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Come Out & pleY @ Ocean's 8 at Brownstone Billiards!
Rating Details »
Category: Local Flavor [Edit]
308 Flatbush Ave(between St Marks Ave & Prospect Pl)
Brooklyn, NY 11217
- Nearest Transit:
-
7th Ave (Q, B)
Grand Army Plaza (2, 3)
- Good for Kids:
- No
80 reviews for Come Out & pleY @ Ocean's 8 at Brownstone Billiards!
Don't tell anyone but i have a new Ping-Pong Paddle from Ocean's 8....no i did not steal it, lets just say that after the last (AMAZING) Yelp Elite event there i was convinced i lived at Ocean's 8 and needed the paddle like i need my toaster.
What will i do with it now that it is MINE!? i am not sure as of today but i will be sure to figure this out with your help, Do i:
-use it in the bedroom (as a candle-holder) sickos!
-play "ping" with myself in my living room (i only have one)
-make it into an african-style lip plate?
-send it to a midget fraternity
-take it back to Ocean's 8 and hope for the best?
You decide....
Regardless.
Best Event EVERRR!
So, our favorite Yelp community leaders throw an event and there is FREE beer and Jameson's Irish Whiskey and FREE food.
What's not 5 stars about it????
Maybe if the food made us sick, and the whiskey was laced with cyanide, then maybe less than 5 stars. Maybe 3.
But it didn't happen, and I happily enjoyed all the free libations.
5 stars.
-rusty
Drinks involving Grey Goose & Jameson: $0.00
Avoiding Monica-esque competitive situations: $0.00
An intense buffet: $0.00
Seeing so many lovely Yelp faces: $0.00
Watching Jeff C. kick Chun's butt: $0.00
Spilling my drink on Roderick: $0.00
Eating some of Roderick's doughnut: $0.00
Seeing Roderick: $239085984 hugs
Being at an event with my mom: $1/2 of my drink
Rubbing up on everyone: $0.00
PBRs at our little after party: $2.25
Irish car bombs: $9.00, and my well-fucking-being.
My boyfriend chasing down and trying to force his way into a cop car thinking it was a cab?
Priceless.
So..I started writing this review on my phone while i was giggling to myself. Perhaps I had too much Jameson (no way!! how is that even possible?!?). I was seated on the F train...carrying my Yelp lunchbox...trying to play it "cool." I had just left Kelly S., Ethan C. and Roddy at some bar....Freddy's (?) and wanted a cab....but was not so lucky. So yes, I walked.
Let me back up a bit...
I met up with my cyber mom, Unlucky (five stars in her own right) in our neighborhood....we took the B67 to the event. After arriving, I realized that I must have walked by this bar numerous times....because Oceans 8 is really not that noticeable at the ground level. Once inside...it's pretty cavernous.
You like to play pool? Ping pong? Air hockey? They've got it all here. And, there are about eight million tv's so you can watch whatever sporting event that happens to be on.
The bar staff were great and efficient. The food was...ah, well, the veggie options weren't so great. Let's just say I ate two mini cupcakes and four mini veggie spring rolls before some "meh" vegetable pasta came out. (it's okay, I'm used to it). Well, at least I had Jameson to keep me company.
It was so nice to see everyone and I was *elated* to see the likes of Mo P. and Liz W. And thank you to Melissa Z. for looking out for veggie food options for me.
I apologize to Danny P. for being such a horrid ping pong doubles partner. And, well, let it be known I let him beat me at air hockey (Luckily I did slay another guy before Danny...) even though I should have won because I'm part Canadian.
Excellent job Peter, Jane, Miriam and the entire Yelp staff for another fabulous Brooklyn event.
Oh, and a side note to Roddy....if you ever bring those Doughnut Plant donuts to another event...we're so not friends anymore. And you're paying for my personal trainer.
;)
Review written by Madonna Louise Ciccone:
Come on girls! You believe in Yelp? 'Cuz I got something to say about it and it goes something like this...
After attending tonight's Elite Event I felt high flying, adored - so young, an instant queen! Ashamed I did it all at 26, but more on that later.
I got out of my car, so essentially I made it through the wilderness. Somehow I made it through. Walking in, I felt like a virgin - touched for the very first time.
I saw Jane at the bottom of the staircase. And let me just say to Jane: you're so fine and you're mine. You make me strong, yeah you make me bold.
And then I saw peter, and let me just say this to peter: you've got style! That's what all the girls say. Satin sheets and luxury - so fine! I'm not saying I'm gonna dress you up in my love, but I'm sure somebody will.
Upon entering, there were lots of open tables and two separate sections for foodie goodness. I had the chicken wings, and man were they spicy, but delicious. I had to tell the person serving them to me, "Don't put me out, 'cuz I'm on fire. And I can't quench my desire. Don't you know that I'm burning up for your chicken wings. You're not convinced that I've had enough."
But to everybody's surprise, I also bought half a dozen Tres Leche doughnuts from Doughnut Plant. The original plan was to buy a spicy pumpkin for Danny and a tres leche for Lisa. Alas, only Lisa got her donut because everybody and their mother (hi Bridget) bum rushed me. I had to get rid of them fast, because everybody kept coming to me. I only had 4 minutes to save the world - tick tock, tick tock, tick tock.
Then the music started playing, and I was astounded: The Pointer Sisters, Sade, Bee Gees, even "I've Had The Time of My Life" from Dirty Dancing! I told everybody to get into the groove. Take it from me, music can be such a revelation, dancing around you feel the sweet sensation!
Best of all, I think I saw my next potential Yelp Crush. I'm not going to reveal her name because, you know the old adage, "loose lips sink loose ships." But if I were to talk to her I'd essentially tell her, "Listen, I'm crazy for you. Touch me once and you'll know it's true. I never wanted anyone like this, it's all brand new. You'll feel it in my kiss."
So three cheers to peter, jane, miriam and chantelle, who i saw for the first time in months. I guess she got out of witness protection or something. But I told them when I was leaving, "Take a bow, the night is over. This masquerade is getting older. Lights are low, the curtains down. There's no one here."
And with that, I'm off to La Isla Bonita, because that's where I long to be.
PS If you want to see me and Adam play another round of drunken ping-pong, the rematch will be shown very soon on ESPN 8 - The Ocho!
There is nothing I love more than playing with balls. I'm not going to lie to you. I got mad play last night at Ocean's 8.
Ping Pong, arcade basketball, shumai balls, meat balls, air hockey puck (ok that's a reach), and my favorite- pool balls. There was also Baseball...in huge plasmas! "HAHAHA yahkees win, Phillies LOOSE!" I apologize if I grabbed anyone's balls by accident. There were so many bouncing around last night that I excitedly grabbed yours by mistake.
Food was plentiful and the wings were delicious! Sadly I hardly had a chance to taste them all since Mr. Jameson had me on a short leash.
Everyone was so beautiful. After the 4th cup of Jameson, I couldn't tell if I was talking to a man or woman. Who cares, everyone was hot! It was so nice to meet these studs for the first time: Payam, Andy L., Jamel O., Matteo, and Joolz' +1 so sorry I didn't catch her name but she is a great dancer. Who was that guy in the pink sweater working his Beyonce moves on the pool table? Please PM me regarding my bachelorette party.
I wish the DJ didn't keep shouting out "to all the Yelps out there." He made up for it though by playing some tracks from Dirty Dancing.
Who knew there'd be some serious spanking last night...and PADDLES! It wasn't a dungeon, but a Yelp Event! That sealed the deal- I'm in love. To all those who lost to me in billiards...I know you liked it. There's plenty more where that came from ;)
The best part of the night was getting my +1 drunk and taking advantage of him. I convinced him to come home with me, where we shot balls into some pockets with our own cue sticks. Thanks Peter and Jane for another successful Yelp event!
Boy, am I glad I followed through with my RSVP after second guessing it because I thought this event was boss. The hidden entry that lead to huge space filled with free liquor, food, and games to play. Almost dreamlike I would say. Then I got to meet many wonderful Yelpers and their +1's who tried to ruin their "game".
I thought the mini tacos were fries, yeah I don't read signs. The Alfredo pasta was yummy. The Jameson ginger ale drinks filled me up and hit my relax button. I'm still not sure what was in the sandwiches (thanks Jonathan for trying to help). The DJ seemed excited to be there. I ate an oyster, yum! The waitresses were super friendly. I was only sad that I did know about these said cupcakes and that I never got to school someone at air hockey. All in all it made for a great night.
-Roderick wins for making my night, because he gave me an amazing doughnut as promised.
-Preeti, thanks for keeping my hands full of whiskey glasses, helping me show people where we're from by pointing it out on our hands and for being a part of my "worst pool players" team ever. You rock!
-Joey thanks for saving me from being hit by cars, telling me a good story during our walk, and for keep my water filled at the after event. Your the hero who saved me from overkill.
-James and Brian my cheeks still hurt from your stories.
And to the other fabulous people: Brett W., Lisa A., Brian B., Rae K., Aimee O., Payam, Ki. G, and I am forgetting some but I am gonna blame on Jameson.
Many thanks to the crew that set this up : ) ! Peter D. (great to finally meet you), sorry it was so loud where we were sitting because I would have loved to talk books.
seriously?
Multiple people are giving an elite event less than 5 stars? Some even giving 3 stars?
Stop being an ungrateful terd and trying to look for something not fun about it.
I had fun... In a way, too much fun!
Despite going 0-6 in combination battles between Pool, Air Hockey, and Table Tennis (thanks to Jeff C., Alex L., and Ki G. for spanking me), it was great seeing a lot of familiar faces (and some new ones).
Kudos to Peter D & Jane K as always for their unyielding efforts in setting up such excellent events! Everything from the venue, food, and beverage quantity exceeded any expectations.
Lessons Learned from Yesterday Evening:
- Don't admit you're against the Yankees during a World Series game at an Elite Event. Results could be fatal.
- Jeff C. is really good at pool. Do NOT play him for money!
- Ki G. is a trip! Despite her innocent little persona, she's a devil in disguise (when it comes to baking and competitive games).
- Avoid starting any evening with Grey Goose & Cranberry juice. The consumption only gets worse from that point forward
- If the lids on the hot food are closed, do not lift seeking nourishment. There's no food, it's only a trick!
- When a waitress compliments you on your fancy cardigan sweater, it's ok to talk to her, do not blue ball and run away.
- If you can't break in pool, let your opponent break. The cue ball might get jumped and land on someone's foot.
- If someone says hi and you have absolutely no idea who they are, never say "have we met?"
Yep... Crazy night!
Apparently I am the 68th person to review this place. I will save the honors of being 69th for someone else. This place was fun! For Brooklyn neophytes, it could not have been easier. As I was coming up the steps from the B train, I saw the sign for Brownstone Billiards -- still subterranean mind you! Even a directionally challenged fool like me could not miss this place.
The selection of drinks was generous. I am an old Sam Adam's guy myself, so I was very pleased to have two of their selections. But all of the mixed alcoholic drinks including those involving top shelf Grey Goose were just incredible. I worry for Peter's soul when he is able to get deals that are simply too good to be true, like this one.
The food was impressive as well. Aside from San Francisco's questionable ownership of the muffuletta sandwich, I was very pleased with these. The shrimp shumai was pretty flavorful too, and the total amount of food available was ridiculous. I did not have the bright idea of taking home wings in a lunchbox though; I need to learn to think ahead.
Games abounded, and the music was eclectic. I never had much time to get into any of this, as I was pretty happy hanging out with those I know best. There were so many people I did not know at this event, which I think is pretty good too. More people need to experience these great events.
Thanks Peter and Jane for your tireless work in keeping us intoxicated and well fed!
Let me start by saying that it is NEVER a good idea to serve (or eat) Seafood Salad at a billiards bar. See photo.
I could see why Jane and Peter chose Ocean's 8 for this event - in theory it's perfect for a Yelp event. As NinaGarciaFashionDirectorForMarieClaireMagazine would say on Project Runway, the concept was good but the ek-secution was ALL WRONG. And you don't want to bore Nina.
While I appreciated the "DJ" slash "Hypeman" Ocean's 8 provided, his attempts to get us "Yelps" (as he referred to us) to raise our hands or make some noise were in vain. The "Yelps" weren't feeling it - neither was I. Considering it was 90 degrees in this bar and I was dressed seasonably, I did not want to dance, raise my possibly sweaty underarms or actually do anything that exacerbated my overheated-ness.
Ocean's 8's bartenders and staff really have their finger on the pulse of New York nightlife. Who really drinks fancy Mezcal at Mayahuel or elderflower cocktails or sesame shochu in New York? Thank goodness the staff was so smart to offer up pre-made appletinis, cranberry vodkas and Washington apples for the undiscerning taste of "Yelps". Not only do they obviously have great taste in cocktails, but the bar staff are also extremely slow at making them. In fact, they're even slow at pouring a beer, and beyond that even incapable of pouring it correctly with minimal foam. Sweet. As an added bonus the bartenders were rocking some serious looks with fashions by Mandee, make up by Hard Candy and hair by Suave hair products. The cherry on top were the lower back tats. HOT.
Ocean's 8's famous wings were pretty good - not gonna lie. The rest of the food was a random mishmash of Italian things, mini tacos and Asian-inspired hors d'oeuvres. The mini-tacos were a whole lot of ok - as were the greasy yet meaty (ha!) Italian sandwiches. The antipasta salad wasn't particularly delicious or appetizing - and of course neither was the SEAFOOD SALAD with which I had SO MANY ISSUES. "FRESH" SEAFOOD? From where? The Hudson?! It looked foul and noone ate it - and it sat untouched for hours. Gross. The formerly frozen "chicken rolls" "spring rolls" and "shrimp shumai" that were brought around by more scantily-clad servers were also particularly revolting. Mini-cupcakes from Cupcake Stop were as equally cute as they were delicious.
Also problematic: I suck at pool. Oops.
I did snag a Yelp lunchbox though! Apologies to whomever I stole it from. Actually no, I'm not sorry.
Yelp, you always make me feel like the Toast of the Town, the Belle of the Ball, the . . . Fattest, Drunkest Boy in the Whole Wide World.
I believe it was one-hit-wonder Stacie Orrico who once squeaked, "There's gotta be more to life than chasing down every temporary high." To which I say: Not true, Stacie. This is why you are no longer on the radio.
A belly full of whiskey, cupcakes (Apple Crisp, Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch, Cookie Dough, Red Velvet . . . )*, and other finger-foods-served-on-a-platter-and-brought-to-yo ur-lazy-bum IS the best kind of temporary high.
But I see what you did there, Yelp. Trying to get me to "exercise" those calories by playing pool, ping-pong, air hockey, and dancing. Tricksters.
All in all, a good night from what I can remember. Three whiskeys deep and I forget such things like MY HALF BIRTHDAY, which I celebrate today with a VERY large, very strrrooong coffee.
__________
* Listen, it's not like I WANTED to eat every kind of cupcake (that's a lie)--and especially not ten of them (that's another lie)--but I didn't want to be rude to the cupcake gal who so graciously loaded them on my plate. What I learned: They are the perfect bite-sized sweet treat. I could probably fit at least 4 in my mouth at once.**
** Please don't read anything into that.
ADDENDUM: I forgot to name drop all my biddy boos!
Big Ups to all these great people who made my night memorable: Preeti B, Aimee O, Liz W (finally!), Josh A, Josh L (all the way from San Fran!), Rae K (so nice to meet you!), Dave K (nice to meet you too!), and so many others I am forgetting but not purposefully!
Jane, you give great hugs. Lauren C, reunited at long last. Peter, YOU are the true Belle of the Ball.
Thanks to Jane, Peter, and Monica for organizing another amazing event. But what the hell was wrong with the DJ...!?
Loved the mini-burgers...I think that's the only food i got. Loved the Sam Adams on tap too! I have to agree with Amber B. about the bartenders, though: i also was told they were out of Sam Adams, but then that beer magically reappeared when I asked another bartender...?
it was great to meet Lily N., Jamel O., George T., Payam Z. (Osasuna's supporter...?!?), Wendy C., and Irene F.
Kyle H.: thanks, man; I'll definitely contact you.
And I even managed to walk back home (not sure that was a good thing, actually...)!
Joey, sorry I couldn't sing "Down under" with you and Brian. Is there an Italian version of the song?
7:45 p.m. Strutting down Flatbush as if I know precisely where Oceans 8 is, but I walked past it by a block and had to backtrack. Too busy contemplating if I'd have more fun at Oceans 11, and thinking just how I'd work my way into the plot with Rusty Ryan or Danny Ocean.
7:50 p.m. Oceans 8, I have landed. No Brad Pitt, no George Clooney. Mildly disappointing--- but I recovered quickly to find myself in a huge ocean of pool tables, bobbing for Jameson and catching some munchies on deep end.
7:57 p.m. Holy Guacamole! TV's everywhere to satiate my thirst for game 6. Woot WoOt, go Yankees!!!
8-8:30 p.m. Mingling with the fine folks whom I haven't seen in far too long. Andre hooked me up with a drink, Lisa spilled her drink she was so excited to see me, and later I pounced at Ethan and spilled his drink. It's a vicious cycle. A minor dance party occurred in this time frame, in which I danced out my anger at missing out on the free lunchboxes (AGAIN!!). Witnessed our sweet Peter D. getting his cheeks pinched by the lovely Bridget, and was happy my chipmunk cheeks did not gather the same attention.
8:30-9 p.m. Yankees are rocking it. Sarah M. arrives and we continue to surf the pool hall --- not to happy that beer was $8 after the open bar, but met some great peeps and caught up with some old ones.
9 p.m. Made a semi--sneaky exit to Flatbush Farms for some wine. Besides the Yankees kicking tail -- nothing too crazy happened. Thanks to Jane, Peter, and the crew for a great event!
First and foremost - bravo to Peter, Jane, Miriam, visiting CMs and Yelp crew for organizing this fantastically fun event. How you guys manage to pull these off consistently is amazing!
I didn't drink too much last night because my friend is a teetotaler (shock!) but one does not need alcohol to have fun at a Yelp event. Especially when there is:
- Friends!
- Air Hockey!
- Pool!
- Good (if too loud) music!
- New Friends!
- Lots of food! (that I didn't really eat, but it looked tasty!)
- ....and booze, if you need it. ;)
I want to crow about me pwning Chun in Air Hockey - the victory was even sweeter because just before I had just been pwned by my +1. ::shakes head:: I do not want to crow about winning at pool against the fabulous Preeti B. and Liz W. because I don't understand how it happened. I don't play pool.
My +1 (also my best friend from undergrad) had a great time as well and that was the cherry on the ice-cream sundae for me.
Hello to all youse I hugged and smooched - you know who you are (I know who you are too, I'm just too lazy to write it all here) and you all rock.
I'm never not gonna give an Elite event five stars, because the work that Peter D. (and the entire Yelp crew, Jane, Miriam and everyone else included) put in is incredibly appreciated -- and let's be honest, you've got to feed the Peter D. ego a little otherwise we're not going to get the full effect of his awesomeness.*
That said, what makes these events great are the people. Thanks to the new Julies, M. and K., for not noticing that Ethan C. and I were surreptitiously putting the balls in with our hands** and for kicking my ass at ping pong. Thanks to Lisa. A. for "letting" me win at air hockey, and continuing my tradition of awesomeness*** that started at Club Hell in Chapel Hill, Abby and Jonathan G. for being the Stadler and Waldorf of my evening, Rod for bringing the Donut Plant doughnuts****, Natasha for welcoming me so graciously and Preeti for bringing me her extra Jameson and Ginger Ales*****.
All in all, I had a blast, even with the overenthusiastic DJ and the Zog Sports folks who came in at the end to steal all the extra food. Did those leechers even write a review?
Lamesauce.
* - That's good for one free drink at the next event.
** - Nah, that doesn't sound dirty at all.
*** - Second time in one review I've used that word; yay for me.
**** - Seriously, my waistline begs you, stop doing that.
***** - That she absolutely was not drinking. Nope.
So.
Ocean's sort of reminds me of an 8th grade roller-rink birthday party- bad 70's and 80's music, an incomprehensible DJ, and a bunch of people wandering aimlessly while they wait for a table to open up.
Typically it's hard for me to give a 3star review when it involves free beer, food, and games, but after one creepy beer supplier hit on me, one bartender lied to my boyfriend about being tapped out of Sam Adams, and after one too many Madonna songs, I officially decided that this is one venue I wouldn't visit in my spare time.
Don't get me wrong, I had a great time with my +2's, new friends (shout out, Lilly!), and other eliters, but I think this place is going through an identity crisis- pool hall, sports pub, or dance club?
Thanks, as always, to the Yelp crew for all of their time, effort, and love, but I kinda miss the lederhosen.
PS. Chun, I think, subconsciously, I prefer to be mysterious. Perhaps this is why we missed eachother for the umptienth time? Until we try again...
Now as most of you who follow my reviews know, I rarely if ever find myself in Brooklyn, but this could not be missed. Thanks to the very friendly nudging of Peter D. and Jane K. I decided, yeah, it's about that time and I was not disappointed.
This event was so much fun!! I got to see all my "usual suspects", meet new ones, break it down to old school music, stuff my face, have a photo taken of me double fisting, drink Grey Goose and best of all, have a great time. Oh and I have a new lunch box!
Thank you Jane and Peter for organizing such a great event at such a great space and for getting my Black booty down to Brooklyn.
Another amazing Brooklyn event!
I'm seeing a trend here about outer-borough events..,
..more food, larger venue space, more drink selections, laid-back crowd, more fun!
Shout-outs to :9
- Kickin' tacos with which I doused in guac, sour cream, salsa
- Miniature (diorama?) Burgers on a stick
- Saucy buffalo wings
- Shrimp from the antipasto
Apologies to the homies I shirked in my food/drink path:(
- Steve, Joolz, Brian, Ethan, Preeti, Ting, Joey, James, Rod, Noy, Melissa, Greg, Rae, Bridget, Chun, etc...
+es
Free Sam Adams, Grey Goose, Jameson
Free bar food
Free cupcakes
Free absolutely delicious iced coffee
Lots of tvs, pool tables, games and shit
Cool Yelp peeps
-es
Bartenders ignoring you
Greasy bar food
Sketchy seafood salad
Mediocre cupcakes
Running out of Sam Adams
Accidentally saying Jack + ginger instead of Jameson + ginger, making a free drink a $7 drink.
I wish I wasn't such a damn wallflower and had mingled more, but that many people is sort of overwhelming. But, for my first Yelp elite event, not bad. The Yelp aspect of the event rocked; the bar aspect (staff, etc) sort of sucked.
My first Elite event. I don't know what took me so long, oh I know - I get lost easily. Even with google maps and an iPhone I walked past this place 3 times.
But it was fun to meet everyone!
Man those special drinks were packed! I couldn't finish them, which is not the norm for me. They were strong as hell with lots of Grey Goose.
I think I tried every drink, good but very strong.
The food was good, I guess it's considered bar food. The best food of the night was the Cupcake Stop, those mini cupcakes were delish!
I searched all over for the famous lunch boxes but I guess I missed out :( Kind of sad that I didn't get one.
Yay!
Fun!
Super!
Awesome!
Drunk.
When you come to an elite event you have to evaluate who did what and when it comes to this, Yelp +5, Ocean's +3. Yelp, as usual, was organized and presented a boat load of free drinks and food and an overall solid event. After that, they had done their part. I was greeted by the lovely Jane K. and soon thereafter visited with peter d. Later in the night I did see peter d. sampling every aspect of the food bar and I am feeling a little sketchy about the things that were still identified as "salads" at 10 pm, but I am hoping for the best...for him, I would not touch the stuff that late.
Ocean's was vast and much more than expected. From the looks of the entry, you expect a short bar and not much else, but as you delve downstairs you discover 20 some-odd pool tables, 2 candlestick bowling lanes, 5 ping ping tables and 3 air hockey tables (which rarely keep the correct score, but I swear I still won Adam R. and Abigail M.).
The bartenders were very average. In the beginning I was trying to soak up alcohol all quick like before the Yelpers I actually know got there and they were still slooooooowwww. The bar was sticky and it stayed with you as you took your Sam Adams Winter Lager glass and traversed the pool palace, every once in a while rubbing the "clean" glass on your hands in hopes of removing the stickiness.
The food was VERY average. Mini-burgers...eh. Shumai - decent, but a hard hill to climb with me. Spring rolls were good, but a Thai version with peanut sauce. The Muffaletta sandwich was avg. There was a lot to choose from though and I did see people making doggy bags so I guess that says something, or maybe more a comment on who was taking to-go items.
Big thanks to Jane K. and peter d. for providing another huge venue to interact in, however, I kind of wish it was smaller overall so the Yelper contact was more involved. Thank God for Chun L. (first contact again), Abigail M., Danny P. and Adam R. for talking with me since I am so antisocial that I would have just ended up holding up the corner of the bar.
In retrospect and still reeling from the Jameson, Yelp did all it should, Ocean's...eh, not bad, but seriously the DJ. What was this? I felt like I was at my high school prom the whole time and all the mic action was disturbing and annoying. Am I at a pool/game gall or a club? From the looks of it, I was at a pool hall.
Other highlights...meeting Liz W. even if she didn't know it, watching the horrendous ping pong action once the drinks were ingrained in the participants and the reverse angst of the stickiness of the bar, awful.
Rock and roll, how can you not love a yelp event? Especially when it collides with the World Series?
Many new faces, many old faces, some of them still swimming in front of me today.
I demand a Yelp lunch box...maybe Peter and Jane will bestow me one when I hit 2000 reviews? Eh?
Becoming an Elite in Boston 2 weeks ago, I was eagerly waiting to attend my first yelp elite event....then finally, my friend told me that there is one in Brooklyn and asked me to drive down. Yep, I drove about 5 hours to attend this event. Because it was my elite event, I had high expectations.
Basically, I played pingpong for 3 hours straight with buncha friends....it was super fun, not to mention the unlimited FREE sandwiches (pretty bad though), beers, wings, pastas, dumplings, spring rolls, pastas and cupcakes that all came with that. They had at least 15 pool tables and 6 pingpong tables for us to enjoy. If it wasn't for the people that I went, it would have been a terrible experience (bad food and too many people so it's hard to actually get to know others). Actually, it was fun cause I won most of the pingpong games...MUAHAHHAH.
Probably the best game was I played this guy named David (my friend's friend...math teacher at Stuyvesant High school...and he's only 24.....wut the....) and it went down to the third game, triple deuce...and i lost. So fun....i love pingpong....i'm so asian...
I actually had a higher expectation of food (duh...you are inviting NYC yelp elites....one thing you don't wanna mess up is food) but you somehow did. All in all, a great first yelp elite experience....it was def. fun but the next one I go to, I want my mouth to experience the fun.
This event was not about the bar food (standard considering bar food)
This event was not about long waits at an open bar (standard considering an open bar)
This was about getting my butt kicked in ping pong with George T (I blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alco...I'm not gonna do that quote)
This was about shooting hoops with Jamel. It was about Toronto-Buffalo air-hockey match with Lis K (who let me win thanks to 5 own goals). It was about meeting the only other cool scientist (Matteo R) and probably not the only other yelper with a Z last name!
Most of all, it was about being at an event with Grey Goose and Jameson as sponsors. Jane and Peter, I don't know how you guys do what you do, but you're awesome!! Thanks for everything and see y'all soon!
edit: most of all it was about being with cool yelpers. I swear I'm not an alcoholic.
Halloween had left me worse for wear. Down a few brain cells, and a lot of dignity. But when I recalled that Nov. 4th was a Yelp Elite event of course I had to rally like the clutch player I am and come on out. After all I have but 6 more days of being 25, let's finish this year off with a bang, yes?
So I grabbed my trusty plus one and the always handy Q train and trekked it out to 7th Ave. Gotta love a Brooklyn event, oh so easy to stumble home from. The bar is unassuming from outside, but huge caverns of pleY await within. Not to mention a sizable spread. Mountains of muffaletta lead the charge on the let's feed Michelle L. for free front. And ohmygod wings. I could have eaten like 45 of those, but I refrained. Afterall there was drinking to do.
Blue moon, you delightful orange topped mistress you, that's the vitamin C I need to make drinking again not scary. And Jameson, old friend, never leave me.
Got my butt whooped at air hockey, laid down the law at duck pin, and didn't embarrass myself too bad on the felt. Met some Yelpers in person for the first time (Hey Kelly! Hey Briana!) Turns out telling people to talk to you on internet ahead of time actually garners results. And saw some familiar faces as well.
Definitely a win. Falling asleep in my bed later, I heard far off fireworks. I'm gonna go ahead and believe it was the after party. Keep up the good work you crazy kids.
I don't know why we insist on doing this, but often before these events I meet Bill an hour or so before at some other bar close by to "lay a base". This time we met at the famed wash comm and had a coupla rounds first.
I really didn't need to do that. Rather than bore you with details, let me just give some poignant highlights.
- was wonderful to be able to bring as many people as I could. Billdozer, Andy, my brother Dannykins, and Troy "Nasty" made for a lot of fun.
- Peter rules.
- apparently we went to Half Court afterward to finish watching the game. So they say.
- I was so drunk walking home with my girlfriend that you know what I insisted on buying on the way home? A cheese Danish and a newspaper. I bought The New York Times at 11:30 on Wednesday night. I found the Danish in my bag this morning.
Yep.
Beautiful Brooklyn, beers, burgers, bing bong, and billiards. Though I've never been to Flatbush, I'm glad I braved the Q ride over. It was nice to be able to bring more guests especially after the Megu event, including aspiring Elitist, Christina C.
Though I thought I was gonna get some Sam Adams Winter, regular is stil aight. The Jameson and Grey Goose definitely made up for that lack. The bar food was bar food but I mean come on, if you played your cards right and hustled on over, you got what you needed plus some to be full and fatified.
I guess they never really run out of lunch boxes either. My guests were able to get the hook up with that one. The bartenders and servers were great and the overall vibe of the place was welcoming. Half the time, actually the whole time, I didn't know what the hell the DJ was saying but I was also kinda caught up in my multiple failed attempts to ouster newly minted Boston Elite, Jang K. at the tennis tables.
I would've gave this event a 5th star, except some random white dude with a brown mullet and a khaki jacket, was being a little too physical with my female guest. He came out of nowhere and interrupted her game with my other friend and flirted with her a bit aggressively.
Later on, he came over and tickled my ear.
I know that sounds ridiculous but just imagine what I thought when he did that! I was like WTF! and all he could say was, "Come on, come on." as if I had not known that ear tickling was a common Brooklyn bar ritual. I was pretty surprised at his little switch-hitting ambush and my friends were all confused as well. I know Brooklyn is crazy, but this?! After mulling the multiple mediums of how I might respond to his physical overtures, I thought better of it and just alerted the security staff there. I mean, Elites are elite for a reason right? Physicality is unncessary, when simple words are so much easier and most effective.
But mang! I really wanted him to make a trip to the dentist. There's always next time...
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Peter D., thanks for organizing the event. My stomach and head will recognize your efforts with a terrified toilet and an amazing hangover tomorrow morning.
I was winging it. Get it? Get it? SHUT UP.
So what was up with the Zog Sports recreational co-ed problem children not only eating our wings but giving me weird looks as I waiting patiently behind them in line? SHUT UP.
Those bartenders were about as inept as you can get, although the usual vibe is probably much more relaxed so the last thing they may have expected was a bunch of loud farts like ourselves. WTF.
The place is about a step and a half from the subway entrance. GTFO.
It was a real Balls of Fury atmosphere over by the ping pong tables.
It was a real The Hustler by the pool tables.
It was a real buffet style by the pastas.
Seafood salad under a hot lamp FTW. Those clams were bacon!
Oh and pat b., don't call other Yelpers "ungrateful terds" (I believe the spelling is 'turd' but who knows) for rightfully picking out less than excellent points. The sun doesn't shine all the time.
Yay for events near my hood! Yay for Yelpers! And yay for Jameson and Cupcake Stop, yum yum yums (separately, not together. or maybe together...). It was great to see so many friends and meet some new ones too. I have to admit, I was pretty bummed about how long it took to get drinks at the bar, and the fact that someone swiped my lunch box (yes maybe I abandoned it for a while but I was coming back for it!).
Also, I have to say that Amber B hit the nail on the head with the 8th grade roller rink vibe from the DJ... probably won't be rushing back for the over-advertised Ladies Night. Well, that's also because, as a lucky few people witnessed, I am horrible at all sports and games related activities. Horrible.
Tiny cupcake sugar high, mofos!
Also: Those are some ATTENTIVE drink waitresses. (And that is one hell of an excited DJ -- "Hey, are my Yelps in dah houuuuuse??" Ah. The Yelps.)
And: That was an effing SPREAD of food.
Day-amn, you kids outdid yourself.
This is actually the most fun I've had at a Yelp event yet! The free pool (even if I do suck at pool), air hockey, and ping pong were awesome! Let me repeat, AWESOME!!!! I finally met Miss Preeti B., along with Danny P., Ethan C, and soooo many more!
I miss doing fun stuff like this, and I'm weary of the Uber-"I must look, walk, eat, and otherwise exude snotty pretentious coolness in order to be a true New Yorker-vibe." While it may not have been five-star Michelin-rated, the food was plentiful (unlike most Yelp events, which I'm not complaining about, btw) and the drinks were top-shelf. Honestly, where else can you get free food and drinks AND hang out in a such a fun environment in this city????? Oh, and thanks for having an Yelp Elite event outside of Williamsburg, Peter!!!! Way to go!!!!
This was my first Brooklyn event that I remember....and I find myself wondering, is that a good thing?
I remember: Doing the booty propeller. Waltzing with Sam Adams. Yelper smooches. So decidedly, yes. It is good to remember.
But you didn't see any of this. Foiled again, yelparazzi. Muwahahahaha.
Top-shelf booze, top-shelf people all around, and the opportunity to find out I'm actually pretty good at one sport after all -- ping-pong! My first Yelp event, so it was very nice to meet the Elite and to eat from Oceans 8's menu & drink from their bar, plus it put a new venue on my map. I only wish I'd arrived at the stroke of 6:30 so that I might have scored one of those very cool Yelp lunch pails.
UPDATE: Ok, I do have to agree with many of the other reviewers: the DJ was a problem. DJs should really never get on the mic, and if they do, they shouldn't try to boss people around and tell them to "make some noise." But I think he meant well.
Great venue. Managed to meet up and hang out with two fellow Yelpers on my friends list and pretty much chilled for the whole evening over some pretty good food and drinks. I laugh that it's like the best date ever to bring a girl to an Elite Yelp event cuz I don't have to pay for anything. =D
I have to come back and check out the ping pong side. I would've honestly appreciated it more though if the staff at Ocean's 8 kept people from sitting on the pool tables as it damages the rails. One guy even stood in the middle of the table dancing - fun is fun but it's a bit crossing the line in disrespecting the joint. Doubtful if Ocean's 8 will ever allow Yelp to host another event here.
Luke's Brew was pretty cool. Very nice to meet a young entreprenuer with a nifty idea. Too bad I missed out on the lunch boxes. =(
Had lots fun. Why didn't I get there earlier? Why did I miss all other yelp events? Food and Booze were flowing freely. There was an insanely amount of good tasting bites (good variety too!) going around. When I was already stuffed, entrees of pasta dishes and chicken w/ broccoli arrived. For the sake of my belly, I didn't launch myself at those. For the beer, you had to fetch yourself at the bar: there was some wait because the barmaids were overwhelmed.
Btw, shame on you those who got like tons of drinks and didn't even bother to TIP. Most things were free already... don't be such a douche.
Meet up for the first time with Albert W. and Emily C., awesome yelpers and super nice to hangout with. After 2 games of pool I stopped by Luke's Brew for some interesting and good niche of a bottle cold brew coffee. He was awfully amicable and passionate about his product.
I totally missed out the cupcakes though.
Saw Peter D., shaked hands, nice and extremely sociable fellow!
Had a blast. Can't wait for the next one.
p.s. The DJ was great....
This was my first yelp elite event! I had a lot of fun, met a lot of cool people (shout out to amber & co.).
Food- really random selection of appetizers. weren't horrible, but weren't amazing either. i'm mad i didn't get a cupcake.
Drinks- strong. weeee... okay let's stop there.
Atmosphere- Seemed fun. had a little bit of everything (pool, ping pong, air hockey, etc.)
Thanks peter d. and Jane K. for organizing!!!
This was my first of hopefully many Yelp Elite events. I have been to Oceans 8 prior to this event and I have to say that normally this place is not that fantastic. Tonight was different.
These elite events are great! Normally the service here isn't that great but there were no problems here tonight. Good food, good drinks, and cupcakes! Not to mention free games.
I have to say, I can't wait until I am oficially elite for the next event!
awesome time. I really need to congratulate the one and only Peter D. apparently he is friends with a slew of guys I went to elementary school with, so he gets kicked up a few notches a la Emeril Lagasse for that.
and of course, do the lovely Monica S. and Jane K. really need anything more said about them? especially Monica, who ventured deep into enemy lines while the Yankees pummeled the Phillies (as of this review the Jankees are winning)? the girl's got guts, ya gotta admit.
anywho. enough of my shameless praising of our Yelp overlords...
the event itself was a lot of fun. the drinks were stiff, free, and constantly flowing, and the food was on the upper tier of bar food that I've sampled. mini-tacos for the win.
I hesitate from giving this a 5-star rating because it seemed like people kept to themselves a bit, and thus felt more like random groups of friends meeting up at a Yelp meetup. then again, I am new to the Yelp meetups, so maybe that's how it is...
that being said, here's a hilarious quote from one of my guests/friend: "for an event made up of people who met on the internet, the women here are stunning".
the DJ was kinda annoying at times.
I wish it had been easier to mingle with fellow Yelpers...ah well.
those dumplings were amazing. Dumpling Girl(s), will you marry me? please?