Quarter: A Delicious Diamond in the Rough

South Slope has great aspects, legitimate Mexican food, a great Polish grocery store, and homey coffee shops, to name a few.  Still, South Slope is by no means pretty.  That is why I was surprised and pleased to find Quarter, a beautifully understated, welcoming cocktail bar located at 676 5th Avenue by 20th street.  The room is cozy and comfortable, the bar sleek and simple.  The drink menu is written on a chalkboard overhead and a more detailed description of Quarter’s fine cocktails is on a clipboard.

Close up of my amazing cocktail being prepared

I ordered the Northwood #2 and then watched intently, as the bartender made it.  Drinks are Quarter aren’t thrown together, they are prepared, almost lovingly.  In the end my drink wasn’t to die for, it was to live for (Seriously, keep living so you can try this drink).  Very possibly the best thing I have tasted in years.  The dash of maple syrup made me feel like waking up on Christmas morning wearing footsie pajamas, yet the polished presentation made me feel like I was a Sex and the City actress. Amen.

Tobin and Matt took the stools beside me and ordered the Fall of Man and Northwood #2 respectively. After they got their drinks and I interrupted them for an interview.

Bar Fly: 1st time here?
Matt: 2nd.
Tobin: Yes, 1st.
Bar Fly: What do you think so far?
Matt: We like it.  We’re int it.  I’m going to speak as a couple- he claims to be in love with a woman but I don’t accept that.
Bar Fly: How long have you known each other?
Tobin: precisely, 2000 days, 14 hours, 7 minutes.
Matt: 7 years… no 8.
Bar Fly: Where did you meet?
Matt: We went to college at Ithaca.
Bar Fly: That’s funny the last guy I interviewed went to Ithaca! (We then try to figure out if they know each other, they don’t.)
Bar Fly: Do you live in the neighborhood?
Matt: Yes.
Bar Fly: What bars do you go to around here?
Matt: Side Car, Commonwealth, Royale.
Tobin: I tend to go to bars where I know the bar tender.
Matt: Where do you go?
Bar Fly: My favorite in the area is Buttermilk, and I got to Bar 4 every Sunday for a great comedy show.  What do you like about this bar, Quarter?
Matt: Ambiance.  It’s definitely unique, original.  Attention to detail.
Bar Fly:  For sure.
Matt: Good enough to handle my friend Tobin.
Tobin: (to Matt) I’m going to touch your shoulder and just speak through you.
Matt: Umm…
Tobin: It’s warm. It feels warm.
Matt: It’s a winter place for sure.
Bar tender: There’s a beautiful garden out back!
Bar Fly: Oh, so it becomes a Summer place!  …What nights do you guys usually go out?
Matt: Well, we’re not on the 9-5 track.
Tobin: I actually try to avoid the crowds.  Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.  I work the weekends.
Matt: We both work restaurants and I also do so,e part-time stuff, and Tobin’s an actor.
Bar Fly: Acting in anything recently?
Tobin: Finished a show in December that has been picked up and I’ll be going to Cali in the summer to do it.  Called, “Fault Lines”
Matt: Tobin steals the show!
Bar Fly: Congrats.
Tobin: Don’t write that (the steal the show part)
Bar Fly: Why?
Tobin: I’m a supporting character.
Matt: And I”m Tobin’s most supporting fan!

It’s pretty obvious, Quarter is a great place to go to for a fabulous drink and catching up with an old friend.  I look forward to coming back in the summer for some garden time and new summery cocktails.

P.S. I looked up this show Fault Lines… guess where it takes place?  A dive bar.  Rock on Tobin.  Break a leg!

V-Day at Bar 4: Laughter, Love, Booze

Surprise, surprise.  Where did I spend my Sunday night?  At my regular Bar 4. My friends Nicole and her beau Ian, and Angie and her “something” Jeremy came along with my sister and I… just to make us feel reeeeally single.  Oh, don’t pitty me.  I’m kidding, partially because I love my single life and especially since Ian and Jeremy are decent guys (Especially Ian- a whiskey man).  The whole group had a great time, thanks not just to the great bartender, Rich, but because of the best kept secret in brooklyn.  A stellar, FREE comedy show hosted every Sunday by Yannis Pappas.

Unfortunately, Yannis couldn’t make it (Because: A. He was near death or B. Because he had another gig- the answer is unclear).   Luckily for us, host Leah Bonnema filled his big (always fresh) shoes, along with a list of other comedians, Frank Gallo (who actually co-produces the show), George Gordan, Dan Goodman, Chis Laker, and Louie Katz to name a few. (If you were there and remember more comedians names- shoot me a line.)  But, I don’t review comedians, that would imply I have some talent in comedy.  I do not.  I have talent in drinking, so let me get back to the topic at hand.

It was V day, so to get in the mood I picked the cute couple who had taken some heat during the show.  Liz and John are that cute couple.  They have a long distance relationship, no jobs, and like talking about oral sex.  Cool kids, if I say so myself.

Bar 4 is my Valentine!

Bar Fly: How’s Valentine’s Day going?
John: Mellow.
Bar Fly: Liz?
Liz: It’s going well.
John: We had a good day.  It’s her birthday!
Bar Fly: A Vday bday?
Liz: Yep.
Bar Fly: Well, happy birthday.  So, who did you like tonight?
John: I liked the heroine amazon guy. (Joke reference… or rather, very long, comical, but heart breaking story reference)
Bar Fly: Louie Katz.
John: That guy.
Bar Fly: Yep, Louie…  Who else?
John: The southern black boy.
Bar Fly: George Gordan? He’s southern?  I didn’t hear an accent…
(I can’t make out a portion of this interview.  I’m thinking it was something about Dan Goodman of the movie Hell Cop.  Let’s face it I was drunk and my handwriting looks like a blind person was writing with their foot.)
John: And the angry one.
Bar Fly: Oh, Chris Laker.  Yeah, I was the inspiration for his uncle joke.  I’m that girl!  (You’ll have to see Chris Laker to get the reference)
Liz: Ohhh.
John: Yeah, I saw you looking proud after he said that joke!
(Speak of the devil Chris Laker comes over and I interrupt my own interview to say hi. Yes, this is where my Bar Flyness mixes with social butterflyness)
Bar Fly: So, have you guys been here before? And also, sorry I’m writing so slow, I’m usually better at this.
John: No…. something something something “back on the swing.” (I can’t make sence of this quote at all).
Liz: It’s my first time too.
Bar Fly: And was it good?
Liz: I had a great time.
John: Free comedy show!
LIz: I was thoroughly impressed.
Bar Fly: Would you suggest it to others?
Liz: Yes…. You know who you really look like?
Bar Fly: Katherine Heigl.  (I’m not being cocky!  I hear it a lot!)
Liz: Yes- other people say that to you?
Bar Fly: Yes.
John: Is that a compliment:
Liz: Yes!
John: Oh.
Liz: How do you not know Katherine Heigl?
John: I watch House.
Liz: You remind me of that guy.
John: House?
Liz: Well, I don’t watch the show but yes!
Bar Fly: What’s the craziest thing you ever did in a bar?
Liz: Together or separate.
Bar Fly: Uhh, together! It’s Valentines day.
John: I’d say I ate your pussy.
Liz: (Hits John) I don’t know the craziest.  We danced a lot.
John: We made some good drunken stories.  Remember that dive bar?
Liz: John and I tend to dance when no one else is and we have no problem.
Bar Fly: and he apparently goes down on you in bars.
Liz: No, Oh my god.  He does not.
John: It’s the comedy spirit, my dear!

A great couple, a great show, a great bar, and I had a great buzz.  Happy birthday, Liz!  Sorry if I misquoted you guys a tad, this is the danger of drinking on the job!

Bzzz… tomorrow. Bar Flying while celebrating a birthday.  A first!

I’m also considering posting a picture of me in the morning with a crucial hangover.  I look disgusting, but I think it might be worth it for your viewing pleasure.  Let me know if you agree.

Still Lucky at Lucky 13 Saloon

Classically Absurd Photography, by MIchelle

As promised, I’m coming back to finish up the story on Lucky 13 Saloon.  It was just that good.  From the Jack Daniels light fixtures to the evil pope painting, this place has it goin’ on.  But more important than the decor, the crowd was completely friendly and welcoming.  People asked for interviews.  At one point a guy had my notepad and pen and was sketching the dancers (I’m trying to get my hands on a scanner to get the drawing on here).  Also, I met Michelle, a local photographer and Lucky 13 regular who had plenty to say about the place, the patrons, the owners.  Not only did she give me the kind of interview where I hardly had to ask questions, but she also let me post some of her kick-ass shots from the night.  Check it out!

Bar Fly: What do you like about Lucky 13?
Michelle: This place is great because there’s lots of regulars, and the regulars come and go, but we also figured out like two weeks ago that we have the legends of Lucky 13, which I am proud to be one.   And I’m not a huge heavy metal fan, or anything.
Bar Fly: Me either.
Michelle: But it’s just sad how much slack this place has gotten.  I mean it’s right on a neighborhood street. But apparently a bunch of local businesses are getting fined.  So, they can’t have bands here anymore because they are afraid it will be too loud. We had two fundraisers to support the bar and it’s depressing, that we have to but it’s ok, because it’s like a little family, high school drama and all!
Bar Fly: You know the owners?
Michelle: Yeah, the owner bar tends on Friday or Saturday and they are good people.  It’s a shame they get slack.  It’s Park Slope.  There’s a house right there.  But they’ve also been voted best bar, best gogo dancing, (points to signs from TONY and Sheckys) and they support local bands.
Bar Fly: Cool.
Michelle: It’s fun!  It’s always interesting.  But the atmosphere is aquired for some.
*A guy named Vlad comes out, who is getting sworn in to be a citizen in the morning.  We talk with him and he says he’s next to be interviewed.*
Michelle:  I have a sentimental attachment to this place too, because a good friend of mine and I used to come here and he passed away a few years ago
Vlad: I couldn’t do that.
Michelle: What?
Vlad: Like, associate a place with someone and then go there when they are gone.
Michelle: Yeah, I have a friend who actually doesn’t come here anymore for that reason.  But… every time I walk in it’s -like- memories of him, his pictures on the wall for crying out loud.
Bar Fly: That’s sweet. OK, I’m going inside because I’m freezing.  Thanks!

Overall, Michelle was a sweet heart.  A perfect person to give insight into Lucky 13 and it’s charm.  She bought me a beer.  I bought her a shot.  That’s how friendship is made.  And here are her pictures!  I’m hoping to do some future bar flying with her as well.  Feel free to check out her site and see just how creative and talented she is:   Classically Absurd Photography

Classically Absurd Photography – April and Dude

Classically Absurd Photography, by MIchelle

Classically Absurd Photography, by MIchelle

Classically Absurd Photography, by Michelle

Classically Absurd Photography, by Michelle

Got Kinda Lucky at Lucky 13 Saloon

April, tearing it up.

When I walked into Lucky 13 Saloon the bar was lined with tattooed and pierced patrons all in the color of mourning.  Each had a pair of eyes on a girl (who I found out goes my Snowflake) in the front who was dancing with flashing lights on strings to heavy metal music in leather pants and bra.  The guys watched her intently as she swung the lights and shook her body. They gave her a big round of applause at the end and I didn’t notice the tip bucket but it was there, I’m sure. It turns out I had walked into Monday Madness, an event that used to take place the last Monday of the month, but as yesterday will be twice a month.  Already, I say hooray.

Posters of Iron Maiden, Alice in Chains, Slipknot, and other bands, covered the ceiling like tile and the walls were coated in a thick layer of horror movie posters and demonic paraphernalia.  This is the kind of place a girl in a pea-coat and glasses should not feel welcome, but long ago, in a land not so far away, I was not a bar fly, but a small time headbanger.  It’s true.  So, although I was the preppiest person this crowd has probably seen since their last visit to Mom’s house, I felt comfortable.  And frankly, this crowd was all bark and no bite.  Completely friendly and welcoming.  I interviewed almost everyone there!  By their request!

As I settled down with a PBR, the light dancer had switched to hula hoops, immediately some of the go-go dancers started to talk to me.  I got a few seconds of interview with “Loveless” before she had to scaddadle to the pole for our viewing entertainment.  April, clad in leather chaps, a tiny black bra and a fish-net top, came over to take L’s place.

Bar Fly: How long have you been doing this?
April: How long? I started in august, then I went away for a month and came back.
Bar Fly: Do you like it?
April: I love it.  It’s my favorite job, favorite dancing job I’ve had.
Bar Fly: So you danced other places?
April: Three other places, 2 other bars, 1 club.  I just like the people here and it has a theme and I get to dress up all fetishy.  Also, there’s less pervy men.

Thank goodness I drank all that whiskey, or I might have had some serious nightmares!

Bar Fly: Did you always want to gogo?
April: I’m a student, so it’s on the side and good for a night job.  I’d rather do this than get paid hourly and wait tables or whatever people who work hourly do.
Bar Fly: Do you make good money?
April: Usually yes.  And I always have fun.  It’s kinda slow tonight.
Bar Fly: Do you go up on the pole?
April: Yeah, I’m next so you can see me.
Bar Fly: What’s your favorite move to do up there?
April: I think people are more impressed when I go upside down and do splits but it’s scary and I can’t do it when I drink too much.
Bar Fly: Do you ever fall?
April: I fell cone but I caught myself. It just looked not graceful.  Oh, and once I flung a shoe off.
(April pauses to go to the bar and get a drink already prepared for her)
Bar Fly: Do you get free drinks? Because then I’m interested! (Joking, I have zero rhythm, coordination, etc)
April: Yes and normally guys offer to buy me drinks.
Bar Fly: Have you ever had a guy go too far?
April: I’ve worked at places way sketchier than this.  Here they are not as obnoxious.  Generally, guys will hit on you and flirt with you, but they don’t ask how much to take you home.  Unlike this place in queens, where I had to be like, “It’s not a brothel, sweetie.”

April on the bar. I'll say what you're thinking: Damn.

Bar Fly: Did it take a lot to learn how to go on the pole?
April: By the time I started working here I knew how, but everyone has gotten better and we all have our own style.
Bar Fly: Do you guys take your clothes off? (I immediately feel stupid for asking this)
April: NO!  Just dancing. They might have a burlesque night here, and they probably have nipple tassels.
Bar Fly: So, I have to ask, do you work out a lot?
April: No, I try.  I went to yoga the other day.  But doing the pole is a good work out man.  I pull myself up with my right arm and this arms is so much stronger now.  I’m always telling myself I’m going to work out regularly but I never do.
Bar Fly: Gotcha.  OK I think that was good.  One last question, are you the best?
April: I don’t know!  I don’t usually dance with these girls, but I’m here every Tuesday night!

Right about then April headed up to the pole/bar to dance.  Yes, I put a dollar in her garter and yes, she did do the upside-down split move, which she later told me was for me!  High five!  That’s a first!

While April danced some patrons came over to talk to me and figure out what the note-pad was all about.  One guy asked me if I was grading the dancers.  “No,” I said, “But she gets an A.”

Lucky 13 was such a jackpot. I also actually met a professional photographer Michelle, got an interview with her and will be getting some of her photos from the night as well as potentially working together in the future.  More on Michelle and Lucky 13 Saloon tomorrow.

Did I mention this was a Monday night?  Crazy.

Bzzz.  Bar Flying is great.

I’ll Have a Shot of Buttermilk

Park Slope is known for a few things, organic moms and stoop sales to name a few.  Bar Fly must suggest we add Buttermilk to the list, a bar located in South Slope on the corner of 5th Ave and 16th Street.  Enter into a large, dark room lined with Christmas lights and you’ll find plenty of booths, broken school-house desks, and a usually packed bar, Buttermilk should not be missed.   A rock-and-roll jukebox, a Mrs. Pac-Man machine and a Buck Hunter keep things lively.  The punk-ish female bartenders offer friendly service and don’t mind joining you for a shot.  Oh, and when you get to the bathroom bring a sharpie and contribute to the endlessly morphing décor.

Julia’s been bartending for a shocking 21 years, but just 3 ½ here.  Buttermilk, where she tends Tuesdays and Fridays, is more than just work to her.  “We have a community, a family here,” she says.  As we get ready to interview, a friendly South Georgian girl mentions wanting to see Julia’s ass.  Julia invites the girl to look, “when I’m not looking at you.”  How kind.

Bar Fly: Craziest customer?
Julia: Ohhh, once I had this big party in here, very big, like 150- way beyond capacity.  And I went to the bathroom and there’s two little Spanish dudes and one is on his knees.  And they got very angry at me for witnessing this down-low brotherly action.  But I just said, “I don’t care what you do, just make it quick.”  And the one got all mad and took the top of the toilet in the small bathroom and brought it into the big bathroom and smashed the toilet and there was this huge hole and it was leaking all over but I didn’t notice the hole until the end of the night and people kept pissing in it and it went on the floor all night.
Bar Fly: Oh shit.
Julia: That happened like 2 years ago.  You gotta say that that doesn’t normally happen.  It’s unlike any of our regular customers…  I couldn’t throw them out and a friend of mind had to escort them out and they were acting all manly like “What, What?” And I was like, you can’t be tough right now, I just saw you sucking your friend’s dick.
Bar Fly: I think that’s all I need right there.

Bzzz. Bar Fly out.

Beer and PacMan- who could ask for more

Buttermilk Bar Tenders, Juila on the Left

Early on in the night

Using my brain for a bit

Meghan, Nicole, Zack- Displaced but Happy Southerners.

Yum yum