Two R’s absolutely dominated the bar scene in 2015: Ridgewood and Retro. Almost every new bar on this list opened in the Ridge (terrible nickname, I know) and almost every bar looked to the past for inspiration. But hey, we’re not complaining. Whether it was a grandfather-type bar with cozy couches and cheap drinks or an outdoor oasis with stellar food, we were totally spoiled this year with these 10 new drinking dens.
56-06 Cooper Ave.
The outdoor bar opened by Mister Sunday DJ’s Justin Carter and Eamon Harkin was the summer hangout in an unexpected part of Ridgewood. We’re already looking forward to warmer days when we can enjoy a cold beer, tasty hot dogs and fine tunes provided by the owners themselves. Can it be summer again? Read our review
1215 Myrtle Ave.
70’s-inspired Birdy’s opened in October to a sigh of relief from M-train dwellers looking for a comfortable, unpretentious place to drink. Almost everything we love about this bar is retro, from the pinball machines to the comfy large booths to the affordable, straightforward cocktails. Leave your celly at home. Read our review
1264 Myrtle Ave.
You guys went nuts for Juno, a brand new diner/bar opened by the same guy behind Bossa Nova. And rightly so: the space is an absolute dream, the coffee strong, and the late night food and drink game on point. We couldn’t really have asked for more, could we? Read our review
818 Woodward Ave.
With a new brunch and lunch menu, Julia’s isn’t just a bar – it’s practically a second home for Ridgewood dwellers. We’re regulars for its local brews, wines, and cheese/charcuterie plates. Not to mention Julia’s is a home for local artists to display their work – yeah, they rock. Read our review
582 Seneca Ave.
This heavy metal beer bar won over our hearts with a fine selection of German craft brews and eclectic decor (hint: corpse paintings). It may be down the block from beloved Gottscheer Hall, but Bierleichen is anything but traditional. We gotta say, when we’re feeling a beer with a side of morbidity, we go straight here. Read our review
564 Seneca Ave.
You like pinball? You like beer? Meet Milo’s Yard. Not only does owner David Poh collect vintage pinball machines, but his wife Claudia was also a former bartender at Barcade. We think it’s safe to say their combined forces make for a pretty sweet spot. Read our review
109 Moffat St.
A retro dive bar with an affinity for the outdoors? Yeah, we’re totally down too. Just slightly hidden by a cluster of Cypress trees, The Evergreen has got that lived-in, cozy atmosphere we love in a neighborhood bar, not to mention 12 rotating beer taps, wine and cocktails under $10. Read our review
1684 Woodbine St.
The second bar on this list to have opened recently, The Bad Old Days really is as cool as its name. Opened by two ladies formerly of Rockwood Music Hall, the bar has a nice little list of beer on tap and cocktails, not to mention a library. Yep, you read that right. So if you’re flying solo, bring a book along (or borrow one from their collection) and settle in for a cozy night. Read our review
68-7 Fresh Pond Rd.
While they technically opened in December 2014, we’ll make an exception for The Monk, a beer hall in Ridgewood specializing in Belgian ales. We love the totally unpretentious, TV-free vibe of the place, complete with a rotary phone that’s actually in use (how novel!) Read our review
17 Ingraham St.
Shockingly, Bushwick Daily never got around to reviewing El Cortez, which opened in July off the Morgan L. But that doesn’t mean it didn’t slip our minds (or our mouths). Whether you stop by for the delish Tex-Mex food, DJ sets or retro-tiki vibe, this sister bar to Williamsburg’s The Commodore was sure to be on everyone’s lips.
Did we miss any? Tell us in the comments below!