Review: Union Pool in Brooklyn

I recently went to Union Pool, a bar in Brooklyn, NY, to see a band play. Unfortunately, our GPS directed us to the wrong Union Ave., so we didn't get to the bar until after the band had played. The bar is located in Williamsburg at 484 Union Avenue, at the corner of Union & Meeker, and is barley noticeable from the street. From the car it almost looks like a classroom with those old fashioned large white blinds in the windows and a green unmarked entrance. It is strictly 21+ and unlike most NYC bars, I can assure you that they carded everyone.

While I was there a DJ was spinning in the first room that you enter when you first enter the door. Outside the main room is a large, open courtyard when you are free to both smoke and drink and there is ample seating space. On the Saturday night I was there I found the crowd to be bearable with more than enough seating space and a reasonable wait to get a drink. Otherwise the décor is pretty drab and dull, very much your typical dive bar. The crowd was more rock/indie while there was a broader range of females in the crowd. Overall it was a 21-35 year old crowd, and even 35 is pushing it. I imagine in the nice weather the courtyard is a very lovely addition to the bar but in the cold and/or hot and humid weather I cannot imagine it being a large attraction.