Not Just Brownstones: Local Watering Holes

It’s getting to be that time on Friday where a (wo)man’s mind turns to drink. It just so happens that a couple of Brooklyn watering holes have received some ink recently. Cheers.

Pioneer Bar and Beer Garden

NY Daily News, June 9, 2005 — Red Hook may be tough to get to, but hanging around is easy thanks to haunts like the Pioneer. Part saloon, part clubhouse, this is a fine place to spend a Saturday. There’s beer, of course, like pitchers of Pilsner Urquell ($14), plus housemade cocktails like the friendly pink watermelon margarita ($6). Hungry? Dogs, burgers and homemade fries usually cost less than $6, while vegetarians can make do with their own Sloppy Joes. And the backyard, big enough for tables of 10, features horseshoes and even movies on Sunday nights. Welcome to the neighborhood! 318 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn. (718) 624-0700.
Hot Spot [NY Daily News] GMAP

The Levee

Village Voice, June 7, 2005 — If the cool kids with asymmetrical haircuts have been keeping you from making Billyburg a drinking destination, then the Levee will convince you to give the neighborhood a chance. The owners of this unpretentious bar welcome everyone with their famous Texan hospitality. On a recent visit, hard-drinking middle-aged men sang along to an Iron Maiden song from the jukebox near the dark wood bar, while a crowd of locals in black-rimmed glasses and hooded sweatshirts played Battleship on the thrift store sofas in the other room. Under a sign declaring “Beware Pickpockets & Loose Women,” the friendly bartender chatted with diverse patrons, suggesting beers from the long list of unusual brands ($4 to $7) that includes options like Chimay Blue and Delirium Tremens, or one of the delicious specialty drinks ($6), like a Creamsicle (Stoli Vanil and Sunkist orange soda) or a Beam Cream (Jim Beam and cream soda). Food was proffered, and though the menu is simple, cheap (under $5), and decidedly Texan, everything—from the chili-soaked Frito pie to the hot dogs—can be made vegetarian. This is a bar where PBR swillers sit side by side with Hefeweisen sippers while the jukebox plays Modest Mouse songs and Dio rockers. So drive your Chevy to this Levee (or just hop on the L train)—it never runs dry. 212 Berry Street, Brooklyn. (718) 218-8787.
Loose Women in Williamsburg [Village Voice] GMAP