Bar Tano
(718) 499-3400
457 3rd Ave
Brooklyn,
NY
11215
40.6718
-73.991
Neighborhood: Gowanus
What People Are Saying About Bar Tano
The Editor
Joshua Bernstein
Citysearch
In Short
Flanked by the Gowanus Canal and a smattering of auto-body shops, this local haunt (a sibling of Park Slope's Bar Toto) is as unlikely as it is elegant. Tile flooring, a zinc bar, tin ceilings and bare light bulbs evoke an earlier, more romantic era. Thirty Italian wines are available by the glass, while taps dispense microbrews both local (Sixpoint) and national (Arrogant Bastard). Gregarious bartenders also craft specialty cocktails like the Gowanus--a sweet blend of grapefruit vodka, grapefruit juice and basil leaves that's far tastier than its toxic namesake.
Hits: Linger in this oasis for a few hours, sipping beers and nibbling on paninis, and you'll be convinced you're in 1920s Italy.
Misses: Don't expect the dingy surrounding locale to translate into lower prices--you'll pay just as much for beer and bites as you would on Park Slope's tonier 5th Avenue.
User Reviews
hathor
June 03, 2009
We've been living in Brooklyn for seven years now and have never had such a horrible experience anywhere in the city so far. Their drunk bartender Meagan gave us the worst attitude the whole time we were there, give us looks and threw nasty comments like how much she hated all things foreign (us not being from the States originally) or how little she cared whether we enjoyed our wine or not. Although there were a lot of people there besides us, Meagan kept saying she had to close the bar and how late it was -- it was not even midnight.... A new customer walked in, she did serve him a drink but kept saying she was doing him a favor. We felt extremely uncomfortable and unwelcome there. And on top of that we saw a big well-fed r0ach searching the counter for leftover food. Stay away!!!
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FussyBrit
November 09, 2008
I live in the area and have eaten at Bar Tano many times since it opened in January of 2008. Everything from the small plates to the pizzas and pastas is delicious. The food is fresh and simply prepared but very tasty. The staff are friendly and welcoming adding to the nice relaxed atmosphere. The only negative is that the tables are a little close together, that being said it is a great place for a glass of wine and some nibbles. They also do an amazing bunch. In warm months, the outdoor seating is a real plus. Definitely worth a visit!
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firsty
March 30, 2008
When we discovered Bar Tano we were enthusiastic and we tried it but it didn't turn out to be a good experience. The food was presented nicely, but was mediocre. For instance the pizza lacked flavor and was served lukewarm. The devil is in the details, however. The coke was syrup deficient, the cappuccino was watery and espresso challenged, when asked if they had sweet and low the answer was a brisk no sir, ( when we got the cappuccino I realized it wasn't necessary) and the check was served before we were through. This all indicated their grabby attitude. The real problem, however, was that the food made me slightly sick. Caveat Emptor.
read full reviewThe Details on Bar Tano
Food Served:
Feast on delectable small plates, including a soppresatta panini with homemade potato chips ($10), penne with short-rib ragu ($12) and grilled margharita pizzas ($8).
Know Before You Go:
Searching for a place to hang your coat? Look beneath the bar, where hooks await.
Fun Fact:
One of the owner's grandfathers was nicknamed 'Tano"--hence the bar's name.
The Extras:
Bar Tano is family-friendly (but of course it's 21+ to drink).
Category:
Restaurants, Bars & Clubs, Singles Bars
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
