If your ideal summer plans involve sipping a perfectly shaken cocktail beneath a canopy of greenery, you’re in luck—once the Canadian wildfire smoke clears, that is.
The World’s 50 Best has rounded up the planet’s best bars with open-air terraces, and one beloved NYC institution earned a coveted spot on the list. Unsurprisingly, it’s none other than Williamsburg’s Maison Premiere, where Parisian charm, New Orleans flair, and one of the city’s dreamiest garden patios make every drink feel like a mini escape.
Need an excuse to treat yourself to oysters and a martini? Well, here it is!
How Maison Premiere earned a spot among the world’s best open-air bars
The World’s 50 Best considered everything from lush garden courtyards to rooftop terraces before naming Maison Premiere one of the world’s best places to enjoy a drink outdoors.
When the Williamsburg cocktail bar opened in 2011, it did so inspired by the hotel lobbies and grand restaurants of New York, Paris, and New Orleans. But it quickly proved to reach far beyond that.
Rooted in the traditions of historic oyster bars and absinthe cafés, Maison Premiere has remained remarkably timeless, cementing itself as one of NYC’s most iconic cocktail destinations—and one of Brooklyn’s best date night spots.
That reputation is backed by an impressive list of accolades, including:
- Recipient of the 2016 James Beard Award for “Outstanding Bar Program”
- World’s 50 Best Bars (2014, 2015, 2016)
- North America’s 50 Best Bars (2023, 2024, 2025)
Maison Premiere has also earned praise from some of the biggest names in food and travel journalism. Travel + Leisure named it one of the world’s best seafood restaurants, while former New York Times restaurant critic Pete Wells dubbed it “New York’s Best Oyster Bar.”
Why Maison Premiere feels like stepping into another era
Maison Premiere doesn’t just serve cocktails—it transports you to another era.
Behind its unassuming Williamsburg façade is a bar inspired by the grand oyster houses of Paris and New Orleans, complete with a marble horseshoe bar, timeless interiors, and one of the city’s dreamiest garden patios.
Whether you’re sipping an expertly stirred martini, exploring its renowned absinthe selection or working your way through copious quantities of fresh oysters beneath the greenery, it’s easy to lose track of where you are.
For a couple of hours, at least, Brooklyn feels very far away.
Come for the cocktails, stay for the oysters
While the leafy garden patio may first draw you in, it’s what’s behind the bar—and on the raw bar—that has kept New Yorkers coming back for more than a decade.
The Williamsburg favorite is home to the country’s largest absinthe collection, with a traditional fountain modeled after the historic one at New Orleans’ famed Old Absinthe House. Beyond the signature absinthe service, the cocktail menu celebrates timeless classics and carefully crafted originals, including the popular Old King Cole Martini, which is prepared tableside for a bit of old-school theater.
Of course, no visit is complete without ordering from the raw bar.
Maison Premiere offers more than 30 varieties of oysters sourced directly from growers, alongside seafood dishes like crudo, caviar, and seasonal specialties that pair perfectly with a crisp martini or glass of Champagne. While the beloved oyster happy hour is no longer offered, the bar remains one of NYC’s premier destinations for seafood and cocktails alike.
Why The World’s 50 Best singled out Maison Premiere
In naming Maison Premiere one of the world’s best bars with an open-air terrace, The World’s 50 Best praised far more than its picturesque garden. The website writes:
Williamsburg’s Maison Premiere has made a name for itself not only with its well-priced oysters and a dedication to absinthe, but also for creating some of the best cocktails in New York. Alongside a vast selection of absinthe drips and cocktails is a list that includes the ‘Maison Sherry Cobbler’, with four styles of sherry, lemon and blueberry jam.
In other words, Maison Premiere isn’t just beautiful—it’s one of those increasingly rare NYC spots where the atmosphere is every bit as memorable as what’s in your glass.
It’s that combination of hospitality, expertly crafted drinks, exceptional seafood, and one of New York’s most enchanting outdoor spaces that continues to make it a destination worth seeking out.
Planning a visit?
- 📍 Address: 298 Bedford Avenue, Williamsburg,
- 🪴 Garden season: April through November
- 🕛 Bar hours:
- Monday–Thursday: 12 pm – 1 am
- Friday: 12 pm – 2 am
- Saturday: 10 am – 2 am
- Sunday: 10 am – 1 am
- 🍳 Brunch: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 3:30 pm
- 🦪 Reservations: Available through Resy for parties of up to six guests in the dining room and seasonal garden. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance, though walk-ins are always welcome based on availability