The Less Dead

Tucked away on a quiet stretch of Grand Street, The Less Dead offers a refreshing antidote to Brooklyn’s increasingly polished nightlife scene. Owned by Tony Petillo (of The Mallard Drake and Brooklyn Safehouse fame), this East Williamsburg haunt opened in February 2024 with a no-frills ethos: affordable drinks, retro games, and a backyard bocce court that becomes a social hub in warmer months[2][4].

The Vibe
Walking into The Less Dead feels like stumbling into a neighborhood secret. The moody, black-walled interior sets the stage for laid-back evenings, where $4 beers and $5 well drinks keep the conversation flowing[2][4]. Regulars gravitate toward the free pool table and pinball machine, while the sprawling backyard – complete with a bocce ball court – draws crowds for casual matches and planned leagues come spring[2][3].

What to Expect

• Budget-friendly libations: Sip on Lagunitas’ limited-release Born Yesterday Fresh Hop Ale (a seasonal highlight)[1] or opt for a $5 beer-and-shot combo.
• Retro entertainment: Challenge friends to pool, pinball, or bocce – all free for patrons[2][3].
• No kitchen, no problem: While food isn’t served, the focus remains on drinks and camaraderie (though Petillo hasn’t ruled out future snack options)[2].

Open daily from 2 p.m. to 4 a.m., The Less Dead carves its niche as a welcoming retreat for those seeking unpretentious fun. Follow @the_less_dead_bar on Instagram for updates on seasonal brews and bocce league sign-ups[1][2].