I used to love this place when it was owned by the original couple — they built a warm, welcoming dive-bar atmosphere. Since the new ownership, the vibe has completely shifted, and not for the better.
My best friend was kicked out for no good reason. In the middle of her game, some random guy instructed her to erase her name and the two names ahead of her, which she did. Instead of clarifying what actually happened, the manager unfairly blamed her and threw her out — a completely unnecessary overreaction that showed poor judgment.
Separately, one of the girls waiting to play mistook my friend for me (we’re both Asian). That kind of mix-up isn’t just frustrating, it’s racially insensitive and highlights the unwelcoming crowd this place now attracts.
Between the manager’s mishandling of the situation and the increasingly cliquey, insensitive atmosphere, this bar has lost what made it special. What used to be a neighborhood gem now feels overrun and mismanaged, and it’s no longer a place I can recommend.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Kelsi Kitagawa
Quite literally the best time ever! I had the shittiest week and Pam and Tay completely lifted my mood. Kevin brought the brightest smile to my face at the door. And one of the regulars here, Cesar, was one of the kindest souls I’ve encountered. The entire staff is so welcoming - also had the greatest hair. Truly felt like family here. This is the spot you need to be!!!!! Felt like a piece of home here.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Julia Karas
My favorite place to be on a Wednesday. Pamela and Rio are my favorite bartenders of any place I frequent. Always a good time AND of course the music is always fantastic :) the pool table is also one of the best with a great crowd any day of the week
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cam Skinner
great bar and great vibes, but for me the bartenders are the best in the city. never have a bad time here, helps that the pool table is v nice also
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Justin Howe
Tay & Onik were literally the best bartenders. I wish I could clone them and put them in every bar in NYC. Great service 11/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ole Semko
The Cuj is a fantastic spot in Williamsburg with great vibes, a proper pool table, and sharp shooters. The bartenders—Rio, Tay, Pam, and Richard—are top-notch, adding to the lively atmosphere with their excellent, attentive service. Can't wait to return for another round and rack.🍹🎱
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Larkin Griffin
I’ve never felt more comfortable being myself. It only took 5 minutes, and three shots, to think about how mal-equipped Better Help is to address my needs compared to treating that grandma couch as a chaise lounge. If there was ever a nurse who graced the cover of a blink 182 album, surely, they would be named either Rio or Tay.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Penaldo
An entitled female bartender who was wearing overalls was insanely drunk and rude. If you’re reading this review entitled girl, please do better. You can tell she’s never been humbled and thinks she can do whatever she wants. She’s the type to bully you but when you clap back, she makes you feel like the bad guy for giving her the same treatment. She claims to have work there for years and if that’s true, shame on the owners.
This place is FUN! Me and some friends stopped in before a nearby dinner and had the best time. Bartenders were terrific, drinks were affordable/strong, music was great. We liked it so much we came back after our dinner, and have returned several times since.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dylan Ray Morrison
Stopped in on a Friday. My bartender, Tay, was such a sweetheart and showed me and my friends the best time. We just wandered in, but I’m so glad that we did. The drinks were on point and the service was above and beyond. We traded instagrams and I feel like I made a friends. So old school! What a hidden gem this place is. Not too divey, but not as stiff as some cocktail bars. Great people, cool vibes. Much love!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Quentin Hervault
Was there last Friday, place was packed but the bartenders still managed to run the whole thing smoothly. Had a great time, will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Amelia Olsen
Tay is the best!!!! Everybody go to this bar <3 best in bk
Josh Davis
Love this spot. The bartender lady Taye was so nice to me and my friends celebrating my 34th bday. Much love from Detroit.
Higher end dive bar.
people that go there are not chill…
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 3
One star.
I used to love this place when it was owned by the original couple — they built a warm, welcoming dive-bar atmosphere. Since the new ownership, the vibe has completely shifted, and not for the better.
My best friend was kicked out for no good reason. In the middle of her game, some random guy instructed her to erase her name and the two names ahead of her, which she did. Instead of clarifying what actually happened, the manager unfairly blamed her and threw her out — a completely unnecessary overreaction that showed poor judgment.
Separately, one of the girls waiting to play mistook my friend for me (we’re both Asian). That kind of mix-up isn’t just frustrating, it’s racially insensitive and highlights the unwelcoming crowd this place now attracts.
Between the manager’s mishandling of the situation and the increasingly cliquey, insensitive atmosphere, this bar has lost what made it special. What used to be a neighborhood gem now feels overrun and mismanaged, and it’s no longer a place I can recommend.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Quite literally the best time ever! I had the shittiest week and Pam and Tay completely lifted my mood. Kevin brought the brightest smile to my face at the door. And one of the regulars here, Cesar, was one of the kindest souls I’ve encountered. The entire staff is so welcoming - also had the greatest hair. Truly felt like family here. This is the spot you need to be!!!!! Felt like a piece of home here.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
My favorite place to be on a Wednesday. Pamela and Rio are my favorite bartenders of any place I frequent. Always a good time AND of course the music is always fantastic :) the pool table is also one of the best with a great crowd any day of the week
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
great bar and great vibes, but for me the bartenders are the best in the city. never have a bad time here, helps that the pool table is v nice also
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Tay & Onik were literally the best bartenders. I wish I could clone them and put them in every bar in NYC. Great service 11/10
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The Cuj is a fantastic spot in Williamsburg with great vibes, a proper pool table, and sharp shooters. The bartenders—Rio, Tay, Pam, and Richard—are top-notch, adding to the lively atmosphere with their excellent, attentive service. Can't wait to return for another round and rack.🍹🎱
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I’ve never felt more comfortable being myself. It only took 5 minutes, and three shots, to think about how mal-equipped Better Help is to address my needs compared to treating that grandma couch as a chaise lounge. If there was ever a nurse who graced the cover of a blink 182 album, surely, they would be named either Rio or Tay.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
An entitled female bartender who was wearing overalls was insanely drunk and rude. If you’re reading this review entitled girl, please do better. You can tell she’s never been humbled and thinks she can do whatever she wants. She’s the type to bully you but when you clap back, she makes you feel like the bad guy for giving her the same treatment. She claims to have work there for years and if that’s true, shame on the owners.
Restaurantji Recommends
This place is FUN! Me and some friends stopped in before a nearby dinner and had the best time. Bartenders were terrific, drinks were affordable/strong, music was great. We liked it so much we came back after our dinner, and have returned several times since.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stopped in on a Friday. My bartender, Tay, was such a sweetheart and showed me and my friends the best time. We just wandered in, but I’m so glad that we did. The drinks were on point and the service was above and beyond. We traded instagrams and I feel like I made a friends. So old school! What a hidden gem this place is. Not too divey, but not as stiff as some cocktail bars. Great people, cool vibes. Much love!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Was there last Friday, place was packed but the bartenders still managed to run the whole thing smoothly. Had a great time, will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Tay is the best!!!! Everybody go to this bar <3 best in bk
Love this spot. The bartender lady Taye was so nice to me and my friends celebrating my 34th bday. Much love from Detroit.
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