Thirstbaràvin – Wine Bar on Classon Ave

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Thirstbaràvin – Wine Bar on Classon Ave

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SnowboardQueen
getting it
Joined: Jan '09
Posts: 248

Having been raised a vegetarian by an ex-hippie Mom, for the first 20 years of my life, I will be the first to admit I could care less about establishments whose menu's boast of serving dishes like Bollito Misto (Beef Tongue and Brisket with Two Sauces)or Pork Belly etc.,

So, to my surprise the new Wine Bar on Classon Ave at Pacific, Thirstbaràvin, exceeded ALL of my expectations!

Granted I did not have the Bollito Misto (Beef Tongue and Brisket with Two Sauces)or the Pork Belly - I had the Leeks in Vinaigrette Sauce - but the experience was totally AMAZING!!!!!

Check it out bk.ly/xmU

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# Posted 2 yrs ago
mr. met
rocking it
Joined: Dec '07
Posts: 1,407

i wonder how this place is doing. horrible location.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
SnowboardQueen
getting it
Joined: Jan '09
Posts: 248

Mr. Met.., initially I thought the location was a Killer also, but being near the borders of 4 neighborhoods - Crown Heights, Prospect Heights, Clinton Hill, and Bedford-Stuyvesant - might prove to be it's saving grace.

What's your issue(s) with the location?

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# Posted 2 yrs ago
dailyheights
Honorary Fellow
Joined: Jan '05
Posts: 4,619

Excellent photos - what wines did you try and how are prices?

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# Posted 2 yrs ago
mr. met
rocking it
Joined: Dec '07
Posts: 1,407

What's your issue(s) with the location?

it seems like a relatively upscale place, but it's surrounded by all of those scrapyards and the chicken slaughter place. plus i feel like a lot of the successful places in crown heights are closer to eastern parkway. it's not really close to a subway and that area doesn't get as much foot traffic as others.

i hope you're right about the 4 neighborhoods thing, though. hope the place sticks around.

i love the new falafel place on bergen and classon. good, cheap food. haven't seen much about it on brooklynian.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
saram
getting it
Joined: Jul '05
Posts: 132

As someone who lives within a couple of blocks I initially thought it was a bad idea too, but Outpost does really well (sometimes too well and I can't get a seat) just a couple of blocks away. Also it is not too far from the Franklin C stop. This area also lacks date spots- Outpost is hit and miss and doesn't have that kind of food selection. I think the biggest thing will be letting people know they exist.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
mr. met
rocking it
Joined: Dec '07
Posts: 1,407

...what is Outpost?

# Posted 2 yrs ago
dailyheights
Honorary Fellow
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Posts: 4,619

I thought she meant Habana Outpost http://www.yelp.com/biz/habana-outpost-brooklyn

But that's not exactly the location... probably Outpost Cafe (Lounge) http://www.outpostlounge.com/pages/map.html

They list the same "nexus": "Outpost is located at the nexus of four amazing Brooklyn neighborhoods. Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Bedford Stuyvesant and Crown Heights."

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# Posted 2 yrs ago
NostrandPark
Crown Heights Blogger
Joined: May '09
Posts: 120

it seems like a relatively upscale place, but it's surrounded by all of those scrapyards and the chicken slaughter place. plus i feel like a lot of the successful places in crown heights are closer to eastern parkway. it's not really close to a subway and that area doesn't get as much foot traffic as others.

Interestingly, as we note in the article, there is actually an Italian restaurant slated to open next door. The owner owns an Italian restaurant in the Lower East Side ... unfortunately, I can't remember the name. A few visionary restaurateurs could really make "warehouse row" as we call it, a happening place!

Nostrand Park. Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Experience the Renaissance. http://www.nostrandpark.com

# Posted 2 yrs ago
mr. met
rocking it
Joined: Dec '07
Posts: 1,407

Interestingly, as we note in the article, there is actually an Italian restaurant slated to open next door. The owner owns an Italian restaurant in the Lower East Side ... unfortunately, I can't remember the name. A few visionary restaurateurs could really make "warehouse row" as we call it, a happening place!

hope so. new eating options always welcome.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
SnowboardQueen
getting it
Joined: Jan '09
Posts: 248

How about the meat-packing district on 14th st in Manhattan?

That strip has transformed from seedy hotels by the hr, hustlers, pimps, sweet, but hard-working "working "girls"".., into this strip of totally "upscale" establishments.

If the meat-packing district can do a total transformation.., and clean-up to that degree.., then lil' ole Classon Ave with her scrap yard shop here and there - just may stand a chance to be transformed into a quaint dinning experience.

My fingers are crossed!

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# Posted 2 yrs ago
MHA
rocking it
Joined: Feb '10
Posts: 1,352

I don't know if 'transformation' and 'clean-up' necessitates it being 'better'. It all depends upon whose interests are being met. Were I a john looking for a 'working girl' (or 'boy' for that matter) then the price of said service has now gone up. I mean, the meat-packing district has become a ghetto for boutique bullshit and the self-consciously scrubbed; stainless steel, glass and chrome are now prerequisites. I dunno, that kind of stuff is disgusting in a 'progressive' sort of way....

What's wrong with a wine shop beside a scrapyard and a chicken slaughterhouse? Note my use of 'shop' instead of bar. It's conscious. Why must we dress up everything? That's not a rhetorical question. There is something self serving and narcissist when 'folks need to sit in mood lighting just to drink alcohol. A bottle of wine that retails for 8 bucks is taken into a 'wine bar' where one buys a glass of wine for 8 bucks... Crazy hipsters....

# Posted 2 yrs ago
booklaw
admin
Joined: Nov '07
Posts: 2,408

It's like the difference between drinking in a fern bar (if that term is still used) on the one hand, and in an old Irish shot-and-a-beer joint.

You're going to have a very different experience in each.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
MHA
rocking it
Joined: Feb '10
Posts: 1,352

'fern bar'? It's an unwarranted elitist perspective; self-congratulatory.

(In a Schwarzennegger-type voice:) Look at us, we are so sensitive and progressive drinking fancy wine in a wine bar! We are all SO cool, and hip, and FANCY, drinking our overpriced wine! Oh, if we could get rid of the scrapyard and the chicken slaughterhouse - then we wouldn't have to be reminded of those un-cool, un-hip people! Then it would be 'better'!

# Posted 2 yrs ago
booklaw
admin
Joined: Nov '07
Posts: 2,408

How about this?

Get rid of the scrapyard and the chicken slaughterhouse, and I'll bet there are gonna be fewer rats...

# Posted 2 yrs ago
MHA
rocking it
Joined: Feb '10
Posts: 1,352

That presumes that rats like to eat metal and tires, and that the slaughterhouse isn't circumspect about the remains that they throw away -- another unwarranted elitist presumption Booklaw....

# Posted 2 yrs ago
dailyheights
Honorary Fellow
Joined: Jan '05
Posts: 4,619

rats = getting kinda offtopic, guys.

wine = it's what's for dinner!!

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# Posted 2 yrs ago
mr. met
rocking it
Joined: Dec '07
Posts: 1,407

I don't know if 'transformation' and 'clean-up' necessitates it being 'better'.

like clockwork

# Posted 2 yrs ago
MHA
rocking it
Joined: Feb '10
Posts: 1,352

tick tock

# Posted 2 yrs ago
modsquad2.0
getting it
Joined: Jul '10
Posts: 197

rats = getting kinda offtopic, guys.

Hardly, on a bed of mesclun no less.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
dailyheights
Honorary Fellow
Joined: Jan '05
Posts: 4,619

OK, that's at least funny, especially if you photoshopped it.

Not to contribute to the off-topic-fest, but speaking of absurd salad photos, you really have to see this recent post: Women Laughing Alone With Salad

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# Posted 2 yrs ago
MHA
rocking it
Joined: Feb '10
Posts: 1,352

What's wrong with rat salad? It's sure better than rat-shit salad, which I am sure we have all eaten whether we would like to think so or not....

# Posted 2 yrs ago
nearnostrand
getting it
Joined: Jun '08
Posts: 189

MHA said - "Note my use of 'shop' instead of bar. It's conscious. Why must we dress up everything?"

I thought a wine shop is where one goes to buy a bottle of wine for off premise consumption, whereas a wine bar is primarily a bar that focuses on the on premise consumption of wine. I'm not sure how that is dressing it up in as much as quantifying what it is. Did I miss something?

Anyway, I hope this new wine bar/shop succeeds. Thank you SnowboardQueen for sharing. I think hubby and I will pay them a visit - sans the rat salad.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
spnder
getting it
Joined: May '09
Posts: 130

"i wonder how this place is doing. horrible location. "

It's an excellent location, actually. I bet the rent is crazy cheap and people who like good wine are going out of their way to get there.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,089

Yes, the owner also owns a wine store in a different location.

....he/she likely has an existing client list of people who like "slow, quality dining and refined food". ....they will travel to get there.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
mr. met
rocking it
Joined: Dec '07
Posts: 1,407

I thought a wine shop is where one goes to buy a bottle of wine for off premise consumption, whereas a wine bar is primarily a bar that focuses on the on premise consumption of wine. I'm not sure how that is dressing it up in as much as quantifying what it is. Did I miss something?

it's a bar.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
MHA
rocking it
Joined: Feb '10
Posts: 1,352

You mean 'qualifying' Mr. Met.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,089

So, has anyone (besides SnowboardQueen) eaten here yet?

SnowboardQueen, no offense but I am looking of a non-vegetarian point of view before I check this place out.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
SnowboardQueen
getting it
Joined: Jan '09
Posts: 248

whynot_31 - None taken of course. I enjoy friendly discussion of the pro's and con's of an issue from all sides.

I actually went with LB and she had the Pork Belly dish. She was quite satisfied with the flavors, textures etc.

After 20 years, I'm no longer a vegetarian, but in all honesty, any meat besides fish, chicken or turkey does frighten me.

Hopefully LB will personally post of her experience soon.

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# Posted 2 yrs ago
xlizellx
rocking it
Joined: Jul '08
Posts: 1,580

Note my use of 'shop' instead of bar. It's conscious. Why must we dress up everything? That's not a rhetorical question. There is something self serving and narcissist when 'folks need to sit in mood lighting just to drink alcohol. A bottle of wine that retails for 8 bucks is taken into a 'wine bar' where one buys a glass of wine for 8 bucks... Crazy hipsters...

This is a joke, right?

right?

Cowboys are hipsters? A saloon is a bar. A bar is like a restaurant for drinks -- or do you not see why people would go out to eat either? I mean, you can eat at home for cheaper too.

People drink at bars for reasons other than wanting to feel hip or whatever. Some people want the experience of leaving their house (for whatever reason -- I like to because if I'm at home I feel compelled to watch TV or to do work or to clean or whatever) or they want to hear music while drinking or they want to dance while drinking or they don't want so-and-so in their house while drinking or they want to meet new people while drinking or they want to try new wines/beers/cocktails or they want to have something that someone else picked out for them so that they don't have to decide and can have something delicious.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,089

xlizellx, sorry to be curt, but somethings don't need to be said.

I want to hear from someone who has gone here. I have an anniversary coming up.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
wonderchimp5
rookie newb
Joined: May '10
Posts: 24

I have been there-I enjoyed it. Here is my take:

1. Very friendly and helpful staff. They gave us several tastes of wine so we could decide which glass we wanted.
2. The food was good. (we did only have the leeks as we were just having drinks) The other dishes they were serving looked very good as they came out, and the whole place smelled great
3. It's a little bright...i know that seems critical, but i think they can make it more cozy if the lights are dimmer
4. The menu is very limited if you are looking for a full diner, or have more than 2 people. There were only 2 entrees the night we went.
5. They need more diversity in the wines by the glass. I felt like all 4 of the wines I tasted were medium bodied, and i would have liked to seen some bigger reds on the list.

As most new restaurants, it is a work in progress, and I look forward to this place finding itself and improving. I think it has a lot of potential.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
nucomme
rookie newb
Joined: Mar '10
Posts: 49

oh wow congrats to emilia and michael...I'm headed over asap!

she does the most...

# Posted 2 yrs ago
SnowboardQueen
getting it
Joined: Jan '09
Posts: 248

dailyheights - Sorry I missed your question. I had Leeks Vinaigrette that was $8, my friend had Pork Belly that was $18.

Off their wine list I tried Dubost Gamayleon that was $8 and she had Trinquevedel Tavel that was also $8 a glass.

We both were very satisfied with our meals. I don't drink, so the light beverage - that the server recommended - was wonderful for my delicate palette. As I find almost all wines to be impossibly rich, heavy and "alcoholic".

I really love the place and would be there every week, if the days and hours of operation were expanded. I tend to want to wind down at a wine bar on a quiet Sunday evening, or to head out later on Friday or Sat evening.

Unfortunately, they are not open on Sunday's and close at 11PM on Fri.'s and Sat.'s. If you haven't already, you must stop in.

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# Posted 2 yrs ago
grantsquare
rookie newb
Joined: Aug '10
Posts: 25

Have been to Thirst several times. Food and wine selection are excellent. Proprietors and staff are very friendly. I've never seen it packed, but on weeknights there has been steady traffic.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
ilovefranklinave
getting it
Joined: Dec '08
Posts: 78

Couldn't help myself - here's my latest take: http://ilovefranklinave.blogspot.com/2011/01/classon-rising-four-corners-new-housing.html

What's really interesting to me is the way the "Four Corners" (is that the next hot real estate destination?) has shifted from a light-industrial area to a residential one over the past few years, and may now be becoming a commercial area as well. A lot of what's happened so far has been the development of vacant/empty properties (hard to see the downside to that, I think) but eventually, might auto-body shops and wine bars cease to co-exist (or to describe the process more accurately, might landlords decide they prefer the former)?

http://ilovefranklinave.blogspot.com/

# Posted 2 yrs ago
NostrandPark
Crown Heights Blogger
Joined: May '09
Posts: 120

To your point ILFA, I can't remember my source, so don't quote me on this, but I recently was told that there is some activity going on at 945 Bergen (at Franklin). As I understand it will be converted to residential building.

I looked at the city records, but didn't see much new activity - the place was purchased by "Crow Hill Development" in early 2008. They applied for the permit to construct a fence in 2009. Nothing much since so who knows...

There is also Big Sue's green building on Dean Street and the relatively new and beautifully renovated Kai Studio so there is definitely activity in that section of town. I think it just goes under the radar.

Nostrand Park. Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Experience the Renaissance. http://www.nostrandpark.com

# Posted 2 yrs ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,089

So, I finally made down to this place last night.

When I arrived around 7, there were probably on 3 other couples in the place. When we left at 9, the place was pretty full.

To my surprise, all of the folks there were eating. ...I had expected much more of a wine bar type crowd, but was among diners instead.

A large group of about 8 people occupied the table by the door.

I'm not a very talented writer of food reviews, so I'll keep it basic:

-One chooses from a variety of appetizers, but only three entrees.

-I had the slow roasted pot roast.
-Mrs. Whynot had a pasta dish.
-We shared a bottle of white wine.

Service and food was good, but the wait staff seemed a little casually dressed (jeans) for what could have been a more formal experience.

We might be back, but will probably stick with Cheryl's (on Underhill at EP) when we are in a similar mood.

Side note, We are of the variety that usually finds Beast on Vanderbilt to be too crowded and noisy.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
spnder
getting it
Joined: May '09
Posts: 130

whynot_31 said:

We might be back, but will probably stick with Cheryl's (on Underhill at EP) when we are in a similar mood.

Side note, We are of the variety that usually finds Beast on Vanderbilt to be too crowded and noisy.

I like Cheryl's but I don't think the service comes any more "casual" than that. And while Cheryl's has a very competent wine list considering how limited it is... it doesn't hold a candle to Thirst.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,089

I would definitely go to Thirst if I was looking to spend an evening drinking yummy wine in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere.

I think this is where Thirst fell short in my mind: I think they could do more with their space than they are.

...whereas Cheryls is so small and packed with people, in my mind it "can't do more" to create atmosphere.

Full disclosure: Cheryls is also much closer to where I live. ...and I have developed what may be a reviewer's bias toward their yummy, double thick porkchop.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
Ridonkulous
getting it
Joined: Feb '08
Posts: 146

We almost crossed paths! I was in the group near the front door (for my birthday). Thirst is an interesting mix of restaurant and bar. I was very impressed how they handled our group. It's hard staggering all those small plates. They even let us put our bill on different cards, a rarity around here.

I believe the wait staff are the owners?

The food is amazing. Smaller portions but the quality is high. One thing I really appreciate is that they can do many items vegetarian on request, like the lentil salad and potato/chorizo soup, because the meat is added at the end of cooking. Although I usually just get the meat

# Posted 2 yrs ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,089

Happy Belated Birthday Ridonkulous!

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
Ridonkulous
getting it
Joined: Feb '08
Posts: 146

Why, thank you!

# Posted 2 yrs ago
spnder
getting it
Joined: May '09
Posts: 130

whynot_31 said:
Full disclosure: Cheryls is also much closer to where I live. ...and I have developed what may be a reviewer's bias toward their yummy, double thick porkchop.

I agree, that pork chop is awesome!

# Posted 2 yrs ago
wr
getting it
Joined: Jun '07
Posts: 94

Yes we are definitely going back. After a mediocre overpriced "French" meal in Manhattan tonite in the East Village, we can do better back in Crown Heights at Thirstybaravin. I would have never imagined this just 3 years ago......Really worth checking out again

# Posted 2 yrs ago
photogirl
getting it
Joined: May '10
Posts: 99

I checked it out last night for the first time and thought it was terrific and a great addition to dining options in the neighborhood. But, I am worried about the location. I was there until about 8 on a Saturday night and it was empty. If people like it, they need to get the word out especially to people in Prospect Heights, Clinton Hill and Bed Stuy. It was as good as anything on Vanderbilt.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,089

I suspect that the owners were aware that the location would present some challenges.

So I infer that they may be betting on the local neighborhood to grow wealthier, in additional to bringing in people throughout the larger brooklyn area; The area around the restaurant certainly offers lots of on street parking to customers who are willing to drive there.

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
whynot_31
Former Lurker
Joined: Mar '06
Posts: 16,089

"in additional" should be "in addition"

Only annoying people say "in additional"

For better or worse, the change on Nostrand is going to make the change on Franklin look minor.

# Posted 2 yrs ago
wr
getting it
Joined: Jun '07
Posts: 94

I was just talking about this place with the onwer of an establishment around the corner - who didn't even know it was a wine bar --- or what kind of food was served....I tell you they really need to get the word out ! It is such good quality but in an odd place, so the owners should make an effort to let people know about it. When I walked passed it - across the street - a few minutes ago, it looks like a nice garage -- or something in the process of being renovated. You would never know there was a restaurant/wine bar inside. Shame they are not open Sunday evenings as Id definitely drop by....

# Posted 2 yrs ago
Jack Krohn
My Baby's Gone Shootin'
Joined: Dec '05
Posts: 1,062

The NYT has discovered Thirstbaravin:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/06/dining/reviews/06dinbriefs.html?ref=dining

# Posted 2 yrs ago