Brooklyn Buschenschank
320 Court Street (at Sackett)
Carroll Gardens
(718) 237-0325
What it is: German-inspired Italian beer hall with prime bar food (fondue, wurst, brick oven pizza), fireplace, romantic basement venue with live music, and, of course, das boot.
Why we love it: The fireplace and communal tables fulfill our medival drinking fantasies while the open windows during springtime brunch soften our hedonistic guzzling habits.
Who to bring: Great for a group at brunch or for a night out in Brooklyn with visiting relatives. The friendly bar staff and locals who hold residence at the bar are very welcoming, so it’s also good for a solo beverage and some interesting conversation.
What to order: Somewhere in that list of 15+ German and Italian drafts is a new beer you’ve never tried – or pronounced correctly. Pair it with a housemade soft pretzel topped with bier cheese to experience Oktoberfest bliss all year long.
Fun fact: Don’t worry, “Ratskeller” is not what it sounds like. The word comes from the German term for a bar or restaurant located in the basement of a city hall. Buschenschank’s Ratskeller is a subterranean nook with glowing candles and private corners where they host live music and comedy Prost!