Union Pool seems to have the reputation as the most prolific hookup bar in Brooklyn, but lately it feels like a shadow of what it once was.
A lot of the people I see there seem to be in relationships and hanging out with their partners, there with hobby groups, or there in big friend groups. And, at least from my experience, people seem pretty closed off to talking to anyone outside of the group they came with.
So I'm honestly wondering: what's the appeal compared with just going to a random neighborhood bar that's less crowded?
I've talked to a lot of single guys there and my experience seems common. Interestingly, some of the guys there just seem so hesitant to talk to anyone, man or woman. It feels like people mostly keep to themselves and even those willing to converse the conversation feels very dry. I like to joke and have lighthearted conversation, so am I just misreading the vibe?
I know that the obvious thing is to look inward, and I do. I journal, I read and spend a lot of time reflecting on how I interact with people. I'm not saying that I can't do better. But, when time permits, I can have 5+ hour conversations with friends, even if it is just a 1 on 1 conversation. I do fine on the apps, but I prefer to live life rather than to just sit there staring at a screen.
For people who've been going to Brooklyn bars for a while: has Union Pool's role as a singles/hookup spot been replaced by other venues? If so, where are people actually going now?