The Bad Old Days

A nice little bar with a really fun vibe, friendly staff. Super enjoyable place to sit and relax. I didn’t love the cocktail I ordered (espresso martini), but I think I would absolutely come back and order a house special drink. Definitely somewhere I’d revisit!

If you like reading within a “hippie neighborhood,” this would be the bar for you. however, I’m only giving up four stars for now, because while I do want to go into this bar more often, I’m on medication to get over many traumas, including getting over a ban from a different bar. This bar has my respect for now :-) - Zabar’s Employee

Really eclectic feel, with great service, a great beer selection and cocktails. Nice pre-game or date night spot. They didn’t have food, but you can have food delivered. Nice touch.

It's cozy and the people are friendly. Cocktails are very nice

Chill vibe, great prices. Great place to come to with a group of friends as everyone here is pretty familiar with each other and pretty cliquish — all in all, highly recommend; board games and all.

Good solid dive. Prices for drafts pricey but nice atmosphere.

Great drinks selection very happy vibe my favorite local bar ÷)

Enjoying the vintage decor and warm atmosphere while sipping on these hibiscus margaritas and people watching 🍹🚶‍♂️

A nice little bar with a really fun vibe, friendly staff. Super enjoyable place to sit and relax. I didn’t love the cocktail I ordered (espresso martini), but I think I would absolutely come back and order a house special drink. Definitely somewhere I’d revisit!

If you like reading within a “hippie neighborhood,” this would be the bar for you. however, I’m only giving up four stars for now, because while I do want to go into this bar more often, I’m on medication to get over many traumas, including getting over a ban from a different bar. This bar has my respect for now :-) - Zabar’s Employee

Really eclectic feel, with great service, a great beer selection and cocktails. Nice pre-game or date night spot. They didn’t have food, but you can have food delivered. Nice touch.

It's cozy and the people are friendly. Cocktails are very nice

Chill vibe, great prices. Great place to come to with a group of friends as everyone here is pretty familiar with each other and pretty cliquish — all in all, highly recommend; board games and all.

Good solid dive. Prices for drafts pricey but nice atmosphere.

Great drinks selection very happy vibe my favorite local bar ÷)

Enjoying the vintage decor and warm atmosphere while sipping on these hibiscus margaritas and people watching 🍹🚶‍♂️

I mostly come to The Bad Old Days to sit next to a beautiful man and watch him out-drink me while we rattle on about our stresses from work. On this particular night, I was walking to the bar from the train when I was hit with this intense wave of loneliness after listening to Selena Gomez's newest single. I stood there for a moment staring at the front door, telling myself that if I can manifest some sort of fake happiness, maybe it will stick. I wiped my eyes with my sweatshirt sleeve, took a deep breath, told myself to grow up, and walked inside. As I sat in the corner and ordered a Narraganset, I couldn't help but overhear a bespectacled man with a dad bod brag about repeatedly blowing off his Tinder date because "she might be fat." I'm not going to lie: the last few months have made me almost completely lose my faith in humanity, and dudes like this feel like a gut punch. I really did contemplate lunging at him in the way sitcom bartenders slide drinks across the bar top, but the bartender started talking to me and gave me a shot. He's so cool, but I always forget his name, and at this point, he's told me so many times I can't ask again. It's just one of those things I'll have to live with not knowing, like who decided Narraganset was going to replace PBR as the official beer of Brooklyn and why we're even on a planet where less-than-average-looking guys feel like they have a license to reject women because of their appearance. Why aren't we afforded the same amount of grace? Why can't we be average? Eventually, my beautiful friend came back from cigarette break, and I was surrounded by that nostalgic, warm scent of whiskey and smoke. My heart felt 22 again, and the bartender let me play "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" over the speakers. At some point, we Seamlessed sushi to the bar like psychopaths (because it's never a bad time to treat yourself) and my night ended in an apartment dancing to Blondie in my underwear. I don't know how, but The Bad Old Days turned my bad old day into a good one.

According to the Internet, this is the #1 bar in Ridgewood, so I decided to check it out with BF after dinner at Rolo's. The bar is a bit on the smaller side in terms of seating, but it has a TON of personality. I loved the eclectic decorations and knickknacks around the seating areas and the bar. The bartender had the TV tuned in to Jeopardy, so my inner (or extremely obvious?) nerd was beaming. In terms of the drinks themselves, I tried the cocoa orange whiskey (?) infusion on the rocks, and my BF had the chipotle paloma. We would both say they were solid, definitely not at "craft cocktail" level, but decent. This bar has a fun + dive-y feel - the kind of place where you get a beer, a plate of chicken nuggets, and watch trash tv with your neighborhood crew (I think they actually do have people who have a weekly Bachelorette viewing during the week). Definitely worth checking out if you're already in the area and looking for ~vibes.~

It's not bad, but I think I got food poisoning from a martini here? Kind of impressive tbh.

Highly recommend this local spot for a casual drink at a super reasonable price. When we went for the first time, it was the bar tenders first day but you'd have no idea! She was so kind and accommodating even when we ordered 2 orders of pigs in the blanket and chicken nuggets. Check this place out if you're in the area!

My experience at this bar was nothing short of dreadful, thanks to a bartender with black curly hair who seemed to revel in arrogance and rudeness. His demeanor made the atmosphere unpleasant, and I can't fathom why anyone would subject themselves to such disrespectful service. A truly regrettable evening that I wouldn't wish upon anyone.

I've spent a decent amount of time in Ridgewood and unsurprisingly, much of that time has been here at The Bad Old Days. I've had a number of drinks here and it's been a great meeting spot for late night occasions, especially ones that revolve around a good drink. No doubt it's one of the more underrated nightlife venues in the borough. The setup feels like something out of a Brooklyn type bar - pseudo hipster vibe, casual environment with the whole board games and stacks of books all within a space that is well divided to give a different feel in each corner of the small'ish interior. Like a living room extension but with adult company. Of course, the bar is the most prominent thing in the room and it's a great place to chill as a solo patron. Groups can congregate in the lounge-y areas but the feel is remarkably different depending on where one choses to hang. On a beverage front, there is no shortage of quality drinks to be had. The cocktails are well made and not expensive; the bartenders do a good job of making sure each drink carries a certain kind of potency before leaving the bar. The happy hours are lovely as well, combined with a good deals ($5 shot + beer special, $5 cocktails, etc.) and even better hours (2-8pm!). Lastly, I appreciate a good name. Bad Old Days can be interpreted in many facets, but I think this establishment prides itself on good company and somehow rewards us with simple, good drinks. Bring a friend or three, enjoy the random movies that get projected onto the wall, and enjoy a late night capper in a quiet part of an emerging part of Queens.

If you like dive bars and hipsters and sitting in the dark while jenga clatters to the table behind you, then this bar is perfect for you. The cocktails are alright, the Narragansett is a beer, and I might be back some day.

Quintessential neighborhood bar where everyone could know your name. Bartender was friendly and the atmosphere is great. Bewitched was on the projector and some old cartoons were playing on the other wall with their original commercial breaks in tact. vibes.

This Valentines I stopped at this little bar in Ridgewood and was so happy I did. I had been to my other favorite bar in the area and it was freeeezzzing! So I decided to finally check out The Bad Old Days. I love the name and the bar surpassed my expectations. It didn't take me long to notice the Chex Mix on the top shelf in the kitchen! Yes, please! Order up! It's only three bucks too. I quickly made friends with the regulars Jose "the Mailman" and Mister G. In the time while I was there I met the Mrs. and his oldest son. A super friendly crowd here where people try to out buy their friends. You almost can't get a tab. Everyone is so generous and that is so rare these days. I also had great conversations with one of the owners/bartender Sonja like Bologna (Italy). She was very sweet and informative about the bar. I can't believe it's only 3 months old. She said a majority of the stuff was thrifted or found on the street. It gave the bar a welcoming, living room feel. I was especially amused when I spotted the Rosie O'Donnell doll amongst the booze bottles! Ha! The chef Dylan was funny and explained the menu thoroughly. You can tell that's it's a great place to work at and a better place to drink at! And I also heard people raving about the "wangs". I loved the anti-Valentines napkins. "Wine is my Valentine", so true! And at the end of the night I even got a free koozie. Where the bar slogan is "making bad decisions in good company". And I would like to note that the bar has a little cabinet at the bar where you pay $100 and you get to keep a bottle of booze at the bar. Of course, the mailman had a stash in there. Hilarious!

What a great neighborhood spot. This place makes you feel like you are at home as soon as you walk in the doors. Much love.

This bar is exactly what I expected -- too warm on the inside with a solo bartender -- $7 beer and $10 cocktails with chips as a snack. The atmosphere is too dark and the projected films have nothing to do with the intimacy that the people here experience... Tips: go outside or find an inviting group

I love this bar. Fortunately, I have the pleasure of living quite close to it and can frequent it often! The drinks are very well priced and they offer an incredible happy hour. In addition, the inside of the bar is very cute and cozy. One of the reasons I love this bar is because it is usually quite chill and the staff is very kind. Also, they usually have a rotating list of events going on. From jazz to comedy shows, I love that there's always something going on. In addition, they offer a selection of foods to eat while drinking which is a major plus. Great bar, definitely check it out if you can!

So I already liked this bar, with its comfortable decor and impressive drink menu. Always had fun here and always seemed to end up with more tequila shots than we paid for! Then, I was looking for a place to have my 39th birthday party, and a good friend introduced me to Sonja, who runs this place. In about 5 e-mails and one face to face meeting (over a Chipotle Paloma, my favorite drink) she helped me organize what turned out to be an amazing, memorable, low stress (on me) event. My guests were digging the drinks and the atmosphere. Sonja and her crew made the evening seamless. Ive lived in a bunch of places (LA, Chicago, Boston, Sydney...) and I always gravitate to local bars with personality. I'm so happy that I finally found my match here in Brooklyn/Ridgewood. You will find me at this bar a lot in the future!

Chillax This a great "alternative" bar - the people are chill and the bartenders are very friendly.

I've been here twice and the bartenders have been fucking assholes both times. Relax guys, I know you work at a bar in ridgewood, but there's no need to take it out on the customers.

Simply put, they fired the terrible part owner and now this place rocks. Great vibes, cool bartenders

Cozy, friendly bar. Great staff, great pricing. Sonja and Rina are on the ball and bar tending pros. Both have worked upscale and very busy bars and restaurants, so they're super capable. They don't have food yet, but they said it's coming by the end of the month. Should be little snacks and easy bar bites, nothing too bougie or pricy. It's happy hour until 8 Monday through Friday, and they're open 2- 2. Weekends they will do mimosa carafes and micheladas and other brunchy stuff!

I frickin love this place. The interior decorating and overall vibe is so warm and inviting and not only that-- all the people who frequent this bar are kind working people. I can always count on this place for a great beer/shot deal and reasonable happy hour. So happy I found this spot. Much love xoxo

A place I always love taking friends when they come to visit from back home. Has a nice blend of old fashioned and modern decor. The atmosphere is very cosy and hippsterish if you like that kind of crowd. They serve some light eats alongside a full bar which are decent so a nice place to go if you're looking to just have a chill night with friends. They have like a book corner and some board games/playing cards to have an easy night out if you want an alcoholic alternative to dancing n clubbing

Nice comfortable bar. They have a great deal for happy hour, really delicious cocktails and they let you have food delivered. The bartenders there have always been friendly. They also have board games and a variety of books to read. Very chill vibe.

These guys know how to jazz up a perfect cocktails! Super cute interior and sweetest bartenders. The owner is a lovely woman who knows how to make a bar feel cozy and fun! Try their signature cocktails and their small plates. Cheap drinks and beer and shot specials!

This is the type of bar you can walk into solo and feel at home instantly--perhaps because, eerily at first but comforting as soon as you become acclimated--it *does* sort of feel like a home. Warm wood accents everywhere; a little bench in the front window; a collection of books you could peruse if your iPhone dies. I met my lady here on a Friday night, and we were pleased with the reasonable drink prices and the cozy setting. This may become a staple. __ Update 5/3/2016: It *has* become a staple.

So, I Love This Place More Than Anything. And Frequented It Almost Daily. But, I Don't t Know The Hours Of Operation. And Made a Childish Decision. I Had So Many Great Memories There...

I've been a regular at many bars, but I honestly have never met so many people at any bar in my life. Sonya and crew have created something really special. It's a community. Check this spot out especially if you're a neighbor.

A nice cozy ambiance in a hipster sort of bar. I enjoyed their chips and salsa with black bean dip and they're chickpea sliders as well.

Very comfortable and cozy vibe. They have cocktails but also the old standards. Good place to chill after a long day

Moved into the neighborhood about 6 weeks ago and only went here for the first time last night. Can't believe we waited this long! Loved this place. The atmosphere was lovely, it's quirkily decorated without being obnoxious. They have books and games to keep you occupied and some interesting vintage alternative comic books. The set-up is great; some seats at the bar, several tables and little corners which allow you to have a little space to yourself and your companions. They had a good cocktail selection and the ones we tried were tasty. Most importantly, and the mark of a good bar in my opinion - a good cider option! Didn't try the food but I'm sure we will at some point. Bar staff are lovely too. What a great little gem in this 'hood

Love this little place. Was just passing they the city and stumbled upon it. The drinks are good and the bartender was nice I think her name was Kiki. No food but they have Chex mix of you want something to snack on. Clientele was very friendly. I would go back if I get into that part of the city again.

I do not recommend this place if you are from a foreign country and don't have a New York State issued ID or drivers license. The rude bartenders refused to accept my foreign friend's TWO forms of legal ID because they weren't issued by New York State. I wonder if they would have accepted his passport as ID if he had been from a European country instead of the Middle East. Not a good look.

I'm not sure what I can add: an amazing, quaint, vibey bar to spend hours in...or at least I have each of the past 5 days. great service, good prices, better atmosphere.

I love this bar. The bartenders Amy and Ben are super friendly and always genuinely sweet and engaging. They pour good beers, have good cocktails, good specials and events, and the owner Sonya is a goddamn badass legend (really, she's awesome). If you're coming here and writing a bad review, you're probably a terrible person.

One of my favorite bars in Ridgewood! Great craft cocktails that change throughout the season and nice bar snacks. Friendly bartenders and all around good vibes. Usually chill music or a movie playing sometimes. I've been a somewhat regular here for a while now. It's actually the closest bar to my apartment so me and my wife have been here for many special occasions. Christmas Eve, New Years Eve etc!! Last time I was here I had an amazing hot cocoa drink with tequila. The bartender even gave us homemade Christmas cookies!! Love this place!!

Went to this place the other day and never seen such a rude bartender. The female bartender that served us was disinterested, rude, and inattentive. The male bartender was nice enough but the female bartender was so rude that it pretty much ruined my experience. I'm not usually one to complain about service-- I mind my business and you mind yours-- but this girl was so rude I felt like I needed to leave a review. It felt like she had a personal vendetta against anyone who wasn't a regular. A shame, since the place is cute but I will definitely not be returning. She had blue hair and glasses and was probably delivered from the womb by the devil.

This is probably the best bar in the neighborhood. Reasonable priced, the cocktail are always delicious. Also there is an interesting wine and beer selection. The staff is very friendly and you can tell the business is well ran and kept. As a former bartender and waitress I can tell the owner cares about the bar and it's employees. It matters. Cute fire place with a library and board games make this bar very special. I definitely recommend it if you're in Ridgewood/Bushwick.

I went here on the blizzard day. It was warm and it's a good, clean, comfortable neighborhood bar.

The most comfortable bar I've been to. Whether solo or with a group you feel welcome as soon as you walk in the door. Great beer and wine selection not to mention the excellent cocktails. And they have board games!

Maybe I was lucky to come here on a night without these dreaded owners, but it was just a fairly average railroad style brooklyn before it was all gentrified style bar in my experience. Mainly stood out because the name made me say WTF yet intrigued me, in the way that only stuff in NYC can. I was sort of expecting it to be themed around the plague, but that'd be in tokyo nm.

The Bad Old Days is a gathering of great people, of all ages and stripes. The atmosphere is warm and intimate and the staff are wonderful, knowledgeable, accommodating and generous.

Love this place!!!! Noticed this cute new place awhile ago and finally went. Good low key vibe and huge fan of the decor. The bath rooms have been wallpapered of high school year book pages from the 1959's, is cool;-) and reminds of of a bar from my home town.

Wish I could keep this place to myself but that is no fun! The vibe, drinks and bartenders are all on point :) They even have games and books to pass the time.

So where do I begin? The comfort of this place is top notch. The cocktails are great. The tap list is small, but smart. The owners and bartenders are lovely. The regulars are the nicest people ever. And the food... was great! Meatloaf sliders are absurdly good. No fuss, just great. The chef there (Dylan) is making some tasty bites. This instantly became my new favorite spot. I'm looking forward to seeing where they go next!

Very rude staff, not worth the visit. Like other reviewers have mentioned they are very rude when asking to see ids, felt very race targeted.

Never experienced such awful treatment at a bar, especially from an owner. I've frequented this place often and more times than not have been disappointed. Hope this place reopens under new management.

'Cute' is the perfect word for this new bar. Cool antique furniture collected by the owners imbue a cozy feel that compel you to stay here for hours. Think fluffy socks on a grey Sunday. Why they chose 'Bad Old Days' remains a mystery to me. If this place evokes "bad," then I wanna know what's good.

Went here last night with a group of friends and was surprised at how great of an ambience and crowd it was will definitely be back the bartender mixed great drinks we were all very happy.

Bad Old Days has deserved a great review from me for sometime. I am a little spoiled living in Bushwick with all the great bars around but with a quick walk to Ridgewood; I am at the best bar in town. Now, if you are not that smart of a person or a loud type you might not like this place. Myself, on the other hand, I was Stoked to get into a brief discussion about quantum Physics with Sonja, the owner. She is a witty character with a friendly smile and has no qualms about getting behind the bar and making things work. Ellen is a gem too. I don't know if I will ever get another chance to play Ninja turtles on an old school TV in between sips of cider and tequila. I also love the fireplace that is going 24/7. So much so, that I had to order one off of Amazon. Nuff' said. If you are a chill, intelligent person that likes drinks and great service Bad Old Days is the place to be. There is no IQ test to get into the place but maybe there should be. Even the name of the place has it's own meaning if you care to dig that deep. I also had some amazing conversations with complete strangers at the BOD. Good drinks, smart people, amazing ambience; this is the place to be. Thank you BOD for being so chill. See you next weekend! ;)

The spam burgers were actually really good-- the menu did not lie about it. Nice vibe, really really nice people.

Love this hidden gem! Such a great, cozy place that feels like home.- check out this bar, it is definitely worth your while.

Great spot, atmosphere cozy, board games and books, good drinks, fairly priced. Really loved it