There’s a certain magic that happens when a whiskey bar dares to be both encyclopedic and approachable — a space where connoisseurs and casual sippers can share a laugh, a flight, and perhaps a smoky Paloma. Enter Foolproof, the newest addition to New York City’s ever-thirsty nightlife scene, now open in the beating heart of Williamsburg at 476 Driggs Avenue.
Founded by seasoned hospitality hand Andy Lock (known for shaping the vibes at The Lobster Club and Gotham Bar & Grill), Foolproof is part whiskey library, part neighborhood den, and all about good times without the snobbery. The bar boasts a staggering 400-plus bottles from every whiskey-producing corner of the world. American bourbons stand shoulder to shoulder with Scotch single malts and silky Irish pours, while rare selections from Austria, South Korea, Mexico, Denmark, and Sweden add a global edge.
“We take the whiskey seriously — but never ourselves,” Lock says, summing up the ethos in a single neat pour of philosophy.
The cocktail program follows this same playful spirit. You’ll find a bold Trinidad Sour starring Smith & Cross rum and house bitters, or a mezcal-spiked Paloma made cheekier with a splash of Byrrh. Boilermakers and curated flights invite guests to explore new flavor frontiers without ceremony.
Beyond the glass, Foolproof’s food menu is no afterthought. Designed to complement the spirits, it swings from sashimi-grade tartare and house-cured meats to a beet-and-burrata salad that feels as refreshing as an ice-cold highball. There’s even a French onion dip ready to demolish any residual pretense, and for dessert, whiskey ice cream sandwiches await to seal the deal.
The 900-square-foot space echoes this warmth and low-key charm: leather banquettes, honeyed lighting, and a strict walk-in-only policy keep the experience unbuttoned and spontaneous.
Foolproof opens Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 2 a.m., with brunch running weekends from noon to 4 p.m. and the kitchen open late.
In a city brimming with shrines to spirits, Foolproof manages to be that rare sanctuary where you can sip your way around the globe — and still feel like you’re right at home.
Follow along at @foolproofbk or dive deeper at foolproofbk.com.
