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Brooklyn Social

335 Smith St., Brooklyn, NY 11231
nr. Carroll St. See Map | Subway Directions Hopstop Popup
718-858-7758 Send to Phone

Reader Rating:
7.8 out of 10
|
4 Reviews | Write a Review
Scene: Bar Food, Billiards, Singles Scene, Theme

Photo by Jonathan Bourland

Map Rate & Review

Hours

Mon-Thu, 6pm-2am; Fri-Sat, 6pm-4am; Sun, 5pm-2am

Nearby Subway Stops

F, G at Carroll St.

Payment Methods

Cash Only

Profile

Friendly, low-key bars are a dime a dozen in Brooklyn. What the borough needs is a little less grunge and a little more concept. Brooklyn Social provides it, while still hanging on to the charm that made you move there. Once an Italian social club, the bar gets the throwback formula right, from the front door marked "non-members welcome" to the slowly revolving ceiling fans, red pressed-tin ceiling, and strains of Duke Ellington. Bartenders dress the part, donning ties and expertly mixing cocktails like Matt's Ginger Old-Fashioned (bourbon, ginger, sugar, cherries, orange, bitters and soda) and the Riposto (vodka, tangerine slices and fresh rosemary), which named in honor of the original club and only served in the winter. Getting a feel for the old neighborhood was never easier. — Kevin Dwyer

While Brooklyn Social might get really crowded on a friday or saturday night, this is a really great place to take a number of different people--especially acquaintences that you're just getting to know, or something like that. Its loud (but not too much), dark, and fun. The drink specials are really interesting and delicious, and standards (like a vodka tonic) aren't expensive. This place has an old Brooklyn-Italian feel (I love it), and the crowd is really cool. I was also surprised to find that they have a small menu, so if you're hungry you don't have to get up and go anywhere! The sandwhiches my friends and I ate were more than decent, which is really nice coming from a bar that you probably wouldn't expect to have food. This place has a bangin' ambience.

For the Subterranean You...

thebuzz from 10014 | Posted on 10/30/08

Overall Rating: 10 (Highly Recommended)

A friend told me about this joint (and it is a joint!). It was as if i walked into the bar where Marlon Brando is dancing with Jill St. John in On the Waterfront. It was a bumping Friday night and the spot was hopping. The music was a treat and all over the map. Golden oldies, prohibition style charleston stuff, heavy dub reggae, rock-a-billy, and soul. The place has got class but it's not slick. The barmen have got on aprons and they shake the elixirs up nice. But it's clearly shot and a beer territory as well. The crowd is mixed. From the hipster youth to some old grand dad neighborhood guys. You can feel the ghosts in the place. (It was a private club starting in 1920's). My favorite picture is a vintage shot of Mario Andretti the formula one star that is hanging in the back room. Classic. We went back again around happy hour and the place had another distinct but equally great vibe. People reading, writing, and boozing to some opera on the jukebox. Got to love it.....Worth the trip.

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