Thursday 7th of March 2019 09:55:33 AM

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Jan 28, 2018
I guess it's really been 11 years... time flies. Sigh.

Spent a couple hours here on Sunday afternoon. The relaxing, unpretentious vibe here during off hours is pretty much perfect. Mellow string music on the stereo, eclectic antique shop meets Flemish volkscafe decor, with the pleasant aroma of (orange peel-spiked) mulled wine wafting through the air.

Only a handful of patrons there when we arrived, and pretty soon it was just a regular and the bartender, Paul. We all got to talking and covered all sorts of topics, from beer & food, to Brooklyn highlights and transportation options. I had an Other Half Green City IPA on tap, and a bottle of Tilquin Quetsche. They had over a dozen traditional lambics, no small feat in this town. The bar itself closely resembles a Payottenland lambic cafe.

It was unseasonably warm, and the patio was open, which had it's own charm. Ivy covered bricks and sparse suspended lighting above makes for a perfect hideaway for a few beers with friends in warmer weather. Just an amazing place that feels like home even if it's on the other side of the country.

Previous visit:
Dec 28, 2006 4.51
Stopped here on a recent trip to NYC, after an art install job at 11 Spring.

The place is exceptionally cozy and has plenty of atmosphere, like a rustic country kitchen inside of a quirky European thrift store. Very much like the countryside volkscafes of Belgium, but with an American twist. Endless knick-knacks and thrifted furniture populate the space. The bar almost feels like it used to be a part of a kitchen, partly due to the meat slicer and hanging baskets full of fruit and eggs. A large group in the back were cutting up various magazines, having a "collage party" of sorts. Vintage breweriana trays and signs hanging on the wainscoted walls.

Small selection of taps and a cask, didn't try any though. Went straight for the bottles, but unfortunately they were out of the first 3 that I asked for. Maybe the boards need a more regular update. Still, they have a ton to choose from if you are into Belgian or German styles. Settled on a T'IJ Plzen and Wit, followed by a BFM La Meule. The perpetually aloof bartender uttered few words, but eventually obliged to find the proper BFM glass for it. Sitting in the window, it was easy to get lost in a brew, taking in the surroundings and goings on. Prices were high, but reflect the effort put into the eclectic selection and environment. Brooklyn rent ain't cheap anymore either.

http://emerge077.tumblr.com/post/66884414674

Friday 15th of February 2008 06:54:19 AM

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Don't miss this place. And if you aren't careful, you will. If there's a sign on this bar advertising what's inside, I've never seen it (or perhaps it's just been too dark). This Williamsburg beer bar has a list of Belgians that will blow you away: Trappists, Gueuze, Saisons, etc. And it doesn't stop there. The rest of the world is fairly represented as is American craft beer. They have ten or twelve taps, sometimes these are given over wholly to a single brewery when they have special events. At other times you'll liable to find something you've never had before.

The place is exceedingly tiny, so if you go at peak times, you might havee to do some squeezing. In the warmer months you can escpae the claustrophobic interior for their beer garden where you can have a seat and get table service (if you want it). There is a limited menu. I had the cheese plate last time I was there and was pleased with the selection of cheeses.