nights and to be honest its not the best place to "meet" new people (at least in my experience).

if you love beer, you will be in heaven. there are so many beers you will have a hard time choosing.  overall good atmosphere for a few drinks.

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Elite '08

47

133

Katie M.

San Francisco, CA

Hells yes! Can I please uproot this bar and plant in downstairs from my apt. in SF. There is nothing I love more than choosing from a ridiculously kick ass list of foreign beers and a awesome wine list, and then enjoying said beverage under an old school medical poster depicting various types of fetuses.  Oh yeah, and they also have a sweet outside seating area.

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7

18

nadir d.

Brooklyn, NY

Yes, Spuyten is expensive. One can not argue that fact. But everything else about the place is so awesome that price be damned.

The lure here is the beer. And when I say beer, I am saying that this is one of the top 5 beer places in the country. They never serve beer from crap mega breweries. In fact they do not even serve all the Trappist breweries, due to larger controlling interests (see Chimay).

But if you are looking for fine craft beers, with an emphasis on Belgian beers, then this is easily your place. They have all available Cantilions at any given time. They also always have some beer that you did not think was distributed to NYC.

The 6 taps are usually top notch and varied. They also have a cask for those who wish to be British, only the sad thing is that it rarely has real British cask ale and is normally taken up by a bad effort at cask beer from a local brewer. The easiest thing to do is say no to cask beer outside of the British isles.

Food is limited to meat and cheese plates as well as pickles (from Rick's Picks, best effing commercially available pickles going) and olives. These are just snacking foods.

The atmosphere is great. All the bobbles, seats, tables, books, etc are for sale. The jukebox is truly eclectic, ranging from REM to Miles Davis to Jacques Brel. Though often times some one decides to play too much droning jazz, which does not do wonders for conversations. But normally this is a great spot for 2-4 people to drink a few and have a great conversation.

In the warmer months the backyard is a wonderful place to get outside and really enjoy.

The bartenders are all really helpful and knowledgeable, though on busy nights they are not as apt to converse as on a nice Monday or Tuesday.

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Elite '08

13

184

alex e.

Cambridge, MA

Over 50 imported beers; drafts, casks and bottles. Mulled wine, cheese, bread, meats. A back garden, a funky/shabby vibe and absolutely no pretension whatsoever.
A person could spend a lot of time in here...
Now if they ever get into whisky the way they get into beer I will move within stumbling distance.

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15

141

Sara C.

Brooklyn, NY

I'm giving this place 4 stars instead of 5 because it is always extremely crowded.  Even on weeknights.  Of course, it's deservedly crowded, because the beer rocks (they have CASKS!! I mean, really), and the atmosphere is great, and you pretty much can't beat it.  

Also, I always have all sorts of exciting beers here, and then I can never remember what they were called.  I should bring a notebook next time.

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0

12

Filip T.

Brooklyn, NY

This bar feels like a warm hug at the end of the day. It can get crowded, but if you are there on a slow night, it's about as good as they come.

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Elite '08

55

160

Jeff O.

Wantagh, NY

I had heard about the Spuyten Duyvil for a while -It's been a bookmark for the last few months even. Only the other day did I find out that that bar without a name that I was at a couple of weeks ago actually WAS the Spuyten Duyvil.

I can see it now. I can see what the fuss was about. I have never seen such a selection! I haven't even heard of most of the beers there, and the ones I did try were really good.  How can a staff be knowledgeable about all these beers? Very smart apparently.

Decor is cool. people did not claim to be hip at all - which is always appreciated.

and look at that.. they have their jukebox list on the website
http://www.spuytenduyv...
I mean, yeah, pretty fucking good music.

I had always heard of the beer garden they have there. Last  week I went into the backyard of this bar, where people went to smoke.. I mean, I guess it's a beer garden.... It's outside.. I wouldnt go bragging all around town though. I think I may be spoiled by the garden of Astoria...

There are highs and lows to every trip here. The mold wine (?) was pretty awesome, and I liked their mugs so much I went out and got them for myself (at Ikea). I was also turned off by the bartenders b/c they were as cold as February.  The clientelle is well behaved, which is not always what I am looking for. highs and lows.

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7

43

Ari C.

Brooklyn, NY

I really love this place because it humbles me. It's not pretentious, though, in it's repertoire of beer- in fact, this place seems to provide good beer for the sake of providing good beer. I loved being inside it too because it was so cozy, reminding me of many of my favorites in Montreal (they even had an enormous map of Quebec, which sealed the deal). The bartenders were great, the crowd was quite amiable and it was a perfect night to spend without watching pathetic drunken hookups, spending a lot of money, and damaging your ear drums.

Screw the Elysian Fields. This is where I hope heroes go.

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