The Blot

Imagine sinking into plush seats, savoring Carbone's fine dining, and raiding a 'Candy Room' filled with unlimited snacks. The Crown Club is a VIP oasis for Nets and Liberty ultra premium season ticket holders. How much does the Crown Club cost? Typically, access to this lounge is locked behind $20,000 ticket packages, and I will explain how I only paid $125 per person. How do I get into the Crown Club at Brooklyn's Barclays Center? The way to experience this lounge without the hefty price tag is revealed below.

How I Got InVibe CheckWhat I AteWhat I DrankCandy RoomThe Takeaway

How I Got In

Typically reserved for those who purchase ultra-premium NBA or WNBA season ticket packages that can cost $20,000 or more 🎟️, I’m here to share that this isn’t the only way. Ultra-premium NBA or WNBA packages usually unlock this lavish VIP lounge, but I scored a spot by attending a Hans Zimmer concert. For select events, attendees can make reservations for the Crown Club through the Barclays Center website. If there’s space, you’ll get an email to confirm your reservation , followed by a call to verify your credit card info (there is a $75 per person fee for no-shows 💸).

Vibe Check

To access Brooklyn’s exclusive VIP Crown Club inspired by painter Jean-Michel Basquiat, head to the special entrance on the west end of the Event Level, opposite the Atlantic Center Mall. I arrived at 6:00 PM for my 6:45 PM reservation, hoping to enter early for the 7:30 PM concert. After a quick scan of my tickets 🎟️ and a check of my reservation name, I was directed downstairs through a thrilling backstage hallway past the Brooklyn Nets’ practice gym and into the luxurious Crown Club.

After checking in, the hostess explained that early arrivals usually wait at the bar 🍸, but she kindly secured me a table right away. This thoughtful gesture meant I could savor my meal 🍽️ without missing Hans Zimmer’s opening set. As she led me through, I glimpsed the famed Candy Room 🍬, where guests can grab armfuls of free snacks to enjoy during the show. The Arabian-inspired lounge, an oasis of elegance in Brooklyn’s Crown Club, was so captivating that I felt the one-hour table limit would be far too brief.

What I Ate

The Crown Club’s prix fixe menu, showcasing iconic dishes from Carbone New York, was a highlight of my experience. As someone who hasn’t yet dined at the Carbone flagship, I was excited to indulge in their legendary cuisines. Sharing the meal with a companion let me sample a variety of dishes, from spicy rigatoni 🌶️ to decadent meatballs, without needing a second visit. Research suggests the Crown Club menu changes periodically, keeping the dining experience fresh and exclusive.

For appetizers, I savored Mario’s Meatballs 🍝 and the Caesar alla ZZ 🥗 from the Carbone-inspired menu. The meatballs, well seasoned and paired with a vibrant, fresh tomato sauce, burst with rich flavor. While the Caesar salad was crisp and satisfying, its soft, buttery croutons, unlike any I’d tasted before.

Savoring the Crown Club’s Carbone-inspired menu was a highlight of my experience. The Spicy Rigatoni Vodka 🔥, my favorite dish of the night, surprised me with its rich, creamy sauce bursting with deep flavor, even if it wasn’t as fiery as expected.

Next, the Roasted Salmon impressed with its tender, juicy texture and flawless preparation, proving simple can be spectacular. The two sides French Fries and Grilled Asparagus were great, but at this point I was too full to finish eating them. These dishes, enjoyed in the Crown Club’s luxe lounge 🍷, made the evening unforgettable.

What I Drank

I capped my meal with the Brooklyn Way Old Fashioned 🥃—a standout cocktail. Its smoky bourbon and subtle citrus twist 🍊 delivered a smooth, satisfying finish, surpassing my expectations. Sipped in the luxe ambiance of one of Brooklyn’s best lounges, this drink was the perfect prelude to immersing myself in the iconic movie scores of Hans Zimmer’s concert.

Candy Room

After settling the bill 💳, the hostess directed me to the Crown Club’s Candy Room 🍬, a delightful perk. Stepping into the vibrant, pink-walled haven, I was greeted by shelves filled with treats, from Jolly Rancher gummies to chocolate coins, plus chips, bottled water, and soda for savory fans. The star attraction? A gelato machine 🍦 offering flavors like vanilla and chocolate. Grabbing my snack haul to enjoy during Hans Zimmer’s concert 🎶 made this Brooklyn VIP experience unforgettable.

The Takeaway

Must-Go rating 4.5 out 5 ⭐ Accessing Brooklyn’s Crown Club delivered an unforgettable VIP experience. Savoring Carbone’s top rated food 🍝 and grabbing treats from the Candy Room 🍬 was unique and a nice touch. The staff was professional, though occasionally busy — arrive early to settle the bill without rushing to the show. To plan your visit, submit a reservation request on the Crown Club’s website. Get in the mood with our curated Spotify playlist 🎧, inspired by the Crown Club’s luxe vibe. Can’t secure a spot? Check our review of Best Speakeasies in Brooklyn: Discover Sunken Harbor Club above one of the top rated restaurants in Brooklyn Gage & Tollner, for another memorable night out.

Stepping into the Sunken Harbor Club feels like discovering a secret underwater shipwreck — not filled with treasure, but with crave-worthy food, playful cocktails, and a mesmerizing mermaid that might just lock you in a trance. From the moment I sat down, I had a feeling this could be one of the best speakeasies in Brooklyn — and easily one of the most thrilling hidden bars in NYC.

Vibe CheckWhat I DrankWhat I AteThe Takeaway

Vibe Check

Tucked away in Downtown Brooklyn, just above the iconic Gage & Tollner — a restaurant that oozes old New York charm 🥩🍸, having held its ground for over 130 years — sits one of Brooklyn's best cocktail bars 🍹 Honestly, if I hadn’t been able to secure a seat upstairs, I would’ve been more than happy enjoying a steak and sitting at one of the most aesthetically pleasing places to drink in NYC. Luckily I arrived early enough to claim the last spot at the Sunken Harbor Club bar ⚓. Located on the second floor and transformed into a fully immersive pirate hideaway 🏴‍☠️

As you climb the stairs, the sound of crashing waves 🌊 pulls you into what seems to be another world. Suddenly, the chaos of New York fades, and you’re face to face with the haunting gaze of a mermaid 🧜‍♀️ submerged in what I like to think is the Caribbean Sea 🌴. The space is drenched in underwater details such as seaweed-lined walls , fishing nets overhead 🕸️, and what appeared to be glowing jellyfish flickering in the corner of my eye. It’s hands down one of the most intricately themed cocktail bars I’ve ever stepped into ✨

What I Drank

The first cocktail I ordered was the Mai Tai 🍹— couldn’t help but be reminded of my time in Hawaii 🌺 with the tropical vibes all around 🌴. Honestly, the drink itself was just okay. Not amazing, not awful — just somewhere in the middle. Nothing to write home about.

PKNA was the second drink I ordered — this one was non-alcoholic, and honestly, one of the best I’ve ever had. It might even give the Poppy Hill from Coqodaq a run for its money 💥. Sweet , with just the right kick of sour 🍋 for that perfect tangy finish.

The PKNA tasted so wonderful 😍 that I decided to try my luck with another non-alcoholic drink for my final round — this one was called Jubilee 🍒. As honest as I can be: skip this one 🚫. The taste didn’t live up to its description as a cherry delight. I was expecting a sweet & sour, refreshing red cherry drink — something packed with flavor and just the right touch of tart. Instead, it turned out to be all sour with zero sweetness, and I couldn’t even finish it

What I Ate

Now time for the food 🍽️ — and it was surprisingly amazing 😲 I wasn’t expecting much from the small bites offered, but wow… every single one was delicious. Not a miss in sight. I started off with the Sunken Dumplings 🥟, which were juicy and paired with a perfectly seasoned sauce that elevated the flavor even more 🔥

Next up were the G&T Sliders 🍔 — juicy, tender, and topped with just the right amount of gouda cheese 🧀 I honestly wish more had come out because they ended up being my favorite bite of the night ✨

For dessert, I had my eye on what I’ve heard is one of the best sweets you can taste — the Miso Butterscotch Pudding 🍯. Unfortunately, it was sold out 😔. So instead, I went with the Roasted Pineapple 🍍, which was good — but I couldn’t help wondering what I was missing. I was really hoping to see if that pudding could compete with Bar Orai's Fries and Milkshake.

The Takeaway

Service was okay — nothing particularly special. The drink menu is extensive, spanning several pages 📖, so there are definitely more hidden gems to discover beyond the PKNA 🥤. If you’re coming here, you should absolutely try the Sunken Dumplings 🥟, the G&T Sliders 🍔, and if it’s not already sold out, the Miso Butterscotch Pudding.

Tip: I recommend arriving about 15 minutes before the Sunken Harbor Club opens ⏰ — the line ended up stretching out the door 🚪 There’s no way to make a reservation in advance, so it’s strictly first come, first served ⚓

Must-Go Rating: 4.4/5 ⭐ For more information you can visit Sunken Harbor Club's official website. Also, set the mood before you visit - check out our curated Spotify playlist inspired by Sunken Harbor Club. Don't forget to watch the video below to get a closer look!

Craving a similar themed experience with great music and vibes, check out my review of Bar Orai and why it may be the One Drink Spot You’ll Wish You Knew About Sooner!