Exley

Something about this place keeps me coming back whenever I am in the area! It is small but the seating is nicely arranged so that you can sit looking outside if sitting at the bar is not your thing. The liquor offerings aren’t anything different from other places, but they are tastefully selected! however, the difference maker for me is the friendly staff and their eclectic selection of background music. From jazz to rock, obscure r&b and even some chilled out dance songs. The music selection in Willyb bars can be very one dimensional and tough on the ears and Exley apparently wants to break out of that mold and contribute towards an enjoyable drinking experience.

I’m in love with Exley. This little gem sits in the shadows of the BQE and shines with its bright white exterior. Inside you’ll find a simple, clean, adult bar backed by a nice mural (the bathroom is also covered in a mural). You’re presented with an ecclectic crowd. Usually late 20’s-late 30’s of all sorts. You’re also presented with a great menu of carefully curated cocktails (try the penicillin and thank me later) always made to perfection by the great bartenders. Always friendly and helpful. If you’re a beer person there’s a rotating selection of mostly small breweries always on tap as well. They also have some delicious sandwiches if you get hungry.
You bring your good friends to Exley. It’s the place you can have some cocktails and a good conversation, not the place hipsters get shitfaced on PBR. Tip well, these are not easy cocktails for the most part and they’re always well executed. Also the best well probably in the borough.

Trivia is the tops, and the cocktails are just as good. I almost always cave for a sandwich midway through trivia and I’ve never regretted it.

Great selection of beer and liquor.
Decently located. Cozy, stripped-​down kind of joint.
Trivia = banging. I’ve seen cornhole here in the past.
One can order food delivery to the bar. (Can I say that?)

Low key, unpretentious bar in the heart of Williamsburg. I’m there most Thursdays for their trivia night.

Love this bar, it’s cozy, smart and had incredible drinks. Every time I visit they are alwAys on point at the bar, it can get busy so make sure to snag an outdoor table early!

A Monday night became the best night of the week at this bar! Not too crowded, creative drinks, late night dancing. Amazing.

Had an amazing time at Exley last night! They showed RuPaul’s drag race in a perfect chill atmosphere, with enough sound to actually watch and hear what was happening. The old fashion the bartender made for me was excellent, and so was his taste in music! Really special experience on a Monday night! My friends and I will be back!

Super unpredictable. Either empty (like tumbleweed status) or packed to discomfort. Depends on the night. Generally good drinks and nice staff, but the vibe is up for grabs.

Nice small drinking joint.
Extremely friendly bar man, lots of screens showing football on a Sunday.
Good under the radar local spot for a quiet beer; not a place to see and be seen.

Whenever a friend of mine is in town and I wanna catch up, this place is definitely a go-​to! Quiet enough where you can hear the person you’re meeting up with, and not hard to get service! Go Thursday nights for a cute bartender who knows how to make a cold one!

Reasons to go to the EXLEY:
– Trivia on Thursdays
– Hang with your dogs
– Hang with your dawgs
– Film a movie
– New Years Eve soirée
– Easier access to Stan’s Cafécito
– Breaking Bad series finale

Cool, chilled bar.
Staff are super nice, and know their way around a cocktail mixer — some of the best cocktails I’ve had.
Unpretentious ambience, and always just the right amount of people.
Well worth a look.

Cannot say enough good things about this place. When you’re there you’re family (though I think Olive Garden already owns this). Amazing cocktails, friendly staff and just a great bar. Not to mention cornhole on the weekends!

I have had more fun nights at the Exley than any other bar– in fact now that I think about it when I head there I know it’s going to be a good night.
It’s sort of perfect: perfectly mixed creative cocktails that aren’t expensive and pack a punch (check out the chalkboard for new additions or old staples), or you can opt for beer/​wine /​well stuff without any judgment. Also it’s somehow always busy but never too crowded.
There’s an outdoor space and it’s super close to the Lorimer stop on the L, and the bartenders are friendly and clientele cool.
Highly recommend trivia night — Thursdays I believe, I’ve won before and lost horribly and had fun doing both. Go to there!

I’ll always love this bar…
Trivia on Thursdays at 9pm. So much fun and great prizes $$$

Thursday night trivia is fantastic. Fun crowd, not TOO challenging questions, interesting topics, and great drinks. Rounds for shots! Yay! It’s a great space with friendly bartenders and even better trivia hosts.

Nice
Cocktails
And beer list.
Small space doesn’t
Need DJ/​projector for non events.

It’s funny to me that all of the reviews say that this bar was dead, because frankly I think I would have enjoyed it more if the place had been more dead…
Exley features books on the walls, tvs in front of the bar, a cute little patio with a grill and complimentary hot dogs (strangely, no buns were provided). There were also board games that you could sit and play while you enjoy your drink. These all sounds like fabulous additions to a cute little bar for a Saturday afternoon.
Unfortunately for me, the place was so packed that I couldn’t enjoy it. I ended up leaning against the railing on the patio near the grill because it was so full inside that you couldn’t turn around to address a friend without excusing yourself for bumping into 2 – 3 other people. I want to go back when these other people aren’t there!
There was only one bartender working and she wasn’t enough to cover the massive crowd, but she held her own. Never say die! Gotta appreciate her efforts to keep drinks in our hands. Hope she made tons of money!

Nothing special. Been here twice and did not care for it either time, though it seems like a place if you came through with a large group of people, it would be a good time.
My first experience was on a Wednesday night. Dead, no one in there. I ask about specials, deals, what they have to offer. Nothing. Please don’t try too hard for my business. The beer selection was alright and enjoyed a few drinks before it was time to venture to my next destination.
Came back again on a Friday night and once again, wasn’t many people. More than last time but still pretty dead except for three groups of people who were all together. As I stated earlier I suppose this is a dead spot to hit up if you and your group just want each others company.
In the end, the staff here was rude and the patrons are the worst.
I’ve never seen such disgusting people in my life. Had the vibe of some pretentious club in the meat packing.
After writing my review, an individual claiming to be associated with the bar wrote me a message. They freaked out on me. After that, it ruined my experience further and I had to lower my review. For that, I will never give the place a chance again.