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Rebar resides upstairs in Retreat, a Dumbo “gathering space” that advertises its “5,000 square feet” as more of a dare than a boast. What to do with all this space in a city not known for having much of it? What they ended up with was Rebar, a new bar that tries a little of everything.
There are the ubiquitous tapas, a wine list that leans more towards to France than Spain, and a massive beer selection. The 15 unique beers on tap, and many more bottles, highlight Belgium, pause briefly in Brooklyn, and all look great. They are also offering live music on occasion.
The generous amount of space seems enormous and disproportionate at first. Iron bars separate the large well-lit lounge area where coffee drinkers in search of wi-fi hang, from the dark, brick hue of the bar. At first, it has the appearance of a gated off drinking spot in an airport, complete with signs telling you that no drink may pass beyond this spot. If all this sounds scattershot, it surprisingly doesn’t feel that way. And it’s probably all because of the space. It's beautiful. The spotlighted terra-cotta ceiling, large tables, and gorgeous long bar create a place that feels intimate, but never cramped.
Unlike some tapas restaurants, the food is affordable (nothing is over $10, most around $3) and very small (you're warned that some things are 3 bites). Which is exactly the way it should be. You’ll pay for this with the drinks, which are never cheap, but they are mostly excellent, and punctuated with the food, we ended up staying a while. It has been open for 7 weeks or so, but only in the last 10 has it gotten any food, "And that's made all the difference," said the bartender as he handed over a big glass of cava. “They used to drink and leave. Now people linger.”
Rebar in Retreat
147 Front Street
718.797.2322
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as an aside, i'm curious what – if anything – gothamist readers know about this building. i'm thinking about taking office space upstairs but i'm a little gun shy because it's owned by a guy who has a penchant for setting his buildings on fire.
my colleagues checked this place out as a potential happy hour destination but it didn't seem to fit that purpose (mostly because it's too expensive, at least compared to 68 jay, our regular spot). i hear it's nice, though.
love it. went here a couple weeks ago and it was awesome. tranquil, comfy and a warm feeling. bartender was very pleasant, knew his beers very well and they even had the proper beer glasses for each tap (the bottle selection was equally amazing)! impressive. food was excellant as well. looking forward to my next visit.
my co-workers and i love this place for happy hour and the free music on thursday nights. we couldn't ask for a better combination.
i don't think the prices are expensive--yes, you are not going to see typical beers; but, the price per alcohol by volume is on par with most places. or go during happy hour for the drink specials.
glad to hear they won the 2007 timeout new york's best new bar of the year.