d.b.a. brooklyn
113 North 7th St.
(between Berry and Wythe)
Williamsburg
718-218-6006
Why we love it: d.b.a has a laid back vibe and a modesty that can be rare around the Bedford Ave./North 7th epicenter of the Williamsburg swirl. What it bypasses in we’re-your-BFF kitsch they make up for with their carefully curated beers from 16 taps, 3 casks and more than 100 bottles ranging from Brooklyn local beers to Belgian specialties.
Who to bring: Bring a beer-loving pal you’d like to catch up with over some really good beer. d.b.a. is pretty relaxed, so you might want to save the pregame with your party animal friend for another bar. But the backyard is pretty sweet too.
What to order: The beer menu here can change daily, so you’ve really got to go to see what’s on tap —but rest assured it will be good. For those whose palates expand beyond brewsy suds, there is a fine selection of whiskeys, bourbons, tequilas and even rums to choose from. If you’re hungry, d.b.a. offers a sample menu of Lucy Roux, a flavorful Dominican Republic meets Creole and Cajun tradition, available Friday nights and weekends for an extended brunch.
Fun fact: You may already be aware of d.b.a.’s sister bar in Manhattan, but what many don’t know is that another d.b.a. sits on the historic Frenchman Street in New Orleans. The NOLA affiliate is a live music club that opened in 2000 and prides itself on being one of the first smoke-free venues in the city.—Cat Wolinski