The Nightlife News Roundup

by Mara Siegler · August 8, 2011

    La Esquina opens the doors of its Brooklyn outpost today; secret-not-so-secret speakeasys are on the rise again; Gin Mill could be heading downtown; a massive mega beer garden is planned for Park Slope; moonshine is back, and more. Find out everything you need to know when it comes to NY nightlife.

    1. La Esquina's Brooklyn Outpost opens today. Cafe de La Esquina is located in the old Wythe Diner space and promises to retain the original aesthetic. It's set to run the same as the NYC location, with the front section be open-to-all, while the back room will be reservations only.  Unlike the NYC spot, the BK version will have a DIY taco bar and an outdoor garden. [EsquinaBK]

    2. Could secret-not-so-secret speakeasys be coming back into fashion? Bathtub Gin, located behind a coffee shop is opening soon, and JBird opened last week inside Midtown’s XVI. There are small bird logos spray painted on the walls leading the way and you don't need reservations. You just need the tolerance to pay $18 for a cocktail. Zagat got the first shot and it looks um, packed. But pretty, at least.   [Zagat]

    3. Bar on A is up for grabs. The well-known space that served as a restaurant, performance venue, and bar is now available to lease.  The bar is 17 years old and was run by Bob Scarrano who recently passed away.  Let's hope someone buys it and changes nothing. [DNA]

    4. Is Gin Mill coming to the old Cafe Charbon space? Looks like it. The construction permits filed with the DOB last month show the business as located at 442 Amsterdam Avenue, which is the fratty, college boy loving, beer pong friendly place is located now. Get ready for an influx of polo shirts. [BoweryBoogie]

    5. Ted Mann, who has 10 to 50 percent ownership of eleven Brooklyn restaurants, is planning a13,000-square-foot beer garden in Park Slope. That's as big as one city block and is set to be green and full of foliage. What really sounds exciting though, is the fire pit. [GrubStreet]

    6. Moonshine got its very own feature in Village Voice last week as the new trendy yet ironic hipster beverage. If your not into making your own, they also offer a list of places to enjoy the stuff. [ForkintheRoad]