Say hello to your tour guide…Jesus, take the wheel.
If you know me well, you know my text response time is absolutely horrible. I get a lot of things like “Who should I call if my light bulb went out”, “I lost my keys”, and “(many expletives) I FOUND A COCKROACH (more expletives)”, to which I attempt to swallow all sarcasm before letting my satanic side-voice speak. People also like to tell me they’re having avocado toast and thinking of me, which isn’t exactly how I envisioned my storybook romantic life to unfold but I guess beggars can’t be choosers. Lastly some kind souls in my family checking in to see if survival of the fittest finally knocked me out yet. Happy to report I still have a pulse, fam.
a
One of my favorite texts I get is something to the effect of “I need “X” type of restaurant in “X” neighborhood – any suggestions?” Um, I get to play omnipresent god for someone else’s social life and won’t have the hangover the next day or charges on my credit card – sign me up. Since this is happening with greater frequency, this month (as it may be a reoccurring piece) one of my best friends and I went to Greenpoint to execute a crawl of sorts. Investigative Journalism, people.
a
We started off things at the Broken Land, a no frills bar with great music, a seaside vibe, twinkly lights, a great patio, and a pretty excellent Piña Colada. Trending heavily on the cozy (not clubby) side, the drinks are well-made, well-priced, and did I mention the unreal Piña Colada?
@105 Franklin Street
a
What started the whole Greenpoint push was The Hidden Pearl, a new speakeasy behind a Ramen restaurant (which also looked great). The interior design is extremely well done, snack menu was an A+ (please try the crispy rice with spicy tuna) and drinks are a work of art in and of themselves.
The Dunning-Kruger Effect (Blanco Tequila, Fennel, Suze, Fino Sherry, Lime, and Togarashi) and the Kariyushi Club Cocktail (Japanese Whisky, Passion Fruit, Yuzu Kosho, Peach, Coconut, Lime, Grapefruit)
@ 621 Manhattan Avenue
a
While we were waiting for our table at Oxomoco (insider tip: make a reservation) we went to Sunshine Laundromat, which is the COOLEST speakeasy pinball bar, hidden in a laundromat behind a fake washer/dryer that is actually a door. Jess and I found out that pinball requires concerted strategy. And also that we suck.
@ 860 Manhattan Avenue
a
Oxomoco is the new kid to the Mexican restaurant scene and damn it, this place is good. I feel like Mexican food is a tricky food to elevate from standard to truly exceptional and Oxomoco did just that. We got the guac, soft shell crab tacos, and barbacoa tacos. And four too many peach margaritas.
@ 128 Greenpoint Avenue