Bars We Love: Skate on over to Rocky Sullivan’s!

Rocky Sullivan’s
34 Van Dyke Street
Red Hook
(718) 246 – 8050

What it is: A cavernous Irish bar in Red Hook with a strong sense of community, clearly demarcated favorite local teams, two huge rooms and a menu that moves past your typical pub fare while still staying affordable.

Why we love it: Unlike Irish bars that are content with just hanging a flag and serving Guiness, Rocky’s hosts weekly Irish classes in case you wanted to learn and regularly host Irish bands of the traditional and contemporary variety. Also the “clearly stating what teams they like” thing is refreshing. In a town where sports bars try to appeal to every fan, Rocky’s proudly wears their Rangers, Mets and Jets colors. It helps too that it attracts a crowd that will talk hockey with you and offers a real sense of community, and that the bar has a staff that is endlessly hospitable.

Who to bring: Hockey fans, specifically Ranger fans. Other sports fans too. Anyone who’s been curious about Red Hook but has never been. Anyone looking to learn Irish.

What to order: This is a bar you order beer at. Rocky Sullivan’s has five beers on tap, but two are devoted to Oceanside’s Barrier Brewing Company, which is so close that one of the bartenders mentioned going out to their brewery to pick up a keg himself. You could also get a pizza from their brick oven ($14 – $18) or bangers and mash ($8), if you’re feeling particularly European.

Rocky Sullivan’s fun fact: Rocky Sullivan’s hosts a yearly 4 on 4 street hockey game in front of the bar every President’s Day weekend. Team Brokelyn has twice played in it and been outscored approximately 35-6 in the four total games played. Talk to George, a Rocky’s bartender, if you’d like to play, just make sure you have at least a couple sticks. Goalie equipment is good too.