Banter Bar

The Vibe

Banter has been a Williamsburg fixture for over 15 years, and it has grown into the definitive soccer bar in Brooklyn. Located at 132 Havemeyer Street at the corner of South 1st, the 60-seat space feels more like a craft cocktail den than a typical sports bar. A long copper bar runs the length of the room beneath high, airy ceilings, spectacular woodwork, and an elegant brass chandelier. It is a beautiful room that happens to be obsessed with football. The international crowd, the perfectly poured 22-ounce Guinness, and the flawlessly placed flat screens create an atmosphere that is simultaneously refined and raucous when a goal goes in.

The Setup

Three screens might sound modest, but in a 60-seat room they are more than sufficient. The screens are strategically placed so every seat has a clear view of at least one. Banter shows live Premier League, MLS, Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A, and Ligue 1 matches, opening early for European fixtures. Sound goes to the main match, and the intimate space means you feel immersed in the action rather than watching from a distance.

Match Day Experience

Banter is an official NYCFC pub partner and the home of Brooklyn Spurs (Tottenham supporters). The bar opens early for all European soccer, and the morning atmosphere is charged with the kind of energy that builds in small rooms full of passionate fans. During NYCFC matches, the place becomes a hub for hardcore supporters. For high-profile Premier League matches, the bar fills quickly, and late arrivals will find standing room only. Reservation-only outdoor seating offers a more comfortable alternative when the indoor space is at capacity.

Food and Drink

The beer program is the star: 24 craft draft taps, 35 bottles, fine wines, and an impressive selection of scotches and bourbons. Proper 16-ounce domestics and 20-ounce imports are poured with care. Food options include gourmet paninis and sausages. Happy hour runs daily until 8 p.m. with three-dollar beers and well drinks, which is one of the better deals in Williamsburg. The craft beer focus sets Banter apart from soccer bars that treat drinks as an afterthought.

Who Goes There

The Williamsburg location ensures a young, creative crowd that mixes naturally with die-hard soccer supporters. NYCFC fans, Brooklyn Spurs, craft beer enthusiasts, and neighborhood regulars all share the space. The international contingent is strong, reflecting Williamsburg's diverse demographics. Weekend mornings draw the most dedicated fans, while evening Champions League fixtures bring a broader crowd. The vibe is inclusive and lively, the kind of bar where you can arrive alone and leave having made friends.

Insider Tips

For big matches, arrive at least 30 minutes early or accept that you will be standing. The outdoor reservation-only seating is worth booking in advance during warm months. Daily happy hour until 8 p.m. is genuinely excellent value. The L train at Bedford Avenue and the JMZ at Marcy Avenue are both within walking distance. If you are bar-hopping in Williamsburg, Banter makes a great first stop for an early match before the rest of the neighborhood wakes up.