Profile

Only a hop, skip, and a stumble from Vernon Boulevard is a bar where everything converges (not just the L.I.E., Jackson Avenue, and the Pulaski Bridge). The Creek is a cross between an artist hangout, frat-boy playground, and hipster lounge. Open-mic and indie movie nights occur in the makeshift theater upstairs. (The Korean revenge fantasy flick Oldboy was screened here.) Downstairs there are fluffy couches for the conversationally inclined. When it gets too hot inside, retire to the outdoor patio. Just ignore the enormous pit next door—courtesy of the Long Island Railroad. Check the schedule for DJs and live music, and a full Mexican grill serves lunch and dinner daily.