Covenhoven
730 Classon Avenue (Prospect and Park Places), Crown Heights,
(718) 483-9950
What it is: Doubling as a beer shop and a taproom, this cozy haven is the Crown Heights go-to for beer lovers looking to pick up a special bottle to take home, or to sip and stay. Host to frequent tap takeovers and monthly bottle swaps, plus weekly Tuesday trivia.
Why we love it: With low lighting and mellow tunes, it’s a chill spot to play Big Boggle with a friend (or a date!) while partaking in an oat soda from a label you’ve never tried. Friendly and knowledgeable bartenders are the gatekeepers of the vast selection of brews, so don’t be afraid to ask for a taste. In warmer months, take it out to the back garden.
What to order: Select from over 200 craft bottles (to stay or to go), or 16 rotating taps featuring local microbrews like Threes Brewing and Other Half and out-of-state favorites like Bell’s and Founders. Order grilled cheese or Pelzer’s pretzels for a snack.
Regular tip: “Covenhoven,” while we’d like to imagine means a lair for beer-brewing witches, is actually the name of the Dutch folk who once owned the land where the bar resides.