Berry Park–Have your (1)brew with a view

First spring weekend in NYC and everyones runs for the hills or rather, the most open outdoor spot. For those of us without a rooftop to sun or mask smoke signals from illegal BBQs upon, it usually means running towards the nearest adult playground/beer garden. Beer gardens are a competitive territory in this city. There’s the historic Bohemian up in Astoria, the standard-utility Studio Square in Queens, the sedate Loreley in Bowery, one of my favorites (and, assuredly, a future post as theyre opening a BK location!) and now Berry Park, punctuating a stretch of warehouses parallel to McCarren Park. But these oversize beer meccas often do not a bargain afternoon make. Most steins will knock out a tenner easily. You’re meant to linger, downing until sundown, happy and without worries, so clearly just a single drink won’t do.

For now at Berry Park, you can achieve a ten at night via a deal they’re running through the end of March–a doppelbock + soft pretzel for $10 (which would have been $9+$4=$13 otherwise!)

pretzel and beer are made to be friends

When debating doppelbocks, for me the choice is clear. Ayinger Celebrator is simply caramalty deliciousness, a perfectly-balanced classic brew that never lets one down. For historic accuracy, this was THE beer that got me into beer, hence had more lingering impact than the boyfriend who introduced it to me. In theory, it pairs with hot Bavarian pretzels like a beach blanket and nap. That is, if your pretz is quality. This one disappointed–which I knew as soon as I saw the waitress grab one from the bin at the end of the bar, room temp and rather too chewy. Slather enough of the delicious peppery mustard and you may partially overlook its flaws. Plus its the best deal going…  In other brews, you could go for  Deliriums for $9 if you want to speed the sun’s effects. They have some sweeter, berrier brews like Framboise on tap as well, fittingly. One to avoid, Amber–the Palm Amber was bland without properly refreshing.

Happy rooftoppers

So go for the rooftop and spillover from McCarren park sports teams. It seems to draw a UK-ish crowd with football/soccer streaming projected on the downstairs wall. Still, the atmosphere was low-key with plentiful seating and perimeter benches to accommodate all types of parties.  Whether or not your cheeks are smudged with park mud from a bracing bout of rugby, you deserve a towering Weistenhaver! While, it would be helped by cheaper beer list, the 10 buck deal is headed in right ten at night direction.

Plus, this rootop in NYC spring?…!

Berry Park

Location: 4 Berry St (at N. 14th St.), Williamsburg, NY

Happy Hour:

Still being determined…Thu, 5pm-9pm; Win a coin flip with the bartender and get your drink for free; monthly specials like the $10 brew/pretz

ten dollars and sense:

1 Ayinger Celebrator (puts your avg beer to shame) + mediocre pretzel with delicious spicy mustard

Your night=$10 (Please remember tip)

Fuller pockets?

Another beer probably…soak in the sun.

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