Our correspondent vowed to have a drink at every single bar in Hoboken and did so successfully with Spirits in the Sixth Borough.” Every Friday morning, we’ll pick up where he left off, showing you distinctive bars in each New York City borough perhaps for the very first time, perhaps to refresh your memory of a fun place you’ve ducked into, or perhaps to suggest a new spot for you to check out as you gear up for the weekend. You can follow our sudsy travels every week with LocalBozo.com’s “Drink Here Now.”

Spritzenhaus 33
33 Nassau Avenue at Guernsey Street, Greenpoint, Brooklyn
347-987-4632
Getting There: G to Nassau Avenue; L to Bedford Avenue
http://www.spritzenhaus33.com

There are several reasons why Greenpoint Brooklyn is suddenly surging with a groundswell of popularity. Aside from an explosion of new restaurants and a close proximity to Williamsburg, it’s the brand new bars that have made the waterfront/industrial neighborhood a must visit part of Brooklyn lore. With roughly 25 beers on tap, Spritzenhaus 33 offers up the complete bar experience for any style of drinker inside of a massive space that suits hipster types that might despise spending an entire day inside of a bar.

The “Drink Here Now” crew had sufficiently heard enough buzz about Spritzenhaus 33 long before our initial afternoon visit. With communal picnic tables on the front sidewalk filled with patrons on a sunny day, it was clear that we found a respite from the atypical dimly lit dive bars that I’ve become so accustomed to getting sloshed in. Spritzenhaus though feels like a step up- a place where families can feel comfortable (though that’s something I loathe), where people can relax with a beer and read or work (this also was happening inside at the time), or more naturally, where groups can come to kick back and find comfort in a spacious and unique open setting.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the lights were entirely off while our group was inside of the bar- there’s so much natural light that enters the room coupled with a roaring fireplace smack dab in the middle of the space that the place feels well lit on its own. The bar is distinctively shaped with taps in a U-shape pouring the likes of Ales, Lagers and Wheats straight into their respective glasses with dozens more in bottle and can form to choose from. Fittingly, the place’s menu is limited solely to one of ten different sausages with toppings, fries, a pretzel and a “Black Kale Salad” ($11). That’s about it. But think about the last time you chomped down a “Krainerwurst” ($8) or a “Duck” ($13) sausage topped with a chorizo chili or a “Jalapeno-Jicama Coleslaw.” Sure has been awhile, hasn’t it?

With some 6,000 square feet, the sheer size of Spritzenhaus is appalling considering that every newfangled new biergarten in Manhattan opens to greater fanfare than this place, which already exists and is essentially excellent. Outdoor seating, close to McCarren Park, tons of great craft beers (the Ommegang “Rare Vos” and Brooklyn Brewery “Sorachi Ace” ($7) on draft are killer) and suitable German fare to sop up said beer? Heck, I’m getting antsy about Spritzenhaus 33 again just by recapping my afternoon there. Make up some excuse to your boss, hop on the next G train into Greenpoint and meet me at Spritzenhaus 33. I’ll be the guy with the book near the fireplace.

The Rundown

Bar Type - A gigantic 6,000 square feet beer lovers paradise with indoor and outdoor seating among a ton of other charming characteristics.

When to Visit – Spritzenhaus 33 is absolutely an ideal place to stop by on a warm sunny afternoon…and stay until it’s dark outside.

Value - Fortunately for you, the bar offers up some beer and shot specials for just $6. I didn’t say they were top shelf shots, I just said that they do contain a great deal of value. The “Silver Surfer” in particular is a Nude Beach Summer Wheat beer and a shot of tequila.

The Lowdown – Every visit to Greenpoint makes it harder and harder for me to leave. If there were an easier way to travel directly from Manhattan, I might even consider calling the Williamsburg sister my home. But until then, I’ll have to settle for their newly opened restaurants and great bars to give me an excuse to brave the longer commute out and with every coming visit, you can be sure I’ll find my way back to Spritzenhaus 33, one of the best stops anywhere in New York City.