Bar Blondeau

Is The Ides Bar Worth the Trip to Williamsburg?

Yes: if you go for the rooftop view and time it right. The Ides Bar sits on the sixth floor of the Wythe Hotel at 80 Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and the Manhattan skyline it frames is the real draw. Come for sunset on a weekday and you get the view without the weekend crowds that turn this place into more of a scene than a bar. If you're coming from Manhattan, the L train to Bedford Avenue puts you a short walk away.

What to Expect When You Return

If you've been once, you already know the pull: floor-to-ceiling windows on the enclosed upper level and an open terrace when the weather cooperates. The question on a return visit is whether to treat it as a destination or a stop. The honest answer is both, depending on the night. Early evening on a Thursday hits a practical sweet spot: the room is full enough to have energy, quiet enough to hold a conversation. Weekends after 9 PM shift the dynamic considerably, with a crowd more interested in the scene than the drinks. Plan accordingly.

The bar program is cocktail-forward in the way that hotel bars in design-forward properties tend to be, competent and well-presented, with a short spirits list that covers the expected bases. The by-the-glass wine offering is direct rather than ambitious; you're not coming here for the depth of a dedicated wine bar. If a strong by-the-glass program is your priority, Amor y Amargo in the East Village delivers more focused selection in a quieter setting. The Ides earns its visit on atmosphere, not on wine credentials.

Practical Details

Walk-ins are generally possible on weekdays, and the bar does not require a reservation the way a restaurant counter would. Weekends are a different story; expect a queue or a wait for rooftop terrace access in warm months. The rooftop is seasonal, so if you're planning a visit specifically for the outdoor terrace, aim for late spring through early fall. The enclosed bar operates year-round and still delivers the skyline view through its windows, making it a viable winter option if you manage expectations on the outdoor element.

For a broader look at where The Ides fits in the city's bar scene, see our full New York City bars guide. If you're building a full Brooklyn or Manhattan evening, our New York City restaurants guide and hotels guide cover the broader picture. Cocktail-focused alternatives worth knowing include Attaboy NYC on the Lower East Side for a no-menu, bartender-driven experience, and Angel's Share in the East Village for a quieter room with serious technique. If you're curious how New York compares to standout bars elsewhere, Bar Leather Apron in Honolulu, Jewel of the South in New Orleans, and Julep in Houston each represent their city's cocktail standard in a way The Ides does not attempt to compete, different category, different purpose.

Beyond bars, our New York City wineries guide and experiences guide are useful if you're building a longer itinerary around the visit. And if the Williamsburg energy appeals, Superbueno a few blocks away offers a drinks program with more personality if cocktails are the point of the night.