It was a long wait, but one of the largest beer spots to open in Brooklyn this year has swung open its doors - or gates, if you will. Greenwood Park (555 7th Ave., at 19th St., South Slope) is not, by definition, a beer garden (it’s an old paved lot, so the only shade comes from umbrellas), but it certainly brings outdoor beer drinking to the next level, with a booming space, lots of seating, two bars, food, and a bocce court.
The booming 13,000-square foot space, which features communal seating both indoors and out, along with a pair of bars churning out great craft beer, spans nearly the entire length of a city block just off the Prospect Expressway. It’s a bit of a walk from the nearest subway stations (the R at Prospect Avenue or F at 7th Avenue or 15th-Prospect Park West are the closest), so it’ll probably draw more of a neighborhood crowd, as we saw on a recent evening. But that doesn’t mean it’s not worth the trip.
It has more of an industrial feel, being in an old auto repair shop, but that doesn’t detract from it at all. It reminds us of some of the more unique drinking spots in places out West, with garage doors with big window panes that roll up or down depending on the weather, and enough service to offer everyone a laid-back vibe. Not to mention that drinking outside has the term “laid-back” written all over it.
Now, onto the beer. We actually had low expectations for the beer here, given that huge places like this often try to play to the lowest common denominator. But instead, Greenwood Park goes beyond our wildest dreams when it comes to serving up good craft beer from around the corner and around the world. The 24 craft beers include locals like Sixpoint Crisp and Captain Lawrence Liquid Gold, American craft brews like Peak Organic Summer Session and Founders Centennial IPA, and imports like Gaffel Kolsch and Weihenstephaner Hefeweissbier. They’re poured over 60 taps both inside the main building, and from an outdoor bar crafted from a shipping container. There’s a selection of bottles and cans, too, including Brooklyn Local 2 and Anchor Brekle’s Brown. Draft pints start at just $5, and there’s a nicely-priced selection of pitchers for $18.
To accompany the beer, there’s food, too. It’s a small menu that includes honey-sriracha chicken wings, grass-fed burgers, sausage and peppers, and salads that are purchased at a separate kiosk inside and then delivered to your table. Most everything is reasonably-priced to boot.
It’s already July, but Greenwood Park might be this year’s Summer Jam. There’s plenty of space to sit inside and out, plenty of good beer for the taking, and plenty of Summer left to enjoy it.
At a Glance
Greenwood Park (555 7th Ave., at 19th St., South Slope)
Hours: Daily, 12 Noon-4am
Payment Options:Cash Only
Opened: Late June
Serving: Beer, wine, and cocktails
Taps: 20, $5 each
Bottles: 2: Bud and Bud Light, $5
Food: Burgers, dogs, and salads, $5-8
Happy Hour: $3 drafts, $4 well drinks, Noon-7pm
Growlers: No
Best Bet: Empire Amber Ale and six Honey-Sriracha Wings, $10