Hanson Dry Owner Branches out With 1950s-Look Bar in Crown Heights
The owner of Clinton Hill’s Hanson Dry, Chris Buckley, is creating a 1950s-style cocktail bar, Branch Ofc, at 225 Rogers Avenue in Crown Heights. Buckley and his wife Kathryn are in the process of building out the space, which will include a backyard. They said they hope to open this month. The theme will be “diner…
The owner of Clinton Hill’s Hanson Dry, Chris Buckley, is creating a 1950s-style cocktail bar, Branch Ofc, at 225 Rogers Avenue in Crown Heights. Buckley and his wife Kathryn are in the process of building out the space, which will include a backyard. They said they hope to open this month.
The theme will be “diner meets cocktail lounge,” according to a press release, and the interior will feature green-and-rose-colored vinyl flooring, chrome fixtures, steel chairs, a pinball machine and antique cash registers. The 75-seat bar will serve signature cocktails ($11), five draft beers ($7), four types of paninis and snacks such as chips, pickles and cookies.
They’ll be open from 3 pm to 3 or 4 am seven days a week. The backyard will close at 10:45 pm on weekdays and 11:45 pm on weekends.
The state approved the bar’s liquor license last month. We’re glad to see more businesses opening south of Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, especially on Rogers. GMAP
Ugh, that last sentence:
“We’re glad to see more businesses opening south of Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, especially on Rogers.”
What about all the businesses that already exist there? Restaurants, delis, and more! It’s not like it’s a wasteland.
Will a bar serving $11 cocktails really serve the people of the neighborhood?
LOL at “all the businesses”. You clearly havent been there.
Double LOL at “people of the neighborhood”. Who do you think goes to most bars in brooklyn, expecially this far out. Not exactly a destination bar. But we know what you really meant by that, you should just say it.
See my reply above, please. And yes, I live around the corner. And by people of the neighborhood, I meant everyone: the college students at Medgar Evers, long time West Indian residents, and of course the more recent influx of young whites. There aren’t many neighborhood bars close by, and I don’t think a bar opening up that serves $11 cocktails fits the bill of serving everyone. Just a bit saddened to see that, is all. It will of course, fit perfectly with the luxury condo opening next year, just two blocks down. Change may be inevitable, but this seems over the top if that strip is as desolate as everyone thinks.
i don’t think you should jump to conclusions on prices. Those our for their signature cocktails- the same type that go for $14 and above on the other side of Eastern Parkway. Their beer list on their website includes a $4 beer. Again, what current restaurant/bars were you originally referring to near this location?
Are you familiar with this block and this length of Rogers Ave? What existing restaurants/bars are you thinking of?
On Rogers in that vicinity there are just a few delis, as its mostly churches, but there is J&R, the West Indian place just south of Crown. But a couple blocks out you have Balboa, Vee’s, Gloria’s, and newer spots like G Lee’s closer to Eastern. I was simply pointing out that there is like below Eastern, despite how that last sentence made it sound!
I cant argue trying to make buildings look nice and original but if you look at this block its not like its filled with a seamless row of brownstones or something. That area could use anything new to be honest and who goes to a bar for the facade anyway???
The same thing was said about many of the stores on Washington Avenue in Prospect Heights prior to the resurgence on the stretch. Thankfully, most of the newer businesses have taken it upon themselves to construct facades that spruced up the neighborhood.
Fair point. My thing is if you’re going to spend money renovating a space, why not go a little further and make it look appealing. And, at least for the day food crowd, the facade may make a difference; if you’re part of the drunken night crowd, the facade probably won’t matter as much.