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61 Local
- Nearest Transit:
-
Bergen St (F, G)
Hoyt - Schermerhorn Sts (A, C, G)
Borough Hall (4, 5)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 7 am - 12 am
Fri 7 am - 1 am
Sat 11 am - 1 am
Sun 11 am - 12 am
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Thu
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
59 reviews for 61 Local
Review Highlights
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"Very cool, great beer, great service & a great crowd." In 4 reviews -
"I also dig the exposed brick." In 4 reviews -
"The grilled cheese with balsamic onions is pretty..." In 3 reviews
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59 reviews in English
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Review from Jordan W.
Updated - 3/7/2012
-Came here on Sunday after finding out the event was moved to 6pm
-got to sample Oatmeal Stout from the Homebrew Yelp Drinks week
-Stayed here for a while and mingled with the other yelpers
-Oatmeal Stout was actually great, we got a nice big glass at first then the small sort of two sips shot glass.
-Also tried the LIQUID GOLD and really enjoyed that one.
-All in all a great sunday to be out, chatting about various Yelp Activities and meeting new Yelp Peeps like Dan R and Bill T and seeing some friends like Evan, Brian and Matteo.
-Still 5 stars for this place. Yelp Drinks week ended on a high note.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/29/2012
The Yelp Drinks week special on the Homebrews is real, people. I saw it with my own two eyes last… Read more »
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Review from M M.
Brooklyn, NY
5/9/2012
This is a solid 4-star place if there ever were one. I love the cafe-by-day, bar-by-night, and 61 Local does this dual personality seamlessly.
The space is dramatic with its high ceilings and fabulous woodwork. The bar is long and there are a lot of tables to sit at (mostly long communal tables, with a smattering of stools and smaller nooks). The beer selection is fantastic. The bartenders are knowledgeable and pleasant. The food is imaginative and tasty. This is starting to sound like a 5-star review...BUT...
There are a few things keeping this place from getting five stars: 1. It's cash only. 2. I'm not a huge fan of communal seating (this is obviously a more subjective point). 3. The size of the space makes for some funky acoustics when it gets crowded (though you can still hear people talk and it's preferable to eardrum-blasting music). 4. They close earlier than most bars in the area on weekends.
Whoever you are, I'm pretty sure you can't regret going here, whether it's for coffee and a sandwich or a local beer and conversation.
Worth noting: Of all the bars in the area, this one is more ideal for groups than most. -
Review from Evan R.
3/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was rock climbing solo at BKB one weekend and turned to Yelp to find a snack. When I saw a bunch of Yelpers checking into 61 Local, I realized I was missing a CMYE and high-tailed it over.
This is almost like the Sweet Afton of Brooklyn, if a bit lighter and roomier. There is a rustic feel to things, and everything is locally sourced, which usually means really good artisanal food.
I started with the hot ginger cider. Wow was it good. Wow was it hot, also, since it was oddly served in a glass. But my second round came in a mug like all hot drinks are supposed to.
The charcuterie plate that we shared was excellent. We all had fun building mini sandwiches and devouring them as if we had never eaten before. My entree was less impressive. I got a ham, egg and goat cheese dish that was baked and served in a ramekin. It was underseasoned and overcooked, so the egg lacked any sense of runny-ness. But the quality of the other food suggests that this was an aberration.
Despite the fact that he rushed out early (presumably to attend to his exotic animal importing cartel), I am deeply indebted to Peter D. for setting this up, the free snacks, and the Yelp shot glass to add to my collection. -
Review from Lesie H.
3/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Surprisingly chic and spacious. I love places with hooks underneath the bar, it just goes to show how considerate they about about the hoarding human behavior. If you ever try their homebrews, it is flavorfully stout, especially the oatmeal stout. I wasn't really craving alcohol too much that day, so I got their apple ginger soda on draft. It tasted so refreshing, except for the icky ginger taste (I don't like ginger).
But wow. Draft soda. I feel so hardcore. Like a Sim at the drink bar. Dude. -
Review from David W.
Brooklyn, NY
5/15/2012
I like this place for coffee in the morning, nice atmosphere, and coffee. The staff could be more friendly, and less nonchalant. That would make it 5 stars.
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Review from Bill T.
Baa....baa...
When I first walked into Local 61, I felt like a lost sheep! Came for the Yelp Drinks Homebrew event but I didn't see Peter D! Luckily, I ran into two fine gentlemen, Dan R and Matteo R, and together we asked the bartender if the event had started as we thought it was at 4:00 pm. She told us it was six and we were kind of puzzled because we were sure it was four*, until Leslie H showed up and read a message saying it had been rescheduled!
Never one to walk away from beers, we intrepid Yelpers decided to drink on and we were given a 2 oz glass of beer from the bartender for our troubles. Peter D showed up shortly after to let us know that the homebrewers who were coming needed to reschedule so we all sat down to have beers and wait.
While waiting, we played cards and had food. The Cured Meat Plate was good. We also sampled the hummus plate. Pimento dip (puree?) was a party in the USA**, but the hummus to me was very bland...we're talking Taylor Swift bland, and that ain't good. Additionally, the toasted bread squares were quite good, however the nuts were a little soft and soft nuts are not my favorite.
Leslie H taught us a card game, using some sweet Yelp! cards and then proceeded to beat the pants off of everyone. (Figuratively speaking, of course. No pants were actually removed while I was there)
We proceeded to have some more beers. I had the Captain Lawrence Liquid Gold, Barnacle Brown Ale, Ommegang Aphrodite (surprisingly good for a fruit beer). When the homebrewers arrived, we sampled the Oatmeal Stout which was great.
By this time, Evan R, Jordan W. and Vicky C had showed up so the event was in full effect. I think everyone had a nice time.
The space is nice, very laid back and welcoming with big communal tables and a very nice bar. Lots of families with kids (watch for toddlers underfoot!) and groups of friends. This is a good meeting spot with quality beer and tasty food. And next time, I know I won't feel so sheepish when I walk in.
_______________________
*I haven't lost two hours since the Belgian Beer festival at Jimmy's No 43. I'm still wondering how I got back to the west side....
** Go Miley! http://youtu.be/M11SvD...Listed in: Beer here!
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Review from Vicky C.
3/8/2012
Not being a beer person doesn't stop me from coming, and ordering, and staying for hours at 61 Local. I can appreciate higher than norm alcohol content for beer as, really, that's pretty much why people drink. Right?
Being the tail end of the Yelp Drinks Week, and probably the only place close enough to me at work that offers free beer. Different ones every night and choice of a 10oz of one selection or 3 decent size pours to find one you might like. Great way to meet new people that aren't that creepy. ....I kid, yelpers in general are nice and chatty. They're just a tad more incline to talk to you if you randomly walk up to them. In an event. Which was why I was there. Glad I made it too or else I'd passed by this place like the hundreds of times before without stepping in.
Since it was the last night of the week for the Drinks Week they only had the the Oatmeal Stout left. I luck out and someone was driving, but was earlier than me and got the free 10oz but can't drink it so being the helpful new friend, I choked it down. Not my style. Too.... sweet? I don't know how to say, it's like a Guinness but sweeter. I usually like sweet drinks, anything really, but this one was eh.
Liquid Gold and Ramstein was the others I'd tried. Liquid Gold was a bit too light with too much bitter aftertaste. Ramstein, now this one is yummy. Paired well with my horseradish pickles (mmmm) and jalapeno pickles (only good) and the soft cheese plate.
I also tried the baked ham and cheese with cinnamon toast snack plate. Eh. Filling enough I suppose after a 8 hour fast, but taste wise didn't even make it on the good scale, even when starving. So my recommendation: keep to cheese and cured meat and beer. Those can never lead you wrong. -
Review from Amy S.
Brooklyn, NY
4/23/2012
Great coffee shop/cafe to work in during the day. Space (albeit a bit dark) is spacious and the atmosphere is mellow. Folks who work there are lovely.The snacks are great and the teas and coffee are superb. Bonus is that there are free refills on the coffee! And free wifi!
My only complaint is that the store needs to get a better canister to dispose of used coffee grounds. Every 10 minutes there is this loud booming shriek-inducing sound of someone banging the METAL coffee measurer against the METAL bin that just bounces off the brick walls and down through the wood floors and up into my body. It's awful! Local 61 if you are reading this, can you please do something about it!!! Thanks from a loyal patron!! -
Review from Brianne S.
Brooklyn, NY
1/16/2012
I had been dying to come to 61 Local just to check it out. I loved this place as soon as I walked in. I definitely felt like I was too young to be there, and think most people are on the opposite side of 25 there -- it's Cobble Hill, so it wasn't a shock.
This place was stunning. Simply beautiful, great open space, warm, awesomely high ceilings. I didn't really dig the local movement for a longtime, but now I get it, and am happy to be a patron here. I drink a lot of local beers usually so this time went for a Red Hook wine, and I was so pleased. The sparkling red they have on the menu is fantastic, and I recommend everyone try it.
A good place for friends, a good place to bring Manhattanites to show them how cool Brooklyn is, and just an awesome space all around. Can't wait to go back. -
Review from Peter D.
Oh, 61 Local.
I can always count on you to have a great (locally brewed) beer on tap. Or seven (Barrier, Sixpoint and more). With your friendly bartenders, high ceilings and low lighting, you are easily one of the best bars in the 'hood for a quiet beer with a friend.
And once I've had too many beers* quietly and I'm threatening to get loud, you are right there with delicious snacks that will shut me up again.
___________
*They add up quickly though, so I do wish they accepted plastic. As of right now though, it's cash only.Listed in: "BoCoCa.", good for groups: bar edition., beer bars in NYC.
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Review from Ed W.
Manhattan, NY
12/2/2011
Let me start by saying, I like this place. But, it could do better by easy fixes. That is why I am posting this.
The last time I visited, I waited a really long time to order my beer -- like almost ten minutes. I noticed that other people had a similar problem.
The culprit? Inexperience on the part of the bartenders.
On a busy shift with two bartenders, the trick is to split the bar and never cross the line. What I mean is that the bartenders decide where the border is and never cross that line in the sand (or the non-slip mats, to be more accurate).
What happened at 61 local was that the two bartenders focused on the customers at the middle of the bar and disregarded those on the periphery. This caused the customers to mass in the middle of the bar = no good.
The key to good bartending is to always know the order people arrive at the bar to order and take their orders in that . . . well . . . order. While taking an order, you look around to see if anyone else is also looking to place an order. You make a mental note of those people while serving your current customer. If people start to line up behind the customer you are assisting, you don't take their order if customers in your periphery were there first.
The lesson to take away is not to create a single location on you bar where the customers believe you will give a preference. That creates a back-log, frustrations, and lower tips -- which is a lose-lose for all parties involved.
So, I say visit this place. They have great beers and great food. But I advise the owners and employees to work on their service skills. It will result in a truly great location. -
Review from Dan R.
10/8/2011 ROTD 3/25/2012
I've had Manhattanites tell me beer is for Brooklynites.
And however you may personally interpret this potentially loaded statement, 61 Local would certainly smile and simply take this as a compliment.
With both beer and Brooklyn pride on full display, behind the bar is a giant chalkboard in the shape of Kings County, the names of almost-exclusively New York brews available on tap scrawled across every inch. Surrounding this huge block of BK wall art are outlined neighboring regions and states, disproportionately smaller than the featured borough front and center. Yes, even Manhattan - appearing here no bigger than the size of Coney Island.
From Sixpoint to Southampton, Ithaca to Ommegang, 61 Local's got you covered with Empire State favorites, all pints at a pour of no more than $8 (bring your bills, it's cash only). New York State wines are also available, as are local specialty sodas and coffees for the non-drinking crowd. And yes, that's most definitely a Beer Float on the menu - Ommegang Abbey Ale (a delicious and recommended selection all its own) topped with Steve's vanilla bean ice cream.
A series of sandwiches, sweet and salty snacks, and cheese plates are served as well, making this a truly well-rounded beer-lovers' experience. I ordered The Mozzilla Grilled Cheese (DiBruno's fresh mozzarella and pesto on focaccia), a $6 sandwich sliced into three pieces, best enjoyed when dipped into the ramekin of tomato sauce with which it's served. For such a simple selection, mind you, expect to wait a while for food, as it naturally plays second fiddle to fillin' pints and kickin' kegs.
The high ceilings, exposed brick, picnic table seating, and water-cooler light fixtures (not to mention, the thirty-second walk from the Bergen St. subway station) allow for a very convenient, comfortable communal drinking environment, much-appreciated breathing room not exactly easy to come by around these parts. Sure, beer may be for Brooklynites, but if so, it can beat running into hammered hussies bouncing around crowded Manhattan clubs spilling cocktails on their own stilettos. And don't get me wrong, there are nights for such hussies. But with that not always on the agenda, 61 Local can be just the right speed.Listed in: BK Exclusives, The ROTD List
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Review from Bob N.
Brooklyn, NY
1/31/2012
When 61 Local opened, like many people I was taken aback by the bar as a welcome addition to the neighborhood - high ceilings, lots of light thanks to expansive sky lights, communal picnic tables, a nice rotating local beer selection, friendly staff (don't expect experienced bartenders, expect a girl who knows cupcakes and also pours beer) , and some decent food to munch on that was naturally over-priced. It seemed like a great little quiet spot away from the Smith and Court St bars. So I guess it isn't fair that I am largely basing my review of the bar on the people 61 Local attracts - the insufferable, numbskull, douchebag, first-time parents who take over 3 tables (tables people eat and drink off of) and transform them into a crib for their drooling, crawling, pooping babies. 61 Local has essentially become Home School Recess Bar. I keep waiting for Zack Galifinakas to trip in the entrance or to find a map of Portland on the wall.
I have no problem with kids, or with parents who want to go out for a few drinks, but the rest of us shouldn't have to suffer as new parents get silly and parade their kids from table to table like it's an hors d'oeuvre platter. Considering 61 Local's set-up and menu, this is the kind of Cobble Hillian that they are catering to. Hopefully it means there will be a few more seats available outside at Abilene now.
That aside, the space does look awesome, but the beer portions are small and over-priced anyways - $7 for 12 ounces of LOCAL draft? I probably couldn't afford more than a drink or two, but I usually want to leave half way through my first beer thanks to all of the crying parents. -
Review from Iris H.
PRINCE, NY
12/19/2011
I didn't have the greatest of expectations when I learned that we were having a friend's surprise birthday party at a bar, but when I walked in I was delighted by the cavernous yet intimate space, the minimalist decor, and the friendly ambiance. Scattered around the place were patrons reading by candlelight, a young family enjoying dinner, and even a professor making her way down a stack of final exams. Granted that it was a Sunday night, but this was such an appealing, low-key atmosphere that I'm sure I'll be back again. To top it all off, the bartenders were friendly--and even brought over three free desserts for the birthday girl without anyone asking--and the food was amazing. I didn't get a chance to try the lauded grilled cheese sandwiches, but the Veg Out and Capricious Bruschetta were amazing.
If you're looking for an old school bar vibe or any type of deep fried food (the closest the helpful bartenders could approximate my beloved cheese fries was buttered toast), I'd suggest trying elsewhere. But if you're in the mood to something different, I highly recommend 61 Local. -
Review from Mike H.
New York, NY
1/1/2012
Checked in here for some New Years revelry. Attempted to order a beer float, got a small glass of chocolate stout with a quarter-sized medallion of ice cream floating at the top. Great beer, great ice cream, poor execution. I was impressed by the decor (and cleanliness!) vis-a-vis the reasonable prices.
They've got food, but nothing fried (c'mon man)... just toast. They've got wide open spaces, but not much seating. They've got a decent beer list, but nothing too exciting. I wouldn't go out of my way for this. -
Review from Neena W.
10/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I guess "love at first sight" could be real, because I really love this place, and wished that I could live close by.
61 Local is clean, low key, and a great place for beer lovers to visit. It carries a very unique beer collections on tab that focusing on showcasing local and regional micro brews, Especially those crafted brews that were not up for distribution yet (as far as I can tell). It also carries Kombucha and some tasty none-alcohol local made sodas. The rosemary apple cider from the Brooklyn soda works were delicious, and perfect for taking a break in between beers drinking.
I also really like the staff here, they were friendly and very knowledgeable about their collections. We were serving by Jeffery that night. He was very good at understanding our drinking preference, remembered what you had, and always made great recommendation. Simply put, he was absolutely great.
Will definitely visit 61 local when next time in Brooklyn. -
Review from Lauren W.
9/12/2011
I came here with some neighborhood locals for a few drinks. The atmosphere was really cool - loved the brick and the LOVED the lighting over the bar.
Beer selection was great- love that they let you sample before making a final decision. The food looked wonderful - perfect for a small bite, or many bites!
I do agree with some other reviewers that the space does not seem put to good use. It was not used as effectively as it could be, and there were some wierd areas. But, that doesnt have anything to do with the food/drinks. They were great! -
Review from Ben S.
12/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Sterile personality
"Flavor of the half-year" hangs from its every structural fiber
Service knows the joint is favored right now
I had high expectations and an open mind, and yet 61 Local elicits one of my worst compliments: it was "nice."
The bartender brigade was aloof. The selection was tasty. The beer float was pretty good - a special offering, but not a must-repeat sampling. The space was bland, blase, and mono-many things.
I even had a good hook - I sat down and immediately made an acquaintance - some dude who'd done his undergrad near where I now reside. OK, we can be immediately cool. And as his buddy works player magic on a semi-nearby lady? Good, polite spectator sport. We supported and discussed options. We strategized 3rd person. We (he) took a smoke break and discussed potential outcomes Choose Your Own Adventure-style.
And still - with a mildly special offering, a solid drink rotation, and a fun story to tell, the bar was just a-ight. These are the makings of A-OK.
Peace unto thee, 61 Local, and I bid you good luck until your next iteration. -
Review from Li C.
New York, NY
10/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Really cute place with good beers. Very spacious and chill.
We had great sausage sandwiches with dijon mustard and pickled radish. Love that it's a CSA drop spot. The beer and wine selection are great. The picnic tables are fun too. -
Review from Mike P.
Brooklyn, NY
2/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Love this place. Such a relaxed environment, great food, and good drinks. It's popular... and thus, can get crowded during expected times (Sat night, for example).
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Review from Jason G.
1/20/2012
Really beautiful nice new bar in the area. It represents a turning point in the neighborhood: hipsters have officially invaded South Brooklyn. They no longer have to hide out in Boat and Camp... they now have a wonderfully large new place to swarm. There's a good beer selection here, but the food selection looks iffy. I came here for a poetry reading for Stonecutter Journal. It was pretty cool and you should check it out.
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Review from L J.
Brooklyn, NY
11/26/2011
Great ambiance and set up. Good beer choices and small plates and appetizer-type food.
It takes a really long time to get your food, though! There was only waiter and it turns out that you have to place your order at the bar so this isn't full-service waiter service. -
Review from Daniel M.
61 Local, you served me beer with a spoon. I also bit into something crunchy in that same beer, and love you for it. The reason for the above: beer (ice cream) floats! While initially skeptical, the regional NY brews paired with Steve's Ice Cream Co make a great combination - the choices of beer and ice cream flavors were well-thought out and equally executed. Especially tasty were the (Greenport) Black Duck Porter with the Maple Porter Pecan and also the (Six Point) Diesel Stout with the Beer Pretzel Caramel (hence, the crunchy beer experience mentioned earlier). Many of the beers were offered in either pints or for $1 less, 12oz glasses - sometimes even a pig like me actually wants a smaller drink, so having the option is really nice.
It's hard not to mention the interior of this spot; totally open space, big communal tables, and appropriate lighting as well as music (thanks for the Sharon Jones) that's not too overbearing - all allowing one to actually have a conversation AND see who the hell you're talking (not shouting) with.
The menu is full of regional supplied foodstuffs, and I like how they have separate soft and hard cheese plates. Although there is just something off to me about keeping the panini press & sandwich station right behind the bar, the area looked clean and well maintained. The only thing keeping me from giving 5 Yelps is that it's cash-only. BUT you can keep a tab with a card, and there's an ATM right @ the corner (a grueling 50-step round trip? Waahh!)
Between the GREAT beer selection, easygoing crowd, SPACE to move around inside, and pretty friendly bartenders (who ACTUALLY know about the beer!) I will make it a point to be back. -
Review from Lizz H.
Brooklyn, NY
7/7/2011
If this place was anywhere in Manhattan it would be a crowded disaster at all times. Its definitely a place for people who love beer. If you are looking to order a Michaelob light, don't bother coming here. Its ALL local. So local that they don't offer Brooklyn brew because its not actually made locally. Yep. Its THAT local. That being said, the selection changes often and its absolutely the BEST place to go to get the beer that you're hard pressed to find anywhere else. The food is a side offering, something to snack on while you're drinking and is all great drinking food. Local cheese, charcuterie, pressed sandwhiches and now a nice selection of scones, pastries and coffee.
The staff is beyond friendly and love to offer out tastings before you commit to a pint. 61 Local is a great place to do a little day drinking. Its a relaxing place and is very laid back and has a great evening ambiance as well. -
Review from Mary P.
6/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Woodsy but industrially crisp like a clean version of country western music minus all the twang (taylor swift?) The space feels open with wide ceilings and the warmth created by all the wood is illuminated by water barrel encased light bulbs. For environment alone this place is a winner in my book.
They offered us an olive mix and pickles even though the kitchen was closed. They have several varieties of Kelso brewed beer on tap. A fun place to feel like you're in a retreat away from the city scene. I'll be back for food for sure. -
Review from Tatiana K.
Brooklyn, NY
1/5/2012
$6 for a craft espresso stout? $5 for an oatmeal lager? Yes, please.
Perfect bar for a casual date. Great music at the right volume, friendly staff, impressive (affordable) beer list, chill lighting and decor.
I will be back. Many times. -
Review from Mike D.
9/3/2011 3 photos
Caught my eye as I was walking past, but found the place very confusing after walking in. Long bar with no stools? Huh? So I asked the bartender how does this work? I just wanted a beer and a quick bite to eat. I was nicely told to order and pay at the bar and they will bring it to my table, Wasn't exactly what I was looking for as I glanced out into the open space to only find communal tables, but oh well. I'm here might as well deal with it. I mean it is Brooklyn, right? Have to try to fit in.
Beer list was impressive and the Greenport Harbor Black Duck Porter ($5) excited me. Nothing jumped off the food menu so I asked for a suggestion. She said the Imperial grilled cheese ($7) is really good so I figured ok what the heck I will take the recommendation. I paid the bill and took my draft beer down to the end of an occupied table and sat by myself. About 5 minutes later my sandwich arrived with a side of mixed olives. Olives were quality and a nice surprise, but the grilled cheese was bs. Still scratching my head as to how they call it grilled cheese. Two slices of non melted raclette cheese with a tasty tomato jam on two thick pieces of parma country bread. Now, it wasn't disgusting or anything. It tasted ok, but was not really grilled cheese in my book. The cheese should be melted. Grilled cheese 101 people. Get with it.
Overall the space was large, but didn't seem put to good use. There was an entire section selling local produce. Reminded me of like a PTA sale back in the 3rd grade. Granted I can be close minded at times because I grew up on Long Island. Sometimes I don't understand the hipster, free spirit frame of mind, but I have been to better places. It's ok for a snack, but don't plan on eating dinner here. Eating at the bar is not even an option. 61? More like 86 it. -
Review from Ian J.
6/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good bar.
Went here for an event featuring Barrier Brewing Company. ( http://youtube.com/wat... ) and had a good time.
It was quite loud and crowded, but the place handled it well. If I lived closer, I'd go frequently.
Maybe you should, too? -
Review from Kelly S.
8/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
The brand-new hipster category was invented to catergorize this spot. Everyone has a plaid shirt, wacko shoes and a beard (including the ladies). It's a little "too" open-aired to have an intimate feeling and the denizens of the "shared" tables aren't so much into sharing.
That said...the wines are tasty, the staff is great (after a wierd incident) and the sammies are mothereffing partying in my mouth. -
Review from Pamela S.
LOVE LOVE LOVE!
We were all sooo excited to get to live within walking distance to this new and GREAT local wateringhole that ONLY serves local products. May I add that they have WINE ON TAP! Love that!
Quite a business they have going here. Everything is prepared by the bartenders behind the bar. You will truly pay for what you are getting. You get awesomely friendly service, great food, and great local beer and wine. Nothing better!
Be forewarned...this is a place where you may leave there spending a good amount of $$. This fact is totally worth it when you factor in that you are helping local businesses. BUT, you will have a great time munching on cheese or meat plates, almonds, pickles, etc. Nothing wrong with that!
Looking forward to our next trip to 61 Local. -
Review from Jenny W.
Brooklyn, NY
3/11/2011
Yay for a fun, new, reasonably-priced neighborhood bar that brews their own beer! Everything is on tap, so everything tastes delicious. I hear the wine on tap is out of this world, but I've only tasted the beers. My favorite has to be the flower power beer, a light brew with a sweet kick to it.
The limited food menu is awesome as well -- we split the hard cheese plate and the chicken liver pate, which came with 4 or 6 house crostini crackers and these spicy pickles that I could've eaten an entire jar of.
The ambiance is cute and minimalist. It's like a long hallway with 6 or 8 long picni-esque tables, which make it a great spot for group. I also dig the exposed brick. Ian, the owner/main beer connoisseur was very friendly and knowledgeable.
Can't wait to come back! -
Review from Susan s.
8/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nice clean bar with grape Kombucha! My friend Kim and I rode our bikes to Park Slope/Carroll Gardens today and we had to make a stop here. The staff were super cool and they let us sample the different kinds of sodas and Kombucha. I really wanted to try the tart cherry one, but they were sold out.
The bathrooms were really clean and had a cute mirror with a rhinestone u on it to make it seem like a cheesey smiley face haha
Didn't try the food, but I must come back herre! They are open during the day now too. That was definitely noted. -
Review from meli l.
8/5/2011
YES. This is how it's done. Fantastic beer, great layout (need to meet a variable number of people someplace where you can eat and drink and it won't be a bother if a dozen extras show up? This place is PERFECT for those nights).
I have no recollection of my sandwich (I had had too many delicious beers) but the folks with me said that it looked/smelled delicious. -
Review from Eileen Anne F.
Brooklyn, NY
11/21/2011
Open bar area, like an indoor beer garden. The decor is far from gussied up with one long bar and huge a chalkboard of beers on draft to bring back to a handful of communal tables. I would go back again during prime hours to see how the crowd gets.
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Review from Ben Y.
Brooklyn, NY
2/8/2012
Not much else to add: great looking space with drink selection and noms to match, but it also can get both busy in a way that makes people look for snotty things to say about others in the bar and pricey by way of accumulation, one perhaps related to the other, nothing that would keep me from going back again though. Best run-on sentence of a non-review ever.
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Review from Siv L.
7/18/2011
Came here to check out the place with my boyfriend. The space and decor is very cool - very dark, lots of brick, the details are cute. Very large ceilings. Tons of space. Few large tables (feels like a biergarten).
I was hungry so I ordered the meat plate which consisted of bread, spicy mustard, pickles, pate, and 2 other cured meats. It was pretty good, except I would've liked the bread warmer and the pate was very hard which made it difficult to spread. The plate was one of the more expensive items on the menu ($14) which is a bit overpriced for items you can just pick up at a grocery store. My boyfriend ordered a mozarella sandwich which looked just okay.
What I didn't like is that the kitchen is right at the bar - I saw that my water came directly from the tap (I don't mind drinking water from the tap but I don't need to see the sink that you get it from). And I didn't like seeing the bartender make my boyfriend's sandwich (and that the mozarella sauce was poured from a huge container of sauce he got from the fridge).
Next time I will sample a few beers (the guy seemed to be able to make a good recommendation when the beer my boyfriend originally wanted was out of stock) instead of coming with an empty stomach! -
Review from I.C. O.
Brooklyn, NY
5/15/2011
I personally:
Don't care about wine;
Don't care about beer (I don't even drink it);
Do care a great deal about coffee;
Do care a great deal about pastry and sandwiches.
In that sense, the pastries served (tried all of them today, they don't list them in their menus) are out of this world. They are wholesome, just sweet enough, perfectly baked and incredibly tasty. Whoever came up with the recipe of the Honey Ricotta Toast and the Smokehouse Toast (I heard it was their chef) should be awarded something. The coffee ($4 for a huge french press) was bold and semi-acidic, didn't even care to ask what the blend was - I will just go again and drink it again.
I did a mid-Sunday snack attack and the place was quite solitary; a few couples, nice music, beautiful atmosphere. I definitely recommend this place for an after-brunch visit after a nice walk around the neighborhood. -
Review from Sarah G.
3/13/2011
Two enthusiastic thumbs up. Awesome beer hall type spot that fits in perfectly with the nabe. The map on the wall behind the bar is super cool and the bartenders were friendly, knowledgeable, and had great recommendations. Was crowded but not overwhelmingly so for a Saturday night.
My only complaint? They need another table or two. There is an entire waste of open space in the back that makes no sense. -
Review from jen d.
Brooklyn, NY
2/21/2011
Im so excited about this place! how cool...everything they have is local or at least ny produced....
i had a great sauv blanc and delicious chicken liver mousse on local bread with local pickles....amazing all of it and at a ridiculously great price for such particular ingredients..$5 bucks for like 4 good sized crostini..
the jasmine kambucha on tap was out of this world good. ive never had a more mellow and friendly tasting kambucha.
all drinks are on tap including wine..which means you will virtually never get a old opened a day ago taste with the wine here.. they have locally brewed soda pop, i tried the apple ginger which was amazing.
this place has so much potential and is serving such a great cause supporting local artist and food/bev producers...its like a farmers market at night you can chill out too.
great ambience so far...could be cooler with rotating art etc...
love the big glass lanterns throughout the place
I do have some suggestions...
being a bartender and foodie and artist i think..you could.....
have amazing rotating art shows in there which decorate and draw attention to the place....
have a you pick cheese and meat/veg type deal on the menu with small and large plate options so people can easily and comfortably try all the things they want at the quantity they can afford...
could have an amazing cocktail program in the future using locally grown fruits for syrups and purees...and hopefully locally brewed liquor.
id love to get involved with this place and will definately be back.. -
Review from Alexandra M.
Brooklyn, NY
2/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
I had a really delicious meal here. Dig the great beer selection and the sandwiches really hit the spot. However, as I was leaving I asked the barista (also manages food sort of like a waiter, but there is not table service) if he could wrap up the rest of my sandwich with tin foil. I didn't think I had budged or anything, but he gave me a nasty look and said "Ok, well that's going to be five minutes, because there are other people here". It was catty and rude, and put me really irritated mood. Even if I did budge, clearly I hadn't realized it! As I watched him, I realized that the aluminum foil was a little far off and would have to go to the other end of the bar to get it. Fine, just tell me that and don't be an asshole about it. Of course, from what I know about how long it takes to wrap a sandwich (like 5 seconds), I'm not going to realize it takes that long unless you tell me.
