I had my birthday at Cherry Tree, a new bar on 4th Avenue between Bergen and St. Marks in Brooklyn (just south of Atlantic Center). They have a lovely rear deck which didn’t close until 1:30, but the interesting part is what they were doing with it: a chef was roasting a whole pig over an ersatz fire pit. For free. I had a bite of the tenderloin and it was a bit chewy, but it sure beat the hell out of beer nuts.
I can’t fully recommend the place, though, despite the nosh. After the deck closed, the party moved inside, where the music is ALWAYS too loud. I’m pretty tolerant of loud music, though I don’t always enjoy it, but this music was loud to the point of pain. I’m told that it’s the owner/manager’s fault, as he is apparently deaf as a post. Unfortunately, this is ultimately going to hurt business, as none of my friends wanted to stay (and neither did I).
Before we left, karmic justice was served, however, to said owner/manager, when he brought out a pair of squirt guns and started going after patrons who looked like they wouldn’t mind. Among the collateral damage (besides us – I can’t say we enjoyed getting splashed) was the offendingly cranked stereo amplifier, which cut out midway through “Livin’ On A Prayer.” Seriously: the guy shorted out his own way-too-loud bad music with his own unnecessary squirt guns. Absolute brilliance.
We retired to the Brooklyn Inn for a final drink, and enjoyed those environs much more. No squirt guns in sight, and it was possible to have pleasant conversation. What a concept!
Twenty Bucks A Day 