The Exley

Photo of The Exley

Located in New York,

Address: 1 Jackson St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States

Phone: +1 917-909-1652

Rating: 4.5

Services

  • Outdoor seating
  • Dine-in
  • Delivery
  • Bar games
  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Food
  • Food at bar
  • Happy-hour drinks
  • Spirits
  • Wine
  • Seating
  • Toilets
  • Casual
  • Cosy
  • Trendy
  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Accepts reservations
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards

Categories

  • Gay bar
  • Bar
  • Cocktail bar

Photos

Latest NYC Bar Directory

Comments

  • Review 1 (2024-09-04 - Rating: 5)

    Fire bar. Cheap drinks despite a nice open clean interior. The bartenders are absolutely fabulous, especially David. Definitely will come back just for the barkeeps alone!

  • Review 2 (2023-07-24 - Rating: 5)

    A happening place catering to a mostly gay crowd that spills over onto the sidewalk- but does not obstruct or interfere with people walking past. There is a good selection of drinks for the eclectic taste, the customers are young hipsters for the most part and they are there to enjoy the evening, especially when the the weather cooperates.

  • Review 3 (2024-09-22 - Rating: 5)

    Cute little gay spot with nice music and free water. Prices are reasonable and cocktails are good. Nice beef selection too, and bartenders are attentive

  • Review 4 (2019-01-19 - Rating: 5)

    Great established and polished artsy vibe. Very warm ambiance and a hell of a bartender. Great cocktails with very distinguishable and unique flavors. Poured correctly and....they work. I was there for a trivia night and was comfortable even with the place being packed. Location is a laughably easy walk from the train. Drinks range from $7-12 with beer shot combos around $9-10.

  • Review 5 (2023-09-09 - Rating: 5)

    Truly one of my favorite gay bars in NYC. However it’s a shame they got rid of their best frozen cocktail - the frozen espresso martini…they NEED to bring it back

  • Review 6 (2024-09-19 - Rating: 5)

    Drinks are great and strong. Vibes are always fun. The men are always good to look at. Overall a fun local spot.

  • Review 7 (2020-11-18 - Rating: 5)

    One of the best bars in Williamsburg. For social distancing purposes its probably not the best place to come on the weekends since this place gets really busy -- its so popular. I definitely recommend, the bartenders are always really nice and the drinks are great too!

  • Review 8 (2019-06-25 - Rating: 5)

    Far and away my favorite bar.Great rotating selection of eclectic, craft beers on draft at fair prices. Well crafted cocktails, reasonable prices, moody lighting, a great soundtrack, clean bathrooms, a patio, and best of all?A great staff that has become family to me.

  • Review 9 (2018-04-28 - Rating: 5)

    Great place for cocktails and drinks. Cozy space with board games. Great cocktails for a reasonable price.

  • Review 10 (2020-08-30 - Rating: 5)

    Just happened upon this little gem while walking home from the park. Awesome vibe very friendly staff, good music... Absolutely loved it!

  • Review 11 (2022-04-30 - Rating: 5)

    Lovely place - like it!The bartender is very nice - respectful to every customer even it’s super busy.Drinks are good.The vibe is just sooo lovely - good for dates, friend hangout or even drinking alone

  • Review 12 (2024-08-05 - Rating: 5)

    Cute little gay bar. Very Williamsburg. Very white gay, there was even a run club there after their run. But very cute and good drinks.

  • Review 13 (2024-08-05 - Rating: 5)

    Best lil gay bar in Williamsburg

  • Review 14 (2024-01-21 - Rating: 5)

    Great atmosphere and friendly staff. They have a good selection of cocktails.

  • Review 15 (2022-01-10 - Rating: 5)

    Very cute intimate space. Came on a monday night and it was a very chill romantic vibe. Bartender was not only cute but very friendly. Happy hour M-F 4-7pm.

  • Review 16 (2019-07-14 - Rating: 5)

    Just happened to stop by for a Beer with Hubby after the Mt Carmel Feast and fell in love with this Cozy Little Bar. Loved it and will definitely make it my Stop for a Great Beer Place. Going back with my friends.Love it!

  • Review 17 (2024-07-14 - Rating: 5)

    The Exley doesn’t play when it comes to showing up for disabled patrons. Very very cool and accommodating. Shout out to the fab bouncer

  • Review 18 (2024-07-21 - Rating: 4)

    Phones and wallets frequently stolen here. My phone was stolen last night and the bouncers response was this happens all the time here. Sitting outside causes a lot of foot traffic and people easily slip through the entrance. Guard your belongings!

  • Review 19 (2020-12-08 - Rating: 5)

    I like to go on weeknights after work, get a seat by a heater, and a hot toddy. Great music, relaxed vibe, lovely bartenders (all three I’ve met are fantastic), delicious classic cocktails & a disco ball

  • Review 20 (2013-02-04 - Rating: 4)

    “Expect it at The Exley”Stumbling off the beaten path can occasionally yield unexpectedly fine results and The Exley, a bartender’s bar located a short half block off of Union, stirs in the shadows with a heaving, untapped potential. My companion and I chanced upon this neatly designed, softly lit, and lightly serenaded cocktail and beer establishment on a barren Friday night. The warm and inviting nature of The Exley stands in stark contrast to the industrial street and adjoining expressway outside; a sunshine hue mural captures this feeling with impressionistic flair and sets a tone of comfort and contemplation. Despite the decent happy hour offer, we were alone for a lengthy spell and in shameless and selfish fashion, I was grateful. It was during that time that cocktail magic happened.Similar to other cocktail places, The Exley has six or so house cocktails on the glass menu (accompanied by several better-than-most draughts and bottles of beer) that take a cue from the classics but strive for something more. There is a light celery tinged tonic to refresh the senses. A ginger hot toddy brings you in from the cold. A serious Sazerac in a shallow snifter reminiscences on its roots. The Penicillin touches three quarters of your taste buds. Each cocktail I tried was standout, strong, and expertly executed. Our host had no reason to hurry but I don’t think he would make that compromise even on a crowded night: he understands that preserving the character of these drinks takes a steady, honest hand and the entire place defends that maxim. All the hallmarks of fine mixology are there: careful pours into jiggers, judicious use of the stirring spoon, and taste-adjust-taste quality control. Adding to the mystery of the libations is the conscious decision to not immediately expose the ingredients of each cocktail; that all too rare relationship with your barkeeper quickly builds and is a welcome part of the experience. Before parting ways and having tasted almost all the house offerings, my mention of spice allowed our humble host to experiment… and deliver. For those of you with high expectations, expect The Exley to meet them and leave you firmly satisfied, a rare but longed-for sensation.Cocktails: 9/10 for the best cocktails I’ve had and variety enough to keep you surprisedAtmosphere: 6/10 for clean comfort but thematically nondescriptPoetic Vision: 9/10 for making it seem that every drink has a deeper meaning inside of itNotes: Although I had a lofty experience, the bar isn’t designed to cater to a single clientele. A built in DJ station brings in live control to the soundscape, there is seating for couples and small groups as well as standing space for crowds, and hosts special events like a Superbowl party.

  • Review 21 (2023-01-24 - Rating: 5)

    Awesome bartenders with great cocktails at great prices, for everything. also the Cubano is probably one of the best in the city considering the very low wait time.

  • Review 22 (2018-04-08 - Rating: 5)

    Lively place with the best bartenders, best crowds and they actually have some food here to eat on those drunken hungry nights. Only thing is the food menu is short and they may not always have everything.

  • Review 23 (2022-06-03 - Rating: 5)

    Guys, this bar is different… it’s the best vibe ever and Wes and Jim are the BEST! I never give 5 stars and I just did, speaks volumes!!

  • Review 24 (2022-04-19 - Rating: 5)

    I love this bar. It feels so cozy there. It’s a good place to hangout with friends.

  • Review 25 (2023-01-15 - Rating: 5)

    This bar had a gay awakening during the pandemic and has blossomed into a neighborhood staple. Shout out to my favorite bartender Richard 💙. Love her.

  • Review 26 (2016-03-01 - Rating: 4)

    Fun, chatty bartenders, outdoor seating for smokers. Definitely a local bar vibe, but decent in every way.

  • Review 27 (2016-07-13 - Rating: 4)

    Decent little bar, can be fun on summer days when you can play corn hole outside.

  • Review 28 (2018-05-06 - Rating: 5)

    Great bar in Williamsburg. A bit hidden, please dont tell! :)

  • Review 29 (2023-08-06 - Rating: 5)

    Best bar in the neighborhood. The security made me feel safe and secured. James (the security) is very kind and friendly. Drinks are well made. Music is amazing. I’ve been coming here for the past 3 years and it’s one of the best bar in town to have a drink! I would def recommend penicillin & leche de lobo!

  • Review 30 (2023-08-06 - Rating: 5)

    Cool place and drinks , James is the sweetest fun person ever, he is accommodating and loving, he made our night the best, the bartenders are very professional and make the best drinks ever, nice atmosphere!

  • Review 31 (2023-08-06 - Rating: 5)

    Great place. The security guard James rocks and the drinks are good

  • Review 32 (2023-09-09 - Rating: 5)

    I love this place. Chill neighborhood bar.

  • Review 33 (2021-03-14 - Rating: 5)

    Great service in the age of COVID. Felt safe and well tended to.

  • Review 34 (2015-05-30 - Rating: 5)

    Awesome place, good drinks, casual vibes.

  • Review 35 (2022-12-18 - Rating: 5)

    Nice bar, with outdoor. Bartenders work fast and make good cocktails

  • Review 36 (2023-07-09 - Rating: 5)

    Good vibe and nice cocktails

  • Review 37 (2021-03-22 - Rating: 5)

    Fun queer space serving craft cocktails and good tunes

  • Review 38 (2022-10-15 - Rating: 5)

    The best gay bar in NYC. Great cocktails, cool ambiance, the staff are all fantastic and the music is great. Warning, if you’re not a Drag RACe fan, avoid Fridays!

  • Review 39 (2022-04-20 - Rating: 5)

    Absolute favorite spot in the neighborhood. Drinks, crowd, music, community = 100. All are welcome, and it was the only queer space around here that was open during quarantine. It gave me a place to be social and helped me get through the worst of it. Now, with their beautiful outdoor seating, it’s the perfect meeting point or resting spot, all year round.

  • Review 40 (2020-09-15 - Rating: 5)

    Super cute! Great bartenders

  • Review 41 (2021-05-13 - Rating: 5)

    Laid back, tasty drinks, and a nice bike at the bar.

  • Review 42 (2023-10-01 - Rating: 5)

    Bobby is a stellar bar tender and a class act

  • Review 43 (2015-11-28 - Rating: 4)

    Cool little bar close to our hotel. Was quiet when we stopped in at the start of our night. Had a pretty decent beer list and seemed to be a good selection of whisky too. The bar man was cool and really friendly.

  • Review 44 (2021-04-18 - Rating: 5)

    The Exley is one of my favorite places in Brooklyn to have a drink - from beer to martini, they serve a winner.Bar staff is notoriously kind, they have a great outdoor set up and are good with those who come to visit: Queer forward, everyone all around.

  • Review 45 (2018-05-24 - Rating: 5)

    Got the Nanas Spritz and loved it. The Cubano was also amazing! Charming bartender and nice little outdoor space.

  • Review 46 (2018-03-11 - Rating: 5)

    Im sure it was a mistake, but I was charged twice for the same drink on my tab. Ill edit my review if they refund me and for now watch your bank statement if you go here.Update: 11/16/17, Thursday... I was told to call back next Wednesday to address my concern because a manager isnt in to possibly refund me.03/10/18: Back in December of 2017 I got a message from someone I didnt know on messenger and come to find out it was the owner! Refunded me and I really appreciate it because I loved the beer! Im coming to NY again soon, Ill stop in when Im there, thanks again for clearing it up 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾.

  • Review 47 (2017-05-22 - Rating: 5)

    The best bartender works there: JIM!

  • Review 48 (2018-03-15 - Rating: 5)

    Great place to hang out with friends and bartenders are way too friendly

  • Review 49 (2018-09-18 - Rating: 5)

    I loved this small and unpretentious bar with it‘s nice and charming bartender!!!

  • Review 50 (2017-11-23 - Rating: 5)

    Great cocktails in a cozy atmosphere. It’s off the beaten path but that works in it’s favor.

  • Review 51 (2017-10-20 - Rating: 5)

    Charming little spot, friendly people, awesome bartender.

  • Review 52 (2016-09-04 - Rating: 4)

    Off the beaten path bar with friendly staff and a laid back atmosphere.

  • Review 53 (2016-10-03 - Rating: 4)

    Decent bar with a good beer selection and a couple of above average sandwich panini options when you get hungry. Small patio for a drink outside when the weather allows

  • Review 54 (2018-03-31 - Rating: 5)

    The cocktails and beer selection are top notch. The bartenders are sweethearts.

  • Review 55 (2016-08-25 - Rating: 4)

    Classy place, lazy customers, awesome trivia night host. Doesnt serve a lot of food though, but is a quintessential Williamsburg bar

  • Review 56 (2018-04-07 - Rating: 5)

    Great cheap drink options.

  • Review 57 (2017-06-19 - Rating: 5)

    I like this place and I dont like many places.

  • Review 58 (2019-06-09 - Rating: 4)

    Love the playlist

  • Review 59 (2018-08-18 - Rating: 5)

    Great DJ

  • Review 60 (2023-11-02 - Rating: 5)

    Charming neighborhood spot.

  • Review 61 (2017-12-04 - Rating: 4)

    Chill place with good music

  • Review 62 (2016-12-31 - Rating: 5)

    Tasty drinks. Jenga.

  • Review 63 (2018-11-04 - Rating: 5)

    Blew out candles!

  • Review 64 (2017-09-23 - Rating: 5)

    Sick

  • Review 65 (2017-06-11 - Rating: 5)

    Good cocktails

  • Review 66 (2020-11-24 - Rating: 5)

    The best people

  • Review 67 (2017-03-04 - Rating: 5)

    Its lit !!!

  • Review 68 (2023-08-20 - Rating: 5)

    Can there be a gay bar where you can also drink excellent cocktails? This is THE EXLEY!!Ah...very honest prices! Topppeeria!!

  • Review 69 (2014-11-08 - Rating: 5)

    Good service

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