Friday, October 30, 2009

Barrelhouse Brooklyn Wants to Be in Sunset Park

So yesterday I posted up a teaser about a potential new drinking hole in Sunset Park. Confirmation came more quickly than I thought, so the tease wasn't too unbearable for those who are interested.

Here's the information I have so far:

Two Sunset Park residents have decided to open up an establishment called Barrelhouse Brooklyn right here. The location has yet to be decided, and some of the financing has yet to be secured. Sunset Park is not the easiest place to open a new establishment, but this is where they'd like to be. Judging from the flurry of responses yesterday, there is definite interest in a bar with interesting drink mixes and occasional music.

The optimistic plan is to secure financing by the end of December, find a lease in January, renovate and then open up as soon as possible after that. Realistically, Steven, one of the hopeful bar-makers, is saying they'd love to be open by summer. They are looking at spaces between 4th and 8th Avenues and 40th to 50th Streets. Know of a viable option?

If you want to keep up with the progress and/or give them encouragement and suggestions, take a look at their Twitter page and the Barrelhouse website. You can also check out the rough draft of their cocktails and mixed drinks.

I know that there are plenty of places to grab a drink in Sunset Park. With the karaoke bars and Mexican restaurants, there is no shortage. Don't forget places like the Soccer Tavern on 60th and 8th and Irish Haven on 57th and 4th. They are great for a beer. However, I think that a place that is a little more "date night" or that appeals to a different demographic as more than "let's try it out" - could help keep people in the neighborhood for dinner or bring more people to the neighborhood to spend money in the restaurants. No need to travel 5th Avenue to Bay Ridge or Greenwood Heights. Stay in Sunset Park! (Which many of us do anyway - just not in the bars.) Other than hoping this new establishment will be a good neighbor, my main concern will be: How is the cider?

11 comments:

Steven Baird said...

Thanks so much for your interest and for the exposure. I promise we'll be good neighbors, and when we open your first cider will most definitely be on the house.

gui said...

im excited!

-sunset park resident my entire life

Joe M said...

What about the Rainbow Cafe space (5th btw 39 & 40)? It doesn't look leased/bought yet...

Dollar Van Demos said...

what about the old Rainbow Cafe?

BestViewInBrooklyn said...

Between the Twitter feed and the comments, everyone definitely wants SOMEthing to go in the Rainbow Cafe.

Chances are, that space is too big for a new venture...but it would be wonderful for something food/drink/music related to go in there.

Anonymous said...

Would love love love if this came to fruition. Best of luck!

Gui said...

I am not a fan of the Rainbow Cafe. The location isnt the greatest. Lots of traffic, but also not the best area on a Saturday night 2am.

green light said...

Since the Rainbow space has been empty so long, maybe they'd consider dividing? It does seem like it would be kind of perfect...

Anonymous said...

The 40's and 50's have lots of foot traffic, but maybe TOO much congestion. Ben, check out the 59th Street express stop and the blocks all around there. Anywhere on 4th Avenue or 5th Avenue from 59th to 67th isn't too crowded and I bet an affordable storefront could be rented, and perfect for you. People with disposable income live on the streets around there and I think you'd do well there. I promise to go wherever you end up, though!

Manu said...

This is great!

I've thought of opening a bar-at-night/coffee-during-the-day ("grey dog cafe" style) in Sunset Park myself, but only when I'm day dreaming. (I have no experience and no cash.)
So I'm happy someone else is taking this up!
Good luck to the entrepreneurs and "Best view..": please keep us updated!

WeAreWere said...

THE RAINBOW!!