Every week we bring you the latest news in bar openings, and this is the day we do it (Thursday). First up: bar openings.
1. Greenpoint: Manhattan Inn: It's neither in Manhattan nor an inn. But when you've got a huge white baby grand piano in it, who cares? "We turned our place into a piano bar basically," laughs Rolyn Hu, who also co-owns Glasslands Gallery in Williamsburg and who's hired someone to play ragtime music on the piano here. It's in keeping with Manhattan Inn's quirky vibe, which extends to the food: Bouley alum Justin Farmer is plating up grub that skips across borders, like a pork-belly-and-kimchi sandwich, borscht with braised brisket and beef cottage pie with garlic mashers. The cocktail-centric booze menu, run by a former Per Se sommelier, tips its hat to the area with Polish suds like Zywiec. (632 Manhattan Ave. between Bedford and Nassau Aves., 718-383-0885)
2. Chelsea: The 20-story-high rooftop bar and lounge at the new Hotel Indigo, called The Glass Bar for, presumably, its impressive views of the city skyline and its see-through glass walls, serves beer, wine and cocktails, as well as a handful of appetizers. Open now. (127 W. 28th St. between Sixth and Seventh Aves., 212-973-9000)
3. Williamsburg: Next Monday, Nov. 9, marks the opening of Full Circle Bar, catering to all your Skee-Ball needs. And Brewskee Ball needs (in fact, per their website, it's the "National Home of Brewskee Ball," which, in turn, is the "first ever competitive Skee-Ball league"). If you're not up on your Skee-Ball, however, there's still plenty of beer, hot dogs and pretzels for all. Play ball—on Monday, Nov. 9. (318 Grand St. between Havemeyer St. and Marcy Ave., no phone yet)
4. Cobble Hill: Opening somewhat under the radar, The People's Republic of Brooklyn, the new and laid-back bar and restaurant in the former Sapodilla spot, is now serving homey comfort food and drinks (including an impressive $15 all-you-can-drink brunch) in a scrappy but not unromantic space on Smith Street. It's decorated with local art, black-and-red accents, exposed brick walls and well-worn, dark-painted wood, and generally exudes a welcoming, relaxed attitude. Open now. (247 Smith St. between Douglass and Degraw Sts., 718-522-6100)
And now for your weekend party buzz...
