Rocka Rolla

Tucked beneath the BQE overpass in Williamsburg, Rocka Rolla delivers a thunderous love letter to rock 'n' roll's golden era with its vintage dive bar charm and unapologetic hair metal spirit. Since 2014, this gritty yet welcoming haven has become a sanctuary for those craving loud guitars, cold beers, and a side of nostalgia.

Atmosphere & Aesthetic

Step into a time capsule where AC/DC riffs blast from a curated jukebox (Judas Priest, Motley Crue, KISS) and walls drip with vintage Breweriana signs [5]. The centerpiece? A glowing 1969 Budweiser carousel sign that owner Bill Mack describes as "hovering like a dream over the bar" [5]. Patrons bask in the "bad-boy uncle basement bar" vibe at wooden tables or under the tent-covered patio, where an outdoor grill serves up no-frills bites [1][5].

Liquid Lightning

The bar keeps it simple with huge, affordable beers (Genny Cream Ale nods to parking-lot nostalgia) [5][3] and a no-nonsense cocktail menu. Late-night crowds flock here until 4 AM, drawn by pinball machines and the kind of rowdy camaraderie that only a dive bar can foster [4][5].

Controlled Chaos

While some TripAdvisor reviews cite inconsistent service [1], regulars praise Rocka Rolla as a "real shit" antidote to Brooklyn's trendier spots [5]. Mack’s vision—a place where "everyone loves hair metal but no one wants to admit it"—shines through in details like Twisted Sister vinyl on the walls and a staff clad in band tees [4][5].

For better or worse, Rocka Rolla remains defiantly itself: a loud, proud, and gloriously unpolished shrine to rock excess. As one patron puts it, "Good vibes and 100% a place to visit if you like dive bars" [3].