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Union St (M, R)
9th St-4th Ave (F, M, R)
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So one of these reviews says the bar sucked but the bartender was nice; another that the bar was okay but the bartenders were "beer snobs," which, while I'm on the subject, seems like a good thing to be if you're a BARTENDER at a BEER BAR.
Those were both one-star reviews.
Lesson? You can't please everybody, but you can please me, if you're The Gate.
There are (roughly) two types of people in this world, those comfortable with other people being more knowledgeable about something than they are, and those who aren't. The people who work here -- a high school friend of mine used to live right around the corner so I've been coming to The Gate, infrequently, for about five years now, since before I moved to the city -- know a lot about beer. More than you, statistically speaking, anyway.
They're certainly not ALL snobs. I can't remember who specifically, but I've definitely convoed with people behind the bar, and I don't remember it being unpleasant in any way. Some might be snobs, I don't know. But if you can describe what you want the inside of your mouth to feel like, odds are these folks can match you with a beer that will make the inside of your mouth feel like that thing. That's their job. Their attitude in approaching that task is of lesser consequence to me. Personally.
Came in for just 1 drink drink and thought the place seemed like your above average neighborhood bar. Not too many patrons at 1am on a Monday but the alcohol selection was good and there was an outdoor patio area to enjoy smoking treats.
I'd go back, but probably not at 1am on a Monday.
This place is wonderful for the following reasons:
1. Great beer selection and the bartenders, despite some reviews to the contrary, are pretty great. They serve you your beer, answer questions if you have them (but come on, it's a beer, not a major life decision) and do it in a friendly manner. That's all I ask for in a bartender and any more than that is a bit much, if you ask me.
2. You're hungry, ready for dinner, but comfortable and don't want to leave the wonderful beer selection...No problem. You can order food to be delivered to the bar. How awesome is that?
3. You can bring your dog! Your dog might, like mine, spend most days alone while you're off bringing home the bacon. I always feel guilty just stopping off at home for a quick walk and then rushing out again. If I am going to The Gate, however, no need for the pup to sit at home lonely. He's happy to be out and about, socializing with other fun puppy patrons, and I don't feel guilty. Win-win.
On a nice day, you may have a hard time finding a table, hence the four stars. However, its busy-ness might just be a testament to its awesomeness.
Seems to me a pretty solid neighborhood tavern. I was carded and not allowed to even sit down to look for my ID when I walked in - which I guess is a good thing, keeping tabs on people. The bouncer didn't seem to think it was funny when I told him "I'm like a hundred, are you serious?" But once I found it and flashed my legal drinkin' dates at him he backed off. Other than that and the millions of people crowding around our prime locale wooden table last night during the big game I had a great time, not to mention yummy beers - and a fantastic selection at that (written on a chalkboard, my fav!)
The bathrooms downstairs were fairly clean, perhaps I'll check back on a night when everyone isn't glued to the tube. I saw a big dog in the bar last night too..
Bring your dog, bring your board games, bring your own snacks, pretty much anything is a go here! Solid selection of beers on tap but good luck getting the attention of anyone who is going to serve you quickly on a busy night. Finding a seat is often a game of musical chairs with a lot of large groups taking up tables and a half.
It's a great place when you can enjoy a late afternoon with weather nice enough to sit outside.
I tried this venue as Brooklyn seems to be the new to-do. Humbug!
I stepped on three babies on my way to the barkeeper!
Plenty of knit-caps, though aged with a penchant for old rock/roll music and sagging, semi-blue tattoos.
I went to The Gate last night for a friend's birthday party. The place was fairly crowded and very cozy with warm lighting and comfy nooks where you and your group can settle in for long conversations. The two hours we were there flew by. Our drinks were good, strong, and surprisingly affordable. I also enjoyed watching the dogs come and good. That definitely adds a friendly, homey vibe to the place.
I want to like this place. The bartender was nice. The bathrooms are weird and there a lot of hidden steps on the way down. Watch out. I can imagine a lot of bloody noses and cursing going on among drunks: "I didn't see that step, wtf?"
The crowd is unfriendly. Some groups I've seen are downright snobby, their veins full of elephant piss, the foul stench of their living being emanating...Emanating...Emanating!
The front is gated, a porch of some kind, often packed. As children and the mundane walk by, they witness this spectacle...This caged fury of inebriation. They point, laugh, and walk on as the helpless, confined sloths have no defense. They carry shame on their backs, like overweight bastard children, seething, making them sweat profusely.
So now I ask you. Would you want to be a prisoner behind The Gate or liberally and gleefully wander the streets?
I love this place. Relaxed atmosphere yet always festive. And a great beer selection. A friend of mine once got a salmon smoke beer (which tastes as weird as it sounds). It wasn't very good, but I have to love a bar that even gives you those types of options.
When there's nice weather, their patio is wonderful. It's hard to find a seat out there, but it's large and has a great view of Park Slope streets.
Also, they allow dogs there.
The Gate is known for it's huge beer selection and prime outdoor patio, is a nice enough bar with good ambiance and decent music.
But here's the deal: I am sick and fucking tired of its beer snob bartenders.
I will be the first to admit that I'm not well-versed in the art of beer, and I know that some people take it very seriously. But goddamn, if a bar doesn't have Stella or Heineken, I am out of ideas.
And I would hope that as a nice bartender, if I ask you for a Stella and you don't have it, you could, I dunno...suggest a comparable one?! I mean, if you LOVE beer so fucking much, don't you think you'd want to introduce a poor, dumb girl (i.e. me, in this scenario) to a more high-brow selection of brew?
The conversation could go something like this:
Me: Hey, do you have a beer that doesn't sound scary and weird?
You: You're a dumbass for trying to come up in here, but how about a Heffewienerschnitzelbrau? It tastes kind of like Stella, except it's infused with the nectar of the Gods and that's why I can be so self-righteous about it.
Me: Oh, awesome, let me have that!
You: Great, enjoy!
Yeah, not so much. The bartender blew me off (even though they weren't that busy), and suggested that I read the chalk board menu. You know...the one written in tiny, tiny letters, partially obscured by their anniversary balloons in dim lighting? Yeah, that one.
Fuck this place, honestly.
I met up with a date here on a sparkling spring evening that hinted with alternating showers, provoking anxiety of fresh-from-the-hairdresser sexy and sassy hair would FAIL. Luckily, the mist and dewdrops cascading from the trees were infrequent enough to not mess my coiff, which I had to suffer through the F-train leers, so I'd better damn well reap its benefits at said destination.
The rain cleared away all the city congestion and clutter and provided a pleasant atmosphere for sitting outside. Inside, the bar was crowded and lively for a thursday evening. I'm not a beer drinker, but have been told by connoiseurs that the beer selection is formidable. There are fireplaces to take the chill of a colder night, lending to a English-pub atmosphere. Oh, and unbelievable jukebox.
And yes my hair, which is what you all wanted to know, did not fail to please.
Went here for a Monday night beer with my roomie and her friends. Cool spot (especially the outdoor seating) to just have a beer and hangout. They do have a good selection of beer, I had a german pilsner which wasn't bad. The inside is a bit dark and has dive bar feel, but nevertheless it's cool spot. However, it's a nice night - sit outside. I think it's cool too that you can bring your dog. There are few people who brought their dogs.
All in all, cool chill spot to have a beer with friends and enjoy the night.
Um... a block from my home, good beer selection, lovely outdoor beer garden, and PUPPIES!
Why more bars don't allow you to bring your dog totally escapes me. This is the best thing ever.
Amazing rotating beer selection. Outdoor seating. Atmosphere where you can chat with people, watch TV, even read a book. Cool people and staff.
This is one of the top bars I've ever been to. It's that simple.
This is a common place I meet up with friends or even businesspeople in the Slope. It has one of the better beer selections in the neighbourhood and you can usually get a good seat at the booth, the bar, or outside. There's a television or two usually on (although closed-captioned) and the music isn't too loud, so you can have a conversation with the people you're with.
This place also brings in specialty brewers. I was impressed when I saw Ithaca Beer Company's limited edition beers on tap. Fantastic.
I got tire bite!
Sounds like some variation of road rash that I endured on a bike trip, but no...... it's the beer I had the other night at the Gate. Handpicked by the bartender, especially for me.... when I said "I don't drink beer so I have no clue what the heck to order. Something light? Two of 'em?" He smiled and gave me the "I have just the thing for you" nod, and gave me a taste of Tire Bite. I loved it (as much as I can find it in my Hard-Alcohol Heart to love a beer).
Clearly a friendly bartender, but it did take me a while to get to the front of the bar. Pretty crowded on a Friday night- even the patio was packed despite the somewhat chilly weather. We were able to score a patio bench though, and let the bite of the tire have the better part of our evening.
Okay so I must begin this by being upfront: I am one of those "dog people" that you all love to hate, and I adore any bar that allows me to bring them along for a brew. I understand the hatred of the dogs if they are a) in the aisle so your stilettos have to wobble over them b) barking, biting or scratching at vermin in their fur c)accompanied by a stroller. Otherwise (speaking for my dogs) if you don't lick them they won't lick you.
Beer selection here is nice, I especially enjoy it when they do featured brewery nights showcasing some of the more obscure and hard to find selections from well known producers. That and the presence of cask ales...mmmmmm.....
Jukebox = excellllllent too. Pleasantry/attentitiveness of staff can often leave something to be desired if you aren't sitting right in front of them which is the only reason I deduct a star.
Two-and-a-half stars.
For the most part, I admit -- I don't get it. And I feel like I should, really. After all, drinking outdoors is practically my summer sport. But have you ever, say, been at a restaurant eating a perfectly fine meal that technically has nothing wrong with it -- but it just doesn't hit the spot in terms of what you really wanted?
That's me at The Gate every time. There's something about this place that always sort of makes me want to be elsewhere.
::coughprobablythechildrencough::
The 4-stars is mostly for the awesome beer selection. And also the fact that when I looked to my right Samantha Brown from the Travel Channel was kickin' it with her friends and a pizza they ordered in. (I'm a fan of Samantha Brown...but didn't expect to find her in the Slope).
For how bright it was outside, I have to say that the inside was rather dark. However, what's great about this place is the outside seating area. It get's packed though, so you make have to stalk a table for a while in order to sit outside. I'd definitely go back. It has a nice vibe with chill locals. Bring a board game to pass the time, and you'd have a most excellent afternoon.
Good beer selections, nice sized patio, but definitely too dark and cave-like inside. There were two really important things that I remember though...
1. the 'SLOPE' Obama poster
2. the lesbian playing Scrabble who ashed her cigarette on her dog and failed to play the word 'vagina'
...and for those reasons I will probably be back.
Good chill place to grab a beer (or a cider). I lucked out when I went and there were seats free outside which was nice.
Excellent patio, but surly bartenders. I'd rather go to Bar Reis a few blocks down. For those that gave it more than 4 stars, you need to get out more often.
ANNNNNNNNNNNNNOYING STROLLER FAMILIES AND WEIRD DOG OWNERS ALERT.
Okay, I love dogs and, to a degree, I've come to accept the psychotic fake NY FAMILY CULTURE that Park Slope has devolved into, but I find a lot of behavior that goes on in this bar to be completely unacceptable. The Gate is really cool for a cold winter's night at around 10pm, when the bar is not ridiculously crowded and you want to grab a few well-selected draft beers and maybe play some Clash or Buzzcocks songs on the (undeniably well-stocked) jukebox. That's when this bar is an acceptable option.
But roll up in the afternoon, especially during the warm months when the "patio" (really, it's just the sidewalk, cordoned off by an iron fence) is open, and you've entered an alternate middle american baby nazi universe where children and laboradors reign supreme. Don't get me wrong- I love dogs and tolerate children, but do not need to see either in a bar.
So, to sum it all up- definitely roll in when it's cold and dark outside, but leave this place alone when it's warm out and all the self-righteous New New Yorker Park Slope Stroller Families and creepy dog owners have deemed it the perfect weather to inflict their lifestyle choices upon the regular NY drinking population. I am really not down with people parking their strollers in a bar and expecting us all to be totally cool with it. You all need to leave the baby home with the nanny. And tripping over your dog does not make for an enjoyable pub experience.
You can tell a lot about a person who awards The Gate anything less than the four stars it deserves.
i like this place but i feel like every time i go its way too busy (that might be just me picking the wrong nights), the beer selection is great and the bartenders are always great too, if you can find a place to sit the outside is nice
Hey, you know what doesn't belong in bars? Children!
Last time I checked, you had to be 21 to enter a bar.
I go to a bar to relax and hang out with other adults. Not to worry about if some little kid is going to knock over my drink, or to worry about if I'm going to hit them with the bathroom door, or to worry about if I'm going to accidentally blow smoke near them when I'm out on the patio.
And you know those little brats running around the Gate didn't get carded. Take a look at those things. They're babbling and pissing their pants. Doesn't that mean they're already intoxicated? Isn't there a law against letting drunk people in? Half those toddlers can barely walk straight! Arrest them, arrest the owners, and arrest the parents for not realizing that sometimes you have to hire a goddamn babysitter.
outdoor seating is nice, but all the smokers hangout there, so it becomes unpleasant quickly for us clean lung people (i know... a non-smoker in nyc is weird and the minority...)
the dart board is a piece of crap and the room gets hot as all hell, so be warned
overall though, nice chill place to hangout, good for groups if you can steak out a spot early enough, and they had some vicotry brews on tap which is good, could use better selection for cider though...
The beer garden here is cool. The booths are also great for big groups. I wasn't particularly impressed by the beer selection, to be honest. A lot of them seemed to be dark - then again, I think a lot of them are different than what you'd find at a dive bar. Anyway, I'm glad I stumbled upon it.
It's like all my friends are here and they want to give me an intervention. That is, if my friends were beers and they were intervening me to drink them. Harp and Leffe and Guinness! Boddington! You made it! Hefeweizen, you flew all the way here for lil' old me? Aww, you shouldn't have!
A decent sized bar, some semi-comfy benches and an outdoor patio for me to exercise my right to pollute my lungs and piss off the snobs. Wow, did they just let puppies in here? This bar rocks! I'll definitely be back to kill a few summer nights around the hood.
Amazing selection of beer. I could sit here and drink the beer all night long and chat with the bartender. Unfortunately, there are big dogs to pet and obnoxious boys to avoid. So I have to be going. So sad, I do love your beer. I really, really do. But like I said. Sometimes a girl's just got to go pet a dog. That's what you get for letting them in.
The Gate is great, and not just for it's primo poetry set up as demonstrated in the opening of this review.
Booze? Check! Unpretentious crowd? You got it. Kickin' outdoor area? Yep.
Put it all together and you make me happy.
That being said, it doesn't get 5 stars because I still mostly avoid it Friday and Saturday nights. It's a good place to go, and it seems the secret is out. I prefer hanging on a weekday evening when I have a little room to breath and hang. For a weekday rating, I'd go at least 4.5 stars.
I went there on a saturday night with friends. it smelled like stale beer/urine and was too crowded to get anywhere, including the bar.
maybe on a weeknight or weekend day it might be better if you could actually get outside.
otherwise, no me gusta.
chalk board + dart board + jukebox = best sunday afternoon.
I was there early enough to casually play darts and also grab a table outside, and it was quite relaxing. It was a great way to wind down the weekend.
There are a couple of really dark booths, though, and I'm curious as to what happens there...hmm...
i don't know if anyone else has experienced this, but i'm discovering a pattern with my newly married female friends -- some months after tying the proverbial knot, they feel a need to relive indiscretions of their past life -- both good and bad -- usually in uncomfortable detail, and with witnesses (more often than not, yours truly).
so when my newly married friend who now lives in some upstate-ish suburb (upstate encompassing the entirety of the state anywhere north of 181st street) told me she would "be in brooklyn" late on sunday and we should therefore "get a beer and catch up"i had a good idea what was up.
i suggested the gate because i've never been and i thought the beer garden might be a perfect place for a conversation sure to involve laughter and tears.
we started off with a beer for me and cider for her. halfway through our first cup, we were reminiscing about college, staying out all night. by the end of that first cup, we had moved on to stories of morning after (is it really after if you haven't been to bed?) and reliving our mutual love of the rooty tooty fresh and fruity at the campus ihop.
by the end of the second beer, we were laughing (awkwardly, and forced), until one of us (i will not reveal which) couldn't remember the name of one or more gentleman who had failed (or succeeded?) in making an impression during one of those nights. and that's when we decided we needed something stronger. a lot stronger.
luckily, the gate has ample options to sate an individual who may find herself in a similar position. and for us, it was a rather large Makers Mark neat and a rather large Bombay on the rocks.
thank you also, for not kicking us out when, several hours and several gin/whiskeys later, we both screamed out at the same moment: "SETH!"
Wide selection of beer (not the best choices I've seen at places like this), with a nice (not great) outdoor space. Reasonable prices, but the place gets overly crowded on nice days and you'll go through 2 or 3 beers in the dark, dingy interior before a spot opens up outside.
For those of you who like a drink early enough to enjoy the patio mostly empty, I recommend 3pm on a Saturday. AND I recommend the Bloody Mary. Who knew a place with this many awesome beers also does a badass bloody?? Tall, horseradish-y, spicy, and a few olives on a shwizzle stick. After 3 of these, man, the hot afternoon was slammin'.
Also, it's a good people mix. A little local, a little badass, a little slopie, a little trendie, and people here give good ink! This place is the shwizzle.
The Gate is one of the pearls of Park Slope...but not the waspy kinda pearl drank with vodka..it's an off beat black pearl drank with craft beeeerrrr. Silly tangents aside, if you like good beer and like to relax this is your joint. Relax means reeeeelax -- cuz u can order food in from anywhere and keep the beer flowing! Also, they have special brew events, tons of great beers on tap, knowledgeable bartenders and a killer patio....that welcomes everyone.
As for those of you who are generally harassed with the dogs, strollers, etc ... it seems like you might hanging out in the wrong hood/borough.
However, the strollers stroll on home when the sun sets... for those of you who get rowdier as the night wears on. :)
I enjoy spending time at the Gate. They have a great selection of beers and serve cheap margaritas. However the wine tastes like cough syrup. Do not order wine!!
The outside area is a great place to people watch, socialize and make new friends in the neighborhood. I love the chill and relaxed attitude. People bring thier gorgeous and friendly dogs that also mingle and get in on the socializing.
Yes there is smoking in the outside area - but I am a social smoker and enjoy a cig ever now and again with a drink so that is a plus for me!
They don't serve food there but have a binder of menus allowing you to eat whatever you are in the mood for and according to your budget.
I like The Gate. Don't love it, don't hate it but on a balmy, weekday night during the summertime when you crave a nice cold drink and some casual conversations with friends, this is as good a spot as any to relax. And, during the winter when you want to wash those blues away, a few pints in a warm pub work wonders. For better or worse, it brings in a pretty good cross section of the inhabitants of Park Slope. Make of that what you will - I happen to like dogs.
Decent, rotating beer selection [check the chalkboards on the side of the bar for the latest lineup]. Ample seating. Dart board in the back room. Been in and used bathrooms much worse than the ones here. Great outdoor patio, if you're lucky to snag a seat. Weekends are crowded, as to be expected of, well, just about any place in Park Slope these days.
Beards, beards, and more beards.
Yes, please.
The Gate is great.
It's the kind of place you want to sit around with your best friends, playing old favourites on the jukebox and laughing loudly. It feels like driving through Texas in the middle of the summer with the windows rolled down and the radio turned up. Speaking of the middle of summer... sitting outside in August, drinking beer, and wearing sundresses can't be beat.
I don't live in Park Slope, but I plan on being a regular here.
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