CAMP!
When you think of camp, what do you imagine? Log cabin walls, an open fireplace, kayaks, deer heads, smores? Then you’re in luck! Camp, at 179 Smith Street, is all that and more. You can hang out in the front at the beautiful bar cabin style, do some virtual hunting on Buck Hunter, play board games, and roast smores during happy hour. The service is very friendly and the atmosphere is perfectly cozy. If you live in Brooklyn and are craving the good old outdoors, coming indoors to Camp is a perfectly good substitution.
I happened to roll into Camp at the same time as Adam, a guy I had witnessed taking apart the PacMan (I think) next door at Boat. I got a seat in the back and started watching two guys play an intense round of Buck Hunter and he sat down to wait for them to finish. I had to know more about someone else whose job also entails going around from bar to bar (except he gets paid and I don’t, slight difference). Adam gave me the basic run down and let me know apparently his company puts in the machines for free and the bar and the company split the profit 50/50. Genius.
Adam, doing his thing
Bar Fly: So, what exactly is your job?
Adam: I work for a vending company, Sunstar Vending, based in Sunset Park, but we have locations throughout the tri-state area.
Bar Fly: Do you often encounter this? (I’m referring to two guys who won’t stop playing to let him do his job).
Adam: It’s better when I come when it’s empty. But it’s my last stop so I’m having a beer. I go to about 15 or 16 locations daily. Not always bars, sometimes laundromats, cranes with stuffed animals, whatever people randomly put dollar bills in.
Bar Fly: How often do you come here?
Adam: Every two weeks. Just to check up, a lot of old games have problems.
Bar Fly: Most popular bar game?
Adam: Most or makes the most money?
Bar Fly: Both.
Adam: Most money in the photo booth.
Bar Fly: Because people don’t like what they look like and keep trying again?
I don't eat dear, but it works at Camp!
Adam: Probably. And most popular… well we have jukeboxes too. Those make a lot. Surprisingly pinball and Buck Hunger make a lot too.
Bar Fly: What are you drinking?
Adam: Bud. At least I thought it was Bud.
Bar Fly: Looks a little dark. How long have you been doing this?
Adam: Two months.
Bar Fly: Like it?
Adam: A lot of paperwork. Double checking and triple checking. I come up a quarter short and it comes out of my paycheck.
Bar Fly: Favorite bar?
Adam: I live in Marine Park (soooo far). My favorite bar is probably 3rd and 7th.
Bar Fly: What’s it like?
Adam: It’s a dive, local crowd. I see a lot of old places I haven’t seen in a while.
Adam and I chatted for a while, and the great bartender gave us some free drinks. Camp is great. Makes you feel warm and cozy all over. Next time I’m totally wearing a sleeveless zip-up vest there. It just sounds appropriate.
