Maison Premiere

Maison Premiere serves up the largest selection of absinthe and oysters in Williamsburg with an Old World flair.   

• Romantic Atmosphere
• Huge Selection of Oysters
• Delicious Cocktails

Address: 298 Bedford Ave. (b/w Grand St. and S. 1st St.)

Telephone: (347) 335-0446

Nearest Subway: L to Bedford Ave.

Map

Hours: 4 p.m. - 4 a.m., Monday through Friday; 12 p.m. - 4 a.m., Saturday and Sunday.

Ambiance  

Wander up Bedford Avenue all the way past Grand Street to find Maison Premiere: from the outside the bar looks shuttered, but a step inside will reveal a beautiful marble bar, absinthe drip, and the romantic atmosphere of New Orleans. The low lighting and ceiling fan make Maison Premiere a great place for date night, and though there are plenty of tables, you'll want to sit at the bar so you can observe the preparation of the absinthe. But if you're looking for something more comfortable, there are small tables, booths, and a beautiful outdoor garden as well. Though the ambiance at Maison Premiere is decidedly elegant, the bartenders are very nice and full of knowledge if you're unfamiliar with absinthe, and the wait staff is similarly friendly. Whether you're looking for a pre-dinner cocktail with friends or an after-dinner romantic night, Maison Premiere is a great choice.

Maison Premiere's Happy Hour is every Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m., when all oysters are $1 each.  

Drinks  

This bar boasts one of the largest lists of absinthes in New York City, of both blanc (white) and vert (green) types, so it's encouraged to give absinthe a chance here if you'd like to try it. If absinthe isn't your thing, have no fear. Maison Premiere offers a very substantial cocktail menu in addition to its huge bar, with over twenty kinds of rum, and rare bottles of whiskey, scotch, cognac, and more. For the warmer months, there are four different kinds of mint juleps to choose from, all served over crushed ice. For gin-based drinks, try the citrus Moviegoer ($9) or the tart Carondelet ($10). Wine drinkers can order by the bottle or glass. There are also six beers on draft in addition to bottled beers. In other words, there's something for every kind of drinker at this bar. 

Maison Premiere has up to seventeen different kinds of oysters from all over North America on the menu at any given time. You will be handed a menu with a pencil to mark how many of each you'd like, which is a nice touch. Most of the oysters come from the Northeast or even farther north, from Canada, but there are a few West coasters for those interested in a creamier, meatier oyster. Price per oyster ranges from $1.95 to $3.15, but if you are a real oyster lover, visit Maison Premiere during its happy hour, where all oysters go for only $1 a pop.   

Nearby 

A dinner of oysters isn't enough to fill an empty stomach, so head over to dinner at Walter Foods on Grand Street, or slip around the corner on South 1st towards Berry for excellent Mexican food at La Superior. If you love the vibe at Maison Premiere and would like to try another bar in the same genre, Hotel Delmano on Berry St. and North 9th should be right up your alley.