Community Corner
Patch Picks: Top 7 Bars To Watch The Super Bowl
A rundown of where to catch the Super Bowl this Sunday
Every Thursday, Bed-Stuy Patch will run a new weekly feature called "Patch Picks," highlighting editor and reader picks of great local business, destinations, services, organizations, ways to spend a day off and more.
You'll receive useful lists to help you, your family, friends and significant others find the best places for everything, from Sunday brunch, to bars, art exhibits, date night destinations, florists, kids party places and more.
As the big game approaches, Bed-Stuy residents will most likely be holed up inside the warmth and comfort of their homes, watching the winter warriors duel it out on the field. Now if home doesn’t sound like the place for you and none of your friends is throwing a party, here is a rundown of the top bars in Bed-Stuy where you can watch the game, eat wings to your hearts desire, throw back a brew and talk smack!
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1. Lined with off kilter décor, Sweet Revenge, located at 348 Franklin Ave, has become one of the more popular watering holes in Bed-Stuy. Described by some as “cozy,” this seemingly out-of-place bar has found a very comfortable home here in Bed-Stuy. Featuring Hot Pockets (served straight from the microwave), $5 beer and shot specials, a laid back atmosphere and very friendly bartenders, it’s no surprise that Sweet Revenge holds on to its very loyal and very diverse clientele. Sweet Revenge also offers up a fairly sizable drink selection, including its signature drink, the Wild Wood (spiced rum and orange soda). You can even catch local DJ’s spinning on some nights.
2. Located at 1048 Bedford Ave, right across from the Bedford-Nostrand stop on the G train sits one of Bed-Stuy’s few legitimate “Pubs.” Black Swan offers one of the best Superbowl watching experiences in the neighborhood, featuring a large flat screen HDTV above the bar (which helped when it dubbed itself, “Bed-Stuy’s home of the 2010 World Cup” this past summer). Black Swan also serves a wide array of dishes such as curry chicken salad sandwiches, the Black Swan burger, grilled Portobello sandwiches, coconut curried chicken, and the list goes on. A bonus is its midnight grill, which keeps on serving food until closing. Don't let the big black metal gates be a put off. Rest assured that once inside, the laid back atmosphere makes anyone feel at home. Black Swan also feature one of the largest drink selections in the neighborhood thus far, including 16 different beers on tap.
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3. Next up is Denim Lounge, located at 1223 Bedford Ave. If you’ve ever gone down Bedford on a Thursday night, then you’ve probably noticed the crowd standing outside. Touted as an upscale lounge/bar, Denim Lounge finds its niche market among mid 20-somethings looking for a good time in a comfortable environment. The dress code is casual, but not too casual. Although Denim Lounge has no tap and very few beer and wine options, it offers a wide array of top shelf spirits. On weekends, Denim rents its space out for private parties. Weekly specials include two dollar Tuesdays, and half priced drinks on Thursdays. If you’re lucky, you might catch a local act performing in the back, which also doubles as a dance floor.
4. What looks like a hidden away social club, actually made it on to the Village Voice’s 10 best bars in Brooklyn in 2009. Tip Top Bar and Grill is what can be best described as a dive bar, but with a much more unique experience than a typical bar. If you’re looking for food, Tip Top’s got you covered, but don’t expect to order it from a menu, considering one doesn’t exist. Nestled at the bottom of a townhouse on 432 Franklin Ave, Tip Top is the watering hole for many of the area’s older generation. But you’ll come across younger patrons every now and then. The ceilings are low and lined with string lights, which makes the atmosphere all the more cozy. The staff only helps add to the charm of Tip Top, sharing stories with customers, and making sure your glass is full. The television sets are not high definition flat screens but are adequate and numerous enough to enjoy any sports game. As far as drinks are concerned, they set the standard for rock bottom prices.
5. Don't let the environment outside fool you: Brooklyn Nights, located at 497 Dekalb Ave, might be one of the classiest bars and ideal spots in the neighborhood for a Superbowl viewing. With two large HDTV screens situated at opposite ends of the bar, and others scattered throughout, Brooklyn Nights gives its patrons some breathing room to enjoy a game. The bar offers tap and bottled beer, as well as an array of spirits. If you’re hungry, Brooklyn Nights features a menu that would envy most restaurants. There is enough room at ‘Night’s’ for small concerts, a DJ booth, or small private parties. Drink prices are moderate, featuring a $3 drink special every night of the week.
6. With what is perhaps the largest television of all the bars mentioned, Rustik Tavern is another great place to kick back and enjoy the game. Located at 471 Dekalb Ave, Rustik Tavern offers patrons a fine dining with a well stocked bar to match. Although the main bar table itself isn’t very large, the spacious layout and long wood tables provide enough space to enjoy a casual drink with company. The food is one of the bright spots of this bar, which looks like it belongs more at a ski resort in the Alps, than in Central Brooklyn. Rustik also features an outdoor patio for the warmer months. Drinks are average for the neighborhood, featuring 6 different drafts on tap and a extensive wine and spirit selection. Stop by on Thursday’s for karaoke or any other night of the week for local acts.
7. The last bar on our list is Project Parlor, located at 742 Myrtle Ave. Sporting an interior plucked straight out of an antique shop, this bar is a welcome retreat along the bar-less block of Myrtle Ave. The environment is warm and cozy and provides a comfortable place to enjoy the six drafts on tap and numerous drink specials. There is a shortage of television sets, with only one tucked away into the wall by the bar. One of the more redeeming qualities is that ‘Project’ plays host to backyard BBQ’s during the summer months on its outside patio. Close to the patio you’ll find a dart board as well, which oddly enough is one of the only places in the neighborhood that offers one. The small space discourages local performances or dancing. But if you’re just looking for a cheap drink, Project Parlor has got you covered.
Would you like to suggest a list? Submit your idea in the comment box, or email c.zawadi.morris@patch.com.