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

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

It's always interesting to step into a landmark. For Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, the landmark is Farrell's Bar and Grill. Open since 1933, this neighborhood treasure is filled with cops and firemen, locals and yuppies. Beer is served in sizes: small, medium, and large. The large has been christened, the "Container." Basically a 32oz styrofoam cup that functions as a to-go container for those with thirst on the move.

Much has been said about Farrell's over the years with respect to the neighborhood and gentrification. This imperialist won't go into detail on that, but let's just say on a Saturday night with the Mrs., we were welcomed by some cranky patrons and made to feel at home. One would love to find an Imperial Pint here, but that would probably be deemed, "unAmerican"...

6 out of 10 Pints.

A Welcome Chip on the Shoulder

Chipshop, an ex-pat oasis for our cousins from across the sea, is one establishment that understands the philosophy behind the meaning of a true pint, an Imperial Pint. Extensive, better than average British fare on the menu makes this a real destination. A decent selection of proper ales and lagers served in proper glasses makes it worth staying.
The Mrs. and I went on an early excursion to the Slope before moving here and had a great experience. Stellar fish and chips combined with a couple of Speckled Hen's made for a pleasant evening. Adding to this was the atmosphere. The walls are covered in British ephemera of all sorts and the clientele ranges from Park Slope families to wayward Brits just off of work and looking for a taste of home, to younger hipster punks wanting a pint and a deep fried mars bar. Can't wait to go back.

8 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.

Pixelated Pints

Barcade, a gamers oasis tucked in a warehouse in Williamsburg, serves up a good pint. They primarily stick to the American version, but the overwhelming amount of beers they serve will bewilder even the most experienced Imperialist. The fact that the bar is lined with new and vintage arcade games is also a plus.

6.5 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.

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Happy New Year Imperialists! What better way to celebrate 2009 and get rid of that hangover than a little "hair of the dog that bit'cha"? A pint may be a good remedy, although there are other favorites...
A great Williamsburg pub is Mugs Ale House. Known by brew-afficionados for their extensive selection and simple atmosphere, it's a great place for a cold one. Another secret of this establishment is the above average pub grub. In the ever expanding world of $15 dollar burgers, Mugs pulls off a great one for under ten bucks. Add two pints of cask ale and you're set.

8 out of 10 Pints.

Climbing Up the HIll For a Pint

Spike Hill, the bar on Bedford Ave., is one of the first sights as you exit the L train. It's large open windows (weather permitting), beckon many an imbiber. The bar stays dark, even in the daytime, which to an Imperialist is a good thing. Plenty on tap, and usually a decent pour.Unfortunately this bar is touch and go. The following has befallen your humble narrator at this establishment:
• Order of food taking 30 minutes and then told the order was forgotten.
• Drunken day laborers smashing glasses.
• Guinness poured 3/4 in a glass.
• Bartender skipping a Roxy Music song on the iPod for a song by a Nu-metal band.

Not to say that a solid pint cannot be had here. Just know what you're getting into.

6.5 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.

Only the Penitant Man Will Pass

Spuyten Duyvil is sort of a Holy Grail of beer bars. A veritable wonderland of strange elixirs for the imbibing. Not only can you get a true Imperial Pint, but there are a host of other traditional options to try. Not the least of which being the Cask Ales, which vary seasonally. Seating is a little challenging, but get there early and the choice is yours.

8.5 out of 10 Pints.

An Island in the Inner Hebrides

Iona is a quaint Scottish bar in the southern confines of Willamsburg, Brooklyn. Known for the televised soccer matches and backyard ping pong games. I've only "pinted" here a handful of times, but the pour was always correct. It's what's expected for a true ex-pat bar.

6 out of 10 Pints.