How do I get a bowling lane at Brooklyn Bowl without a long wait?

Book a lane online ahead of weekend nights since they fill fast once a show is booked; walk-in bowling before 7pm has the best odds of an open lane.

Is there a hidden patio worth asking for?

At Saraghina, ask for the back garden when you're seated, it's not visible from the street and effectively doubles the restaurant's seating, so those tables go first on warm evenings.

What should I bring to Barcade?

Bring quarters, since the vintage coin-op games still run on coin drops, and stop by on a weekday afternoon if you want a machine to yourself.

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Hangouts · verified Jul 22, 2026 · By Piyush Puri

Best Hangouts in Brooklyn

Brooklyn's best hangouts for settling in for hours: beer gardens, bowling, shuffleboard, food halls, and backyard patios, verified and ranked.

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1
Sunny's Bar
Red Hook · $ · 253 Conover St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Also No. 2 on Best Dive Bars in NYC →
Official site ↗·Map ↗verified 6d ago
A century-old waterfront dive bar and live-music room in a former longshoremen's tavern dating to 1890.
Because it has run continuously from the same Conover Street building since 1890, survived a full flooding during Hurricane Sandy, and still books live music most nights of the week.
Order A cold can of PBR at the bar while the band sets up.
Go on a weeknight before 7pm to grab a spot at the communal tables before the live set starts; bring some cash for the tip jar by the stage.

Good to know

How do I get a bowling lane at Brooklyn Bowl without a long wait?: Book a lane online ahead of weekend nights since they fill fast once a show is booked; walk-in bowling before 7pm has the best odds of an open lane.
Is there a hidden patio worth asking for?: At Saraghina, ask for the back garden when you're seated, it's not visible from the street and effectively doubles the restaurant's seating, so those tables go first on warm evenings.
What should I bring to Barcade?: Bring quarters, since the vintage coin-op games still run on coin drops, and stop by on a weekday afternoon if you want a machine to yourself.