Since opening on Union Street less than a year ago, Park Slope’s Crab Spot has become among the most sought after restaurants in Brooklyn for seafood hounds. The restaurant’s comfortable space and vast menu brings a bit of uniqueness to Park Slope that is surprisingly unavailable elsewhere in town, a bit of a surprise considering the fact that New York City seems to cater to any diner’s appetite. But that said, finding a local seafood restaurant that can match the appeal and the authenticity of those that we associate with beach towns are essentially nonexistent in New York City. Crab Spot, however is a place that offers such distinction and on Sunday afternoon, the restaurant would celebrate with a day long “Snow Crab Festival” putting some of the place’s finest food on full display. And guests were treated to an endless feast of delectable proportions.

Tickets for the “Snow Crab Festival” were (pardon the pun) shelled out in different two and a half hour sessions, allowing patrons plenty of time to crack open unlimited handfuls of crab meat. With a house DJ working the mix, we arrived just after 3pm and the space was nearly full with an array of folks already seated working on the massive helpings of crab in front of them. The music could be heard booming outside of the restaurant in anticipation of the frenzy of eats that was to come. Each session included generous portions of snow crabs, whole potatoes, tasty corn on the cob, and of course, pours of premium draught beer.

As we approached the bar for pints of Radeberger, the wafting aroma from the freshly prepared crabs was quickly noticeable. Small parties were seated all around us, with plates covered in crab shells and stripped down corn stems. With mallets in hand we stepped up to the serving station where two friendly restaurant employees were doling out the goods. Grabbing all the fixins, the piping hot white steam exploded out from the large silver serving trays as the massive crabs were revealed to us. Fortunately for us, the restaurant didn’t skimp on their generous portions as each subsequent return trip for more crabs was met with the same heaping plate filled with tender crab. Equipped with old bay seasoning and a small side of drawn butter, we cracked each succulent morsel of delicious meat from its shell with a smile, and slurped down as much of it as we were physically able to.

Donning white plastic bibs, we lapped up every ounce of the rich drawn butter around the flavorful crab meat, which frankly did not even need any additional accoutrement to compliment its taste. Just as we had reached our fill with three helpings of crabs alongside the hearty potatoes and corn, Crab Spot rolled out some desserts for their guests and we were treated to some fantastic “Individually Baked Sour Cream Cheese Cake” and their “Warm Apple Crumbled Tart.” The desserts only served to highlight an already stellar afternoon in our first visit to Crab Spot, a place that certainly knows a thing or two about delivering authentically delicious seafood to a city where such delicacies are hardly commonplace.

Duke of Montrose
47 5th Avenue at Bergen Street, Park Slope Brooklyn
347-763-0010
Getting There: 2,3,4,5,B,D,N,R,Q to Atlantic Terminal
http://www.dukeofmontrosepub.com

As summer kicks into high gear it’s time to get outside and soak up the sun! This past weekend Park Slope, Brooklyn welcomed in the heat with a sprawling street festival to rival many of the ticketed events one might find around town. It’s the 39th annual, “Seventh Heaven Street Fair” and for an entire day we ate, drank, shopped and strolled this popular stretch of the historic avenue.

Shortly after noon we hit the bustling streets, breathing in all the delectable eats peppered throughout. Needless to say we were thrilled to be able to visit all of our favorite eateries and bars that would be temporarily relocated to the street for great portable eating and imbibing. It wouldn’t be Seventh Avenue without a visit to two of the most popular establishments which only opened a few years ago but have garnered a huge following. We first stopped by the booth set up by Crespella who was doling out freshly prepared desert style crepes. Each tightly wrapped sweet was loaded with the likes of fresh fruit and Nutella. Sometimes you just have to skip right to dessert. We sure did! A few blocks away we passed by some great shops selling the likes of Mexican wrestling masks and beautiful hand made pillows with designs of cats on them. After drinking in the commerce it was time for some savory eats. Fortunately for us, Zito’s Sandwich Shoppe was ready to serve up a few choice selections from their delicious catalog of Italian favorites. For a low price patrons could order overstuffed meatball sliders on a hard roll and prosciutto and rice balls with a cup of their homemade tomato sauce on the side for dipping. We also grabbed a tall pint of Sixpoint Brewery’s, “Crisp” to wash all this goodness down. The meatballs on the sliders were literally the size of a baseballs. Each bite showed off how incredible their meat blend is, making us crave a full parmigiana style sandwich!

With brews in hand we made our way down the street seeing all the smiling families purchasing toys for the kids, crafts for mom and records for the hipster dads. There was literally something for everyone to buy and help support local, small business. After making a few purchases, mainly house plants and pickles because that’s how we roll it was time to eat some burgers. Popular New York chain, Bareburger set up shop outside of their corner location to grill up slider versions of their signature organic burgers. We could have popped at least five of these in our mouths! Next up we were happy to run into friend of LocalBozo, Chef Jacques Gautier owner of the Union Street barbecue joint Fort Reno. As per usual Chef Gautier and his brilliant pitmaster were smoking some choice cuts of pork to prepare their highly noteworthy ‘cue. But on this occasion they changed it up by serving a sandwich made out of smoked blue fish with homemade pickled vegetables and aioli on a hot dog bun. The smoked and salty fish perfectly blended with the vinegary pickles, making this one of the big winners of the day. Seriously, what will this chef think up next?

As the hours rolled on the fun grew and so did the early summer heat! Since this was such a neighborhood centric event we were pleased to see local politicians such as Chuck Schumer and Anthony Weiner on the street meeting their constituents. Like all great events this one had to come to a close. We may have had a slight sun burn but we couldn’t have been happier to spend the day in this fantastic neighborhood and do our part to support local business.

4th Avenue Pub
76 4th Avenue, Park Slope, Brooklyn
718-643-2273
Getting There: D,N,R to Atlantic Avenue – Pacific Street

The “Drink Here Now” crew is back this week to get your weekend started on the right foot with a serious craft beer bar in Brooklyn with one of the most laid back vibes imaginable. Sure, we have taken you through the boroughs to joints that pour this small batch nectar but perhaps none captures the essence of a relaxing watering hole for grabbing good beer in a somewhat divey space than the 4th Avenue Pub. The crew and I are no strangers to this bar that borders the upscale Park Slope and up and coming neighborhood of Gowanus. 4th Avenue Pub is known for its vast selection of quality craft beers, some of which we had never heard of previously. It also doesn’t hurt that they offer free popcorn to patrons with plenty of Old Bay spice to boot!

On a recent spring afternoon we made our way inside from the bustling street that now borders the Barclays Center, firmly putting this bar on the pre-game circuit. After grabbing a few baskets of popcorn, we sat at the bar filled with other daytime drinkers (this is our kind of place). The bar is known for their selection of ever rotating brews and therefore, it was important for us to consult the bartender before blindly making selections for what we would imbibe. With the near summer heat blazing through the door, the bartender recommended we gulp glasses of “Blue Point White IPA,” “Smuttynose Summer Weizen Ale,” and “Ommegang Belgian Pale Ale.” Each ran us roughly $6. After taking our first sip, we had to hand it to him- these beers were summer in a glass! Once we had a few more it was easy to kick back and take in the scenery.

Patrons may not realize this upon first viewing but 4th Avenue Pub has a terrific outdoor seating area that exists just down a flight of stairs. So when the weather is agreeable you should grab your pints and friends to head outside for a ton more daytime fun. On this day it happened to be slightly rainy so we were more than happy to stay inside and people watch out of the bar’s huge window onto the ever exciting show that is downtown Brooklyn. The bar is known to host several events and tastings by some of the best craft brewers going today. These one off events are a perfect way to expose one’s self to some killer suds before most of the public gets wind of it. A few years ago we found out about New Jersey’s own Carton Brewing Company here and haven’t stopped drinking it since. So what are you waiting for? Grab a stool, kick back and consult your bartender! 

Bar Type – Craft beer centric bar with a rare divey feel to it. During the warmer months patrons can enjoy their outside drinking patio.

When to Visit – We think anytime is fine for visiting the pub. But do yourself a favor and try to attend one of their amazing events and tastings.

Value – It’s all about quality here. So expect to pay a dollar or two more when ordering your beer of choice.

The Lowdown – It’s rare to find a popular craft beer bar be this laid back on all fronts. Sure, there are plenty of joints with similar style citywide but 4th Avenue Pub truly makes you feel at home.

Park Slope, Brooklyn’s Fifth Avenue is much more than just a grouping of interconnected streets filled with commerce and residential brownstones. Something so much stronger exists here- a community of homegrown businesses who strive to provide a solid product to the droves of locals who live to support them and have a great time in doing so. The great people at the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID know this all too well. And for another exciting year, they have taken to the city landmark Grand Prospect Hall to make our dreams come true with the annual “A Taste Of 5th Avenue.” The LocalBozo.com crew was thrilled to attend Wednesday night’s event which put many of our favorite restaurants in the spotlight.

For being well over a hundred years old the Hall still retains as much charm as it likely did when its doors first opened. As the packed crowd of locals and those from other boroughs filed in, we began to scope out all of the delectable selections. As with most events it’s important to wet ones whistle and not jump directly into gouging since there would be plenty of that going down in due time. We approached the well stocked bar and grabbed two bottles of Schmaltz Brewery’s “Coney Island Pilsner,” a perfectly crisp and drinkable brew to help welcome in these early days of spring. After that it was all about the food.

Luckily for us, with such a selection of local vendors, lines were kept relatively short and food was constantly in abundance. Meats were on the menu for us first. Benchmark, the restaurant located near the popular Loki Lounge was all about the baby back ribs on this night. Each rib was drenched in a spicy yet sweet dark barbecue sauce and paired with a tomato salsa as a garnish. The meat literally fell off the bone, melting in one’s mouth giving little time for actual chewing. A few steps away we caught up with friend of LocalBozo and the Brooklyn community as a whole, Chef Jacques Gautier owner of Palo Santo and Fort Reno BBQ. The crew of both establishments worked in tandem together to produce delicious tacos and choice cuts of juicy meats paired with their homemade pickled carrots and hot sauce. All of these eats came directly off their specially made and much talked about smoker, made from a bike.

Sliders and meat dishes as a whole seemed to be a popular trend for the evening’s festivities and we are never ones to complain about this. Bonnie’s Grill who are known citywide for their outstanding hot wings came to the “Taste” with Sloppy Joe sliders. Each bite exploded with freshly ground meat, onions and a killer chili style sauce. Brunch spot and coffee joint, Dizzy’s recently moved down the Slope hill to expand to a lovely corner 5th Avenue locale. And in keeping with the homemade feel to the place, they showed up with meatloaf sliders that brought me right back to my childhood in the best possible sense of the word. And in keeping with bite sizes sandwiches we have to give tons of love to Brooklyn newcomer Terroir Wine Bar who made a great showing with a meatball hoagie style sandwich that was so tender and savory that it nearly made us scream out “Mangia!”

Dale Talde’s Pork Slope represented at their first, “Taste of 5th” with a chili dish. And when I say chili I’m not talking about a small dish of red sauce. No, this crew knows who butters their bread and came with huge pots of meat and spice filled goodness. Each portion was the size of a drinking glass and was loaded with freshly diced raw onions and cheese. Trust us it was so much more than just a tasting. It was more like a whole meal. After a few hours of eating and sipping choice wines and brews we had to call it a night- but one of our favorite recent nights on record. The LocalBozo.com crew would like to thank the Park Slope Fifth Avenue BID and all the amazing restaurants and bars from the area who gave their time and edible delights to make this a truly outstanding and community driven event.

- Jay Rubin

In the battle to for New York City’s best burger, one needs to constantly be doing their homework. New joints are popping up at record speeds to throw their hairnets into the ring. The consumer is ultimately the winner as we get to sample a seemingly endless array of grilled cow. Park Slope, Brooklyn is no exception to this rule as the popular neighborhood has seen an influx of comfort food themed establishments open in the past year. One particular spot is the simply named THe Burger Bistro, whose build your own burger format shows just how dedicated they are in producing one of America’s favorite handheld foods.

On a recent Sunday afternoon we stopped in for a late lunch. The nearly full, ample sized dining room was great indicator to tell us we had made the first of several good choices. The owners are not lying when they call this place a bistro as the general layout is a far cry from a greasy spoon joint. Once seated, guests are handed a laminated menu and a red erasable marker to select exactly what type of meat, toppings and bread they’d care to use in assembling their ultimate combination. After looking over the menu, we opted for a pitcher of red Sangria ($36). As the huge pitcher arrived loaded with oranges and plums, we were greeted by another lovely sight when our waiter informed us that since it was Sunday, Sangria was half priced. With that being said, we gleefully raised our glasses and toasted the value. 

Since we would be chowing down on burgers, we decided to choose an appetizer on the healthier side of the food spectrum and opted for the “Mesclun Salad” ($8). Topped with a smattering of creamy goat cheese, grilled portobella mushrooms and sweet pears, the reasonably priced salad made for a terrific flavor combination. Burgers would be next. Every time we try out a new burger spot, a small amount of apprehension fills our heads. Would the burgers be cooked to order, or served uniformly? Or is the meat of good quality? These are the imperative factors that everyone should consider when dining out. Luckily The Burger Bistro hit the nail firmly on the head on both accounts. We began with the “Organic Lamb Burger” ($10). Served on a brioche bun, with lettuce, tomato and raw onion (free of charge when selected), it was ordered medium and came out exactly as planned. The burger was just as juicy and well seasoned as we’d expected. Choosing a more traditional route, we also ordered up the “Beef Burger” ($8) topped with American Cheese ($1.50) and also served on a brioche bun, cooked to a medium rare temperature. Once it arrived, we sliced it right down the middle, marveling at the red center, perfect to our liking. Each bite oozed with savory meat juices and the flawlessly melted American cheese, which is simply the only way to top a cheeseburger if you ask us. The grilled flavor was akin to the type we have come to enjoy at backyard barbecues- basically, it just felt right. 

The Burger Bistro appears to be doing everything right. Their price point and daily specials are perfect for customers looking for value but it is the quality of their food that seriously sends them into orbit as one of our new favorite burger joints in New York City. And one that is certainly worth stopping into if you find yourself within Park Slope’s realm.

Rundown of the Meal

Appetizer 

 Mesclun Salad with goat cheese, portobella mushrooms and pears. ($8)

Burgers 

Organic Lamb burger served on a Brioche bun ($10)

Beef Burger ($8) topped with American Cheese ($1.50)*

*Meal Highlight

Make all the snarky puns you want. We’ve heard them all. But yes, on Sunday afternoon our mouths were loaded with balls. Meatballs that is! Master of ceremonies Matt Timms returned to his Brooklyn Graceland, The Bell House for another chapter of his ingenious “Takedown” series. On a weekend that had been filled with near frigid temperatures and even a touch of snow, all attendees were thrilled to take part in this super event where savory hot food would be served in abundance. The LocalBozo crew trekked down to Gowanus for an afternoon of meat filled gluttony and outstanding competition that we won’t soon forget.

Shortly after 2pm, the doors flew open wide allowing the completely sold out crowd of Takedown loyalists and newbies into the Bell House’s amazing main room. As the sea of humanity trickled into the space, Timms took to the microphone and humorously informed everyone exactly how to “Takedown” the right way. As I’ve stated in the past, these speeches really set the tone for an amazing day of eating. And eat our faces off we did! Our crew hopped on one of the long yet fast moving lines to load up on a first round of balls. With plate in hand and turned up metal blasting out of the house PA we hit our first tasting. And in a way that appeared to go hand in hand with the overall mystique of the event itself, our first morsel of meaty goodness came from the team of “Righteous Burn.” This fun bunch of guys created an Asian influenced meatball that contained: pork, veal, roasted garlic and Siracha sauce just to name a few of the noticeable ingredients. It was all laid out on traditional Eastern soup spoons for a terrific presentation. And adjacent to them, the hilariously named yet tasty “Faceballs.” These pork and bacon filled spheres jokingly paid tribute to everyone’s favorite Star Wars spoof by Mel Brooks.

With our paper plates overflowing with choice bites from the left wing of the room it was time to find an area to devour and imbibe. We stood atop all the action next to the bar, slugging back “Miller High Life” tall boys and ciders as we tried to demolish our plates while at the same time taking into account each of the numbers to better prepare us for the vote. The savory and interestingly vegetarian selections we received on this round all stood out as excellent in their own right. Brooklyn certainly has balls when it comes to standing out. After another round of drinks we cleared our heads and our palettes for round two of our Sunday afternoon gluttony. The right wing of the room was chock full of avant garde and Italian mainstay versions of the meatball. All of which found a pleasant home in our collective bellies. Cookie Takedown winner Susan Palmer came with a fine crafted and tasty “Meatball Wellington.” With my first nibble, I could instantly notice the amount of work that she put into this challenging dish and it seriously paid off. The chef hat wearing team fourteen created what we thought was the most traditional take on the popular meat dish as their version of the much coveted grandmother style of Italian meatballs was juicy and loaded with thick red tomato sauce. And even though the line was packed, we had to go back for repeat samplings.

The second line produced several plate and scale tipping favorites. It was impossible not to love the “Johnny Utah,” which was a take on the much beloved meatball hoagie named after a funny scene from the classic film “Point Break.” I could see several event goers do balancing acts with their respective plates. Sadly, some fumbled leaving a few stray balls on the floor. Once everyone had their fill and then some, it was time to get judged. The packed house dropped their ballots into the box, and the judges painstakingly met to decide who to crown. As always Timms gathered all the cooks on stage to give them much deserved praise. And after the intros had concluded it was time for the judges to take over. In third place was team “Lion’s Head” (13) who had prepared some tasty Chinese style balls. In second was our personal favorite, the aforementioned team number fourteen with the traditional, grandmother’s style meatball. And in first was team eight with what was called the “Great Wall of Meatball.” The People’s Choice winners however were doled out to second runner up, team number twenty-five with the “K-Pop” meatballs, first runner up, the aptly named “Sweaty Balls,” and your 2013 Meatball Takdown winner was the funny man Frank with you guessed it “Frank’s Balls” (24). This was hands down one of my favorite Takedowns from Matt Timms. Not only did we fill up for both lunch and dinner but we saw a whole new world when it comes to rolling meat into a sphere. All hail balls!

- Jay Rubin

So many eateries across all five boroughs will claim to have the best regional Mexican fare and represent the country’s street food culture to perfection. Yet when you take the “Mexican” Coke or Pepsi challenge, few of these joints actually cut the mustard or in this case the guacamole. The Mexican city of Oaxaca is not the first thing many of us think of when we talk about our sister country to the south. Yet one NYC business has taken this culture and its food, creating four locations (2 in Brooklyn & 2 in Manhattan) as of the time of this review. Oaxaca Taqueria may not be the fanciest of local eateries, but after four years in business, the growing chain is showing no signs of slowing down. During this outing our party ventured out to Oaxaca’s Park Slope location, mere steps away from the Gowanus border.

The first thing you notice before you even step inside the taco shop is the old school, basic white hanging signage with flickering yellow light bulbs surrounding it. That in itself prepares diners for the laid back, bare bones and often humorous atmosphere just beyond the place’s front doors. Once inside, the layout is incredibly cozy. The front of the restaurant wears many hats as orders are placed here, a short bar is set up for front of the house dining, and most importantly this is where much of the food is prepared to order. In the back exists a prep kitchen to keep Oaxaca’s speedy flow going, near a handful of regular tables situated in a dimly lit space, perfect for a casual date or a quick dinner with the guys. Food is ordered up front, and as should be noted is cash only. Knowing that in advance is always a good thing to know in order to make your dining experience that much more relaxed. And trust us, relaxed defines our entire experience here. With some low volume tunes from “Death Cab For Cutie” and “Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros” playing from a nearby iPhone, we perused the varied menu. Oaxaca doesn’t try to have an overstuffed menu. Instead they keep it real by only offering what they know best.

Our party choose to order one thing from each menu category in order to get a well-rounded sampling of the place. First we opted for “Elote (Ear of Corn with Cotija Cheese and Chili Powder)” ($3). We had sampled this local delicacy from street carts on the west coast in the past and can easily say it matched those authentic flavors. The sweetness of the corn brilliantly matches the moderate spice of the chili powder and the tartness of the cheese. Next up we moved onto bolder fare with the “Carnitas (Braised Pork) Enchilada” ($2.95). With each bite, it’s easy to taste that the salty pork had been braised for hours letting its flavor truly mature. Since we were in a meat mood, a “Carne Asada Taco” ($3.25) had to be next. Pickled onion, cilantro and salsa are just a few of the homemade and locally sustainable ingredients that top the perfectly juicy cut of seasoned steak. Needless to say, this was our favorite. While we ate these tacos we spoke to one of the workers at Oaxaca and he explained how important fresh, local produce is to their mission.

As mentioned previously, Mexican Coke is extremely popular here in the states due to its use of real sugar. Oaxaca has these on the ready so we grabbed a few with our meal that we downed at record speed. The restaurant does not have a liquor license but they welcome a B.Y.O.B. policy that any diner can appreciate. Luckily there is a grocery store directly next door with a huge beer selection at highly reasonable prices. After a highly positive experience at the Park Slope location, you can bet we are making a plan to hit the remaining three.

Rundown of the Meal

Dinner

Carne Asada Taco*

Carnitas (Braised Pork) Enchilada

Sides

Elote (Ear of Corn with Cotija Cheese and Chili Powder)

*Meal Highlight

Bar 4
444 7th Ave., Park Slope, Brooklyn
718-832-9800
Getting There: F, G to 7th Avenue
http://www.http://bar4brooklyn.com/

The corner neighborhood bar is a mainstay of Americana. It’s that trusted stop where you go to get your favorite cold brew or a heavy handed pour of whiskey. Basically, it just feels right. Located in the South Slope section of Park Slope you’ll find a watering hole that fits this ideology like a glove. It’s Bar 4, a no nonsense, laid back spot from the owners of such popular spots as Matchless and Greenwood Park. “4′s” charm extends beyond it’s cute corner locale once you enter through the large black door. I discovered this joint roughly six years ago when I first started frequenting the area and since then things have only gotten better.

Step inside any night of the week and you will find out why Bar 4 is unlike any drinking spot you will find in any NYC borough. Your first glance will offer up a cozy, dimly lit space featuring an amply sized bar space, perfect to seat a small crowd. The boozing selection fits every imbibing personality. With innovative cocktails like their ”Fresh Basil Gimlet,” local beers (Six Point, Brooklyn Brewery, Kelso) and tasty wines, everyone has something to sip on. Grab your drink and spin on your seat to view the other more relaxed side of the room. While you may think you’re inside of a Bushwick art gallery or even someone’s cool apartment,  you find youself in a pub that just happens to featuring an infinitely comfortable setting.

Order a cocktail at the bar and join your friends on the Davenport for hours of funny or insightful chit chat (I believe either is acceptable). Tired of small talk? No problem! Bar 4 is the home to daily live performances on their very own stage. Seven nights a week patrons can watch the likes of local bands, DJs, and comedians strut their stuff in a very welcoming and friendly space with some of the best acoustics around.  Sundays at 9:30pm, comedian Yannis Pappas takes over for “Ditch Comedy Night,” a free comedy show hosted by the extremely funny and raw Pappas doing sets of his own, while sharing the stage with his fellow up and coming comedy brethren. For a few hours you can enjoy what’s left of your weekend with a cold drink in a cool space while you laugh your ass off. If you are into the arts on any level, this is the bar for you. It’s always fun to arrive not knowing what type of entertainment will be presented that evening, giving yourself a fun little surprise. Just be sure to not let the booze get the better of you especially when someone is on stage. So grab a brew and a comfy seat, and let the bar and it’s talent do their job. We swear you’ll leave happy and tipsy.

Bar Type – Highly laid back bar featuring an always revolving line up of comedy, live music and DJs on a daily basis.

When to Visit – Bar 4 is perfect for literally any night of the week to kick back in its warm candle light space. But if you really want to make the most out of your visit, head over on Sunday for “Ditch Comedy Night hosted by Yannis Pappas.” Pappas is a seriously funny comic who is going to blow up any day now.

Value – Besides the bar’s reasonable prices to begin with, patrons can enjoy daily Happy Hour specials as well as beer and shot combos.

The Lowdown – We truly feel there is a bar for any personality. Sometimes you like to rage all night, and sometimes you like it mellow and cool. The latter is exactly what you will find during any visit to Bar 4. The low key atmosphere, paired with a fine selection of beers, cocktail, and entertainment makes the corner watering hole a true Brooklyn star.

- Alex Corrine

brook vin
381 7th Ave, Park Slope, Brooklyn
718-768-9463
Getting There: F, G to 7th Avenue
http://www.brookvin.com/

It must be said right off that back that yours truly is not a typical wine drinker. Sure, drinking a glass of dry red with a steak or other meats is highly enjoyable in its right place and time. But for the most part I am a devoted beer drinker. Hey, blame it on college if you must! Yet from time to time my fellow, “Drink Here Now” mates and I will come upon a joint that serves the highly coveted grape spirit in a comfortable, classy, and laid back manner that even this suds drinker can appreciate. Recently we made our way to the increasing popular Park Slope, Brooklyn mainstay, “brook vin” on a week day to sample various vino’s.

There was a chill to the air as we breached the front doors of the bar. Once inside we instantly warmed up, both from the pleasant heat inside and the cozy atmosphere. “brook” features a moderately lit space filled with a few wooden tables facing the equally as charming Seventh Avenue street just outside. Historic pictures of Brooklyn don the walls taking guests on a visual journey into the boroughs past. Yet, the true gem of this joint is the actual bar setup. The hulking bar is made up of a light yet thick wood which spans almost the entire room. Comfortable stools fill the area, but are not directly on top of each other giving customers ample space to relax and imbibe. After using our eyes to explore the room, it was time to scope out the menu. Fortunately our senses did the job for us. Since the weather was on the cold side, the bar was cooking a seasonal hot spiced wine in a bubbling pot in plain view of the crowd. My curiosity got the better of me, and I ordered up a glass. Each serving was priced at $6 dollars during our visit and was well worth the price. The hot drink was served in a coffee cup, paired with an orange peel with cloves inserted in it for the purpose of zest. On appearance alone the drink was a winner, but the tasting really pushed it over the cliff. The hot wine hit the spot to both warm up, and fill me with delicious flavor. The cloves already in the drink were mellow yet noticeable to enhance the taste.

Wine was most definitely the main focus of our menu on this day, and thankfully it was Happy Hour during our weekday visit. The featured wine was a red called, “Fado Alentejano.” This is the wine that the remaining members of our group ordered. The wine served at, “brook vin” all come in heaping glasses, providing pay customers a generous portion. The Happy Hour price at the time was $5, which is a truly amazing flavor. Everyone seemed to love the dry flavor, paired with a fruit finish. The nose alone was enough to have the people I was with reorder right away! While you are drinking it is always nice to have food service available. The bar has a kitchen on hand to provide customers a rotating menu of space plate inspired dishes. Wine bar standards like hand crafted cheese and Charcuterie are always on hand, and we highly recommend you order some to go with your wine. Beer drinkers can breath a sigh of relief, as the bar features an impress list of craft brews like “Harpoon” and “Captain Lawrence.” Needless to say, our visit was flawless and we will return shortly to see what they have to surprise us with next. It also doesn’t hurt this win spot is mere steps from a major stop off the F train.

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Bar Type – Casual yet sophisticated wine bar with zero pretension.

When to Visit – Make, “brook vin” a before or after dinner drink destination. The knowledgeable bartenders know exactly what fits your palette. If you happen to be on a first date this is a perfect place to impress that guy or gal with your laid back yet refined taste.

Value – Few would think a wine bar with so much character would have a Happy Hour special, but luckily they do. During weekday’s patrons can sip on $6 (on average) glasses of wine that are a far cry from the, “table” variety. We are talking great vino here for cheap!

The Lowdown – “brook vin” comes from the owners of, “Big Nose Full Body” a long time Park Slope wine shop with a respected track record. The wine served at the bar can’t be found at the shop, making both establishments highly unique. This is goes to show how much effort the owners have placed on quality and originality. It also doesn’t hurt that besides fine wine they also serve: craft beer, small dishes, and have an outdoor area for the warmer months!

- Alex Corrine