Have & Meyer
Williamsburg, New York City
Bar in New York City, United States
Book with PearlWhy go
Have & Meyer on Havemeyer Street in Williamsburg is a low-key Brooklyn bar that works well for groups of four and casual dates alike. Booking is easy and walk-ins are realistic most nights. Sparse on formal credentials, strong on neighbourhood approachability; a reliable option when you want somewhere in Williamsburg without the planning overhead.
About Have & Meyer
Who Should Book Have & Meyer
Have & Meyer on Havemeyer Street in Williamsburg suits a relaxed group outing better than a formal occasion. If you're looking for a low-key Brooklyn bar where four people can settle in without fighting for space or shouting over a DJ, this is the kind of address worth knowing. It works for a second or third date just as well as it does for a small group of friends who want somewhere easy to agree on.
The Atmosphere
Williamsburg bars at this address tend toward the unhurried end of the spectrum; neighborhood regulars, a manageable noise level, an energy that doesn't demand you perform. If you've been once and found it comfortable, that's the consistent expectation: not a scene venue, not a destination that requires planning around, but a spot that rewards dropping in. For groups of four or more, the absence of heavy foot-traffic pressure makes conversation practical, which is more than you can say for a lot of options in this zip code.
Booking & Timing
Booking difficulty at Have & Meyer is rated Easy, which means walk-ins are a realistic option most nights. You don't need to lock this in weeks out. That said, if you're coming with a group of four or more on a Friday or Saturday, a quick call ahead or an early arrival is the smarter move; easy-to-book venues in Williamsburg still fill up on weekends. Weeknight visits carry almost no friction. For groups, aiming for Thursday through Sunday before 9 PM keeps your options open.
What to Order Next
If you've been once and liked what you found, the practical next step is to go further into the drinks list rather than sticking to whatever you ordered first. Brooklyn neighborhood bars at this tier typically build their staying power on the regulars who rotate through the menu, so ask what's new or what's pouring well that week. Menu specifics aren't confirmed in our database, so treat that as a prompt to ask at the bar rather than a gap in the experience.
Practical Details
| Venue | Booking Ease | Leading For | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Have & Meyer | Easy / Walk-in friendly | Groups, casual dates | Williamsburg, Brooklyn |
| Amor y Amargo | Easy | Amaro-focused, intimate | East Village, Manhattan |
| Attaboy NYC | Moderate / No reservations | Serious cocktail drinkers | Lower East Side, Manhattan |
| Angel's Share | Walk-in only | Quiet drinks, couples | East Village, Manhattan |
For more options across the city, browse our full New York City bars guide, our full New York City restaurants guide, or our full New York City hotels guide. You can also explore our full New York City experiences guide and our full New York City wineries guide.
FAQs: Have & Meyer
- Do I need a reservation at Have & Meyer? No. Booking difficulty is rated Easy, walk-ins work most nights. If you're arriving with a group of four or more on a weekend, get there before 9 PM or call ahead to avoid a wait.
- Is Have & Meyer good for a date? Yes, particularly for a second or third date where low pressure matters more than a grand gesture. The Williamsburg setting is relaxed without feeling like a dive. If you want more cocktail-bar formality for a first date, Angel's Share in the East Village is the stronger call.
- Is Have & Meyer good for groups? It's one of the better low-friction options in Williamsburg for groups of four to six. The energy doesn't punish conversation, the easy-to-book status means you're not locked into a reservation window weeks in advance. For a group that wants a more structured cocktail program, Superbueno in the East Village is worth comparing.
- Does Have & Meyer have happy hour deals? Hours and pricing details aren't confirmed in our database. Check directly with the venue before visiting, Williamsburg bars at this tier frequently run weekday specials, but we won't speculate on specifics.
- Is the food good at Have & Meyer? Menu specifics aren't available in our current data. If food is a primary concern rather than a complement to drinks, cross-reference with our New York City restaurants guide before committing.
Planning details
- Location
- 103 Havemeyer St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
- Reservations
- Book on OpenTable
- Website
- haveandmeyer.com
- Phone
- +1 718 419 0722
The take
The Take
The Vibe
Have & Meyer situates itself in Williamsburg's industrial and historic fabric, leaning into the neighborhood's past and present rather than theatrical presentation. The writing emphasizes an ingredient-led mentality: spirits, modifiers, and produce are discussed with provenance at the fore. That stance gives the bar a deliberate, sophisticated tone that reads as quietly confident and purpose-driven. Instead of flashy gimmicks or heavy marketing, the place stakes its identity on sourcing and craft, feeling earned within a block that still carries traces of its industrial heritage. The result is a bar that comes across as thoughtful, understated, and rooted in place.
Best For
This bar is best for patrons who care about where ingredients and spirits come from and who prefer a measured, provenance-forward drinking experience. It suits neighborhood regulars and curious cocktail fans who value subtlety over spectacle — people who want thoughtful seasonal syrups, infusions, and clearly considered mixers. Because the write-up frames the venue as part of a smaller, less-marketed cohort of bars, it's also appealing to visitors seeking a quieter, more authentic Williamsburg stop rather than a high-concept tourist destination.
Ordering Tips
When ordering, lean into the bar's ingredient-first approach: ask which cocktails showcase seasonal syrups, house infusions, or specific sourced spirits. The description highlights a program where modifiers and produce matter, so request details about provenance and preparation if you want to understand what sets each drink apart. If the list includes rotating or seasonal options, choose those to experience the bar’s current sourcing focus. Staff guidance is likely useful here — the menu’s emphasis on provenance rewards questions and curiosity about ingredients and technique.
Venue details
Ambiance
Cozy and charming with exposed brick walls lined with wine bottles, old photographs, and mini chalkboards; dark and energetic atmosphere with upbeat American music.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
Format
At the Bar
- Bar Category
- Wine Bar
- Late Night
- Closes by Midnight
- Music
- Upbeat American
Planning details
Location
Also consider
Also Consider
- The Long Island Bar; Notable alternative
- Dirty French; Notable alternative
- Superbueno; Notable alternative
- Amor y Amargo; Notable alternative
- Angel's Share; Notable alternative
Bar context
Compared to Amor y Amargo in the East Village, Have & Meyer is the easier, more casual call; Amor y Amargo has a tighter, more focused amaro-and-bitters program that rewards enthusiasts, but it's a smaller room that can feel cramped for groups. If your party has a genuine interest in the cocktail itself rather than just the setting, Amor y Amargo wins on depth. For a group that wants somewhere to talk and settle in, Have & Meyer's Williamsburg address is the more practical pick.
Angel's Share in the East Village is the better option for couples or quiet drinks; it's one of Manhattan's most consistent low-noise bars and the cocktail execution is a step up. But the walk-in-only policy and limited seating make it a poor fit for groups of four or more. Have & Meyer carries less prestige but fewer logistical headaches when numbers go up. If you're two people and drinks quality is the priority, Angel's Share. If you're four or six and want flexibility, Have & Meyer is the easier answer.
Superbueno is the right comparison if your group wants a more defined food-and-drinks experience in a livelier room. It has a stronger identity and a cocktail program built around Latin American spirits; more to talk about, more energy. Have & Meyer suits groups who want something lower-key. For out-of-towners or first-time visitors to Brooklyn's bar scene, Attaboy NYC on the Lower East Side remains the benchmark for serious cocktails without a reservation, though it's a tighter room and the bartender-led format doesn't suit every group dynamic.
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Unlock the full Have & Meyer guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare Have & Meyer
| Venue | Awards |
|---|---|
| Have & Meyer | No published awards |
| The Long Island Bar | Top 500 Bars 2027 · #3672025 North America's 50 Best Bars · #64 |
| Dirty French | Star Wine Lists 20262026 Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence2026 OAD Casual in North America Recommended2025 World's Best Steaks 50 Best Steakhouses in North America · #322025 OAD Casual in North America Ranked · #6192025 Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence2024 OAD Casual in North America Ranked · #4302023 OAD Gourmet Casual Dining in North America Ranked · #1932023 OAD Casual in North America Recommended |
| Superbueno | 2026 North America's 50 Best Bars · #9Top 500 Bars 2026 · #35Tales Spirited Awards 2026 - Best U.S. Bar Team presented by William Grant & Sons - Best U.S. Bar Team presented by William Grant & Sons (Top Four Finalist)Tales Spirited Awards 2026 - Best U.S. Cocktail Bar by Gruppo Montenegro - Best U.S. Cocktail Bar by Gruppo Montenegro (Top Four Finalist)2026 OAD Casual in North America RecommendedTales Spirited Awards 2026 - Best U.S. Bar Team presented by William Grant & Sons - Best U.S. Bar Team presented by William Grant & Sons (Top 10 Nominee)Tales Spirited Awards 2026 - Best U.S. Cocktail Bar - Best U.S. Cocktail Bar (Top 10 Nominee)2025 James Beard Awards · #12025 North America's 50 Best Bars · #2 |
| Amor y Amargo | 2024 North America's 50 Best Bars · #232022 North America's 50 Best Bars · #23Pearl Recommended Bars |
| Angel's Share | 2026 North America's 50 Best Bars · #31Top 500 Bars 2026 · #2002026 OAD Casual in North America Recommended2025 North America's 50 Best Bars · #432025 OAD Casual in North America2024 North America's 50 Best Bars · #432012 World's 50 Best Bars · #34Pearl Recommended Bars |
Key differences to consider before you reserve.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation at Have & Meyer?
No. Have & Meyer sits at the easy end of the booking difficulty scale, meaning walk-ins work on most nights. There is no need to plan weeks ahead; showing up is a realistic strategy. If you are coming with a larger group on a weekend, arriving earlier in the evening gives you more choice of where to settle.
Is Have & Meyer good for a date?
It works for a low-pressure first or second date; Williamsburg bars on Havemeyer Street tend to keep noise at a level where conversation is possible. If you want something more formal or occasion-ready, this address is not that. For a relaxed, no-fuss drink with room to talk, it is a reasonable call.
Is Have & Meyer good for groups?
Yes, more so than many Brooklyn spots at this address; the walk-in friendly format and neighborhood bar energy make it a practical pick for casual group outings. It suits a relaxed group drink better than a structured celebration. For large parties needing a private space or event setup, check capacity directly before committing.
Is the food good at Have & Meyer?
Food details are not documented for Have & Meyer, so it is safest to treat this as a drinks-first destination. If a full meal is central to your plan, confirm what is on offer before arriving; going in expecting a bar snack situation rather than a full kitchen is the pragmatic approach.
