Philomena's in East Williamsburg

Tucked away in the heart of Williamsburg, new cocktail bar Philomena’s has the upscale energy of a speakeasy with a modern twist. Founded by brothers Kyle and Sean O’Brien, the contemporary bar serves as an oasis to the neighborhood with shareable bites, cocktails, beer, and wine.

Perfect for date night, a pregame cocktail, or a solo drink, the cocktail menu is unique for its focus on carved and infused ice cubes. As the ice cubes melt, the flavor palette of each drink transforms to create an extended tasting experience. Felix (mezcal, expressed orange, and a cucumber-lime-tajin ice cube), Philomena (prosecco, watermelon rose ice cube), and Aileen (tequila blanco, guava, lime, cointreau, habanero ice cube) were notably delicious from beginning to end. The cocktails paired seamlessly with toasted semolina pita and a trio of dips including hummus, bottarga onion dip, and a luscious duck liver mousse that would rival any French brasserie. 

The bar pays homage to O’Brien’s Great Aunt Philomena, named after the patron saint of youth. Known for elegant dinner parties and her gracious and lively spirit as the life of the party, Philomena’s will embody this inspiration by providing a space for locals and visitors alike to come together for communal bites and cocktails in celebration of life, love, and eternal youth.