The Sycamore in Ditmas Park is a Bar We Love

Sycamore
1118 Cortelyou Rd. between Stratford and Westminster
Ditmas Park
(347) 240-5850

What it is: Sycamore calls itself the “coziest bar in Brooklyn,” and while we aren’t ready to throw Brokelyn’s editorial might behind that assertion, we’ll put it squarely in the running, with its bricky, woody, wool-sweatery feel, friendly bartenders and one’s tendency to get sucked in and never leave.

Why we love it: Sycamore is like a Catskills bar because it’s mostly locals during the week but Saturday nights it gets packed—and we mean that—with weekenders from parts unknown, ie, not Ditmas Park. The backyard is made for letting lost afternoons spill over into the wee hours. Plus, there’s a flower shop named Stems in the front of the house—what other bar has that?

Who to bring: Whiskey lovers—they serve 90 varieties—and everyone else. Hard to find anyone who doesn’t like this place.

What to order: Beef jerky so good you don’t want to ponder what’s in it. (Flatbush Food Court, a weekly food series featuring a different local vendor, starts on October 27.) Beerwise, choose from eight drafts and 20 cans and bottles, from $3 Genessee up to a 25oz bottle of Bruery Tart of Darkness for $28. Coming soon: Bloody Mary pitchers on Saturdays and Sundays.

Sycamore fun fact: One afternoon in May, The National popped by and played an unannounced set because they live in the neighborhood and what else does the National do on Tuesday afternoons?

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