Week of June 25 - July 1, 2009

Brooklyn Bowl

Photograph: Cannon: ABACA USA

Brooklyn Bowl
The team behind Tribeca’s erstwhile Wetlands opens this 23,000-square-foot bowling alley in Williamsburg. In addition to 16 lanes and rental shoes, the space has a stage that will feature up-and-coming and established musicians alike. The interior gets its flava from Coney Island relics—the bar is a converted shooting gallery—and the environmentally friendly design makes this the world’s first LEED-certified bowling alley. The food, provided by Blue Ribbon, includes a selection of French-bread pizzas such as the Beach, topped with pulled pork and pickled peppers. All beers hail from Brooklyn, and a frozen-margarita machine churns out slushy drinks all night long. A game costs $40 per hour, so the more teammates you bring (eight per lane max), the cheaper it’ll be. (Or just show up for the hooch.) 61 Wythe Ave between North 11th and 12th Sts, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-963-3369)

Destination
This East Village watering hole combines old-timey style with frat-house tastes. The loungelike space, complete with parlorworthy wallpaper and a pressed-tin–sided bar, features a menu of Jell-O shots, such as the Jell-O Surfer on Acid: pineapple Jell-O, Malibu Rum, cranberry juice and Jagermeister ($3). The list of specialty cocktails, like the Siberian Kiss made with citron vodka, Fra Angelico liqueur, Bailey’s and crème de cacao with a frozen Hershey’s kiss on the bottom ($10), suggests that you don’t need a password to get in. 211 Ave A at 13th St (212-388-9844)

Ward III
Three Tribeca barkeeps, who’ve done time at such establishments as the Odeon and Macao Trading Company, have opened this multipurpose lounge, eatery and bar. The goal, per part owner Michael Neff, is to create a casual spot serving speakeasy-quality drinks—without the tude. A bespoke menu aims to tap into the desires of individual drinkers (vodka fans are welcome), while specialty cocktails plus ten draft beers should suit less fussy tastes. The comfort-food menu includes mac and cheese and Moroccan chicken potpie. 111 Reade St at West Broadway (212-240-9194)

Compiled by Gabriella Gershenson

See more Bar openings