Don Pedro Dive Bar / Restaurant

WILLIAMSBURG, NEW YORK –

Far enough away from Williamsburg’s oversaturated bar scene to still claim some indie chic, Don Pedro is a no-frills bar that offers patrons budget-friendly bites and booze, and regular live entertainment that includes everything from bands and DJs to comedy shows.

The fluorescent orange façade is difficult to miss amid the drab surrounding storefronts, and once inside, patrons are greeted by a dim space with bright yellow walls adorned with an eclectic mix of album covers and music posters. The place is unmistakably grungy, though not so much as to scare away the more casual barhopper.

Though the basic beer and cocktails served at the barebones bar in the front room won’t win any mixology awards, they also won’t set anyone back more than a few bucks.

Despite the venue’s name, the food is predominantly American, perfect for the flannel-clad locals who tank up on cheeseburgers and mac and cheese balls before displaying their athletic prowess on the pair of Skeeball machines.

Regular sports on the TV attract a few chill neighborhood fans, who blend into the crowds of older rockers, punky types, and wandering packs of college kids that flood the rear dining area once it – and it’s tiny stage – are turned over to the near-nightly DJ sets, live bands, and occasional standup.

Promising a nice range of cheap fun, Don Pedro is the kind of dive that welcomes everyone – even if it does make it a little too easy to go off the deep end.