For A Bold Cocktail Bar Concept, Elevated Bar Food, and a Captivating Sonic Haven for Music Visit Moondog HiFi.
Williamsburg has its fair share of inventive cocktail bars, but Moondog HiFi offers something entirely unique. Discreetly tucked behind an aluminum gate with “MOONDOG” small but boldly branded just where it is visible, the entrance feels almost hidden in plain sight. Beyond the narrow courtyard, a staircase leads down to a dimly lit space where candlelit tables flicker against an industrial-chic backdrop. Vinyl records line the walls, and the neon Moondog logo casts a warm glow over the sleek bar. The atmosphere is magnetic, the cocktails are masterfully crafted, and the fusion-driven menu delivers unexpected delights.
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MoonDog HiFi Williamsburg’s Newest Listening Bar
- Location: 119 Ingraham Street—East Williamsburg/Bushwick
- Website: Moondog HiFi
- Hours: Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 5 PM to 12 AM|Thusday 5 PM to 2 AM| Friday & Saturday 5 PM to 4 PM
- Contact: 718-255-3388|info@moondoghifi.com
Moondog HiFi
Moondog HiFi is more than just a bar. It is a bold fusion of sound and flavor, where unexpected pairings take center stage. Nestled in the industrial sprawl of East Williamsburg/Bushwick, this brainchild of siblings Einat and Elon Admony redefines Brooklyn’s hybrid concept trend with a fresh, imaginative twist. Einat, known for her celebrated spots like Taim and Balaboosta, brings a Mediterranean touch to the menu, but the real intrigue lies in the seamless infusion of Mexican flavors.
Here, tacos do not just follow trends—they reinvent them, delivering bold, unexpected combinations that stand apart. Paired with a vibrant, vinyl-fueled atmosphere, Moondog HiFi is as much about the immersive experience as it is about the masterfully crafted food and cocktails.
The Cocktail Experience at Moondog HiFi: Where Flavor Meets Artistry
The cocktail menu at Moondog HiFi is an immersive sensory experience, where each drink tells a story of bold creativity and precision. Designed by beverage director Josef Griz, the selection of eight signature cocktails invites you to discover a world of unexpected flavor pairings. From deep, smoky undertones to vibrant, garden-fresh accents. Every taste is an experience—rich, intricate, and refreshingly unexpected.
Turkish Coffee Martini
Take the Turkish Coffee Martini, for instance. It reimagines the classic espresso martini by infusing vodka with bold Turkish coffee, aromatic cardamom, coffee liqueur, and a smooth pistachio orgeat. The result is velvety and aromatic, with a lingering richness that sets it leagues apart from the typical version.
Jaffa Old Fashioned
The Jaffa Old Fashioned is a refreshing twist on a beloved classic. Blanco tequila takes the lead, offering a smooth yet bold base, while chocolate orange liqueur adds a velvety richness, complemented by the deep sweetness of date syrup. It’s a drink that captures both the warmth of a traditional Old Fashioned and the exotic flair of Middle Eastern flavors.
Figroni
For something with a touch of intrigue, the Figroni brings a fresh take on the classic Negroni. Gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari form the familiar backbone, but it is the fig syrup that transforms this drink, infusing it with a fruity depth and subtle sweetness that plays beautifully against the bitterness of the Campari.
Zaza Gimlet
The Zaza Gimlet takes the classic gimlet into unexpected territory, with Misguided Gin leading the charge. A touch of za’atar—an herb blend native to the Middle East—adds an earthy, savory note that wonderfully contrasts the refreshing cucumber and zesty lemon. This drink is light yet complex, offering an intriguing departure from the norm.
Yoko Y Yo
Next up, Yoko Y Yo is an adventurous blend of sake Ono, Rosaluna mezcal, and a vibrant combination of passionfruit, carrot, and honey. The result is a cocktail that’s equal parts fruity, smoky, and smooth—offering a layered complexity that surprises and delights at every sip.
Manhattan Moon
The Manhattan Moon is a must-try for fans of whiskey-based cocktails. Bourbon is paired with vermouth and amaro, creating a rich, warming, and deeply satisfying cocktail. It is a drink that embodies the elegance of a classic Manhattan while the amaro introduces a unique twist, rounding it out with herbal notes that linger on the palate.
Prickly Tempo Collins
Then there is the Prickly Tempo Collins, a bold twist on the classic Tom Collins. Mezcal replaces gin, while prickly pear adds a smoky-sweet depth, excellently balanced with a sharp lime finish.
When Birds Cry
For something crisp and refreshing, When Birds Cry blends mezcal, mastiha, lime, and grapefruit, with the mastiha’s herbal, woodsy undertones bringing a layer of complexity to the citrus notes.
But these cocktails are not just drinks—they are an experience. Crafted to complement the vibrant soundscape echoing through Moondog’s vinyl collection, each one invites you to taste the music, feel the mood, and savor the unexpected.
Sipping Through Layers: A Cocktail Experience at Moondog HiFi
I began my journey with When Birds Cry, a mezcal-based cocktail that immediately captivated me. The smoky depth of the mezcal was beautifully intertwined with the herbal note of mastiha, offering a subtle sweetness that lingered on the palate. The bright citrus notes of lime and grapefruit added a refreshing kick. And each sip felt like I was unwrapping a new layer of complexity. The drink was an exploration of flavor that made me pause and appreciate the artistry behind it.
Next up was the Turkish Coffee Martini, a drink that completely won me over. As a lover of coffee-infused cocktails, I knew this would be a standout, but it exceeded all expectations. The cardamom-infused vodka brought a rich, warming spice that beautifully complemented the velvety texture of the pistachio orgeat and foam. It was indulgent yet effortlessly balanced, striking the ideal harmony between sweetness and spice. It was an experience that felt decadent and satisfying, like the drink equivalent of a dessert you never want to end.
I finished my cocktail exploration with the Zaza Gimlet, a refreshing take on a classic cocktail with a twist that intrigued me from the first sip. The za’atar, with its savory, earthy notes, paired unexpectedly well with the coolness of cucumber and the zing of lemon. The combination was fresh and sophisticated, offering just the right amount of contrast to the bolder flavors I had tasted earlier. It was the perfect finale, a drink that left me feeling both refreshed and deeply satisfied, and one that solidified the unique magic of the Moondog HiFi cocktail experience.
Inventive Bites: Mediterranean Meets Mexican in Moondog HiFi’s Elevated Bar Food
While the cocktails take center stage, the food menu at Moondog HiFi is an unsung hero, offering a fresh take on bar snacks with bold Mediterranean and Mexican influences. The dishes here are an exploration of flavor, combining spice, richness, and acidity in exciting, unexpected ways.
Starting Small, Thinking Big
Take the Corn, Feta & Mozzarella Empanadas, for instance. Crispy and golden on the outside, they burst with a melty cheese filling complemented by the sweetness of perfectly seasoned corn. Each bite offers a buttery, indulgent experience that pairs perfectly with a cocktail. Then the potato fries, elevated with za’atar and saffron aioli, added fragrant, fresh herbal undertones to the familiar. The yucca fries with harissa aioli presented a smoky, crispy alternative that was equally satisfying.
Tacos That Transport
For a heartier bite, the tacos stand out as an absolute must. The Chicken Shawarma Taco brings a lively mix of spiced chicken, crunchy slaw, amba aioli, caramelized onions, and Tirchi carrots, offering a flavorful punch in every bite. The Adobo Brisket Taco takes things further with its savory, umami-packed adobo brisket, topped with s’chugichurri, pickled red onions, and crispy shallots. The Braised Lamb Taco offers a bold, deep flavor profile, thanks to its bath in baharat molé, complemented by tangy pickled onions and crispy shallots that add both texture and richness.
A Unique Take on Hummus
Hummus enthusiasts will find plenty to love at Moondog HiFi. The Med-Mex Style Hummus is a delightful surprise, blending spicy s’chug, hearty black beans, and crunchy tortilla chips for a fusion that feels comforting and innovative. The Chicken Hummus layers tahini hummus with fiery s’chug and Tirchi pickles. While the Brisket Hummus adds crispy shallots and pickled onions, creating a texture-packed experience that makes each bite feel like a discovery.
At Moondog HiFi, even the most familiar bar food gets a creative twist, turning casual bites into something memorable and crave-worthy.
A Sonic Escape: Music at the Heart of Moondog Hifi
Beyond the cocktails and food, what truly sets Moondog HiFi apart is its commitment to music. The space is designed for sonic exploration, with records curated to match the energy of the evening. Whether it is deep jazz cuts, samba, or soulful house, the playlist feels intentional, adding an atmospheric layer that turns a night out into a fully immersive experience.
The combination of dimly lit ambiance, world-class cocktails, and an eclectic, well-curated soundtrack creates a space that feels like a discovery—one you will want to return to, again and again. In fact, after one visit, the music, cocktails, and atmosphere were so captivating that I found myself back at Moondog over the weekend, unable to resist its magnetic pull.
Why You Should Visit Moondog HiFi
Moondog HiFi is more than just another cocktail bar. It is a sensory experience, a place where music, food, and drinks intertwine seamlessly. Whether you are here for the bold and balanced cocktails or the elevated take on bar bites. Or the vinyl-infused ambiance, Moondog delivers on all fronts. It is intimate without feeling exclusive, trendy without being pretentious, and delicious in every possible way.
For those seeking a night out that offers more than just a good drink, Moondog HiFi is a must-visit—the newest gem in Williamsburg’s ever-evolving cocktail scene. Have you been to Moondog HiFi? Share your experience with us in the comments—we would love to hear your thoughts!