Brooklyn Beer Bar Guide: The Rookery
Bushwick is home to many things that are wonderful — somewhat affordable apartments and interesting fashion choices come to mind — but the burgeoning bar scene out there is one of its strengths. If you’re tired of wading through map-clutching tourists standing shoulder to shoulder on the streets of Williamsburg, get on the train and come to The Rookery, one of our favorite spots in the neighborhood. Check it out after the jump…
Number of Taps: They have 8 beers on tap, served in 20 oz imperial pints, including the easy-drinking and balanced Bitburger Pilsner and the more adventurous Belhaven Black Stout, if you’re into that sort of thing. The most expensive beer will set you back about $8, and your cheapest option at $6 on draft is the ubiquitous almost-macro-brew Goose Island IPA.
Bottle Selection: The bottle and can selection at this place is extensive, featuring standouts like 21st Amendment’s Lower De Boom barleywine style ale and Iron Maiden Trooper, an English-style ale conceived by Iron Maiden’s own Bruce Dickinson.
Vibes: Relaxed and friendly. I’ve been here late-night on a weekend, and it’s been low key and not too crowded, with good music and friendly bartenders. During the day, the vibes remain chill and friendly, just how we like ‘em.
Music: Bartenders choice, so it depends, but nothing horrible or bothersome.
Seating: You can pull up a seat at the wooden horseshoe bar in the center of the space, or tuck yourself away at one of the many booths and tables. I’ve never had trouble finding a seat, which is a great, great thing.
Price: Reasonable enough.
Outdoor space: The Rookery boasts an impressive and lovely beer garden in the front, which is our favorite place to drink.
Food: They have a menu of British and West Indian-inspired dishes, all reasonably priced and served from 5pm-12am. Weekends, their brunch is spectacular. Try the oxtail sloppy joe or the egg sammy, and you will not be disappointed.
Typical Crowd: Mostly people from around the neighborhood, so, imagine Williamsburg in 2004, in the best possible way. It’s refreshingly devoid of the Murray-Hill-polo-shirt-and-flip-flop crowd that sometimes wends its way over here, and for that we are very grateful.