great looking bar, average selection, great atmosphere. Had a smuttynose IPA. Good hang out bar

Ummm...why is this on a beer rating web site...it’s a solid local non-traditional Irish watering hole. I lived around the corner and went to get drunk not to taste...though it’s great for what it is.

22 taps with an average, but well rounded selection, as well as an excellent and fairly priced whiskey list. The bar area is relatively small and cozy, but there’s a nice deck area in the back. Very neighborhood pub feel. I went in the afternoon so it was not crowded at all. Our bartender was friendly but not intrusive. Seems like a great place to hang out, but given its location I imagine it gets pretty crowded on weekends.

Iona is my favorite pub in Williamsburg. It’s on the smallish side, but the recently expanded deck area out the back adds space and a place for smokers. Iona has loads of atmosphere, including an old upright, a "Remember Bannockburn" flag and ex-pat barstaff and customers, no doubt attracted by the feel of home (and the footy being shown). Selection is limited by the size of the bar, but by the same token it’s always fresh. Expect the usual Irish, UK, German and Belgian standards, along with some local craft beers and some seasonal rotators. The Guinness is excellent, one of the best pints I’ve had outside of Ireland. The bar staff are friendly, service is quick and beer knowledge is very good, although you must go to the bar to get your pint. Not an onerous task in this cozy pub. A light, minimal menu is served: panini sandwiches and occasionally some grilled foods served in the garden. Very highly recommended. Update: more attention (and handles!) are being dedicated to craft beers, so Iona moves up in the rankings and should be on more radar screens

"The Irish pub for people who don’t like Irish pubs", Iona is a true public house where you can feel at home. It’s on the small side, but the large deck area out the back adds space. Staff are friendly, knowledgable and service is excellent. Beer selection covers everything from Guinness (two taps, voted one of the best Guinness pints in the North East) to English ales to German lagers to Belgian ales among the 21 taps. Bottle selection is extensive. Food selection is minimal and informal: panini sandwiches and occasionally some grilled foods served in the garden. Busy nights see DJs spinning the latest tunes; Sunday is Reggae/Ska/Dub/Rock Steady night and days see a variety of world sport on the discreetly positioned screens: soccer, rugby, cricket, GAA and similar. Highly recommended.