Autumn is undoubtedly the most beautiful, albeit brief season in New York. Before the sub-zero temperatures and blizzards roll into town, take advantage of the fall weather by going out for a nice cocktail. These ten bars are perfect for a whiskey served with a side of cozy atmosphere. So put on your flannels and tights and settle in.
1. Larry Lawrence
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295 Grand St., (718) 218-7866
This secret, unmarked bar with its cave-like interior will make you feel like you're at home in your apartment, but with a nicely installed bar. Larry Lawrence buzzes from activitiy well into the wee hours, with group seating throughout and a smoker's deck above. Though traditional drinks and well specials are available, Larry Lawrence prides itself on their well selected beer and wine menu.
2. The Richardson
451 Graham Ave., (718) 389-0839
Inside this bar on the corner of Graham and Richardson Streets, you'll find a big gorgeous bar with a beautifully decorated seating area. Not only is The Richardson pretty to look at, but its cocktails are expertly curated and executed, giving it a real speakeasy vibe. Though it screams elegance, the Richardson draws lingering crowds with their amicable bartenders.
3. Manhattan Inn
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632 Manhattan Ave., (718) 383-0885
Live piano tinkling coupled with delicious cocktails and a gorgeous interior make Manhattan Inn a neighborhood favorite. Weekends can be busy thanks for a recent Times profile by Frank Bruni, so you might as well get to know your neighbors at the bar. The Manhattan ($9) is a sweeter concoction that totally masks its alcohol content. A more savory option includes the Gibson ($11), complete with a balsamic baby onion. And if you're hungry, there's a dinner menu featuring small and large plates.
4. The Gibson
108 Bedford Ave., (718) 387-6296
Just a few blocks away from Manhattan Inn you'll find The Gibson, a beautiful corner bar. Though the windows may be open it's plenty warm in its candle-lit interior, and the backyard garden has been known to pull out the space heaters if necessary. This unpretentious neighborhood bar is a great place to stop for their beers on tap or just a straight shot of whiskey.
5. Iona
180 Grand St., (718) 384-5008
Iona takes the cake for the autumnal feel, with a heated outdoor garden and wood-paneled interior. This Irish bar is popular but not claustrophobic, creating a real community vibe where no one can pass up a second (or even third) drink. In November and December hot toddies are offered, with apple cider stewing away on the bar. A perfect fall treat.
6. The Commodore
366 Metropolitan Ave., (718) 218-7632
If it's cold outside warm yourself up at The Commodore with the body heat from crowds upon crowds that come seeking kooky cocktails and delicious fried chicken. You'll probably never get a table after 9, but that doesn't matter. Standing you can really appreciate the scene unfolding around you. Gather with friends and warm up with a Manhattan, or, if you're feeling crazy, there's even a Pina Colada on the menu.
7. Daddy's
437 Graham Ave., (718) 609-6388
Daddy's draws in a hipster crowd removed from Bedford Avenue. There's really nowhere better to see the denziens of Williamsburg in their fall apparel. Drinks are inexpensive and there's sometimes a backyard with a fireplace going. This bar is great for big groups and though their drink selections aren't fancy or even ample, the vibe inside is enough to keep people coming back.
8. Pinkerton
263 N. 6th St., (718) 782-7171
Where else to celebrate your sweater than at Pinkerton, named for the Weezer Album? Though the outside seating is coveted in the warmer months, indoors at this wine bar has a laid-back atmosphere, with wood-paneling and candlelight. A great date place for a burgeoning fall romance.
9. The Bedford
110 Bedford Ave., (718) 302-1002
It seems impossible to believe that this restaurant and bar used to be Sound Fix, the Williamsburg CD store (which has since moved around the corner on N. 11th). The Bedford is a amazing renovation of the space, with a big beautiful bar in the restaurant and a gorgeous, candlelit space in the back. The light flickering off the liquor bottles is sure to romanticize the fall weather, so toast it with a nice cognac or port.
10. Teddy's
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96 Berry St., (718) 384-9787
Teddy's is the ultimate neighborhood bar, with stained glass and a real vintage vibe, you'll want to pull up a stool and settle in with a beer to watch the game on TV. They also have a massive dinner menu, so if it's mac n cheese or a burger you're craving, you've got it. Or sit near the window and watch the falling leaves outside.