(718) 230-8393
629 Vanderbilt Ave
Brooklyn,
NY
11238
40.678
-73.9686
Neighborhood: Prospect Heights
What People Are Saying About Soda Bar
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene – Back in 1930, the Brooklyn Dodgers shone on Ebbets Field, organized crime was in its heyday and this comfortable Prospect Heights bar was a German-owned ice cream parlor serving cherry-lime rickeys to the neighborhood's thirsty. Though the concept has changed, vintage remnants such as wooden tables with lunch-tray grooves, a Royal Crown Cola calendar and cherry-red fountain-style bar stools salute old times. – – The Draw – This unlikely block gets a double boon, as Soda Bar serves knockout food, too. Try the fish and chips, BLT or delightfully messy bacon…
What's going on with this place
by MRBrooklyn
I remember when Soda was a place I could walk in and see a friendly neighborhood face behind the bar. There would be an interesting soundtrack and if you'd like the bartender could offer some intelligent banter. Those times seem few and far between these days. Over the last year the familiar faces have dwindled and it seems each time I go in for a drink there is a new one behind the bar. The personality of Soda Bar is slipping away to mindless robots that can almost make a basic cocktail. Very little thought is given to the music that is being played. Almost as if the house ipod is on continuous shuffle. Don't get me wrong there are a few personable bartenders left and if you are lucky enough to encounter one you'll be pleasantly surprised. Nothing beats a well mixed cocktail, good tunes and a bartender that knows how to hold, entertain a crowd and set a mellow vibe.
It leads me to believe it's all a matter of shotty management. It doesn't take a rocket surgeon to figure out if you are the only late night bar left in your neighborhood it would be smart and profitable to keep your kitchen open till at least 2, the bar open till 4. Reliability goes a long way. A moron could run this place and still make money and apparently is...
Don't get me wrong though. The food is great, they show some pretty interesting films and the patio is revamped. Just watch out for the vermin. Saw them scare a few patrons this past weekend.
- Pros: Great neighborhood spot
- Cons: Bad management and rodents
Soda Bar was good
by Jads
Really enjoyed the place. Really enjoyed the place. Really enjoyed the place.Really enjoyed the place.Really enjoyed the place.Really enjoyed the place.Really enjoyed the place.
- Pros: Delicious Drinks
- Cons: Pricey
Cool dive bar, reasonable prices...
by gaben
There was plenty of space to meet-up which was key, as we had a large group all showing up at different times. The back area had scaffolding above, so it felt like hanging out a construction site, though it was a no frills crowd, so that was fine. Hopefully, they'll remove that soon.
As for food, the sausage sandwich was great, fries were soggy but still tasty, though the fried fish is best left in the freezer from whence it came.
Service is unfriendly and slow overall, but I'd head back for the space and versatility alone.
- Pros: Outdoor space, cheap food and drinks
- Cons: service was garbage
The Details on Soda Bar
The Extras:
For a soda fountain that's still going strong, try Eddie's Sweet Shop in Queens.










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