Bar Tabs & Parties

Every week we bring you the latest news in bar openings, followed by a collection of the weekend's best-looking parties. This is the day we do it. First up, bar openings:

1. Park Slope: An Irish bar offering beers, comfort-foody bar bites and an automatic reminder of that awesome Van Morrison song, Cyprus Avenue is a laid-back spot in the heart of Park Slope that's currently being renovated (but don't worry, it'll be serving throughout, including in their open-air sidewalk area). Once it's all set up—in the next couple months or so—it'll be offering live Irish music nights as well. Until then, enjoy a bucket of fries and curry sauce indoors or outdoors. Open now. (52 Fifth Ave. at Bergen St., no phone yet)

2. Red Hook: Brought to you by Mr. St. John Frizell, formerly of Pegu Club and always a food writer, Fort Defiance will soon be both a bar and café, but in the meantime (until it gets its liquor license) it's just a cute and cozy café on Van Brunt Street's main drag. But once it straps itself with booze, legally, look for old-school cocktails to go with your muffuletta, banh mi (hmmm), salads and small plates. Eclectic! Open now for breakfast and lunch. (365 Van Brunt St. at Dikeman St., 718-522-7996)

3. Williamsburg: Well, it looks like Brooklyn Bowl is opening after all! Hooray! For the moment it's just drinks and lanes (fancy food and music performances are still to come), but those are the core elements of a bowling alley, which is all that matters. We're going to go strike a touchdown or whatever! Opening to the public on "the 4th or 7th [of July]"! (61 Wythe Ave. between N. 11th and 12th Sts., 718-963-3369)

4. East Village: Opening up on Avenue A in a former sushi restaurant is Mary O's (we've also heard it called Mary O'Halloran's), a straight-and-steady, handsome-looking Irish bar that we're planning to learn much more about, very soon. Open now, perhaps? More info to come! (32 Ave. A at E. Third St., 212-505-5610)

And now for your weekend party buzz... (Note: Looking for Fourth of July parties? We've got lots and lots of them listed separately, right over here.)

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