Advertising
You are not logged in

New York Magazine

Skip to content, or skip to search.

Skip to content, or skip to search.

Home > Nightlife & Music > Moonshine

Moonshine

Critic's Pick Critics' Pick

317 Columbia St., Brooklyn, NY 11231
between Woodhull St. and Hamilton Ave.  See Map | Subway Directions Hopstop Popup
718-783-5166 Send to Phone

  • Reader Rating: Write a Review
  • Scene: Billiards, Neighborhood Bar, Notable Beer Selection, Outdoor Area, Pet-Friendly, Singles Scene, Smoking Area, Theme, Waterfront

Nearby Subway Stops

F, G at Carroll St.; F, G at Smith-9th Sts.

Payment Methods

Cash Only

Profile

Brave the journey over the BQE, past some abandoned lots, to the end of the road where exhaust from the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel looms large, and you’ll be rewarded with some of the best beer deals in all of New York, plus all the free peanuts you can handle. Don't be fooled by Moonshine’s well-worn, salty-dog atmosphere: The honky-tonk saloon opened in 2004 when owner Nick Forlano bought up the whole derelict building, christened his two French bulldogs as mascots, and beefed up what was formerly Rocco’s, a popular longshoreman's hangout whose remains include the original bar, a telephone booth, and wood-slat walls. Forlano added a jukebox crammed with old country, a pool table caged off with chicken wire, a cigarette machine, Big Buck Hunter II, and a dusty upright piano where local rockers can often be heard hammering out an impromptu tune. The real reason Red Hook’s young artsy types come here, though, is for dirt-cheap specials like the James Gang (a shot of Jameson and a PBR) or four cans of beer served in an ice bucket. After one or two of these, your smiling face may just make it onto the wall o’ regulars.

Extra

The outdoor patio boasts a barbecue grill with a generous BYOM policy (that's "bring your own meat"). Coal and condiments are on the house.

Related Stories

Featured In

Advertisement
Check out the most luxurious meals in town from Adam Platt's "Where to Eat" guide or pull up a takeout menu and order lunch.

Now in Nightlife

comedy nights

Subterranean Stand-up

The city's best indie-comedy showcases.

And More...

Bar Spotlight

magnet theater

Magnet Theater

On Thursday nights at this comedy venue, $7 gets you no less than four shows, pizza is free, and beer is a buck.

Guides & Lists

nightlifeBest of NY: Nightlife

From a great first-date bar to the hands-down best martini in New York City.

More Guides & Lists