As I was combing the building's group board - and of course, if I wasn't such a lazy bastard and got out of the building I'll notice the insane amount of young children. It's entirely possible that due to the handing over of wardrobes in this building, a shirt could have passed through several children's closets before getting thrown up on or dirty beyond repair. Word.
Which brings me to a really pertinent question: when it comes to the Stroller Mafia, does Cobble Hill/Carroll Gardens best out Park Slope? To consider, there are lots of strollers per square block however, Park Slope as you move up the hill has larger sidewalks which may diminish the actual inconvenience.
I guess it's not really a burning question - I just wonder if in any sort of arbitrary ranking, does Cobble Hill or even Boerum Hill have what it takes (what it lacks in size) to compete, cliche to cliche, to the Slope. It's like asking who is nicer in showbiz, Henry Winkler or Brendan Fraser.
Ah one of Sandler's better efforts is on FX, Zohan. It's surprisingly enjoyable.
Time to hit Brooklyn Fare to avoid the crowd - but who am I kidding, it's holiday weekend. I was surprisingly surprised to see a lot of local businesses closed for the weekend. I should know better.
if you look up "stroller mafia" on Youtube this is the second video that pops up so obviously you should keep it top of mind when you see a stroller in the next day or so:
I always wondered which bar has the tiniest bathroom in New York. Vittorio's in the West Village has a bathroom the size of a pea and it's kinda hilarious.
The Sackett I don't think is the smallest, but I was pleasantly surprised at the proximity of everything within a forearm's distance. There are two different kinds of pros with large and small bathrooms. Large bathrooms make you feel like it's a sanctuary, where you get away from the hubbub of socializing or looking at anyone but yourself (if they have a mirror).
The small bathrooms are just kind of funny to me, it's like they shoved a bathroom into a space where it wasn't really meant to be. You could probably wash your hands while doing whatever. Turn one way, your nose is to the wall. Turn the other way, you're kissing the mirror. Turn a third way, you notice the small details and nicks and chips of the door.
I know this is quite a bit just discussing bar bathrooms, but hey it's early Saturday afternoon.
Anywho, I've been wanting to hit up the Sackett for a hot second and finally got the chance to grab a drink there with the better half while walking down 4th Ave. toward the Union R stop. It's very unassuming with little fan fare and the space feels immediately intimate. We were both into it for sure, although there was a lot of "totally"s taking up the adverbage between these two women at the bar and I couldn't figure out what exactly they was referring to. It's neatly laid out, small, cozy, wonderful jukebox, and ripe for casual conversations (but not encounters I don't think). It's a great place for pairs, triples and quads, as you sit and talk about your favorite movies and stuff.
The best word to describe The Sackett would be compact; there are no frills and everyone kind of keeps to themselves. The prices are reasonable, and like Abilene, Genny Cream Ale exists in the gullet of their selection.
I have a hankering to compare it to bars such as Buttermilk or 4th Ave. Pub or Black Sheep Pub but it's got it's own thing going for sure. Perfect for a nightcap from Union Hall (depending on how you're feeling).
Favorite bathroom songs has to include this right?
I love noodles. I love pasta. Barring several favorite foods, I think I could eat any form of noodles at any time. I just ate some pasta salad tonight. It was extremely awesome.
I was walking down 5th Ave. and noticed that a new Naruto Ramen (there's another one in Manhattan) whose "grund opening" this week on Sept. 10th (yes it's complete with typo on the door) is awesome punk rock music to my ears. It's no St. Mark's noodle house (the dishes are a little more expensive but hopefully just as good) but definitely something new to bring to the neighborhood to liven up the food options. The menu is somewhat limited in comparison as well but think of it as something to take out or a quick bite of what I kind of call Asian soul food.
There's just something to the idea that you can have something chewy and soft and in the case of long noodles, a large, unending type of food that sauce and other collective ingredients adhere to, along for the ride into my tummy. Carbonara, chow fun, whatever it is. Bowls and bowls of noodles. Noodles noshing around yum yum yum yum...
Here's the front of the takeout menu:
Fish cakes and boiled eggs, that's not what Maryland does.
Speaking of delicious, here's some Hi-Standard with special appearances by Fat Mike and No Use For A Name:
This piqued my interest sure enough: a small lineup of bands performing as a big eat-shit to loosely defined hipsters everywhere. Now I am not a fan of hipsters (although my girlfriend says if I was white I just might look like one, whew good thing I avoided that when I was born), and I do appreciate the sentiment that Jay Banerjee is putting out there with his Hipster Demolition Night at Southpaw in Park Slope on Thursday night. Yet, I can't help but wonder two things: first, there are plenty of great bands out there that aren't hipster but can't control who champions their music, and second, that hipsters are something to make a stink over. To me, hipsters have taken over all types of music, and many indie rock and indie pop bands are influenced by music similar to what is going to be blasting from Southpaw this week. So where does that leave us? Death metal. If you're going to do an anti-hipster show, you might as well make a point by doing death metal or hardcore punk. Or better yet, just have Seth Putnam do your entire show.
Anywho, I guess we should all agree that there needs to be a whole lot less bullshit when it comes to either music or lifestyle and although Banerjee is all about Brooklyn being the place to demonstrate this kind of movement against those too cool for school and/or a job, Brooklyn is breeding more hipness than any other area.
As my friend Mike was recounting (what he could remember) the last nights of Freddy's Bar in it's original spot in Prospect Heights, I thought of the Kings County Cinema Society and their compilation of owner Donald O'Finn's video art, check out one below.
Freddy's was pretty awesome because it was down and dirty with a sense of cultural achievement; the backroom was privy to all sorts of acts and it's like an eclectic friend's basement where awesome nerdy things happened and who gives a shit about what anyone else thinks.
Never fear Freddy fans; they are moving slightly away from the Atlantic Yards to a new hotspot of activity: 4th and Union, just outside the R stop. You know, the one where attractive people get off at to go to Union Hall. And now the block where Cattyshack used to bring the masses has a Bar Great Henry side bar (judge's sidebar) going on. Is 3rd avenue really going to be hopping in the next year or so?
I don't like how the term "secret" used in conjunction with a bar or restaurant nowadays just kind of means trendy. Sure, people will say, hey, this is New York, if you don't like trendy, you can go elsewhere. I say fuck that. If something is written about in the local papers, it's no longer a secret. So when I see in Brownstoner that there is a secret restaurant behind Loki, I immediately think, LAMESAUCE.
For instance, when PDT first came out, I was like, this is awesome because you enter through a fake wall/phonebooth, not because it's a "secret" that got out. But the hype and idea of inaccessibility turned into trendy business is something that doesn't interest me that much. It doesn't do a business justice when labeled "secret", because that's just a label that high horse foodies and local media use to fill up their day. It's impossible to keep things secret in this city; the whole idea is to spill the beans about a secret place thereby destroying it's secrecy just to be the first person in your group of friends who has the honor of hyping something down the toilet.
So the "buzz" (why does that word suck so much) is that there's a new restaurant behind Loki. Park Slope doesn't really have the nooks and crannies to allow for real secrets. Follow that up with the fact that Loki is kind of a meh bar with no real character compared to their contemporaries in the area, you have something akin to impotency. I'm sure people disagree, but I say who cares?
In conclusion, I am in favor of of using the word "hidden" vs. the word "secret" when referring to an out-of-the-way place in the city, Brooklyn, Queens, whatever. Some random hole in the wall joint by an abandoned farm is a secret. These places are just hidden. Hidden also has a sense of urgency, like you should find it. It's a "find". It's almost more adventurous. Secrets that are by definition broken just makes it a oxymoron in a sense. Maybe I'm looking into this too much. Or, maybe I'm just pissed that I didn't find it first. But I'm not. Meh.
In tribute to useless trendiness, here's Soulja Boy's 'Girl You Stank Take A Bath'
Peekytoe Crab Beignets. Gotta love hot balls filled with crabs. Photo by Eat It: The Brooklyn Food Blog
The lovely Eat It: The Brooklyn Food Blog has yet another culinary greatness to report on over in Park Slope. I'm always looking for a nice seafood restaurant (Red Lobster totally counts, sorry folks but those cheddar biscuits rule and since they aren't in my neck of the woods I'll settle bitches).
Traversing the Brooklyn Fish Camp on 5th Avenue, here's what she had to say:
"When I asked my Mom the other night what she wanted for dinner, she said, "A salad and a nice piece of fish", so naturally we headed to Brooklyn Fish Camp, (165 5th Avenue, between Douglass & Degraw Streets, 718-783-3264), the BK outpost of Manhattan's Mary's Fish Camp. I'd actually never been there, but was pleasantly surprised and have now added it to the long roster of great Brooklyn restaurants. We were seated in the little backyard courtyard at one of the long communal tables. There were a few red, white & rose wines by the glass, a handful of beer on tap (we got a Pilsner and an IPA that were delicious - Victory and Greenflash), and a selection of specials as well."
"For our entree, my BF & I shared the Grilled Daurade Filet with Yellow Wax Beans, Cannellini Beans and Radishes. There were two big pieces of fish that was meaty and slightly oily, brightened up by the beans & radishes. It was a satisfying and delicious dish."
For more photos of the meal and general uncensored food arousal, check out Eat It 3 times a week. I do like Victory Pilsner, especially when feeling full at The Spotted Pig on a Sunday afternoon.
Not doing anything this weekend? Initially I was just going to go to BAM's Cinematek party extravaganza/movie marathon, but since the sad news today of the white-gloved one's death, in honor I'm focusing on the fact that one of the movies during the marathon is The Wiz, which features Diana Ross and a young, wonderful MJ at his most nubile as the Scarecrow in a re-imagining of The Wizard of Oz. Scroll down for a link to the story. More people are probably going to catch it now. Here's the trailer:
I'm probably not going to do up the Marathon 4 because it's just depressing. However, a chance to catch Pineapple Express AND Friday back to back while partying at the cafe? Absolutely. I am kind of peeved that they chose Look Who's Talking Too, versus the first one which was pleasant. Bruce Willis doesn't always mean better people. But Top Gun is always good for a laugh. I'll be there for the Chyka birth anniversary! Although with the amount of noise, I'll want one of those hearing packs. All night party and movies included for 15 bucks.
"Join us for four movie marathons that are sure to satisfy the popcorn flick lover in everyone (don't worry, there's one screen for arthouse lovers, too!). And if you need help keeping your energy up between film screenings, we'll also be running an all-night dance party in BAMcafé. Tickets are $15 and include access to all screens and dance party.
Marathon 1: Diana Ross Coming Out
Music, glamour, and 70s schmaltz collide in this pair of films featuring superstar Diana Ross. This double feature will have you in rapture from the moment the words "gowns designed by Diana Ross" hit the screen.
The Wiz 12am (1978) 134 min Director: Sidney Lumet. With Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Richard Pryor. We're definitely nowhere near Kansas in this urban re-telling of the classic tale.
Mahogany 2:30am (1975) 109 min Director: Berry Gordy. With Diana Ross, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Perkins. Ross, in glamorous 70s couture, is paired with Williams—the paramour to her rising fashion model—while Perkins is the disturbed photographer who tries to split them up.
Marathon 2: Before They Were Scientologists
BAMcinemaFEST presents three of your favorite stars as you'd like to remember them...before the couch jumping, Jenny Craig commercials, and, er, Battlefield Earth.
Top Gun 11:15pm (1986) 110 min Director: Tony Scott. With Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer. Tom Cruise stars as Lt. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, a hot-shot young aviator with a "need for speed" in this VHS classic featuring a killer 80s soundtrack.
Look Who's Talking Too 1:30am (1990) 81 min Director: Amy Heckerling. With John Travolta, Kirstie Alley, Bruce Willis, Roseanne Barr. This sequel to Look Who's Talking finds toddler Mikey learning he's got to "fight for his right to potty."
Staying Alive 3am (1983) 93 min Director: Sylvester Stallone. With John Travolta. Travolta's crotch practically co-stars in this awesomely cheesy follow-up to Saturday Night Fever. Don't miss the climactic, psychedelic S&M-themed dance sequence.
Marathon 3: All Night Bong
Whether you're in the mood to see really good, funny movies, or feeling unusually relaxed, hungry, and/or paranoid, this screen is for you.
Smiley Face 11:15pm (2007) 88 min Director: Gregg Araki. With Anna Faris, John Krasinski. When Jane eats her roommate's pot-filled cupcakes, she stumbles through LA to find replacements. With subtle social commentary throughout, some of this is actually kind of deep, dude.
Pineapple Express 1am (2008) 111 min Director: David Gordon Green. With Seth Rogen, James Franco. Green revitalizes the classic pot plot in this 80s-action-flick-inspired comedy. "The Casablanca of pot comedies" (Cinematical).
Friday 3am (1995) 91 min Director: F. Gary Gray. With Ice Cube, Chris Tucker. Craig and Smokey share a joint and chillax in South Central when Smokey's dealer threatens to kill them if they don't pay their debt by the end of the night. Boyz in the Hood with bongs.
Marathon 4: BAMcinématek Favorites
Among the many films BAMcinématek has shown over the past ten years, these three hold a special place in our hearts.
In the Mood for Love 11:15pm (2000) 98 min Director: Wong Kar-wai. With Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung. Leung and Cheung star in this lushly photographed tale of unconsummated love.
Millennium Mambo 1:15am (2001) 119 min Director: Hou Hsiao-hsien. With Shu Qi, Jack Kao. A young girl drifts through endless parties and hookups in neon-soaked Taipei.
demonlover 3:15am (2002) 115 min Director: Olivier Assayas. With Gina Gershon, Chloë Sevigny, Charles Berling. A thriller about corporate greed, porn, and video games, set to a score by Sonic Youth."
Pacific Standard 82 Fourth Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11217
There has been many a good time had at Pacific Standard in the two years it's been around. A product of, you guessed it, West Coast thinking, half of the credit can go toward Jon Stan, formerly of one of my favorite spots of all time, The Spotted Pig. Yes, they enjoy West Coast teams on the projection screens as well as their ever changing list of brews that will certainly put you on your patoot very, very quickly. A lot of the brews are not for the faint of heart, and as a fan of dark, full bodied ales this is a place to park.
PS is quite well lit, making it very welcoming and a good companion to the other great bar on the block, 4th Avenue Pub. It's clean, with light wood stylings and a separate back library filled with books, some tables, couches, a projection screen, pub quizes, and often times, readings. You can play board games or indulge in the bathroom. There's nothing special about the bathrooms, but I have been walked in on and embarrassment was an understatement considering I actually went into the subway station only to come out because I wouldn't make it. At all. That's another thing: it's two blocks from the Pacific side of the Atlantic-Pacific stop which makes it an easy choice for most train lines and certainly has plenty of seating up front and a laid back vibe filled with cheer. And beer. I remember meeting Mandy, who is the sister of the roommate of John, the other brainchild behind this. She worked at a post-production house that specialized in wedding videos I believe. It was a fun conversation I had with her and Christopher Cabin, our resident film critic.
Anywho, throw in the cheese and meats and you have the makings of a hilarious night right? WRONG. There's so much more. 3 more, in fact. 3 more facts, in fact.
This is the only bar in Brooklyn that I can think of that does a Frequent Drinkers Program. There are some awesome prizes, as well as some hilarious obstacles to overcome.
They purport, and it's been in the works since the opening, of a drinking robot that will challenge you, or your friends if you don't like challenges. I've been waiting for a few blue moons, but alas no word has come across my ears that has relieved my anticipation.
Last but not least, you can purchase a growler (a half gallon jug, it's awesome). You're going to want one, really. Especially since walking down 4th Ave. can be somber. You purchase a growler and fill it up with a nice brew (or for 10 "yards" on the Frequent Drinkers program you can get the crap overflow from all the beers in the drain) and take a walk outside and possibly extract a few sips. I've found walking from Pacific Standard to Union Hall on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon is absolutely wonderful. Bring back the growler each time for another refill of goodness. You'll get a slight discount, but no discounts on the amount of happiness achieved. For more on PS, go to their official site where they have their weekly schedule up.
(photo provided by friends at Bumpershine, oddly enough, this is the basement level of Union Hall)
You were totally stoked when I gave you my Borat pin (my only one too, although I still have that bumper sticker so I'm good I guess) at CMJ at Union Hall two years ago. I was with MISTER film critic Chris Cabin, of Filmcritic.com, and thusly quoted by Roger Ebert. He actually remembers it too. We chatted briefly amongst the playlist downstairs that either you or some other smart person made.
You were at Union Hall again almost a year later, this time on a Thursday (bless you, Union Hall), with the man from Destroyer. He was staring through my soul I swear to Satan.
I drank enough, so I had the courage to come up to you and ask you how you were doing and if you remembered the Borat pin. You said no and the conversation was suffice to say, somewhat cold.
Still dig the music...I guess Elia Kazan is a good analogy?
Newman's new album comes out next week on the 20th, called Get Guilty. From the site: "You can get $3 off of the CD version and download an exclusive, pre-order only B-side immediately. The B-side is A.C.’s take on the Go-Betweens’ “Love Goes On”."
Learn more about Newman at his official site, and also check out Matador Records who is releasing this newest shindig.
So my colleague at work and I were talking about Bar 4, as I had just witnessed the latest Gashouse Gorillas show and he mentioned that he knew the owner who had a long and service-able (what a pun) history dating way back, and sent me a Facebook invite to the annual and possibly greatest (but who knows) incarnation of Punk Slope with the holiday bent. I haven't heard "Party, My House, Be There" in a while but I guess that would be an appropriate song, because the DJs should be fun, and Mr. Walter Schreifels will be on hand to perform all sorts of goodies from all those bands that he's been in that people like. Will he take requests? I personally haven't heard "Cherry, Cherry" by Neil Diamond in a while and I know they got that piano sitting all nice.
Oh if I could make one more request considering the pedigree that will be in attendance: Can someone please, please play an Empire State Games song? So amazing.
Nothing like bringing some punk establishment (wuh wuh wait a second Mr. oxymoron) to Park Slope every once in a while that's a bit cleaner than Lucky 13. How will they fit everyone? Well hell if any hipsters show up they are thin enough to use as a rug...
From the invite: "HEY HO HO HO, LET'S GO!!!
It's time once again for the annual PUNK SLOPE XMESS PARTY Saturday December 20th, 2008!
'tis the season to be jolly, merry, and all that good shit. we've lined up one hell of a night... check it out...
live! WALTER SCHREIFELS (Gorilla Biscuits, Quicksand, Rival Schools, Walking Concert) our favorite guest returns!! playing your favorite tunes from the past, present and future! we could not be more excited to have him for this special occasion!
along with special guest DJs! CHRIS DALY (Texas Is The Reason, Jets To Brazil, 108) JOSH GRABELLE (Trustkill) JAY GROTRIAN (Eye For An Eye)
and your fave residents! NICK CAIN, JOEL TEE, JORDAN MAKOW, MIKE FALIS"
It's a thinking/drinking man's punk party, as everyone shall be of age, some will be wearing glasses, some will be drinking glasses, and I just might wear some pinned up braces (red of course, with some green trimmings for that holiday sheen). Also if you mix Jay Grotrian and Josh Grabelle's names, you can have something that will always vaguely remind you of Josh Groban. Who will unfortunately be in attendance...not.
To attend through Facebook (they have yet to do reminders for events which sucks) go here: Punk Slope XMess on Facebook
And check out what Bar 4 has going on all the time, support their musical gatherings and you just might be hearing the next big thing out of 7th Avenue. Here's their address on Google Maps:
So keeping in the Park Slope vein I'm doing Lighthouse Tavern because, well, I just feel like it (don't worry Kettle Black, I'll hit you up at some point this season. And don't worry Manhattan, we'll get to some digs at some point).
Going here just to hang out is a good idea, it's on a nice block of the Slope on 5th near Ginger's and The Gate. They have specials every night (including game and trivia nights), and the food isn't too pricey, not the biggest portions but 10 bucks for pretty good fish and chips isn't a bad thing. The great thing about the place is it's cozy, the New England feel really seeps in with the light blue and the tight feel. The couches are snugly fit, and the back has a pool table, with not quite a lot of room to roam but thank god it's ditched on Sundays for football. I love anything that even pretends to be in a New England/northeast coast maritime style, and these guys have just enough small details from framed artwork to the tight pub feel. It's just a great neighborhood bar.
The thing about this place is the good selection of smaller beers that they have in rotation, you're always going to come here and be like, "I should try that". They have scheduled beer tastings as well, so be on the lookout.
So on to the football. They bring on the brunch for football season, as well as ton of fun patrons who all enjoy making fun of that one dude in the corner who's being really obnoxious. For a tight bar, there's plenty of room in the back, so I would suggest pushing toward that section of the place, because the front of the bar is skinny and two large guys or gals later and there's a traffic problem. It's a well lit bar, so you're able to see all the action without having to squint your eyes; I really like having lots of light during the day is so key, even if indirect, to the vibe of a bar. With Sunday ticket you'll have to pick your TV but the bartenders are friendly as are the patrons, so work it out!
The portions here are average but you could really catch yourself eating too much here; a place like 200 Fifth doles out the food as if we were kings, but here is a smaller kitchen operation and things are kept manageable in classic baskets of food. But at least my favorite, the ole' fish 'n chips, is crisp and light. They have an array of burgers and bar snacks under 10 bucks; the prices are also very reasonable, there's always a cheaper option in case the wallet is a little thin (High Lifes are 3 bucks, Bud Light 4) but you'll want to shell out 6 bucks for the micro brews (they might be in transition from summer to fall lineup, I'll have to check to see what they have going on). I would suggest the Old Bay bloody mary, it'll put a hop in your step if you're not doing so hot from the previous night. If you'd like to sip on a bourbon during the week or even during the game, they have a few more bottles than the average bar at smart prices (I do enjoy the Woodford Reserve).
Another great thing about this place (unless it's a bar particular to your team, then you'll feel right at home) is the lack of a dominant crowd; there's displacement from lots of different teams, so the communal football experience is really felt. People are less obnoxious when this happens, and that's why this is a great place to go on a sunny Sunday afternoon to catch up on the religion we know as football.
For Lighthouse's official site, go here. To see what they say about it on Yelp, click here.
Park Slope really does have a neat little collection of sports bars that are different from each other and present a nice alternative depending on what kind of thing you're going for. You want the great food and drink deal? Cattyshack. You want a cozy New England, homey place with a couple of actual couches? Lighthouse Tavern.
I'm focusing on 200 Fifth for this post, right off the Union Street R stop, and it's a monster of a place. A good place to go to for their beefed up and extensive bar menu as well as their full menu on the restaurant side (the place is divided up into two, with two bars back to back to serve both sides). They have some really good finger food while you're watching a game, I can't come here and watch a game without getting something to eat, to go along with the 40 or so taps that they have. The bar service is kind of grumpy, with some of the bartenders having a permanent scowl on their face, but don't take it personally. On the weekends it's kind of the macho dance party as they clear out the space and it's definitely louder than any of the neighboring places like Patio or my favorite, Union Hall. All the doors can open to the outside, and with the full window front, lots of good natural light can come in and hit most of the bar with the exception of the very back.
However, we are in football season, thus let's focus. They have I think 40 TVs here, and can handle a lot of different games; the bar has tons of packages and plays all sorts of sports, all of them attracting equal passion from the patrons whether it's tennis, soccer, baseball, or football. It's definitely the bar in terms of being able to cater to and hold all the games that one would possibly need to watch. There's plenty of room to see the games from, most are perched pretty high, but I would suggest if you want to be loud, stick to the bar side, you'll be more appreciated. The seats at the bar fill up quickly and take up space, but you'll usually see a row or two of people just standing, as any crowded sports bar would have. There's a good variety of fans here too, as with Lighthouse, really with the exception of a few more New York fans, people probably come here in hopes that they'll have all the other games on as well, so no problem. There is a lot of good natured jabbing here, the worst you'll get is an obnoxious fan of a more random team for this area like I don't know Kansas City or Carolina.
My biggest problem with the bar is that the TVs are of varying sizes and quality; they have everything from a huge projection screen to I think a small 13 or 19 inch, and the one above the bar door where the two bars meet really is poor quality. I think they should upgrade with a couple of them. Also with the height, your neck can get strained pretty quickly if you aren't in a good spot, but that'll happen at most places.
Again, the food can be key here if you're looking to gorge yourself, you've got the variety to do it here. You can go from buffalo chicken tenders to oysters to short ribs and mac 'n cheese and then onto shrimp and back again. And that's just the bar menu. For Sundays, they do have a brunch special as well, so if you get in early you can prep yourself while watching Boomer and the gang.
The bathrooms are kind of hilarious in that the whiteness of the tiles and the privacy of the partial wall separating the urinals is kinda nice and a tad above average.
As I stated before, the seats get taken up (it doesn't have as many as it could really fit, the bar stools are heavy and probably were pretty expensive, and there's a lot of dead space between the bar and the high tables and booths which is good for the dancin' weekends but does leave a lot of people standing. The great thing too in Brooklyn, last time I went there, people were tossing a football on the street during the halftime break. It's a nice picture when you think about it, a good Sunday afternoon spent in a great, busy section of Park Slope (200 5th really owns the block during this time).
All in all, it's a large bar that is able to accommodate fans from all around, although you might find it distracting everytime someone screams irregularly because of the variety of games on.
For more information about their sports packages and their menu, go to there official website: www.200-fifth.com.
North Slope was always an area I was a little gray on when it came to my knowledge of places. I had been to Freddy's in Prospect Heights, which was close, and Union Hall, where I live on the weekends, but living in Sunset Park I figured South Slope would really do it for me. My co-worker and I were looking for place to have a couple of drinks that could suit both routes, he was in Crown Heights and I was in Sunset Park. I was looking for a new place that wasn't 4th Ave Pub or Pacific Standard, something more quaint. In comes Black Sheep Pub, and I've been back a few times since and it's really a nifty little bar.
There are a few great things about it. First off, is the doors to the outside, and you can shift your table out there to get a great sidewalk view. You can also put your feet up on the fence and just sit there and drink all day and stare at the peculiar one-story house across the street. If you had a cowboy hat that would be great, and a harmonica would complete the look.
They have great specials here depending on the day, like half priced wine, as well as an 8 dollar pitcher for happy hour (currently Amber Bock is their cheap choice). Quiz nights are on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month. It's not a large place; a few tables and the bar on your right, and a large projection screen playing any number of sports or random movies on cable and foosball table on the left. The bathroom is one of the smallest I've ever been in. It's for Alice in Wonderland, when she's miniature.
The food isn't bad, they have a small menu from sandwiches to a salad to fish and chips (11 dollars was a bit much for a skimpy amount). The cook miraculously appears from somewhere and yells out your name, and be sure to throw a barb or two, because he's a good guy.
Another great thing is the board games, they have ornate copies of some classics like Jenga and Yahtzee (after a few drinks it's just not happening, that game right there).
I think my favorite though, is the free jukebox, everyday, before 8pm. Their jukebox is up there with the best, they have a few albums but they have a whole lot of mixes that really runs the gamut (I played a Clinic song and the bartender was really happy, a Liverpool transplant he was). The music isn't very loud so it's really enjoyable to play some really good tunes (great sets of 80s and 90s indie) while still having a somewhat self-absorbed conversation about your ex-girlfriend.
In other words, it's a perfect Sunday afternoon drink spot, one where you can sit and listen to crabby cynical women shooting you the evil eye just for looking their way, or listen to some ascot-ed idiot talk about the movie business second hand.
For more information and updates on their specials, see their official site: Black Sheep Pub Brooklyn
