Brooklyn Social
(718) 858-7758
335 Smith St
Brooklyn,
NY
11231
40.6803
-73.9947
Neighborhood: Carroll Gardens
What People Are Saying About Brooklyn Social
The Editor
Kara Zuaro
Citysearch
The Scene
Brooklyn's members-only establishments--hidden in the windowless ground floors of brownstones and marked only by neighborhood patriarchs smoking cigars out front--are a subject of intrigue. Brooklyn Social caters to this curiosity. In this dark watering hole, the former home of a real Italian social club, vintage-chic regulars grab bar stools, shoot pool, smoke cigarettes on the back porch and soak in the nostalgic decor. A pressed-tin ceiling and long stately bar add to the ambience.
The Draw
Classic cocktails match the old-school environs. Bunches of fresh mint and rosemary, ready to be muddled into mojitos and specialty Riposto cocktails, embellish the bar, and dapper bartenders hand over the martini list with a snappy "What can I fix for ya, sister?" The Ginger old-fashioned, made with sugar and maraschino cherries, satisfies a sweet tooth. Tough guys opt for the Brooklyn martini, straight-up rye with a hint of orange brandy.
User Reviews
thebuzz1
October 30, 2008
I was recommended to take the trip to Brooklyn and it was well worth it. It is a former Italian Gentleman's Club and it balances the best of both new and old. The decor and lay out are original. The barmen look great and classy but the place has a rough and tumble vibe. Really fine cocktails (at decent prices- not the cheapest but not Manhattan prices either...) and your basic beer and liquor. Not 500 kinds of flavored vodka. Just the straight necessities. Dressed up and messed up. It rocks. The music is fantastic! Rare cuts. From jump blues and crazy jazz to old soul classics and 1970's reggae. It is Old School in the best sort of way. The crowd is really pleasant. All types. Uptown meets downtown. Warning: Don't spread the word far enough to ruin this hideaway.
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MrTtwo
September 06, 2008
Love the classic cocktails, especially the old fashioned. bartenders in ties and white aprons. tuesday nights are great when Ivan's behind the bar. The other night the music ranged from Duke Ellington to some scratchy old Italian opera. old school w/o being pretentious. love it! we just moved to the hood...this is our new spot.
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2985
May 04, 2008
I don't know about this place. On the one hand, I was not allowed in such places earlier in my life (in my family girls and "nice" women were prohibited), so it's fascinating for me to actually be able to go into one. The memorabilia brings back happy memories of my older relatives, and the juke box has Neapolitan song and Italian American standards. On the other hand, as the night goes on it gets jammed with hipsters and the use of my ethnic heritage to create a little theme park for them becomes kind of appalling (and what is it with these male hipsters and the stupid-looking knit hats they're all using to express their idiosyncratic countercultural genius this month?). Go early, on a night when bartender Ivan is around.
read full reviewThe Details on Brooklyn Social
The Extras:
Three sublime sandwiches pile smoked mozzarella, fresh basil, artichokes and prosciutto on ciabatta bread from nearby bakery, Caputo's.
Know Before You Go:
Beers and well drinks are slightly pricey for this neighborhood, but expertly mixed house specialties--at $8 each--are worth it.
Where to Sit:
Groups should arrive early on weekends to grab two large tables in front. For privacy, seek out the tiny alcove marked "Ladies Auxiliary."
Category:
Bars & Pubs, Neighborhood Bars, Singles Bars
Payment Methods:
Bar & Pub Special Features:
Bar & Club Special Features:
Smoking Permitted:
No
