Blackout Bar
916 Manhattan Ave., nr. Greenpoint Ave., Greenpoint; 718-383-0254
Though you can catch a certain caste of slim-silhouetted Brooklyn male there on any given evening, Wednesday is the main gay night at this hipster-slick boîte deep in the heart of Polishtown. Owned by the folks who run downtown boutique Oak (and who also D.J. here midweek), Blackout caters to two types of drinkers: those who prefer simple upmarket cocktails ($8 to $10), like the Gingerita with tequila, lime, and fresh ginger; and those who are more comfortable with $5 beer-and-shot combos (Schlitz and bourbon, Tecate and tequila). As a bonus, the laid-back crowd generally exudes less attitude than you’d expect.