There's no denying it, the Park Slope bar and lounge scene now rivals any other, from DUMBO and Williamsburg to SOHO and the Village. With great hang outs on every avenue, including Eight, Seventh, Sixth and Fifth, the Park Slope nightlife is drawing crowds from all over the city. If there is any beacon of activity, it is the rapidly budding Fifth Avenue phenomenon. With new bars cropping up every week, it's hard to keep up on what's become available to the residents of an ever changing and eclectic neighborhood. One things for sure, the younger generation of urban-minded Slopers is adding their own vibrancy to a place once thought of as old establishment.
By: Rosemary Hahn
Originally published in the Park Slope Reader.
12th Street Bar - 1123 Eighth Avenue (718) 965-9526 corner of 12th Street & Eighth Avenue)
South Slopers venturing into this small, dark bar with rock music blaring from the speakers, groovy light fixtures and tattooed clientele might never guess that it is affiliated to the unassuming and elegant restaurant next door. But they can turn a corner after having their delicate lemon chicken and unwind while rocking out with a cool draft at the bar, or even have their dinner delivered to them from two doors away by the restaurant wait staff. The only ambience carried over from the 12th Street Grill other than the food, are the wooden blinds on the windows and impressively large wooden doors. Otherwise, the younger set and close knit dog-loving locals have marked this joint their own neighborhood dive.
Cocotte Bar - 337 Fifth Avenue (718) 832-6848 (corner of 6th Street and Fifth Avenue)
The accompaniment to the French Restaurant Cocotte, the cinderblock walls of this bar beckon that it is anything but Provencal. Taking up little space on the block, the tiny sized bar offers an interesting collection of beers, wines and liquors, plus any number of delectable French goodies from the extensive restaurant menu. On Sundays, grab a seat away from the overflowing brunch crowd taking over the dining area and retire to the bar and enjoy their revered French toast in peace. A jelly jar chandelier and dark red draperies help balance out the post-industrial look of the bar, and the perky staff seems to be always in the mood for good conversation. With a small space like this, order your drink and be ready to yak.
Bar 4 - 444 Seventh Avenue (718) 832-9800 (corner of 15th Street & Seventh Avenue)
Proving that young and hip can also be comfortable and easy going is the atmosphere this Seventh Avenue hangout provides with its collection of big couches coupled with sexy, kitschy adult-themed game machines. Serving up cool mixed drinks like a zingy lemon drop martini and groovy tunes to mellow out on, this place also features the work of local artists on the walls. The crowd is a collection of young locals and cruising singles, getting into their groove on an otherwise quiet block.
Bar Reis - 375 Fifth Avenue (718) 832-5716
Walking into this place seems like walking into a large closet with a bar in it ala The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe; venture further and you will discover all the dimensions of Bar Reis. Passing the quaint yet trendy looking wine-satiated bar on the left and following the staircase down will expose a full-sized industrial strength lounge, which becomes impermeably full on weekends. Accompanying concrete floors, black painted wooden benches and a live DJ is a large and fully stashed bar. There is a lovely outside courtyard from this level with a gazebo-like area for late night dawdling. Never you mind the sign posted that asks you keep the noise level down out of respect for neighbors, the DJ doesn't seem to. The most hidden treasure of the mini complex is the small winding staircase on the main floor that leads up to a sneak away lounge which looks over the rest of the bar, perfect for small parties or to enjoy their Karaoke Thursdays.
Barbes - 376 9th Street (718) 965 9177 (corner of 9th Street and Sixth Avenue)
Offering more than the usual happy hour, this bar's Traveling Cinema Series offers pubbers a free movie night every Monday at 9 p.m. Adding to the drama on the 16mm projector screen are the richly Moroccan themed interiors, mixing film elements with ethnic ingredients, giving a hip Agatha Christie feel to the scene. On weekends, expect an always unusual array of culturally diverse music as live bands play in the back of the candlelit room. The happy-go-lucky crowd is a mix of Slopers from every age range all out to enjoy some of the bar's unusual draft offerings like Old Speckled Hen on tap.
Blah-Blah Lounge - 501 11th Street (718) 369-BLAH (corner of 11th Street & Seventh Avenue)
This place certainly earns a title of eclectic, transforming from a quiet poetry-reading hostelry or stand up comedy club on Wednesdays during their Open Mic night, into a swanked out lounge on the weekends. On Saturdays, the lounge factor is turned up with techno trance music streaming through the place and mobiles of plastic toys and whistles hanging from the ceiling. The large screen projector which plays movies on the back wall can be a distraction as are the fascinating antique love letters encased in the bar. Though the granny wall paper, color-changing bar and lava lamps might prove too shagadelic for some, the homey living-room style seating arrangements provide ample space for group night gatherings. RECENTLY CLOSED and re-opened as Applewood: a fine organic retaurant)
Cafe Ma - 428 Bergen (718) 638-0645 (Corner of Bergen and Fifth Avenue)
Large couch seating welcomes you into this great night cap lounge, while groove-jet soul and dance mixes with old style R&B to soothe you into the end (or beginning) of the night. Certainly relaxing, but still happening is this little sitting room for the laid back bar crawler. To help get into the mood, have one of their "bubble teas", a Taiwanese dessert drink available with alcohol. The right mix of posh and funk make this place inviting to a very eclectic crowd of people from all parts of the Slope, all differing in ethnicity, age and background. The overall collective vibe is very cool and very groovy.
Casper Jones 440 Bergen (718) 399-8741 (on Bergen Street near Fifth Avenue)
The cocktail hour in Park Slope has been reinvented by this fierce retro-contemporary space. There is nothing juvenile about this very adult clubhouse. Finally, a place in Park Slope a girl can feel free to break out her Jimmy Choo mules and sip cosmos without having to sacrifice that casual Brooklyn charm. Open and airy, it is the fully realized idea of a metropolitan lounge of old, done new again. Modern jazz echoes through the lofty space designed around modern wood architectural elements like the new light wood plank floor with touches of sleek metal in the light fixtures and windows. Slightly muted color blocked walls house large contemporary art pieces that are softly lit by candlelight. Sheer white drapery hangs along the long windows that line the bar, adding to the feeling of having wandered into a chic modern art gallery after-party. Don't be duped by the glossy girls in the flowy designer duds, this friendly hot spot offers lemonade during happy hour and serves from a tasty menu of soups, salads and Panini sandwiches, unless of course you're in the mood for a cold Stella or one of their double frothy cappuccinos.
Excelsior - 390 Fifth Avenue (718) 832-1599 (between 6th & 7th Street)
The mix of attractive and sociable mostly gay locals at this Fifth Avenue favorite is good clean fun for anyone who's cruising the bar scene looking for a friendly watering hole. The sleek red walls and wooden drop ceiling lend their masculine element to this lighthearted spot, where the mention of The Simpsons will prompt the entertaining bar tender to pull out their Simpsons Trivia Game to be gawked at for the rest of the evening. A small balcony patio steps down into a large garden complete with a mega barbeque pit, where patrons are welcome to bring their own meat during milder climate for a personalized roast. Nothing says a fun night more than a good burger enjoyed among friends.
The Gate - 321 Fifth Avenue (718) 768-4329 (corner of 3rd Street and Fifth Avenue)
Strolling down Fifth Avenue on a weekend night, it would be difficult to miss the blast that spills out from this popular West Slope bar. Though often packed, space should not prove a problem in this cavernous place which has a large patio section crammed with a jeans and baseball cap crowd. But don't be fooled by its resemblance to a sportier pub. While Bjork plays from the jukebox, bartenders serve up interesting drafts like Robert the Bruce Scottish Ale, John Courage, and White Bread, reminding you that you are in fact on the Park Slope side of Fifth Avenue.
Ginger's Bar - 363 Fifth Avenue (718) 788-0924
Giving a different spin on the local gay/lesbian-friendly bar, Ginger's is an easy going hodgepodge of loyal locals who enjoy the bar's affable mood and hefty pool table. It's perfect for any subtle lass looking for an alternative to Manhattan-style night life or any local with a hankering for a good happy hour deal. From 5-8 p.m., go for the $3 well drinks. The sweet and chatty bar tender serves up from a hefty drink selection, including a frothy Harp on tap, while femme faves like Melissa Ethridge, TLC and Dee-Lite rotate on the jukebox.
Gowanus Lounge 206 Fifth Avenue (718) 622-7300 (corner of Union Street & Fifth Avenue)
In the section of Park Slope that is quickly becoming a haven for lounge-seekers yet still gives off the vibe of being utterly urban and rough around the edges, in Gowanus they find a gentle hideaway with a velvety smooth setting. Subtle smelling candles glimmer around the cushiony warm lounge. Red jacquard print seats, dark wood furniture, cushioned seating booths and mismatched ottomans confer the essence of a tasteful Chelsea Manhattan apartment. Early evenings here are ideal for laid back Brooklynites and Manhattanites seeking asylum from the downtown bar crowds, when they can relax with friends and locals to the soft thump of classic rock, smooth techno and jazz. The usual beers abide with $5 Stella, Guiness, Heineken and Reingold as well as a wine list of Merlot and Cabernet. RECENTLY CLOSED!
Great Lakes - 284 Fifth Avenue (718) 499-3710 (corner of 1st Street & Fifth Avenue)
For anyone familiar with the Midwestern pre-grunge Indie musical surge of the eighties and nineties (think The Replacements) or for anyone that misses the feel of their weekend party trips to Austin or Seattle can appreciate the tone of this bar. Reminiscent of a poetry major's college dorm room; the decor features multi-colored Christmas lights and wood-beamed ceilings. The long, dark space is filled with the songs from post modern past like Yo La Tengo, the Velvet Underground, the Buzz cocks and The Smiths while the slight scent of nachos permeates the air, making the illusion of being at a 1989 grad student's party complete.
Loki Lounge - 304 Fifth Avenue (718) 965-9600 (corner of 2nd Street and Fifth Avenue)
The title of this bar might make bar hoppers expect a quiet den to curl away in, instead of the crowded swirl of business-type local singles that inhabit it on the weekends. The most "low-key" element here is the lack of pretense in the mix of Slopers and wanderers from other neighborhoods (think Bay Ridgers all dressed up). There is a darkened cocktail only lounge in the back for the couch and chair-needy group or overzealous couple being inspired by the room's large sky/moonlight encased in the ceiling. The large red velvet drapes and rugs add a warm feel to this mad swinging single and date night spot.
Long-Tan - 196 Fifth Avenue (718) 622-8444 (Between Bergen and Union)
Although this bar is part of a Thai Restaurant, don't expect the usual Asian food kitsch in this swank modern hang out like Chinese fans or white kitty clocks. The bar reflects the stylish restaurant's feng shue-like decor with luminous light fixtures and sleek wood design elements that add to the updated feel of this Oriental-inspired and architecturally interesting bar. The sense of the place is shaped from the young and hip clique, chilling out to sweet rock tunes served up by the DJ. Any peckish bar goers can consider the impressive menu of scrumptious sounding Thai cuisine like sticky rice, and eat at the bar well into the wee hours, usually until 2a.m.
Mack's Place - 1114 Eighth Avenue (718) 832-9446 (corner 12th Street & Eighth Avenue)
This low-key neighborhood staple is attached to the burger flipping restaurant Johnny Mack's. Along with a good selection of draft beers and a small but decent wine list, you can enjoy one of their famous burgers (said to be the best in the slope) at the bar while you chat with one of their friendly bar tenders or one of many local regulars. Though it often closes early, before the younger slope crowd is even jetting out the door or out of the night clubs, it's a great place to slump into after work and grab a bite and a drink. The very bright painted scenery on the walls, the game showing on the bar TV, and the occasional toddler running through with their folks after lunch will let you know that this is more of a laid-back family establishment than a swinging night spot.
Magnolia Bar & Grill - 486 Sixth Avenue (718) 316-4814 (corner of 12th Street and Sixth Avenue)
Sleek wood interiors and softly glowing lights compliment this warmly inviting bar/ restaurant. The intimate restaurant's bar sits to the side, where you can order the grill's luscious food like the mussels or porterhouse steak while sipping wine from their ample wine list. Making a more lasting impression than the furnishings is the hospitality, where the friendly staff and personal service will remind you why you like to spend your entertainment money in Brooklyn.
Moda Cafe - 294 Fifth Avenue (718) 832-8897
Wander into this hole in the wall bar and you might wonder if you've busted into someone's private party. The intimate bar room leaves little for breathing space, let alone a DJ booth, which explains why the master spinners have their own console loft upstairs overlooking the chatty crowd. Trippy dance music and a fashionable hipster crowd lend to the clubby feel. The hyper party night girl at the bar is proof that there is a good selection of java drinks on the menu as well as booze.
Nana's Bar 1155 Fifth Avenue (718) 230-3749
With the sweetish smell of Japanese food from the adjacent restaurant wafts through, this small tangerine and lime seventies-inspired bar gets its groove on regardless of the fact that it might still be considered a pit stop for passing diners instead of the local clubhouse it's destined to become. A brightly lit bar with spacey swivel chairs lend to the cheery atmosphere as the DJ spins Stereolab tunes into the mostly single Slope crowd. The usual liquors and beers are served along with the Japanese beer Sapporo for the more venturing beer drinker.
Park Slope Ale House - 356 Sixth Avenue (718) 788-1756 (corner of 5th Street and Sixth Avenue)
This sporty tavern boasts possibly one of the largest lists of tap beers in the neighborhood. With good brews like the local Red Hook Nut Brown and the hard to find Magic Hat along with a pool table and dart board downstairs, this is as pure and simple a pub as you can get for the avid beer drinker. A small patio outside, booth seating and a kitchen that serves good ole American fatty fair like fried pickles with blue cheese dressing and popcorn shrimp means that when there's a good game on, get there early.
Patio Lounge - 179 Fifth Avenue (718) 857-3477 (between Berkley and Lincoln Place)
A heavy list of drinking possibilities resides at Patio, a charming and unassuming bar, which as the name suggests holds an all out Zen-inspired patio in the back. A happy conversing crowd sips champagne cocktails, sangria and Kurosawa sake on patio tables and chairs beside a dreamy water wall fountain while a DJ console lulls out party songs that seep into the garden. Yuengling, sake and other Japanese potions are listed alongside a hearty beer stock on tap including Stella, Hoegaarden, Nevada, Leffe Blonde. Inside the spacious bar the large litho style Japanimation artwork/ wallpaper and fluffy den furniture helps supply the bar's modern and young twist on the Zen theme, which all turns quiet and cavernous on nicer nights when r the whole of the bar's clientele migrates onto the patio.
The Royale - 506 Fifth Avenue (718) 840-0089 (between 12th and 13th Street) - Look out! It's The Royale, exclaims the chalk board at the entrance to this unexpected hipster hideaway. Walking in, the circular windows and fish tank-like front widow make it appear as a modish seafood restaurant. Inside, the scene is like a younger, hipper take on a cruise ship lounge, with huge fake palm plants casting looming shadows on the walls from the red candleglow in the Moorish chandeliers and votives. The party mood is infectious as the DJ in the back spins upbeat island-techno to a fun seeking crowd that is unmistakably Park Slope. The large rounded archway leads to the backroom, which is decorated like a Spanish tropical genie bottle with red fringed canopies that fall over the seating booths. The large DJ console is decorated with animal print and a palm tree wallpaper backdrop. Happy hour includes $3 draft drinks, $4 on regular nights and the Rheingold is always $3. This is definitely a party spot and not a poetry slam joint, so lay back and enjoy Royale's sophisticated festive ambience without any pretensions. After all, where else can you still get Pabst Blue Ribbon in a can?
South Paw - 125 Fifth Avenue (718) 230-0236
This bar/ club/ entertainment complex sits unobtrusively on Fifth Avenue resembling any number of bars along the same street, yet inside is a massive locale where an impressive list of live bands play every week and there is plenty of room to mosh. A sectioned off quarter is available for seating, as well as the large and well-stocked bar if getting off the dance floor is a priority. Music like The Stone Temple Pilots and Blondie playing from the old fashioned jukebox on quieter nights resonates that this is a rocker's paradise. If the ancient video game machine doesn't make you feel like a teenager sneaking into a club concert, then nothing will.
The Tea Lounge - 350 Seventh Avenue (718) 768-4966 (corner of 10th Street and Seventh Avenue)(Second location on Union Street between 6th and 7th Avenues)
For those tired of patronizing the same old coffee house franchise, this sweet shop puts an original twist on the established cafe idea. Over 60 varieties of tea are available to quench your desire for the bittersweet brew, including a range of chai teas, herbal teas, and some old standbys like an Empire Earl Gray and a Lavender Chamomile, which are served up on little trays with personal rations of honey, milk and sugar. Unusual tea concoctions are available such as Red Shakra and Moroccan Mint as are the usual corner shop treats like muffins and dessert bars for the little ones and there are many little ones. For those in the stroller set, hot cocoa is served covered with chocolaty hearts delicately scooped onto the top by the counter staff. For any tag along wanting other un-tea beverages, different coffees and beers are kept in store as well.
