Peeking Behind The Iron Curtain

After being turned away on an afternoon from Toby's Public House (because of family - read stroller - in tow, boo...), I ventured to the former site of Eurotrip, now called Korzo in South Park Slope. An eastern European-themed bar deep off of 6th avenue in Brooklyn, the beer is old world right and the food is extremely proper.



Being one who sought the Imperial Pint in such far off places such as Germany, Hungary, and Budapest, I can attest to the fact that Korzo does both the beer and the food properly. Food is an interesting array of Hungarian sausage-type dishes and an interesting list of a traditional fried-bread treat. Beers on tap are a great, tight list of light, dark, weiss, and lager by the pint (16 oz), litre (afternoon-ruining), and pitcher. A tasty event, to say the least. Well recommended for the trek.

7 out of 10 Pints.b

At The Gates...

It's been awhile since I've been able to venture out into the wilderness of Park Slope and enjoy a pint since the new addition. This weekend, me and the fam were able to saunter down to a nice pub known as The Gate.
Semi-dark inside, with the afternoon sun shining through the windows. It reminds one of a summer's day in the English countryside.
There is a nice outdoor area where one can watch the world go by. They have an extensive selection of beer on tap. Microbrews and such. Pints are served Imperial style, although a bit smaller than the traditional. Good for Afternoon enjoyment.
7 out of 10 Pints.

At The Table

So, now having moved to the nesting grounds of Park Slope, it is time to give an update on some of the Imperialist Haunts in this neck of the woods. First up is Beer Table. A haven in the neighborhood for craft brews of all sorts. Reminiscent of Williamsburg's Spuyten Duyvil, Beer table boasts one of the most extensive menu's in the neighborhood.



Seasonal drafts are served in proper Imperial Pint glasses (thank god), a welcome respite from the trend that has seemed to overcome it's northern neighbors. Food is solid all around. Small plates, both dinner and dessert fare. A little on the pricey side, but worth it for some serious drinking. Images courtesy google and beerlord.com.

7 out of 10 Pints.

A Taste of Old New York

Stuck in the Flatiron district, looking for a pint, can be a dire situation for some. Fear not, however, there is an Oasis. Old Town Bar is a drinking landmark. Thru and thru this is a turn of the century place. Both beers and food are on the level. Just walking inside you know you've arrived someplace special.

I went in one summer afternoon with a friend some years ago. I ordered a beer and the friend ordered a glass of wine and then excused himself to the bathrooms. The bartender brought over our drinks and asked me, "what's wrong with your friend?", as he placed down the glass of wine. Old Town, indeed.


7 out of 10 Pints.

Sharpen Those Pencils

The Pencil Factory sits on a quiet Greenpoint corner. Sitting and pinting is a great pleasure there with the two large windows. This bar has the same owners as Harefield Road, so expect the same high quality local brews and friendly service. Also expect the smaller than usual "baby" pint glasses.
Maybe these smaller glasses are a sign of the times, but according to experts, the population drinks more during an economic downturn. All in all, if you don't mind the stubby beer, a good place to sit.

7 out of 10 Pints.

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays to all Imperialists near and far. For a holiday themed pint, I offer up The Ginger Man. The beer choices are staggering, but most importantly they serve 'em up Imperial style (should the flavor dictate). The area is unfortunate, a veritable no-man's land, but this seems to be the fertile ground for the modern Irish bar. This establishment can get crowded after work, but a Sunday afternoon should be festive.
7 out of 10 Pints.

Lend Me An Ear

The Ear Inn is a classic New York Pub. Steeped in history, and history is becoming paramount in this blog, it lives alone amongst the west side of manhattan's pubdom.
Almost literally like walking into a frigate waiting to depart, the Ear harkens back to an earlier age when shipowners rubbed elbows with sailors and their ladies-of-the-night.
Fine Imperial selection, good food at sharp prices, dodgy bathroom. Upon my next visit, interior pics will be provided henceforth.

A bit of a hike, we know, but worth it for generally civilized atmosphere.

7 out of 10 Pints

Follow the Harefield Road...

This establishment poses a particular quandry. Harefield Road is my chosen neighborhood watering hole. HF has many hallmarks that read like a checklist of what it takes to remain a quality establishment.

• Rustic, rough hewn decor.
• Extremely wide selection of ales and spirits.
• Friendly, yet sarcastic bartenders who will treat you right but won't talk your ear off.
• Solid musical choices playing through quality speakers.
• Live music on Sundays of a historically-interesting nature.
• A contingent of the local biker dudes.

I've spent many a night here, even some that I can't remember. But for all the good things that this place accomplishes, they commit a Bloomberg-era cardinal sin, "baby pints"!

When ordering a beer at 'The Road', your carefully chosen seasonal brew comes to you in a 15.5oz "pub glass". You are not even dignified with a 16oz glass. Maybe Harefield spent too much on the decor? Maybe its a moral issue of the owners not to let their patrons drink too much? But seeing as how they also own the Pencil Factory (which will be covered later), an establishment where I have enjoyed a full pint, I don't understand the snafu.

All in all, a good place to go, but it would be a great place to go if they kept it imperial.

7 out of 10 Pints.

The Old Ale House

Brooklyn Ale House has always been a nice midday respite for a pint. They even beckon with a sign (right).

A wonderful brunch (free bagels + paper - because who needs all that fancy stuff anyways) rounds out the fare from this neighborhood stalwart.

7 out of 10 Pints.

King Puck

Puck Fair serves up a cozy pint. Along the same lines as Swift (they are part of a larger conglomerate), it has nonetheless a good pour. Excellent food as well, should the mood strike you. Regular patrons lament when the "stuffed spud" is gone.

Friendly staff... Chance of a possible buyback, a rarity in these parts.

7 out of 10 Pints.

Swiftly now... Swiftly.

Swift Hibernian Lounge has a very good pour. Sadly, the crowd can get the better of you on a blustery night when all you want is the racing form and a pint of mothers milk.

7 out of 10 Pints.