by Nikki Pepper3 Brooklyn Hoods, 6 Brooklyn Bars
24 adorably-displayed beer taps at Strong Place. Photo Credit: Nikki Pepper.
Brooklyn is the new Manhattan…says real estate Corcoran, NYC’s largest private real estate firm. Whether you believe the sister borough of the Big City, there’s one certainty: plenty of new places to eat, drink and play. From the brunch spots along Court Street to the corner bars on the cobble stones of DUMBO, Brooklyn has much to offer, and much of it is new thanks to the last few years of Manhattanites and millennials rushing to BK for relatively affordable rent prices (prices that didn’t last long– according to NY Daily News) and mix of new luxury high rises and historic brownstones.
With the cold and rainy weather still going strong, it might be a bit longer before we can Citibike the bridges and stroll through Smorgasburg, but in the meantime grab a cocktail at one of my top bar picks in one of my favorite three Brooklyn neighborhoods.
View of the Freedom Tower, Gehry Building and Brooklyn Bridge from DUMBO. Photo Credit: Nikki Pepper.
DUMBO
A small waterfront neighborhood between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. Lots of cobble stone and lots of families.
Super fine art and lighting at Superfine. Photo Credit: White Wave.
SuperFine, 126 Front St.
With its massive brick archway and window front, you can’t miss this bar under the Manhattan Bridge. SuperFine is a fun bi-level spot with a warm, brick interior. Not new to the DUMBO area – the establishment has been around just over a decade. SuperFine gets the local crowd cheers-ing both on the weekends and weeknights. Check out the artwork along the back wall or shoot a game of pool…for free.
AlMar, 111 Front St.
For evening wine in a cozy, neighborhood spot, wander into AlMar. The communal wooden tables are inviting for an after-work dinner or just glass of vino. If you’re hungry, try the eggplant or the daily homemade soup. Make your ATM stop beforehand; AlMar is cash only.
COBBLE HILL
Homey but bustling, Cobble Hill boasts lots of brunch spots, boutiques, bookstores and bars.
Thursday music series at Strong Place. Photo Credit: Nikki Pepper.
Strong Place, 270 Court St.
Strong Place is a local’s local spot. The industrial metal meets wood and brick, are the perfect decor for the dozen beers on tap. Once all the snow melts and it feels like Spring, the backyard is home to life-size Jenga. Every Thursday night, Strong Place has a live music series that starts at 9p. There’s no cover and the lineup varies week to week, but the track record is strong. A previous performer was a dead ringer for Johnny Cash (voice, not looks, that is).
Congress, located on Court Street, one of the main streets of Cobble Hill. Photo Credit: Congress.
Congress, 208 Court St.
Congress is brand new (it opened in late December 2013) to the Court Street scene and is proving to hold its own. The tiny bar keeps it simple – no food, just drinks here – with 10 taps, $10 wine by the glass and an intense Bloody Mary menu, including Sriracha and cayenne pepper. Bring a vinyl record and they will play it while you drink at the bar or take a table in the back. Note: Cash only.
WILLIAMSBURG
This hipster haven is home to more than skinny jeans and the L Train. Here’s two spots that go beyond ordering a bottle of beer.
The carefully selected beverage ingredients and chalkboard menu at Dram. Photo Credit: Dram.
Dram, 177 S. 4th St.
Homemade syrups and infused spirits designed by local owner Thomas Chadwick make this a neighborhood favorite. The menu of cocktail combinations is too tempting to choose one! I ordered the “Bartender’s Choice”– just name your liquor and pick shaken or stirred– and one of the talented bartenders does the rest for you. If you like what you’re sipping, check out Bar Below Rye where Chadwick co-created the cocktail menu.
The massive white marble bar matches the extensive oyster selection. Photo Credit: Maison Premiere.
Maison Premiere, 298 Bedford Ave.
Absinthe and oysters? Sign me up. The self-dubbed “Oyster House and Cocktail Den” bar staff rock suspenders and rolled up sleeves, while they serve patrons from their copious menu of East and West Coast oysters. Take your time reading over the cocktail menu– there’s some interesting mixtures with a few eye-catching names– an obituary or USS bomber anyone?
Brooklyn is big borough so a half dozen bars isn’t even the tip of the ice…cube. But if you’re looking for a local crowd, upbeat vibe and tasty beverage (or 4), all of these Brooklyn bars fit the bill. And always keep your eyes open & let us know what you find. With spots opening on a regular – just check out these new beer spots that all opened in the last few months – your new favorite haunt might be quite literally right around the corner.
The Manhattan Bridge from Front Street in DUMBO. Photo Credit: Nikki Pepper.
