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When we are trying to recapture the thrill of living in New York (or at least avoid sounding like Tricia Romano when we talk about our home) we drink Manhattans in Brooklyn. They may not be everyone's favorite or the flavor of the month but Manhattans are like the whole experience of living here- pretty hardcore, an acquired taste and only right when you make it yours. We've tried Maker's Manhattans, as cold as possible, at many, many fine establishments in the Borough Of Kings but our favorite is that of Commonwealth($7). Why? There is just a bit of bitters into each one. Just like every one of our days. Owner Ray Gish learned this from a mutual friend when he was still bartending at the Slope's Great Lakes. When he set up his own shop, he brought the mixing skills and the music ones, too, the jukebox is great, full of Magnetics Fields, Velvet Underground and great covers. Honorable mentions go to Pete's Candy Store (especially during the packed Trivia nights on Wednesdays) and Spikehill, both in Williamsburg.
Where have you had a good outer-borough Manhattan? We'll try your suggestions as long as they are in Brooklyn.
Commonwealth
497 Fifth Avenue at 12th Street
(718) 768-2040
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I had one at Bubby's in DUMBO. I don't think the bartender knew what he was doing, though. He put cherry juice in it (yuck).
blue ribbon brooklyn makes an excellent manhattan.
i just wanted to comment that Commonwealth has the best bloody marys, like, ever.
I had a terrific Manhattan at Brooklyn Social in Park Slope. Although, ironically, there they are called "Brooklyns".
I love Commonwealth. $3 beers!
Brooklyn Social is NOT in Park Slope. jeez.
Commonwealth rules. Try the ginger kamikaze and the Kentucky beer cheese w/Ritz crackers (but maybe not at the same time).
Also, Brooklyn Social is not in Park Slope. It is on Smith Street.
Also notable: Commonwealth's sidewalk clapboard puts all the rest in the Slope to shame.
I'm not going to post it, because it's packed enough already!
Commonwealth is a great bar, but what is special about putting bitters in a Manhattan? I thought that was pretty standard.
although i realize this might sound petty, is it really worth having a photograph of commonwealth that shows nothing recognizable? i know this is probably a minor detail but i gain no info about the place from your image.
i feel better--i have said my peace.
Sorry, I'm pretty Manhattan bound, I was just happy to nail the borough. Whereever Brooklyn Social is, the drinks are tasty.
Why be so quick to dismiss the other outer boroughs? did you even consider Queens entries or Bronx entries? Consider the fine cocktails made at Cafe Bar in Astoria, which can make a snazzy Manhattan.
i may be wrong, but might the Brooklyn cocktails at Brooklyn Social actually be Brooklyns, not Manhattans - they're similar drinks, but a Brooklyn uses dry vermouth and maraschino liqueur, and no bitters.
oh man, Magnetics Fields is my favorite band ever!