Calling all rejected New Yorker writers

By Meredith Deliso

Roald Dahl. James Salter. J.D. Salinger.

What do these writers all have in common? At one point, they were all rejected by the New Yorker.

And if you were, too, then Halyards has the event for you.

The Gowanus bar is launching “The New Yorker Rejects,” a reading series comprised of stories rejected by the hoity-toity magazine.

“Misery loves company,” said Beth Kuster (pictured, with a New Yorker), a freelance writer who runs the series with Halyards owner Edward Colley (and yes, for the record, has been rejected by the New Yorker). “Creation is a very solitary thing, so Edward wanted to create a bar where people who create can have a community.”

Halyards certainly hopes to cater to such a crowd, what with the obscure whiskies and the manual typewriter. But a literary bar needs a literary series.

Kuster wants to begin on April 27, but first, she needs submissions. Any story officially rejected from the New Yorker will be considered — but please, nothing too depressing.

“We don’t want anything that’s a downer or a buzz kill,” said Kuster. “Only light-hearted stories. I’m sure there are tons in this area. It’s such a writerly neighborhood.”

Halyards [406 Third Ave. between Fifth and Sixth streets in Gowanus, (718) 532-8787]. To be considered for the series, email your story to beth.halyards@gmail.com with the subject line, “My New Yorker Reject is attached.”

Photo by Tom Callan

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Laugh on at the new Freddy's

By Meredith Deliso

This show is a real trip.

The stand-up hour “Ed Sullivan on Acid,” a regular in the back room of the old Freddy’s when it was in Prospect Heights, has followed the bar to its new Park Slope location.

And it’s better late than never.

“The neighborhood was just starved for something like this,” said Pat O’Shea (pictured), whose every-other-Monday show is back on March 21. “The crowds have been great.”

O’Shea started the whacked-out variety show (hence the name), but soon stuck to just comedy, bringing in a handful of up-and-coming comedians each time. When the original Freddy’s closed last year, he couldn’t bear the thought of finding it a new home, and held out until the bar reopened last month in the South Slope.

“I actually missed running the show,” said the Clinton Hill-based comedian, who’ll bring in the likes of Angry Bob (HBO’s “Bored to Death”) at the next show. “It can be a pain in the ass — people are always asking for spots, and sometimes I would rather do my act than host. I didn’t think I’d miss it, but I did.”

Ed Sullivan on Acid at Freddy’s Bar [627 Fifth Ave. between 17th and 18th streets in Park Slope, (718) 768-8131], March 21 at 9:30 pm. Free. For info, visit freddysbar.com.


Photo by Stefano Giovannini

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Touchdown! Where to catch the game this season

By Andy Campbell

Football season is upon us — so that means it’s time for the important things in life: beer, meat, and watching your favorite team on a big-screen TV surrounded by lots of screaming, chest-bumping men.

But you’re probably like us: tiny TV, no cable, no backyard (which means no BBQ pork shoulder), and, well, no friends either. Getting all of these game-day amenities takes some real deep digging into Brooklyn’s best sports bars.

“The season’s always a good time,” said Maria Bova, a bartender at the Old Carriage Inn in Park Slope. “It’s pretty funny because you have the locals — who are coming for the Giants or Jets — but then you’ve got a great mix of transplants coming in, and there’s six games going on at a time.”

It’s easy to find any old watering hole with a TV. And beer specials and cheap eats are pretty common, too. But the key is to find the right mix of high-quality screens — believe us, you need high-def when Braylon Edwards makes that 40-yard, one-handed catch for the Jets in the end zone — crowd and food.

That’s why we have scoured the borough to bring you the top seven bars to catch a game:

Old Carriage Inn

It’s the epitome of the old-school sports bar. You’ve got at least six TVs — one is projected onto a wall — plenty of beers to choose from, inflatable Giants memorabilia, and some darn tasty munchies. It’s dark and spacious, and the customers get to choose what games are on at any given time. There’s even a $4.50 “mystery shot” special and $3 bottles during play.

Old Carriage Inn [312 Seventh Ave. at Eighth Street in Park Slope, (718) 788-7747].

Teddy’s

Ask anyone in the neighborhood where he goes to see some pain inflicted on the Patriots, and he’ll say Teddy’s. It’s a gorgeous, dimly lit bar with stained-glass windows, several TVs and an all-American menu. Try the burger ($7) with your selection of craft beer, and get ready to share your hoots and hollers with the rest of the hipster sports crowd. Also look for drink specials while either the Jets or the Giants are winning their games.

Teddy’s Bar & Grill [96 Berry St. at N. Eighth Street in Williamsburg, (718) 384-9787].

200 Fifth

This is easily one of the borough’s most-dedicated sports bars. It’s got more than 70 customizable TVs, great food and drink specials on game nights, and a huge crowd that’s guaranteed to make you a few new friends (unless you’re pulling for the Cowboys, but, really, come on). If you’re looking for the epicenter of sports overstimulation — or you’re making an odd request, like, “I’d like to watch the Dallas Cowboys, please” — then this is the place for you.

200 Fifth [200 Fifth Ave. near Berkeley Place in Park Slope, (718) 638-2925].

Water Street Restaurant

Forget the dance floor and the underwater lounge and the outdoor seating — today you’re here for pigskin and burgers. Water Street has that and a swath of great beers on tap, plus, it lays claim to being the best (and possibly the only) place to watch your games in DUMBO. If you’re really in a football mood, balance that pint in one fist with a Cajun blackened sirloin burger ($13) in the other.

Water Street Restaurant [66 Water St. between Old Dock and Main streets in DUMBO, (718) 625-9352]. For info, visit www.waterstreetrestaurant.com.

O’Keefe’s

Sure, it’s Irish, but these guys know how to throw the Great American party — with a Guinness, a steak, and a third down conversion. There’s plenty of room to crowd around the big TVs, and there’s always enough noise inside to make you feel as though you’re really the 12th man.

O’Keefe’s Bar & Grill [64 Court St. at Joralemon Street in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 855-8751].

Pour House

This place goes all out for the NFL. If you weren’t a Giants fan before, you will be when you check out the Sunday home games here — you’ll get a free half-time buffet and $9 Bud Light pitchers. There’s lots of bar space, TVs and bar games galore, and the place is packed during game time. Hoo-ah.

Pour House [7901 Third Ave. near 79th Street in Bay Ridge, (718) 491-6658].

3rd & 7

This relatively new spot has the true real tri-fecta: excellent views of the flat screens, quick service at the bar, and a mean buffalo chicken wrap. You’re definitely going to be bumping elbows with some real sports fans at this spot — while there’s certainly a family-friendly aspect to the restaurant space, the bar is absolutely devoted to the enjoyment of sports. Put this one at stop six of your football pilgrimage.

3rd & 7 [3622 Quentin Rd. between E. 36th and E. 37th streets in Marine Park, (718) 336-6300].

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Pitch perfect! Heights bars support three different soccer teams

Soccer on Atlantic Avenue has reached a fever pitch.

On one small stretch in Brooklyn Heights, there’s not one, not two, but three soccer bars, merely doors apart, that all hold an allegiance to different British football clubs — or, as we like to say here across the pond, soccer teams.

“It wasn’t an intentional thing to have a strip of soccer bars right there, but it’s pretty cool,” said Jason Furlani (right), owner of the Roebling Inn, one of the avenue’s newer bars that will be showing games once the Premier League kicks off on Aug. 14. “I don’t really see that anywhere else.”

Most Americans only tune into soccer every four years for the World Cup, but Furlani’s been following British soccer for years — ever since a Liverpool pal got him into the team.

So with the season starting, it seemed like a no-brainer to show the games at his bar, especially since Atlantic Avenue favorites Chip Shop and Floyd have been giving Brooklyn’s British soccer fans — and even some from West Brooklyn, too — a homebase for the past few years.

“We’ve always shown the games, but it’s getting bigger,” said Chip Shop owner Chris Sell (left). “We’ve added a bunch of TVs two years ago, and even replaced the ones we had with larger screens.”

The restaurant is an official supporter of the Arsenal Football Club, based out of North London. When the games are on, you can enjoy some beer specials, as well as an English breakfast, which, given the early nature of these games here because of the time difference, is a big hit, said Sell.

“We’re the family venue,” he said. “It’s a safe environment where fathers can bring their s

ons in for games. You’re not going to hear drunken Liverpool supporters.”

That you can leave to the Roebling Inn, which is an official supporter of the Liverpool Club. Liverpool’s first game is against Chip Shop’s Arsenal on Aug. 15, and, given the two team’s long-seated rivalry, is going to be big. Just don’t expect as much drama between the two bars.

“I like the people at Chip Shop,” said Furlani. “I don’t predict any animosity.”

Floyd owner Sean Neill (right) also speaks highly of his neighbors.

“We import a lot of English tradition, but not any kind of hooliganism,” said Neill, whose bar is known primarily for its indoor bocce ball courts but also for its devotion to the Spurs — not the basketball team, but the London-based Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. “I convinced Spurs supporters to locate to Floyd a year after we opened, around 2004,” he said.

Testament to that, signed shirts, photographs and flags all belonging to the North London team can be found throughout the bar.

“Spurs fans in the UK send us things or bring them on a visit all the time,” said Neill. “We seem to be well-known across the water.”

Tottenham’s first game is on Aug. 14 against Manchester City, though you’ll want to mark your calendars for Nov. 21, when the Spurs play their most bitter rival: Chip Shop’s Arensal (man, this team gets around!).

“The Spurs-Arsenal animosity is one of the strongest in the Premier League. They hate each other deeply,” said Neill. “To Spurs fans, that’s the most important game of the year.”

Indeed, last year’s game against the two rivals drew out over 100 fans — a good mix of Americans and expats — to Floyd to watch the game. And when the Spurs won, they partied all day long, singing and shouting.

“There’s a lot of chanting, some of it pretty foul,” said Neill. “It’s not a good time for children to be in the bar.”

For that, it’s only a few feet to the tamer Chip Shop.

Roebling Inn [97 Atlantic Ave. between Henry and Hicks streets in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 488-0048]; Chip Shop [129 Atlantic Ave. between Henry and Clinton streets in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 855-7775]; and Floyd [131 Atlantic Ave. between Henry and Clinton streets in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 858-5810].

Photos by Bess Adler

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Call it Hotlantic!

Atlantic Avenue is sizzling this summer, thanks to an influx of new bars, cafes ands stores in the past few years, especially within the six months.

Check out our guide to doing the strip right, and don't miss our story on Atlantic's old guard - the Arabic shops - which were there before there was a Trader Joes or Crop to Cup.

Graphic by Adam Suerte/Brooklyn Tattoo

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Outdoor hot spots

In the Times' feature on the 10 hot spots of summer, the newspaper makes number 1 rooftop bars.

There's is in Manhattan - the Standard Hotel - which reads to us as being too exclusive to actually enjoy this summer.

For low-key alternatives right here in Brooklyn, check out our guide to rooftop dining.

Minus access to your own roof, a friend-of-a-friend's, or a random art space (we had a pretty nice view at Shangri-La recently), the rooftop bar scene in Brooklyn seems pretty skimpy. Did we leave something out? Let us know your favorite places to drink a beer and watch the sunset.

Photo: The view from Williamsburg's Berry Park. By Stefano Giovannini

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Raise the roof at these bars with a view

Don’t have rooftop access this Fourth of July? Don’t feel left out. These rooftop bars and restaurants provide some great views of Brooklyn and beyond, so you can catch a glimpse of the city’s fireworks, legal and otherwise, or just enjoy the night air.

Berry Park

4 Berry St. at N. 14th Street in Williamsburg, (718) 782-2829

This Williamsburg bar is expecting a swarm, since it has a spacious rooftop deck that overlooks McCarren Park and provides clear views of the Manhattan skyline. It’s no surprise then that, though only open less than a year, the Berry Street bar has become one of the neighborhood’s most popular destinations. For the Fourth, it’ll be first come, first serve for rooftop access. For the early bird, the bar is open at noon that day, so you can get a head start on their German drafts and also score a seat.

Il Tetto

370 Fourth Ave. between Fourth and Fifth streets in Park Slope, (718) 625-2177

The restaurant at the top of Hotel Le Bleu may no longer be called The Vue, but the scenery from the breezy rooftop bar and lounge hasn’t changed one bit.

As Il Tetto (Italian for “the roof”), the space specializes in authentic Italian fare, with a few specials thrown in for July Fourth.

The main draw, of course, will be the perch from Brooklyn, with the open air watering hole found nine floors above the bustle of Fourth Avenue.

“The rooftop lounge and outdoor dining space offer an amazing view, which includes the Verrazano Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, as well as the Manhattan skyline,” said Il Tetto’s Marc Grumet.

With that, in addition to raising a glass to Lady Liberty, you can also expect to catch a glimpse of the fireworks show in the sky.

Alma

187 Columbia St. at Degraw Street in the Columbia Street Waterfront District, (718) 643-5400

This Mexican restaurant gets diners trekking to Columbia Street for one of the best views in the city, thanks to its proximity to the East River and panoramic views of Manhattan.

Since the fireworks moved from the East River to the Hudson a couple years ago, the bar doesn’t get the same spectacular show it used to when they were shot off right across the water at South Street Seaport. But it remains an ideal destination for outdoor diners, especially fans of seafood.

“It’s still nice to be on the rooftop,” said Alma co-owner Ron Starns. “And you get to see Jersey shoot their fireworks off, and bits and pieces of others.”

For the big night, the restaurant is taking reservations on its rooftop for 8 pm on for a $50 three-course meal.

Juliette

135 N. Fifth St. at Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, (718) 388-9222

This French bistro is a more fitting draw on Bastille Day, but you can be forgiven for dining at Juliette this Independence Day thanks to the spot’s charms, antique fixtures, and its winning French cuisine.

The rooftop bar is also pretty sweet, with its intimate dining, soft lighting and breeze from the East River.

For a sophisticated Fourth, order a Paris street-style hog dog and sip from one of their many house cocktails (the guillotine — a rum, lillet white and marachino mix — sounds fun).

And hey, at least they have the same colors on the flag.

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For more World Cup action...

By Aaron Short

The eyes of the world will be on soccer for the next 10 weeks, but if any American eyes are on the World Cup, they’ll be focused intensely on an early round heavyweight matchup between the United States and perennial powerhouse, England, on June 12.

Animosity between the two nations hasn’t been this high since the War of 1812.

The Bell House will be the pitch perfect venue for this clash of the Titans (or at least one Titan). The Gowanus-based bar promises one of the loudest venues on one of the biggest screens in Brooklyn. As the Americans and the Brits fight on the field at 2:30 pm, American and English DJs will battle it out on the dance floor, and Bell House hooligans can choose between American and English food and drink.

Atlantic Avenue’s bars will be bustling all World Cup season, as soccer-mad fans will head to The Brazen Head, for Chelsea Checker Cab Pints for $3 and drink specials and bocce games at Floyd’s. Both bars will be open at 9 in the morning on the weekends for marquee games, so show up early to beat the crowds and grab some brunch.

In Williamsburg, Bedford Avenue is the place to be, as Spike Hill has declared itself “Williamsburg’s World Cup Headquarters,” and Iona, which promises to televise every game, seems to have been built to celebrate just such an occasion. At Iona, housed in one of the oldest buildings in Williamsburg, you will likely hear lots of different languages cheering for England, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands, depending on the match.

In Bay Ridge, Casa Pepe is catering to fans of Mexico, Spain, and the United States, offering 25 percent off meals and complementary cocktails during games featuring those teams. Root for high scoring matches, because when Spain scores, sangria is offered and when Mexico nets a goal, tequila shots will be served. And if the United States is lucky enough to push one through? Whiskey.

In Prospect Heights, American fans will be flocking to Woodwork on Vanderbilt Avenue for perhaps the largest outdoor viewing area in the borough. The sports bar is an official FIFA-sponsored bar and the rumor is that ESPN may show up to film the proceedings during the USA-England match.

Expect a decidedly pro-USA crowd that weekend, as one Woodwork manager pronounced, “Everyone hates England, ever since WWII, or whatever.”

The Bell House [149 Seventh St. between Second and Third avenues in Gowanus, (718) 643-6510]; The Brazen Head [228 Atlantic Ave. between Court Street and Boerum Place in Boerum Hill, (718) 488-0430]; Floyd’s [131 Atlantic Ave. near Henry Street in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 858-5810]; Spike Hill [184 and 186 Bedford Ave. near N. Seventh Street in Williamsburg, (718) 218-9737]; Iona [180 Grand St. at Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, (718) 384-5008]; Casa Pepe [114 Bay Ridge Ave. near Colonial Road in Bay Ridge, (718) 833-8865‎]; Woodwork [583 Vanderbilt Ave. at Dean Street in Prospect Heights, (718) 857-5777‎].

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Kick it! World Cup comes to Brooklyn

She's got game: Silvana Lima, a waitress at Miss Favela's, shows off her Brazilian pride. Head to the Williamsburg bar to root for the team during the World Cup, or check out our guide below for all the World Cup action.

By Aaron Short

The World Cup kicks off in South Africa this week, but you don’t need to travel the globe to catch the soccer action.

All across Brooklyn, bars and restaurants will be draped with patriotic flags and their boob tubes turned to the games for the international sporting event of the season.

With that, here’s our guide to the best places to catch your favorite team play, from the Australians to the Americans.

The games begin on June 11 and continue through August.

Germany

Radegast Hall and Biergarten [113 N. Third St. at Berry Street in Williamsburg, (718) 963-3973]

Brooklyn’s easy-going, lighthearted German fans are set to conquer Radegast Biergarten in Williamsburg in the hope of rooting for Deutchland to take home the cup this year. The bar’s owners are Slovakian and they describe the beer hall as Austro-Hungarian, but all three countries were under German control once, so what is a few more weeks? With 13 beers on tap and another 45 bottles available, the crowds could get spirited in a hurry, particularly if Germany triumphs. Just don’t expect the Germans to pick up the tab for any of their Greek or Turkish friends.

Brazil

Miss Favela’s [57 S. Fifth St. at Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg, (718) 230-4040]

Every weekend at Miss Favela’s is Carnivale, but it won’t be if Brazil doesn’t advance out of the Group of Death and advance to the finals. Cheer on Kaka and the rest of the team with Brooklyn’s most attractive brunch crowd at Miss Favela’s, which will televise all the games and feature a special menu. Just don’t root against the home team or it could be Kaka for you.

Spain

La Mancha [135 Atlantic Ave. between Henry and Clinton streets in Brooklyn Heights, (718) 797-1975]

Spain has one thing on its mind this year after suffering an early round exit to France in 2006: revenge! Where else to stir the passions of vengeance than at La Mancha in Brooklyn Heights? Just as Pele has anointed Spain as the favorites in this year’s tournament, we at Community Newspaper Group have anointed the paella as our favorite dish at La Mancha. Definitely fiesta with fans of the team that is probably going to win the whole darn thing, while taunting the French who watched the game at Floyd’s.

South Africa

Madiba [195 DeKalb Ave. between Carlton Avenue and Adelphi Street in Fort Greene, (718) 855-9190]

Come for the soccer, stay for the bunny chow, perhaps South Africa’s national dish consisting of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. Madiba has certainly been soaking up the attention from being the one South African bar and restaurant in the city when the World Cup is hosted by South Africa. In fact, there’s a whole smorgasbord of comfort food to savor from breyani (rice pilaf with curry and lentils) to samoosas, to chicken wings with spicy peri-peri sauce when South Africa makes a quick exit from the Cup after falling apart to France and Mexico. Sorry, but that’s the reality.

France

Bar Tabac [128 Smith St. at Dean Street in Cobble Hill (718) 923-0918]

The defeat of France following Zinedine Zidane’s ejection in the second half of the epic World Cup title game in 2006 devastated Brooklyn’s Francophiles, but they are a hardy bunch. Head back to Smith Street, Brooklyn’s Champs-Elysees, this summer, and cheer on Thierry Henry and the Rouge, Blanc et Bleu. Be sure to savor your shrimp briochette with a chenin blanc and your steak frites with a Bordeaux, because if you don’t pair your wine with your food properly, France will lose and it will be your fault.

Australia

Sheep Station [149 Fourth Ave. at Douglass Street in Park Slope, (718) 857-4337]

Australia may not have a chance this year, but that won’t stop these Aussies from celebrating win or lose at Sheep Station. With two big screens and drink specials throughout the World Cup season, ex-pats from the outback can at least enjoy each other’s company and extra helpings of beer battered fish and burgers while their team suffers crippling defeat after crippling defeat to Germany and Ghana.

England

Black Horse Pub [568 Fifth Ave. at 16th Street in Park Slope, (718) 788-1975]

It has been 44 years since Mother England won the World Cup, but if Wayne Rooney stops playing like Andy Rooney, this could finally be the year that Queen Elizabeth II hoists the golden cup over her trembling shoulders. Join the fun — or the vicious, heartbreaking agony — at Black Horse Pub in Park Slope, a nascent British pub that may be the feistiest place to drown one’s sorrows on drink specials after the Americans upset England on June 12.

Mexico

Tulcingo Deli [5520 Fifth Ave. between 55th and 56th streets in Sunset Park, (718) 439-2896]

If Mexico happens to advance out of the first round, there could be a party on the streets of Sunset Park with honking horns, waiving flags and impromptu parades. Head to Tulcingo Deli before the game and soak it all in while enjoying among the most delicious carne asada tacos in Brooklyn. Brush up on your Spanish before heading down, but it’s all good. Just remember that futbol means soccer and goooooooooooooooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllllllll!!!!!!! means someone just scored.

Greece

Omonia Café [7612 Third Ave. between 76th and 77th streets in Bay Ridge, (718) 491-1435]

Skip Astoria and head to Bay Ridge instead, where a small, but vocal, Greek community will surely be flocking to Omonia Café starting at 8 am to watch the home team try to play its way out of crippling debt, er, we mean out of the opening round. Fans hope that the only inflation they see during the game will be the soccer ball.

Italy

Café Italia [6917 18th Ave. between 69th and 70th streets in Bensonhurst, (718) 234-7010]

Viva Italia! Four years ago, Italy’s thrilling victory in a tense 5-3 overtime shootout against France sent an estimated 10,000 people onto the streets of Bensonhurst, shutting down traffic on 18th Avenue. This year, head back to the place where it all began, Café Italia, where you can cheer for Italy to defend its 2006 title. Forza Italia is probably not going to win again, but if they do … free canolis?

USA

Wheeler’s Restaurant [1707 Sheepshead Bay Rd. near Voorhies Avenue in Sheepshead Bay, (718) 646-9320]

This Sheepshead Bay haunt is as unpretentious as it gets. All the games will be televised during the World Cup, and since the crowd leans toward the Americans, it’ll be a great place to knock back a few while rooting for ol’ Red, White and Blue.

Photo by Stefano Giovannini

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Steve Five's hangs

When not fronting his band The Library is on Fire, Steve Five likes to keep it local.

He shared with us some of his favorite spots, in and around his Bushwick neighborhood:

Gotham City Lounge

1293 Mrytle Ave. between Cedar Street and Central Avenue

AKA "The Bat Cave," "It's a sort of a cheap divey place over on Myrtle. It’s like a Batman-themed bar."

Market Hotel

1142 Myrtle Ave. near Broadway

"There aren't too many places in Bushwick to go out, Unless it's like an underground speakeasy style show or party, like Market Hotel." (Well, maybe not lately.)

The Levee

212 Berry St. at N. Third Street

"Most of the time, I find myself at the Levy in Williamsburg despite my best intentions."

Trophy Bar

351 Broadway between Rodney and Keap streets

"I think I understand DJ culture more now," said Five, who works there as a bartender. "I think I’ve seen the bset of the best."

Death By Audio

49 S. Second St. between Kent and Wythe avenues

Five and Co. play there tonight to celebrate the release of their sophomore album, "Magic Windows, Magic Nights." At 9 pm. Tickets $7.

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St. Paddy's Day in Brooklyn

Yes, the green bagels are coming!

Beyond green gimmicks, St. Patrick's Day is a great time to celebrate Irish, even if you're not. And what better way to do that than through music, beer and food.

To that, check out our guide to events happening around Brooklyn on and around the big day.

And feel free to add an event you're hosting or going to in the comments section below.

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Piano bar for hipsters

By it's name, you'd think it's in the city, but the Manhattan Inn is all Brooklyn.

This new Greenpoint restaurant/bar, from the ladies behind Glasslands Gallery, gets a nod in the New York Times today for the quiet nights it provides in the borough. Except, of course, for the ragtime played emitted from the lily-white baby grand by the likes of Smokin’ Billy Slater.

“It’s a little older crowd, maybe looking to have a quieter night," co-owner Rolyn Hu tells the Times.

The crowd better like cocktails as well. Says Metromix: "The cocktail-centric booze menu, run by a former Per Se sommelier, tips its hat to the area with Polish suds like Zywiec." Pair one up with entrees from chef Justin Farmer, who also tips his hat to the neighborhood with borscht and pierogi.

Located at 632 Manhattan Ave. For more information, call 718-383-0885.

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Stay in Sunset Park

Best View in Brooklyn gives the current lowdown on BarrelHouse Brooklyn, a new bar that has its sights set on Sunset Park.

While providing updates on the forthcoming establishment, which owner Steven Baird says he's looking to open by next summer, ideally in Sunset Park, the blog gives a nice rundown on other watering holes in the neighborhood.

"With the karaoke bars and Mexican restaurants, there is no shortage. Don't forget places like the Soccer Tavern on 60th and 8th and Irish Haven on 57th and 4th. They are great for a beer...No need to travel 5th Avenue to Bay Ridge or Greenwood Heights. Stay in Sunset Park!"

Stay in Sunset Park...sounds like a catchy new motto.

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What's in a name?

With changes in store for the B61 route (the line will split in downtown Brooklyn, with the newly named B62 traveling south to Red Hook, to ease delays), there are lots of questions that remain: How much will service improve? Where will the lines break up exactly? When will this start?

One that sticks out in our minds, however, concerns a bar along the bus's route: Will B61, the homey Carroll Gardens bar directly under Alma that takes its name from the Columbia Street bus line, keep its name? Or, in keeping with the times and to remain a local bus stop fixture, become known as B62?

In the meantime, we suggest "The Bar Formerly Known As B61."

Photo: IndieBound

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Best are in Brooklyn

Huckleberry Bar in East Williamsburg. Photo: Katie Sokoler/Gothamist

Gothamist presents its Best NYC Bars and Restaurants. Top of the list? Brooklyn venues, with more than half of this offerings found in the borough.

"Yes, most of those are in Brooklyn, but that's also where most of the space and most of the still-somewhat-tolerant neighbors are to be found," says the blog.

Making the list in Brooklyn are:

Ortine, Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the Brooklyn Museum of Art

Spuyten Duyvil in Williamsburg

T.B.D. bar in Greenpoint

The Diamond in Greenpoint

Nita Nita in Williamsburg

Huckleberry Bar in East Williamsburg

Vutera in Williamsburg

Brooklyn Ice House in Red Hook

What favorite would you like to add?

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Beauty Bar in Brooklyn

No more going to Manhattan for your happy hours and manicures: Beauty Bar is coming to Brooklyn.

Eater reports that the bar/beauty parlor chain will be opening up a new location in Bushwick, with the grand opening next weekend at 921 Broadway.

RSVP here to get in on the party.

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Get behind the bar

NY Press reports on Brooklyn's first bartending school - scratch that, academy - with classes at Williamsburg's Artland Bar.

For $300, the Brooklyn Bartending Academy will teach you everything you need to know, from making drinks to dealing with difficult customers, taught by Brooklyn's best.

On the syllabus are Bar/Alcohol Basics, Mixing Drinks, Customer Service, Bar Management, and Making Maximum $$.

Sound like the right school for you? E-mail info@brooklynbartending.com or call 917-639-6789.

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Spotlight on the Gowanus Yacht Club

Photo: Gothamist

Metromix is on the scene with Justin Olsen, the bartender of outdoor venue The Gowanus Yacht Club in Carroll Gardens, right by the Carroll Street F train stop, and one of our picks for a summer hang.

Olsen recommends the Gaffel if you're in the neighborhood, though he notes most of the crowd is from the area. The hot dogs and burgers aren't so bad, either.

Here's a Gothamist interview with one of the owners from last year as well. For such a small place, it certainly gets a lot of buzz.


Previously: The Great Outdoors

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The Great Outdoors

The view from Alma. Photo: almarestaurant.com

New York Magazine's feature on new outdoor drinking spots got us thinking about some fresh air locations in Brooklyn.

On their list: Williamsburg's d.b.a. Brooklyn, whose backyard patio is now open, and Der Schwarze Koelner in Fort Greene, a beer garden coming this summer.

Some of our own favorites include Alma along Columbia Street, with a great view of Lower Manhattan from the roof-top restaurant, the laid-back atmosphere (and, of course, the Sicilian pizza), from L&B in Gravesend, the subway hideaway that is the Gowanus Yacht Club, and Fort Greene's recently re-opened and eco-friendly eatery Habana Outpost.

What spots are you looking forward to hitting up this summer?

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