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Published on 7/4/08
Published on 7/2/08
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1. Dram Shop
The tidy interior of the new bar in town looks like a cross between medieval dining quarters and a T.G.I. Friday’s, and the clientele ranges from twentysomething to seventysomething. When I ask the bartender for a recommendation, she touts the Scotch and bourbon list, but adds mischievously, “We like our shots here.” Hence the name, I guess. 339 9th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (718-788-1444). Drinks $2.50–$35.
2. Jackie’s Fifth Amendment
The scene is eerily music-free, unless you count the chorus of swear words from the Brooklynites who call this dive home. The bartender, a no-nonsense woman in her sixties named Fran, fixes us seriously stiff highballs. Everyone knows her and she knows everyone. Just not us. In fact, I get the impression that neither she nor anyone at the bar has any interest in getting to know us. 404 Fifth Ave at 7th St (718-788-9123). Drinks $2–$8.
3. Excelsior
It takes just a few seconds to realize we’re in a gay bar, a theory confirmed by the stack of Next magazines and the absence of women. The back patio is the best feature, and though it’s currently frozen over, it is cozy and lush in the warmer months. 390 Fifth Ave between 6th and 7th Sts (718-832-1599). Drinks $4–$14.
4. Bar Reis
This place, which has a tendency to lure in recent Brooklyn transplants—according to our bartender, “it’s the Ellis Island of Park Slope”—looks like an apartment I would kill for: three floors, exposed brick and a spiral staircase (progressively harder to navigate as your BAC is nearing zero-point-tipsy). The basement—equipped with couches, an outdoor patio and a DJ booth—is prime for a random make-out session, but no one else seems clued in to that just yet. I had planned to go easy here, but the diverse selections on tap (fruity lagers! chocolaty stouts!) are irresistible. 375 Fifth Ave between 5th and 6th Sts (718-832-5716).
5. Ginger’s
Outside Ginger’s, I run into some guys we met at Excelsior who insisted we hit up this popular sapphic hangout. The ladies here take their pool very seriously, so I make it my mission to not interrupt. Skeletons riding horses dangle from the ceiling. Or am I really that wasted? 363 Fifth Ave between 5th and 6th Sts (718-788-0924). Drinks $4.50–$9.
6. The Gate
The Nirvana pumping through the homey wood interior is audible on the expansive outdoor deck. Everyone is really chilled out, sipping pints from the good selection of brews. I spy three dogs—at night, pooches replace toddlers as the favorite Park Slope accessory. But my waning reflexes cause me to dribble a SoCo Lime shot on my shirt and feel not unlike a two-year-old. 321 Fifth Ave at 3rd St (718-768-4329). Drinks $4–$18.
7. Loki Lounge
There’s a pattern at this gargantuan bar, which features a fireplace, couches and table service: girl leans coyly against the wall with fratty guy looming over her. She blushes, he goes in for the kill, we leave. 304 Fifth Ave at 2nd St (718-965-9600). Drinks $4–$30.
8. Great Lakes
This Fifth Avenue standard (owned by the proprietors of Boat in Carroll Gardens) is a blur of plaids, vintage and beards, with a corresponding jukebox selection. The vibe is pretentious and clashes with the contented wave I’ve been riding all night. 284 Fifth Ave at 1st St (718-499-3710). Drinks $3–$9.
9. Union Hall
I have a small crush on the bouncer, Tim, who busts a little move when the line slows. Our Baileys-and-Guinness shots work well with the university-club interior, complete with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, a fireplace and a few coveted couches next to the bar. The bocce court takes center stage in the mob scene (arrive as early as 8pm to get a spot in a game), and downstairs, some dude and his guitar make music. 702 Union St between Fifth and Sixth Aves (718-638-4400). Drinks $3–$10.
FINISH Lobo
A popular Tex-Mex joint by day, Lobo could be a tequila-lovers’ dream by night, but it’s severely lacking in patronage. That’s a shame, because this bar, where they flavor their own tequilas, has the potential to be a señor among los chicos. We scald our throats with a jalapeño-infused elixir and chase it down with—what else?—margaritas. 188 Fifth Ave at Sackett St (718-636-8886). Drinks $7–$11.
JudyJ
Fri, Mar 21, at 02:47pm
Loved the comments on these hang-outs. Gotta start hitting Brooklyn dude.
Angela
Mon, Mar 17, at 04:23am
Great Lakes...pretentious. Really? No.
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