Branded Saloon
“In the back room they always have something going on: a live band playing, bingo, Karaoke, etc. Check the website for details.”
“I had something with the name Kentucky in it and then the Armored Palmer.”
“I came for their Tiny Dangerous Fun show that takes place the first Tuesday of every month in the back room (during Bingo in the front).”
Branded Saloon
Delivery: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Happy Hour: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Has Pool Table: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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I could have sworn I had already written a review for this place because I haven't been back in months but it must have slipped through my finger tips. There are a few things that are a ton of fun to take note of the Branded Saloon: their Trivia, and more importantly White Trash Bingo. There are prizes (most of them are lame) for every round. Even if you are a sad pathetic loser like we were every single time, the hostess will come swinging by with free shots which are more like mini sized cocktails. They aren't amazing and I think all of them were Southern Comfort and lime but it took away the pain for the evening. Food is alright. I'm not a fan of nachos with corn niblets scattered all over them. Mac and cheese I think I tried years ago was solid as are their fries. The beer selection is decent as they had Seasonal Abita on tap and that's always a good sign. Their specialty cocktails are great too (although a bit pricey) – friend had an Armored Palmor that had an insane amount of alcohol in it. I vowed that if I won the free drink round of bingo I would order their Bacon Whiskey Milkshake and either regret it or love my life. There is always a next time. Also, take note if its your thing they have what I hear is a really great Bloody Mary bar for brunch.
I had such an amazingly good time here. I came for their Tiny Dangerous Fun show that takes place the first Tuesday of every month in the back room (during Bingo in the front). It's a variety show. We saw clowns and mimes (I REALLY hate both, this was awesome), flute players, comedians, comedic musicians, an improv sketch with some audience members, and other things which I guess fall under the umbrella of performance art. You never knew who was going to come on stage next and it was always entertaining.
Afterwards I hung around to talk to the performers and some audience members and everyone was so friendly, it was a really great atmosphere. Alex the bartender was awesome (he responds well to shameless compliments). The food is meh. Skip the grilled cheese, but do the bourbon wings once you're drunk. Don't touch the medicine cabinet in the upstairs bathroom, it's barely hanging on and you will panic when it almost comes crashing down.
Also, the jukebox has Blind Guardian. It's the only non-metal juke I've found in the city that has them. I freakin love this place.
I've spent a lot of time in and out of places on Vanderbilt, but I never thought twice about Branded Saloon. This past weekend I wandered in with a friend from another neighborhood who was interested in their brunch menu (which is severed until 4 I believe). Since it was later on in the afternoon, we opted for more lunch style items but the brunch menu did sound great.
First, I need to talk about the bloody mary bar: what an amazing idea! I've recently become a bloody mary connoisseur so I was giddy with the idea of a DIY mary. The pre-made mix was tasty and thick, and I was liberal with my garnishes–don't worry I saved some for the next person. Also, as others have mentioned, certain brunch drinks are only $1 for a refill if you order $10 of food or more. Best deal ever you guys.
The food was your standard bar/pub grub. I got the empanadas, which were covered in a delish sauce and paired nicely with my spicy drink. The bar didn't fill up as we were there, but there was a steady crew drinking and another table that sat down after us. Service was great and friendly.
I got a pretty good vibe from this place and can imagine that it is a chill bar to grab a drink later on at night. There is a first time for everything and I'm glad my first time at Branded Saloon went off smoothly (and a bit drunkenly, thanks to the bloody mary's). Next time I'm in the mood for something fried but still tasty, I'll head here. The various signs throughout the bar featuring karaoke nights caught my eye, so I'll need to check those nights out as well.
Came here on a Thursday night for a good friend's going away party. Wasn't exactly In Love with their beer selection, but our whole group had an absolute BLAST with the back room karaoke. Tons of super talented singers and performers mixed in with drunk people just having a good time (see: me.) The Branded Fries I ordered to soak up all the beer in my stomach were delicious, although the $8 price tag was a little jarring. Very reasonably priced on everything else. Loved the atmosphere, will totes be back ASAP for more karaoke goodness. (Gotta make sure to squeeze in some "No Scrubs" before last song next time.)
I'd been passing by Branded Saloon since August before finally venturing inside. I assumed there wouldn't be much for me to eat, since I'm a vegetarian, but they have vegetarian chili and a few other things that are meat free. The decor is kind of ridiculous, but I guess it was intentional. Also, I went right before Halloween so the decorations may have added to the effect.
Anyway, there were also Halloween themed drinks that came with candy. I ordered a lemon head (lemonade, citrus vodka, sugar rim) – it was only ok, way too sweet to have more than 1.
I also had the frito pie, with vegetarian chili. Also only ok, very small portion for the price, mostly fritos, barely any chili.
I might be back, but probably not for dinner – I was told that they have drag queen trivia on Thursday's.
Your walking down the street one cold dark night and in the distance you see a lit saloon. Home at last! You straddle up and ask the barkeep for a beer.
Silence. That about sums up my experience with the staff at the saloon each of the 4 times I have been. Beer selection is good. Food middling. There's a great back room with music, poetry, and tv which is adds a lot to the overall zone! I just wish the staff were a bit friendlier but hey you can't have it all.
I have been coming here for the last year or so and I can say it's a great place. One of the things that I love about branded is the owner Gerard. He is like always there working the bar and interacting with the patrons. I also love the diversity that his place attracts, you truly get a mix of people that Brooklyn has to offer.
The music is ALWAYS on point, well live bands excluded, some of them really suck.
As far as food it's good, I have eaten everything but the burger. I will say the fries can be hit and miss. Sometimes they are not cooked thoroughly and other times they are burned.
The chicken nachos are my favorite, very delicious.
the apple turnover is another favorite.
Overall it's a great bar with a great staff
ohhhh and there is a pool table in the basement.
I came here only for a drink. The outside patio area and a cool summer night enticed me to hang out here. The beer was flat, as was the beer my company had.