If you’ve spent any time on social media looking for "the spot" in Williamsburg, you’ve definitely seen LilliStar Brooklyn New York photos popping up in your feed. It’s that place with the giant wooden lotus flowers on the ceiling and the view of the Williamsburg Bridge that looks so close you could probably hit it with a well-aimed lime wedge. Honestly, rooftop bars in New York can be a total gamble. Some are all view and no soul, while others feel like you’re standing in a corporate elevator lobby that happens to have a balcony.
LilliStar, perched on the 11th floor of the Moxy Williamsburg at 353 Bedford Avenue, is different. It’s got this weirdly specific "Indo-Aussie" vibe that sounds like a marketing buzzword until you actually step inside.
The first thing you notice—besides the fact that the elevator ride is mercifully quick—is the light. The floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the entire space, making the indoor lounge feel like a glass box suspended over the East River. If you’re there for the shots (the camera kind, not just the tequila kind), you want to head straight for the terrace.
The View Everyone is Posting
Let's talk about the LilliStar Brooklyn New York photos you came here to find out about. The "money shot" is the South-facing view. You’re looking directly at the steel trusses of the Williamsburg Bridge. At night, when the bridge lights up and the Manhattan skyline starts to glow across the water, it’s arguably one of the best vistas in the city.
The outdoor terrace is huge. Most Brooklyn rooftops cram you onto a tiny ledge, but this one has actual breathing room. You’ve got low-slung sofas, tropical plants that somehow survive the Brooklyn wind, and mood lighting that makes everyone look about 40% more attractive.
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Inside the LilliStar Aesthetic
Inside is where the design nerds lose it. The ceiling is the star here. Those giant lotus flowers I mentioned? They’re carved from wood and copper, creating this warm, textured canopy over the bar. It’s a far cry from the industrial "exposed brick and Edison bulb" look that has dominated Brooklyn for a decade.
The furniture is a mix of plush banquettes and vintage-inspired pieces. It feels like a 1970s lounge in Bali, but with the chaotic energy of Bedford Avenue right downstairs. It’s vibrant. It’s colorful. It’s very, very "Instagrammable," but it doesn’t feel cheap.
What’s Actually on the Menu?
You can’t just live on views. Well, you can, but it’s a short-lived evening. The drink program was designed by the Bar Lab Hospitality team—the same folks behind the legendary Broken Shaker. This means the cocktails aren't just sugary neon messes meant for TikTok; they’re actually sophisticated.
- Bumbu Marg: A spicy riff on a margarita with strawberry and kiwi oleo, and bird’s eye chili.
- Papaya Salad Daiquiri: This sounds insane, but it works. It uses a papaya salad cordial with tomato, lime, and a tiny dash of fish sauce for that savory kick.
- Large Format Drinks: If you’re with a group, they do these massive cocktails that serve 6-10 people. They usually come in wild vessels, like the "Wu Wave" which is served like a goldfish in a bag.
On the food side, it’s mostly small plates. Think Indonesian-inspired snacks that actually pair well with the humidity of a New York summer night. The Short Rib Rendang Bao is a heavy hitter, and the Ayam Goreng (Indonesian fried chicken wings) with zchug has a cult following for a reason.
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The Reality Check: What to Know Before You Go
Look, it’s not all sunshine and lotus flowers. There are a few things that people usually complain about in reviews, and it's better to know them now so you aren't annoyed later.
- The Cover Charge: Sometimes there’s a fee just to get up there, especially on weekend nights when a DJ is spinning. People have reported paying around $20 just to enter.
- The "Private Event" Problem: Because the space is so beautiful, it gets bought out for weddings and corporate parties constantly. There is nothing worse than trekking to Williamsburg only to be told the roof is closed for a "private function." Check their Instagram or call ahead.
- Automatic Gratuity: They often add a 20% tip to the bill automatically. Keep an eye on your receipt so you don't double-tip by accident.
- The Price Tag: You’re in Williamsburg. On a rooftop. In a hotel. A cocktail is going to run you $18 to $22. It is what it is.
Pro Tips for the Best Photos
If you want those clean LilliStar Brooklyn New York photos without a stranger’s head in the frame, timing is everything.
Go early. On weekends, they usually open around noon or 2 PM. By 4 PM, the crowd starts to swell. By 8 PM, it’s a scene. If you arrive right at opening, you can snag the prime corner seating on the terrace and get your shots before the lighting gets too harsh or the crowd gets too thick.
Golden hour is, obviously, the peak time for photography. The sun sets behind the Manhattan skyline, casting this incredible orange glow over the bridge. It’s cliche because it works.
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How to Get There
The Moxy is located at 353 Bedford Ave. If you're taking the subway, the Marcy Av (J, M, Z) station is your best bet—it’s about a 7-minute walk. You can also take the L train to Bedford Av, but that's a longer trek (about 12-15 minutes).
If you're already in Manhattan, honestly, just take the ferry to the South Williamsburg terminal. It’s a 5-minute walk from the water, and the boat ride itself is a better "New York experience" than the subway ever will be.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Calendar: Before you leave, check their official site or social media to ensure there isn't a private buyout.
- Dress the Part: It’s "Brooklyn chic." You don’t need a suit, but maybe leave the gym shorts at home.
- Order the Fries: The Truffle Parmesan fries with harissa aioli are $20, which is steep, but they are a solid "sober-up" snack.
- Target the "South Patio": For the best views of the bridge, aim for the south-facing outdoor area.
- Bring a Power Bank: If you're taking as many photos as most people do, your phone will be dead by the time you're trying to call an Uber home.
LilliStar remains one of the few places in Brooklyn where the "influencer" aesthetic actually meets decent mixology and a view that doesn't feel like a scam. It's expensive and can be crowded, but for a one-time "New York moment," it hits the mark.