Bar4.5· 601 reviews

Merv's Bar

Brooklyn, New York

Discover Merv's Bar in Brooklyn, NY – your go-to dive bar for karaoke, drag shows, happy hour specials, bottomless mimosas, tasty chicken sandwiches, vegan options, pool table fun, and crispy tater tots. Join us at 266 Irving Ave for great vibes and unforgettable nights!

Guest rating
4.5/ 5
Reviews
601
Category
Bar
City
Brooklyn
Usual hours
5 PM-2 AM

About Merv's Bar

Merv's Bar sits at 266 Irving Ave in Brooklyn and brings a tiki-inspired twist to a rustic-chic tavern. It serves cocktails, drinks, and inventive pub grub, with a feel that keeps regulars coming back for night after night. The space also leans into games and a social, local crowd.

People stop in for happy hour, karaoke, drag shows, board games, and a bar scene that feels familiar fast. Reviews point to quick service, strong energy, and good prices, plus a laid-back mood that fits after-work plans and late nights. It is the kind of spot where the regulars know the rhythm and new guests catch on fast.

Merv's Bar blends a tiki edge with a dive-bar heart. I see a place built for drinks first, with cocktails, beer, shots, and happy hour deals that keep attention on the bar. The drink list includes picks like the Espressotini, Spicy Content, Triple Pickle, Yellow Bellied, and Lychee Colada. That range gives the menu some playful spirit without losing the easygoing pub feel.

The food side gets strong praise too. Reviews call out chicken sandwiches, wings, tater tots, and loaded happy hour plates like burgers, fries, and beyond burgers with fries and beer. Vegan options also show up in the mix, which helps the menu reach more than one kind of crowd. I like that the food sounds like bar food with a little more spark.

The room feels lively and relaxed. Guests mention a pool table, a Super Nintendo Classic, good music from the sixties to the present, and a photo booth, which gives the bar a game-night pulse. Karaoke and drag shows add to the community feel, and the crowd seems to lean local. It feels like a place where people stay for one drink and end up settling in.

This bar also earns points for service and value. Reviews praise friendly staff, fast drinks, thoughtful care around regulars, and prices that feel rare for Brooklyn. That mix gives Merv's Bar a strong neighborhood identity. It works as a casual meet-up spot, a late-night stop, and a place where the scene feels part of the draw.

What guests say about Merv's Bar

Guests often praise

  • The happy hour deals, which guests call a major draw.
  • The wings, which one review calls banging.
  • The chicken sandwiches, which stand out in the food mentions.
  • The bartenders, who get praise for quick drinks and strong service.
  • The vibe, with music, games, and a laid-back local feel.
  • The prices, which several reviews describe as excellent.

Worth knowing

  • The space feels small, so seating can feel tight.
  • The bar can get busy, and the pool table area may feel crowded.

Best for

  • Regulars who want a local bar with a familiar crowd and a strong sense of community.
  • Groups that want cocktails, games, and a lively night around karaoke or the pool table.
  • Value seekers who want happy hour, low drink prices, and strong specials.
  • Guests who want pub food with vegan options and a bar menu that feels fun.

Visitor experience

Visitors keep coming back for the drinks and the mood. Many reviews call out great happy hour value, fast service, and prices that feel rare for Brooklyn. That mix gives the bar a strong reputation among people who want a good night without a steep bill. The drink side feels casual, but it still gets real praise.

The food earns steady support too. Guests mention wings, chicken sandwiches, tater tots, and happy hour meals with good marks for taste and comfort. Some reviews also note vegan options, which helps the menu reach a wider crowd. It sounds like the kind of bar food that works with beer, cocktails, or a late shared plate.

Service stands out in the reviews. Bartenders get described as cool, amazing, and quick, and one guest even noted careful handling of a tense moment near the pool table. That kind of control matters in a bar with regulars and a lively room. It suggests a staff that keeps the mood pointed in the right direction.

The setting gets a lot of love for its throwback feel. Guests mention good music, a laid-back vibe, great energy, and a trip-back-in-time feeling that suits the bar's rustic style. The Super Nintendo Classic and photo booth add personality, while karaoke and drag shows bring a community pulse. It feels like a neighborhood hangout with a clear point of view.

Value shapes the whole experience. Reviews mention $3 beers, strong happy hour deals, and Wednesday specials that keep people talking. The pricing pairs well with the food and the room's social energy. For many visitors, Merv's Bar lands as a local favorite with a playful edge and real worth.

Top picks at Merv's Bar

The drinks and bites guests photograph and come back for.

View Full Menu
  • HH Loaded Fries

    HH Loaded Fries

  • Cola

    Cola

  • Tecate

    Tecate

  • Tater Tots

    Tater Tots

  • Moscow Mule

    Moscow Mule

  • Juice

    Juice

  • Crispy Chicken Tender Sandwich

    Crispy Chicken Tender Sandwich

  • Sex on the Beach

    Sex on the Beach

Access and amenities at Merv's Bar

What Merv's Bar lists on its Google profile.

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park

Opening hours

When Merv's Bar is open during the week.

Opening hours
Monday5 PM-2 AM
Tuesday5 PM-2 AM
Wednesday5 PM-2 AM
Thursday5 PM-2 AM
Friday5 PM-4 AM
Saturday2 PM-4 AM
Sunday1 PM-2 AM

Hours can change on holidays. Call ahead to be sure.

Visit guide

Merv's Bar opens at 5 PM Monday through Friday, then stays open until 2 AM on those nights. Friday runs later, until 4 AM, while Saturday starts at 2 PM and also runs until 4 AM. Sunday opens at 1 PM and closes at 2 AM. If you want a calmer start, early evening can work well before the night crowd grows.

Reviews point to a busy, social bar scene, with people at the pool table and regulars at the bar. That makes it a strong pick for a night out, while the late hours suit a flexible schedule. Happy hour and Wednesday specials draw attention, so those times can feel like a good first stop. If you want a more settled visit, earlier hours may feel easier than peak late-night service.

On a first visit, I would start with a cocktail or a beer, then add wings or a chicken sandwich. Reviews speak well of the happy hour food combos too, so those can help set the tone. The bar list shows clear strength in value, so ordering within the specials can make sense. The place suits people who want a low-key bar visit with some fun attached.

The space supports a range of needs. Merv's Bar lists wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, toilet, and car park. Reviews also mention an outlet under the bar, which can help if a phone needs a charge during a stop. The room feels built for hanging out, with games, music, and a crowd that keeps the mood moving.

For longer visits, the game and event side matters. Karaoke and drag shows add rhythm to the calendar, while the pool table and Super Nintendo Classic keep the room active. That makes the bar feel social from the start. If you like a place with shared energy and a local cast, this one fits that plan well.

How to get there

Address

266 Irving Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237, United States

Directions

Photos of Merv's Bar

Show all photos (16)

Reviews of Merv's Bar

What recent visitors say, and how the ratings add up.

4.5/ 5

Based on 601 reviews

Rating distribution

  • 570%
  • 417%
  • 37%
  • 22%
  • 14%
  • Clarence S.2026-09-23

    I love the Super Nintendo Classic. Great vibes.

  • Joe M.2026-09-20

    Lively atmosphere. Good music from the sixties to the present.

  • Clara R.2026-06-27

    Great food and great service really good people Thanks!

Show all reviews (9)
  • Taylor D.2026-06-17

    Love this local spot! Great staff, energy, prices!

  • Winston L.2026-06-16

    Was at talon bar and they closed a bit early, so I was walking by and popped into Merv's for my first time..this was like 2:30-2:45ish, people on the pool table, couple people at the bar. Bartender was cool, got my drinks quick, pointed me to an outlet under the bar where I could charge my phone, everything was great!<br><br>S/o to gio -- some dude messed with the regulars...

  • Allison S.2026-05-29

    Amazing bartender, great happy hour, perfect vibe

  • Dwight K.2026-02-10

    Great laid back bar. AMAZING PRICES! Feels like a trip back in time in the best way possible . They have beers as low as $3 in 2026, which is unheard of ! The wings are BANGING ! Come on Wednesdays for the $1 wins special. Happy hour is amazing too.

  • Trevor L.2026-01-23

    One of my new favs

  • Emelye E.2025-12-12

    Amazing vibes and food and drinks.

How Merv's Bar scores

Scored out of 10 from what reviewers say. Topics they do not mention are left out.

  • Food and pastries7/10
  • Service8/10
  • Atmosphere8/10
  • Seating and space5/10
  • Value for money9/10

Frequently asked questions

What kind of place is Merv's Bar?

Merv's Bar is a rustic-chic bar and restaurant with a tiki twist. The menu leans into cocktails, board games, and inventive pub grub. It feels like a local hangout with a playful edge.

What drinks should I try at Merv's Bar?

The cocktail list stands out here. Try the Espressotini, Spicy Content, Triple Pickle, or Yellow Bellied. Beer, wine, seltzer, hard drinks, shots, and soft drinks also fill out the menu.

Does Merv's Bar have food and happy hour options?

Yes, the food list includes happy hour picks like HH Burger Fries Beer, HH Beyond Fries Beer, HH Chicken/Fries/Beer, and HH Loaded Fries. Guests also mention chicken sandwiches, tater tots, vegan options, and solid pub food.

Is Merv's Bar good for a lively night out?

Yes, this spot draws a lively crowd with karaoke, drag shows, music, a pool table, and a photo booth. Reviews also mention great energy, friendly service, and a fun dive-bar feel. It can suit a late night with friends.