From absinthe to oysters to bowling, the bars in Williamsburg are pretty happening... and diverse. Below, five of my favorite ways to spend summer evenings in Billyburg. 

Meet the Green Fairy

This oyster bar is extraordinary; it has an enchanting outside garden and 1920s Parisian décor. Enjoy delicious oysters while you sip fabulous cocktails. I recommend the perfectly refreshing Old Hickories (Dolin Blanc vermouth, carpano antica, peychauds, orange bitters, $8). Bonus: this gem is home to the largest selection of absinthe in all of New York.

Maison Premiere

Old Fashioned Fun

Toss back some cocktails at this hip restaurant bar. For something really special, try barkeep Sother Teague’s classic "Old Fashioned" with rye whiskey, orange and Angostura bitters, Demerara sugar, and a lemon twist ($10/glass; $55/bottle). During happy hour, specialty cocktails are $2 off and everything on the bar and table menus are half off (Mon-Fri, 5:30-7pm).

Rye 

Party Bowling

There's no "i" in party, folks. So bring your friends to this bowling bar and slurp down cocktails, listen to live music, and get some X's up on the screen! Mon-Sat, $25 per person for 30 minutes of lane time; Sun, $20 per person.

Brooklyn Bowl

Very Victorian

Mixologist Sam Anderson whips up a bevy of specialty cocktails at this Victorian-styled hotspot. Some of my favorites drinks are the aptly named Devil’s Garden (made from chipotle-infused mezcal) and the Deep Sea River (Plymouth gin, dry vermouth, Cocchi, and celery bitters). 

Hotel Delmano

Wining and Diving

I love me a good, divey sportsbar; slamming down cheap drinks while watching sports is a fantastic way to spend an evening, and grubbing on a mouth-watering burger is the cherry on top. 

Mugs Ale House