Manhattans Gets A New Name; Way Station Elbows Into Washington Avenue Bar Scene
Despite the recession, business on Washington Avenue – the recognized border between Prospect Heights and Crown Heights – seems to be booming. Not sure the same could be said for its brand new condos, but if you build it, they might come (or not).
Ahead of the October installment of First Saturdays at the Brooklyn Museum – this month is a Hungarian cultural celebration! – here are some newish offerings on Washington Avenue, many of which pay their rent off of first weekend revenue and hope to see your business.
First, Sit and Wonder Cafe has been open for business between Prospect Place and St. Mark’s Avenue, and has a fantastic childlike innocence about its interior. The owners are clearly kid-friendly, and there are some books for tots hanging out near the window to beckon them in. The ice coffee is cold brewed Stumptown, and the many power outlets mean the couches and tables are full of clickety-clacking. Similarly, Ortine Cafe, between Pacific and Dean Streets is adorable and offers a bit more in the way of brunch and lunch time eats plus a backyard. Check them out for lunch or a snack if you’re headed out to the Museum.
For post-Museum activities, the former dive Manhattans has undergone a makeover recently and is now called Prospect Pond. Former bartender, now manager, Sam, showed us around the new place, which boasts tables and chairs, two-month artist residencies, and cheap booze. The latter is most important, and we’re told teachers get a dollar off every drink, because let’s face it, they deserve it. Never fear, the newspapers in the window are gone, and you no longer have to wait for the door man to open up for you. New lighting and signs in the window make it more accessible, and Sam tells us they plan to host bands and DJs in the coming months. For anyone missing Tracy Westmoreland – who was bought out of this establishment – you’ll have to travel to actual Manhattan and check out his new place, scheduled to open in Hell’s Kitchen in a few months.
If you’re looking for food on the go, next door to Prospect Pond at 769 Washington is a great vegetarian spot, with vegan Jamaican patties, unturkey sandwiches, vegan baked goods and ginger infused fresh juices. Down the street, Rawstar, a raw food spot; Gen, with sushi offerings; and Udom Thai, with terrific veggie options, are great for dinner.
For more watering hole action, sports bar Half Court and Washington Commons, a popular new spot with a backyard, are at their own respective corners of Prospect Place. Frankin Park’s indoor-outdoor action can be found on St. John’s Place near Franklin Avenue for late night fun.
Though it won’t be ready for this first Saturday, another bar plus music venue called the Way Station is in the works for Washington Avenue, between Prospect Place and St. Mark’s Avenue. We popped in to meet the owners today, who tell us they’ve got a soft launch scheduled for October 10. The spot will look familiar to the regulars of Barrette – they’ve scooped up much of their furniture, though we’re told the bar will have a "1880s steam punk theme." See you there!
(Photo of Brooklyn Museum by wallg via Flickr)
