Like it or not, it was my generation, Gen X, who transformed this once-sleepy borough into the cultural powerhouse it is today. Yet, despite being part of the demographic that arguably built the Williamsburg scene (sorry? …you’re welcome?), I sometimes feel like a bit of an outsider when I’m venturing out past 7 p.m. these days. It’s true that for many in my age group, focusing on colonoscopies feels as relevant as crafting cocktails, but it doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive.
We’re the generation that birthed acts like James Murphy, Questlove, and Jennifer Lopez – we still have rhythm and spunk! Still, I hear it often from friends: the feeling of being the oldest person at the bar or on the dance floor is becoming more common. But fear not, fellow latchkey kids. Finding great places for going out in brooklyn where you can actually hear the music, find a seat, and maybe even spot some familiar faces is entirely possible. This guide is compiled from years of personal experience and tapping into my network of Brooklyn nightlife veterans to find the best spots for those over, and nearing, 50.
The most recent census data confirms Gen X makes up the smallest living age group at just 19.9%. We were weaned on “Breakfast Club” and “Soul Train,” inherently wary of authority, and still carry a faint whiff of teen spirit. So, where can a middle-aged soul truly enjoy going out in brooklyn and find company that speaks their cultural language?
Areas like Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Park Slope, Windsor Terrace – what’s affectionately known as “Brownstone Brooklyn” – are indeed rich with Gen X-friendly establishments. However, this list highlights specific venues that truly stand out and are particularly appealing to Gen Xers or even the ‘geriatric millennial’ set. Add these to your radar; it’s time to prove we still know how to have a good time.
A cold beer glass, symbolizing the vibrant bar scene when going out in Brooklyn.
Bay Ridge
Lock Yard
9221 Fifth Ave
Bay Ridge holds a special place in nightlife history as the former home of the legendary 2001 Odyssey, the nightclub immortalized in “Saturday Night Fever.” While you might not stumble upon a young, hip-swiveling Travolta here today, Lock Yard offers a different kind of fun night out at a beloved heated beer garden. They host themed trivia nights focused on things like Sitcoms in Syndication or ’90s Pop Culture – perfect for anyone who grew up glued to network TV. If you’re feeling peckish, dive into their wonderfully kitschy hot dog menu, featuring items like the “Johnny Cash” or a “Bartman.” And yes, they sell fried Oreos. You might need some Prilosec afterward, but the nostalgia factor is worth it.
Bed-Stuy
Bar Lunatico
486 Halsey St.
While much of Bed-Stuy caters to a younger crowd, Bar Lunatico provides a sophisticated counterpoint. This charming bar and music venue boasts owners with a serious knack for crafting excellent cocktails and curating an incredibly eclectic lineup of performers, many of whom are fellow Gen X artists. It’s a true neighborhood gem that also serves tapas, ensuring you can keep your energy up and focus entirely on the tunes without worrying about blood sugar levels.
C’Mon Everybody
325 Franklin Ave.
Looking for a place to dance and enjoy drinks with a welcoming vibe? C’Mon Everybody, a Queer-owned and operated bar, music venue, and live arts space, is the spot. The atmosphere is so inclusive and fun that you’re bound to see folks of all ages hitting the dance floor – yes, including some silver foxes mingling happily among the Bed-Stuy hipsters. It’s a great example of the vibrant blend you can find when going out in brooklyn.
Brooklyn Heights/Boerum Hill
Montero’s
73 Atlantic Ave.
Just a few blocks from the Brooklyn waterfront on Atlantic Avenue, Montero’s is a historic dive bar with a past catering to sailors. Today, it serves anyone looking to belt out some karaoke tunes and down a few brews – not so different from sailors, perhaps. Montero’s hosts popular karaoke nights from Thursdays through Saturday. There’s also a pool table.
History buffs and anyone with a touch of wanderlust will appreciate the walls adorned with old photos, newspaper clippings, and maritime décor, offering a glimpse into Brooklyn’s past. To make a perfect night of it, pair your trip to Montero’s with a visit to the Long Island Bar, located right across the street, known for its excellent food and thoughtfully crafted cocktails. For more diverse ways to explore the borough, check out other great what to do in brooklyn options.
Brooklyn Inn
148 Hoyt St.
Dating back to 1885, the Brooklyn Inn is a truly gorgeous historic watering hole overflowing with old-world charm and detail. Besides the bygone era ambiance, you’ll find a pool table and comfortable outdoor seating. When I first stepped into the Brooklyn Inn back in the 1990s, the surrounding area felt much more desolate. But over the last two decades, our peers have opened a wealth of bars, restaurants, and cool shops along Smith Street, which is just a short walk from this beautifully wood-paneled bar.
Henry St. Ale House
62 Henry Street
A short stroll from the Brooklyn Bridge, The Henry Street Ale House is situated on a stretch of Brooklyn Heights home to many local favorites, including the renowned restaurant Noodle Pudding. This ale house has thrived for nearly 30 years thanks to its consistently good pub fare and an extensive selection of beers on tap, many sourced locally from across the five boroughs, including IPAs from Staten Island and The Bronx.
The relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere is spot-on for anyone who came of age in the ’90s. After enjoying a couple of brews, take a scenic autumnal walk along the tree-lined, often cobblestoned streets that define brownstone-laden Brooklyn Heights. It’s just one of many ways to experience the unique charm found when going out in new york city.
Bushwick
Ornithology Jazz Club
6 Suydam St.
If you assume a night out in Bushwick means staying up until the sun rises, think again. Ornithology Jazz Club offers an early-bird show from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., perfect for those who prefer a sensible bedtime. The venue’s name might resonate with the recent trend of empty-nester moms taking up Brooklyn bird watching (a trend I’ve personally avoided), though it’s actually a tribute to Charlie Parker. Grab a cocktail, appreciate the music, and note their vegan pop-up restaurant – a thoughtful dining choice for a generation increasingly focused on cholesterol levels.
Live jazz musicians performing, representing the diverse music options when going out in Brooklyn.
Party On
254 Irving Ave.
Okay, Party On is definitely geared more towards millennials, but it boasts a distinct ’90s theme, which means anyone who genuinely remembers that decade deserves a seat at the bar. Maybe you can strike up a conversation with the younger patrons and regale them with tales of traveling around Europe with a beat-up, water-damaged copy of “Let’s Go Europe,” because smartphones and Google weren’t a thing yet. It’s also just genuinely fun to soak in all the ’90s décor and reminisce about a time when we felt a little younger.
Mr. Sunday Dance Party at Nowadays
56-06 Cooper Ave.
When Mr. Sunday is in town, the party starts at 3 p.m. and winds down by 8 p.m. – meaning you can totally skip the disco nap. Hosted by DJs Justin Carter and Eamon Harkin, Mr. Sunday’s is a fantastic way to cap off the weekend, dancing away pre-work-week jitters and staying hydrated (with beer, of course). Nowadays is technically located on the Brooklyn/Queens border in Ridgewood, but we’ll let that slide for the sake of a great Sunday afternoon dance party when going out in brooklyn (or just outside it).
Birdy’s
1215 Myrtle Ave.
While the primary clientele at Birdy’s skews younger, towards Gen Z, you stand a good chance of beating them at foosball or topping the high score on the pinball machine. The bar also features a jukebox loaded with ’80s and ’90s hits and a photobooth (maybe have a couple of drinks before you look at the filterless pics). These retro touches evoke a strong sense of nostalgia for the dive bars of the ’90s, but unlike those cramped holes in the wall, Birdy’s offers plenty of seating. The most retro detail? It’s cash only.
Crown Heights
Friends & Lovers
641 Classon Avenue
Friends & Lovers in Crown Heights is a welcoming, queer-friendly bar and venue, even with its younger clientele. They host a range of events that begin at middle-age-appropriate times (around 8 p.m.), including numerous comedy shows. If you’re planning on going out in brooklyn in the Crown Heights area, this spot is fun and festive, appealing to early birds and older folks who still love to dance. Stick around past 10 p.m. if you can rally – that’s when the diverse DJs really get the party started.
Ditmas Park
Sycamore Bar and Flower Shop
1118 Cortelyou Rd.
Sycamore is a unique spot, functioning as both a bar and a flower shop, providing an incredibly atmospheric setting for a drink. Beyond the charming ambiance, they host a vinyl dance party every second Wednesday at 8 p.m. On weekends, dancing kicks off at 10 p.m. For those who prefer seated entertainment, Sycamore features drag, trivia, and comedy nights, so check their calendar. Simply enjoying a happy hour cocktail on their expansive patio on a fall evening is pure perfection.
Flatbush
The Rogers Garden
706 Rogers Ave.
Rum aficionados, make your way to Flatbush and prepare to unwind in The Rogers Garden. Savor their signature cocktails like The Devil’s Playground or the Miss Tang. Bring friends to share one of their many “Pitchers of Love.” It’s not just about the drinks, though – the atmosphere is lively, and they frequently host live music and DJs. Following The Rogers Garden on Instagram is the best way to stay updated on their upcoming events.
Greenpoint
Saint Vitus Bar
1120 Manhattan Ave.
Time to dust off those Docs! Head to The Dark 80s New Wave Nite at Saint Vitus Bar. This event happens only a few times a year, giving you plenty of recovery time between these fun ’80s dance excursions. The 11 p.m. start time is a commitment, but for fans of the genre, it’s worth it. If you can manage to stay up, you’ll rock out to icons like New Order, The Smiths, and Nitzer Ebb. I suspect some friends borrow their kids’ Adderall for this one. It’s a classic Greenpoint option when considering going out in brooklyn.
Kensington/Prospect Park South
Hinterlands Bar
739 Church Ave.
Hinterlands Bar is a welcome oasis on this quiet stretch of Church Avenue. It’s a reliable local spot for cocktails, brews, casual food, and desserts. During warmer months, their patio is the perfect place for a drink. Hinterlands also hosts trivia nights and viewing parties for shows like “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Follow their Instagram for event schedules.
Park Slope
Barbès
376 9th St.
A popular spot among brownstone Brooklyn residents, Barbès has been a hub for live music for over two decades. Opened by French expats, this intimate bar and performance space offers a European feel and hosts an eclectic global groove live music series. Don’t miss their weekly Tuesday night show featuring the fantastic Slavic Soul Party. It’s a unique cultural experience found when going out in new york.
Bell House
149 7th St.
The lineup at The Bell House often feels like a Gen X dream playlist brought to life. From Dolly Parton cover bands to performances by the Middle-Aged Dad Jam Band (featuring members from the ’90s alt-comedy group The State), browsing their schedule will easily reveal a concert, comedy show, or dance party perfectly suited for anyone born between 1965 and 1979.
The Gate
321 Fifth Ave.
The Gate has been a beloved Park Slope staple for over 25 years. Specializing in craft beer, it maintains a wonderfully casual and unpretentious vibe. The patio is a great place to hang out during warmer weather (dogs are welcome!) and reflect on how much Park Slope has evolved – thankfully, The Gate has remained true to itself.
Union Hall
702 Union St.
Anyone for a game of bocce? Union Hall is a spacious bar in Park Slope featuring an indoor bocce court. Comedy fans should head to the theater in the basement, which boasts a packed calendar of concerts and comedy shows. For years, it was home to the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival, and more recently, it’s hosted SNL cast members working out new material on their off nights. It’s a versatile spot for going out in brooklyn.
South Slope/Greenwood Heights
Freddy’s
627 5th Ave.
For the last decade, Freddy’s has been a local go-to in South Slope/Greenwood Heights, but many Gen Xers fondly remember its previous location in Prospect Heights. The bar retains the same welcoming feel (and the same literal bar). If you’re wrestling with an existential crisis about aging, a “Freddy’s Happy Meal” might help – it’s not food, just a Miller High Life (or Tecate) and a shot of house liquor. They also host a comedy open mic night on Mondays from 7 to 8 p.m. The calendar is full of events, from storytelling series to live music, making it a reliably entertaining place to be when going out in brooklyn.
Greenwood Park
555 7th Ave.
This expansive beer garden, set in a converted gas station and car mechanic shop, is an ideal autumn spot. The outdoor garden is perpetually festive and full of locals. If you can’t find a sitter, bring the kids – just note that those under 21 need to leave by 7 p.m. Beyond the open-air seating, Greenwood Park has a large indoor space and a menu of comfort food classics that pair perfectly with a drink.
Prospect Heights
Bar Meridian
406 Prospect Pl.
Enjoy a cocktail on the patio at the charming Bar Meridian. Music is central to the vibe at this atmospheric spot located on the border of Crown Heights and Prospect Heights. It features a large, restored jukebox, lots of vinyl, and DJs spinning records on various nights. They also serve lunch on weekends, making it a lovely spot for a lazy (or perhaps slightly boozy) Sunday afternoon.
Bearded Lady
686A Washington Ave.
How could any Gen Xer resist a cocktail named Mr. Howell? The quirky cocktail menu alone is sure to appeal to anyone who remembers the ’70s and ’80s. The Bearded Lady is a retro-style bar dripping with mid-century Americana charm and includes a pleasant outdoor space. Stop by for a happy hour drink and soak in the old-school décor. For foodies exploring the area, don’t forget to check out some famous places to eat in new york.
Sharlene’s
353 Flatbush Avenue
This no-frills bar on Flatbush Avenue, situated on the Prospect Heights/Park Slope border, has been around since the early aughts (and was a dive bar even before that – old heads might recall it as Mooney’s). Sharlene’s is known as an unofficial hangout for NYC media types, but you don’t need a press pass to enjoy tunes from the jukebox and playing pinball at this neighborhood favorite. Their moderately priced cocktails are a welcome rarity in Brooklyn these days.
Prospect Lefferts Garden
Bar Bayeux
1066 Nostrand Ave.
Discover some smooth jazz at this cozy and inviting bar located on bustling Nostrand Avenue. Bar Bayeux offers expertly crafted cocktails and live jazz performances. There’s no cover charge for the music, just a one-drink minimum to enjoy the show. It’s a laid-back option for enjoying live music when going out in brooklyn.
Red Hook
Sunny’s Bar
253 Conover St.
A true Red Hook institution, Sunny’s opened in the 1800s and is quirky, kitschy, and bursting with character. It feels like a place where a character from a Bukowski novel or a Tom Waits song might walk through the door. Steps from the Red Hook Waterfront, the bar once served longshoremen (think “On the Waterfront”) and is steeped in Brooklyn history. They pour strong drinks and feature an even stronger lineup of live music, but they also offer non-alcoholic options if you just want to soak in the unparalleled atmosphere without the booze. Brooklyn has been the setting for many stories; you can even explore actual new york movie locations.
Sunset Park
Industry City
220 36th St.
Industry City offers an incredible array of activities, making it a destination in itself when going out in brooklyn. You can find daytime discos, distilleries, breweries, skee-ball, pétanque courts, concert series, and more. With so many options, it’s best to just go and wander. Explore freely, then perhaps end your evening sipping a cocktail outdoors under the stars (if you can spot them). Check their calendar for specific events – there’s always something happening.
Mama Tried
787 Third Ave.
Located in Sunset Park, Mama Tried might feel a bit off the beaten path, but it’s an excellent spot to catch expertly curated live music. When bands aren’t playing, come for the DJs, especially when the weather is nice and you can sit on the patio beneath the surprisingly glamorous glow of the BQE overhead.
Windsor Terrace
The Adirondack
1241 Prospect Ave.
If you don’t have time for an autumn weekend escape upstate, a visit to The Adirondack offers a worthy substitute. It perfectly captures the vibe of a super-casual upstate bar, conveniently located right on the F line. Fuel up with their comfort food menu, which pairs wonderfully with their extensive selection of New York State brews on tap. It’s also just three blocks from Prospect Park, making it easy to squeeze in some leaf peeping before or after your visit.
Double Windsor
210 Prospect Park West
This neighborhood bar near Prospect Park has been serving Gen Xers since 2009. While some of the clientele might be hyper-focused on funding their kids’ college education, it maintains a comfortable, post-college-esque vibe. Double Windsor is known for its stellar food and well-made drinks and consistently draws a crowd. It’s an ideal spot for a bite and a brew after spending time in the park or catching a film at the nearby Nitehawk Cinema (which, incidentally, also has a great bar worth visiting even without a movie ticket).
Williamsburg
Barcade
388 Union Ave.
I remember frequenting this location when it first opened in Williamsburg back in 2004. While I was nearly 20 years younger then, I still feel completely at ease having a drink and playing video games at this classic arcade bar. Plus, I’ve finally perfected my Ms. Pac-Man skills.
Skinny Dennis
152 Metropolitan Ave.
If you thought Williamsburg was exclusively for hipsters, you might be surprised to discover this authentic honky-tonk bar, complete with warm peanuts in the shell. This retro Southern-themed spot hosts live country music acts and boasts a great jukebox. If you start feeling tired, order a Willie’s Famous Coffee – a frozen drink spiked with coffee and bourbon that’s guaranteed to give you a lift. It gets loud at night, but you’ll likely be home and tucked in before things get too rowdy.
Turkey’s Nest Tavern
94 Bedford Ave.
Turkey’s Nest Tavern opened in the 1980s, long before Bedford Avenue became home to Apple Stores, Whole Foods, and countless trendy shops and restaurants. This wonderfully divey sports bar, located directly across from McCarren Park, isn’t a hipster magnet, making it a comfortable and welcoming spot for the middle-aged crowd. You can even try your luck at Quick Draw to potentially cover the cost of your drinks. It’s a true classic for going out in brooklyn with a sense of history.
Exploring these spots is just a glimpse into the rich tapestry of experiences available. Whether it’s uncovering hidden gems or revisiting old favorites, going out in brooklyn offers something for every mood and every generation, proving that fun doesn’t have an age limit.