Bar in Park Slope for a handful of 30-somethings

danielle123 · May 2009

I'm looking for suggestions for a bar in Park Slope for about 8 thirty-somethings. I'm looking for preferably a fun and/or nice atmosphere for this outing that's conducive to conversation (not loud). I haven't lived in PS in 12 years so need a little help (I'm in CG).

One of the folks suggested Cocoa Bar, Patio Lounge or Rachel's. I don't know any of them (and don't trust this person's judgment) but wine and chocolate (Cocoa Bar) sounds repulsive to me and not like a bar (despite the name).

Loki Lounge? Great Lakes? The Gate? (Too loud?)

Suggestions?

scarlett · May 2009

It depends on what night you go and if you want to sit at a table or at a bar. Some of us had a lovely time at Patio on a Friday night, but people can smoke out there and that can be offensive to some people. The Gate is always really loud and packed, especially outside. Bar Reis has a nice backyard with tables and that would be good, but it's cash only. Buttermilk is a fave and they have tables, but it can get pretty packed and loud on Saturday nights. Loki is a lot younger and loud and crowded and sweaty and annoying on a Saturday night, but great bloodies and awesome bartender on Sundays. Steinoff has some bar tables and could be good on a weeknight but can get really crowded and loud too. Commonwealth would be good.

And it's only 8:15 so I guess I should be working and not thinking about drinking. Hope this helps!

1st_streeter · May 2009

sidecar

danielle123 · May 2009

Thanks, Scarlett and Flexi!

We're probably going to go for happy hour on a Thursday night. We tend to like places where we can stand/sit by the bar because it's easier to talk to more people that way (rather than just the person to your left or right at a table). If a few people flake and we end up as 4 or 5 people (instead of eight), then it wouldn't matter because you can talk to everyone at a table for 4.

shishkab · May 2009

I agree about Sidecar and would also offer up Toby's Public House -- both in the south end, if you are willing to make the trip

danielle123 · May 2009

Thank you - that's a pretty place (although on Google StreetView it looks abandoned). I would be happy to go there sometime. However, dragging 8 people out there might be challenging (I predict dropoff).

I would love some additional suggestions in the heart of Park Slope if possible (between 4th-7th Ave, Flatbush to 9th-ish Street). Thanks!

opossumqueen · May 2009

Bogota has lots of room, a large drink and food menu, and a decent little back patio.

Patio might be fine on a Thursday but I think it's only drinks, no food.

I have not been there on a week night, but I think the Gate is usually loud and crowded these days (ie, warmer weather).

Sidecar is great, imo, so you should keep it on your list of places to go eventually.

Rachel's isn't terribly loud, but is a bustling taqueria type place. I don't think it's ever been so loud that two folks couldn't talk but I don't recall how it would be with more. The drink selection is somewhat limited--lots of tequila drinks and though they have more, I'd avoid it for that.

danielle123 · May 2009

Thanks Opossum. I've never been to Rachel's. If it came down to it, would you pick Rachel's over Maria's - food/drink-wise and appropriateness for a group? When I've been to Maria's at happy hour, the bar area was practically empty (so we could pretty much take it over). However, they play the music a little loud (but they turned it down when I asked nicely).

I'll look into Bogota and Patio, as well.

j0518 · May 2009

Flatbush Farm would be another excellent possibility. Doesn't get too loud, and easy to find space.

I still haven't checked out Pacific Standard, but always hear very good things about it.

If it's early enough on a Thursday night, as you wrote, a lot of places become possible. Even Union Hall becomes a good possibility on a night like that.

dawnc · May 2009

Thanks to this post I checked out Patio last night ( Saturday ). Thats a lovely yard they have ; quite a lot of tables and umbrellas and climbing vines. Plenty of room if you get there before 10pm-10.30 ish. The music inside was not to my taste and very loud so I wouldn't drink inside but outside was great.

opossumqueen · May 2009

I'm not familiar with Maria's (should I be--am I missing something?!) so I can't compare the two.

Rachel's have a huge bar area but they do have lots of spots that can accommodate groups your size (the backyard is now covered so it's always in use, with a few couches even). I do see lots of groups of 5+ there so I guess it works well for that and I think on the earlier side it might not be too crowded.

danielle123 · May 2009

Thanks, everyone. I've printed out the addresses of some of these places and am going to check them out after the Bicycle Jumble today.

Opossum - Maria's Mexican Bistro (I think that's the official name) is at the corner of Union and 4th Avenue. It used to be a tiny hole in the wall but it became so popular they took over the place next door. I haven't eaten there in a couple of years but when I did, the food was good. More recentlly, I have had the margaritas at the bar with fresh guac. They both are very good. It's not my favorite Mexican restaurant but it's solid.

danielle123 · June 2009

I spoke to the manager at Bogota today. He said the front area (to the right of the door before the bar) might be a good place for us to gather and order appetizers. It was very casual/rustic and I was thinking that I'd like to be at a slightly more upscale looking place (a place somewhere between Bogota and the bar at Tempo on the "chic" scale, if possible).

Patio Lounge was closed when I walked by earlier today. I will have to go again and also am planning to check out Rachel's and Bar Reis this week. If anyone has any other central Park Slope suggestions, please let me know.

Thanks!!

apophis36 · June 2009

Technically not Park Slope (Its on the other side of Flatbush), but maybe Sharlene's? It opened a couple weeks ago by Shar (From Commonwealth) in what used to be Mooneys...It usually isn't too crowded, but attracts an interesting crowd and has a good juke box with relatively chill music...

new2hood · June 2009

12th Street Bar and Grill.

danielle123 · June 2009

Thanks for the additional suggestions! Will try to check them all out (if not for this event, for another future event in PS).

katwright1 · June 2009

new2hood wrote: 12th Street Bar and Grill.

I like 12th St. B&G a lot , but it doesn't have a lot of room. They might have a hard time finding space

j0518 · June 2009

danielle123 wrote: I spoke to the manager at Bogota today. He said the front area (to the right of the door before the bar) might be a good place for us to gather and order appetizers. It was very casual/rustic and I was thinking that I'd like to be at a slightly more upscale looking place (a place somewhere between Bogota and the bar at Tempo on the "chic" scale, if possible).

Patio Lounge was closed when I walked by earlier today. I will have to go again and also am planning to check out Rachel's and Bar Reis this week. If anyone has any other central Park Slope suggestions, please let me know.

Thanks!!

If you go early enough, and on a weekday, you should be able to spread out nicely in the front area at Bogota. It also would not be difficult to get a big table for the same purpose. I'm sure they'd be able to accomodate whatever you need.

Bar in Park Slope for a handful of 30-somethings

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