Happy Hour at Pete’s Candy Store
Pete’s Candy Store is a Williamsburg institution — a former 1920s candy shop turned bar and live-music venue that’s been booking free shows nightly since 1999. The narrow front bar leads back to an intimate, train-car-shaped performance room that regulars call “the biggest little venue in NYC,” plus a lush back garden for warmer nights.
The stage has an outsized reputation: Norah Jones, Sharon Van Etten, Vampire Weekend and Sufjan Stevens all played early gigs here, and Beth Orton headlined the very first show. Between the free music, trivia nights, reading series and open mics, there’s almost always a reason to be here — and the drinks stay cheap.
The Happy Hour
Happy hour runs Monday through Friday until 7 PM. You’ll get $6 draft beer, $6 well drinks and $6 wines across the board, with $5 cans of Athletic Upside Dawn for the non-alcoholic crowd. The bar opens mid-afternoon, so the discounts are live well before the evening’s music kicks off — an easy pre-show window.
The Room
It’s a long, narrow front bar with a beautiful characterful interior, opening into the back performance room and a garden patio out back. Capacity tops out around 125, which keeps every show intimate. The food menu is minimal — a well-regarded grilled cheese and Hal’s chips — because the real programming is on the stage.
Who Pete’s Candy Store Is For
| Occasion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Pre-show drinks | Happy hour lands before the free nightly music, so you can settle in cheap before the band goes on. |
| Trivia night | Weekly quizzo and open mics make it a reliable low-key weeknight out with friends. |
| Free live music | No cover, ever — one of the best deals in Williamsburg for catching up-and-coming acts. |
| Garden hang | The back patio is a relaxed spot for a $6 draft when the weather cooperates. |
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Pete’s Candy Store FAQ
Does Pete’s Candy Store have a happy hour?
Yes. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday until 7 PM, with $6 draft beer, $6 well drinks, $6 wines and $5 Athletic Upside Dawn cans.
Is there a cover charge at Pete’s Candy Store?
No. Live music at Pete’s is free every night — there’s no cover to see a show.
What is Pete’s Candy Store known for?
Free nightly live music in an intimate back room, plus trivia, reading series and open mics. Norah Jones and Vampire Weekend both played early shows here.
Where is Pete’s Candy Store?
It’s at 709 Lorimer Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, near the Lorimer St stop on the L train and the Metropolitan Ave G stop.
Happy hour times and deals last verified June 2026. Details can change — confirm with Pete’s Candy Store before visiting for a specific deal.