Attended a Monday live jazz night. The entire bar was quietly enjoying the music, but there was a gentleman in the back talking over the musicians, loudly enough that it was hard to hear the music and other patrons kept giving him silent looks. I respectfully asked him to keep it down a bit (didn’t really care that he was talking, just wanted him to lower his volume slightly). Turns out he was the owner! He rudely cut me off and informed me that the “vibe” of the bar is that people can talk over the live musicians. I respect the house rules and I’m sure that’s normally fine, but when every customer is quiet, maybe take a hint and don’t be so rude about it. If you’re reading this, drop your ego!
Oh and the glass of wine I ordered was flat…! So don’t get the wine. Bartender was super chill though
11/26/25 EDIT: Regarding the owner’s response - I 100% understand that the vibe of the bar is low volume chit-chat while live music is playing. In fact, in your words: “But yes most people are respectful and just talk at a low volume. It seems to work fine and build a crowd each night.”
Please let me remind you that your owner did NOT abide by these rules, in fact he was disrespectfully loud and patronizing. “Yapping a little loud” is underselling it. Rules for thee, not for me it seems?
Also you neglected to address the flat wine issue. Overall, I don’t sense that any accountability is being taken here. Do better.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
John Cushing
BIG BAND JAZZ - always good vibes
Gregor J. Rothfuss
Drip was ok. Cool interior and empty in the weekday morning.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Jeff Matisoff
What a great bar in Williamsburg!! Other places mimic this vibe. Loved it
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Drew
Nice happy hour and a haunted attic!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
David Cunningham
Very fun! Great live music, staff and patrons!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Cassidy Grady
Rude and disrespectful establishment! They double booked the space and did not offer any accommodation or owned up to any accountability.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Bryan Holland
Fiction is a great cafe and bar. I know many jazz bands who love playing there and staff are all very friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Maria Selva
A very nice vibe!
Dagoberto Ramirez
One of the best places in Williamsburg to work remotely during the day. At night, it is still as superb with amazing music and drinks. In which you should grab some drinks from Olivia! The espresso martini, lavender gimlet, and mezcal negroni is divine from her👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾 Overall, the cafe/bar is THE vibe on the Southside of Williamsburg!
TLDR: extremely rude owner 👎
Attended a Monday live jazz night. The entire bar was quietly enjoying the music, but there was a gentleman in the back talking over the musicians, loudly enough that it was hard to hear the music and other patrons kept giving him silent looks. I respectfully asked him to keep it down a bit (didn’t really care that he was talking, just wanted him to lower his volume slightly). Turns out he was the owner! He rudely cut me off and informed me that the “vibe” of the bar is that people can talk over the live musicians. I respect the house rules and I’m sure that’s normally fine, but when every customer is quiet, maybe take a hint and don’t be so rude about it. If you’re reading this, drop your ego!
Oh and the glass of wine I ordered was flat…! So don’t get the wine. Bartender was super chill though
11/26/25 EDIT:
Regarding the owner’s response - I 100% understand that the vibe of the bar is low volume chit-chat while live music is playing. In fact, in your words: “But yes most people are respectful and just talk at a low volume. It seems to work fine and build a crowd each night.”
Please let me remind you that your owner did NOT abide by these rules, in fact he was disrespectfully loud and patronizing. “Yapping a little loud” is underselling it. Rules for thee, not for me it seems?
Also you neglected to address the flat wine issue. Overall, I don’t sense that any accountability is being taken here. Do better.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
BIG BAND JAZZ - always good vibes
Drip was ok. Cool interior and empty in the weekday morning.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
What a great bar in Williamsburg!! Other places mimic this vibe. Loved it
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Nice happy hour and a haunted attic!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Very fun! Great live music, staff and patrons!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Rude and disrespectful establishment! They double booked the space and did not offer any accommodation or owned up to any accountability.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Fiction is a great cafe and bar.
I know many jazz bands who love playing there and staff are all very friendly.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A very nice vibe!
One of the best places in Williamsburg to work remotely during the day. At night, it is still as superb with amazing music and drinks. In which you should grab some drinks from Olivia! The espresso martini, lavender gimlet, and mezcal negroni is divine from her👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾 Overall, the cafe/bar is THE vibe on the Southside of Williamsburg!
Restaurantji Recommends
Great vibe inside but the chai latte I got was so not good. Looking forward to going back and trying something different.
Those burritos!! Need I say more…?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great athmosphere. Good drinks and fair prices.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
The music is just too loud during bar hours. I lost my voice the next day
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 5
Hosted a going-away party for 40+ people at Fiction Bar/Cafe, and Dom and the entire team were incredibly accommodating and attentive.
The space created perfect afternoon vibes and our friends loves the options between coffee or cocktails!
Huge thanks to the Fiction Bar staff for making it an amazing experience! Highly recommend for events or casual gatherings alike.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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