Set the scene.
On a typical Thursday night in New York City, you might find yourself cozied up at a trendy bar, enjoying a drink or two while discussing life’s daily grind and perhaps lingering a little too late before that 9 a.m. call on Friday morning. Some places draw you in more than others, with drinks so expertly crafted that one turns into two, and two quickly become one too many.
Deux Chats, located in Brooklyn’s hip Williamsburg hamlet, is one of those spots that does this oh-so-well. With its tagline, “a neighborhood bar serving ‘perfect’ martinis and oysters in Williamsburg,” it truly lives up to its name. There’s a palpable Roaring 20s meets Old Hollywood aura in this relaxed cocktail lounge that’s surprisingly spacious, enhancing the ambiance with cozy corners, antique tiger-print couches, and a long bar accented by wooden stools.
Interiorly, the decor exudes a jazz and blues vibe, adorned with black-and-white portraits of iconic actors and actresses—think Karl Lagerfeld-inspired elegance. Golden Age Hospitality group takes cues from Parisian lobby bars and cafés, creating an effortlessly chic atmosphere that feels both open and intimate; cozy nooks invite long conversations and romantic evenings, making it the perfect spot for unwinding.
At the heart of the room is a handpainted tiled mural depicting two cats playing under a full moon, framed by the Williamsburg Bridge, and twinkling lights of the Empire State Building and Manhattan’s cityscape. A curated mix of old rock tunes fills the air, while ambient lighting and candlelit cocktail tables set a moody tone.
First up: the drinks—especially the martinis.
Given their claim of serving “perfect martinis,” we couldn’t resist a proper taste test. Starting with the classic Deux Chats Martini—one of their House Martinis—it features an unexpectedly delightful twist: celery brine and manzanilla. The result is a slightly sweeter finish compared to the briny punch of a traditional dirty martini, adding nuance without veering too far from the classic. Needless to say, we enjoyed it perhaps a little too much. Two other inventive options are the Lifetime Ban—a bold mix of Navy Strength Gin, Fino, Blanc, and mint—and the Pancho & Lefty—a dynamic libation with spicy mezcal, Aperol, cap corse blanc, and poblano.
If you prefer to stick with your usual order, fear not—they offer ‘Classic Martinis’ with your choice of vodka or gin, tailored to your preference: dry, classic, wet, dirty, or extra dirty, along with garnishes like olives, lemon twists, or grapefruit twists. Non-martini drinkers will also enjoy the Campari-and-rosé-forward Strawberry Sandy, the jalapeño-infused Spicy Margarita, or the Jamaican rum-based Away Colors.
What can we expect from the food?
With its apparent French influence, the menu is divided into two sections: Fruits de Mer and Les Petits Plats. Highlights include classic shrimp cocktails and a standout salmon crudo, served with pickled cauliflower, shallots, tobiko wasabi, chili, and dill. The variety of East and West Coast oysters also impresses—Kumamoto from Washington offers a sweeter taste, while Wellfleet from Massachusetts delivers a brinier finish. It’s the perfect way to kick off a shareable feast.
Next is the ricotta, drizzled with wildflower honey, fennel pollen, and lemon zest, and the Brioche Buttons, served with a melt-in-your-mouth seaweed-sesame butter. Highly recommended by our waitress, the warm crab dip, paired with perfectly crisp baguette slices, is absolutely irresistible. And our final must-order? The lobster roll: topped with lemon aioli and served alongside kettle chips and a pickle.
Last but not least, if you choose the Dinner Prix Fixe—where you can enjoy any three dishes for just $40 (a real steal, if you ask us)—end your meal with a sweet treat: a sundae made with vanilla ice cream, passion fruit caramel, and candied nuts.
Final thoughts?
For a quintessential Brooklyn night that feels like you’re lounging in a swanky New York City bar, head to Deux Chats as soon as possible.
Top Takeaways
Location: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Address: 27 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Cuisine: French
The vibe: As you might have guessed, we opted for the classic Deux Chats Martini, which features celery brine instead of the usual pickle brine. (We know… we’re cheating on our go-to dirty martini order.)
Pricing: $
Takes reservations? Yes – Resy
Our favorite dish on the menu: Well, if you couldn’t tell from the above, it was the classic Deux Chats Martini with the celery brine in exchange for the pickle brine. (We know… we’re cheating on our usual dirty martini order.)
The attire: Smart casual
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Open Mondays through Wednesdays from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; and Sundays from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
