* Iona
180 Grand Street, Brooklyn NY 11211
(between Bedford & Driggs)
PHONE: 718.384.5008
HOURS: Mon-Fri, 2pm-4am; Sat-Sun, 7am-7pm; Sat-Sun, noon-4am from June-August
CARDS: Cash Only
HAPPY HOUR: Daily, 2pm-7pm; reduced prices for all drinks
DIRECTIONS: From the Bedfrod Ave L, walk south on Bedford Avenue several blocks until you reach Grand Street. Take a left on Grand and the bar will be on your right.
MAP: Click Here
SUBWAY: L Trian to Bedford Ave
WEBSITE: http://ionabrooklyn.com
NY MAG SAYS: At last: an Irish-like pub for people who generally hate Irish-like pubs, Iona's sprightly young staff (and their accents) couldn't be more appealing; they want you to pick your favorite wooden bench and stay a while. Inside this former candy store things are dim and spare, and don't expect to see gimmicky leprechaun figures or posters bearing limericks. Instead, you'll hear drum-and-bass mixes or classic rock--and not too loud, either. A little back alcove is perfect for late-night snogging, and the fact that the bar's not filled with lecherous old Irishmen pawing every female in sight is a blessing. That tradition is being kept alive instead by the neighborhood hipster boys.
From City Search
"While the neighborhood's lusty Stinger Club and Black Betty turn on the red lights, this pub (named for a Celtic island between Ireland and Scotland) proves a worthy complement. Wood-toned and gently lit, Iona reverberates with the Pogues and other alt-rockers as it fills up with conversational folk on the weekends. Although the bar does not serve hard liquor, Iona's beer selection--largely Irish, Scottish and Belgian--is top-notch. Twenty varieties are on tap, including Guinness, Stella Artois and Fuller's London Pride, and 30 in the bottle, such as Hoegaarden, Duvel and Schneiderweisse. In addition to beer, ale and bitters, the chalkboard menu offers four wines by the glass and snacks like potato chips and Mars bars. Irish-born bartender and part-owner Ailish Keating, who runs the pub with her friends Robert Hennah and John Crilly, has opened up the bar's back garden--an attractive space with tree branches overhead."
From NY Times:
"Housed in a mid-19th-century Williamsburg building, Iona has all the hallmarks of a classic Irish pub: a painted doorway, a Guinness sign and Gaelic inscriptions on the walls. But unlike the brassier versions of this New York standby, Iona's worn mahogany bar, creaking floors, plank tables, and soft lighting give it what so many of its brethren lack: atmosphere. Iona opened its doors last March, but the bar already feels as if it has played host to many generations. This lived-in ambiance has made it a favorite for young locals, many of whom shun the trendier, faux-dive bars in the area. Iona’s cozy alcoves provide an ideal setting for intimate conversation or people-watching. You’ll find everything from Dylan to the Gilbertos in the staff’s storehouse of mellow CDs, and the music is kept at an unobtrusive volume. If the interior is a bit too smoky for your tastes, try the garden in the rear. This spacious, shaded grove is perfect for wiling away an afternoon with a glass of red wine or lounging with a large group into the early morning hours. Iona serves only wine and beer, but provides an extensive selection of the latter (including some tasty imports like Chimay and Duvel). Prices start at $4, but expect to pay up to $6.50 for some of the rarer items."
Comments
A bit disappointing: the beer selection is decent (although I'm personally insulted by the fake "Cask" ales), the DJs are pedestrian, the music is way too loud (its not a club!), the sound system is mediocre and the bartenders are taciturn and seem inexperienced. Otherwise, its a nice place for a pint and a bit of chat, especially the back yard.
Posted by: CelticKev | March 30, 2006 06:48 PM
sassy sexy Scottish friendly 'human' bartenders, full bar, great garden with table tennis. One of the original local relaxed bars in Williamsburg, not cool and detached here ! Tuesday nights especially good with live traditional Irish music.
Posted by: Samantha | October 17, 2005 08:34 PM
Easily the best bar in Williamsburg, with the best laidback ambience.
Posted by: jay | August 31, 2005 07:18 PM
Lovely outdoor area, but this place is soured by the unbelievably rude female bartender and the very ordinary assortment of DJs.
Posted by: Eric | July 16, 2005 04:30 PM