Brooklyn Drinks - The Brazen Head

Of the many bars that line Atlantic Avenue between Brooklyn Heights and Cobble Hill, The Brazen Head doesn’t seem like much of a draw. They don't have bocce ball, an indie rock juke box, an old man sailor vibe, or even a full menu. The garden they advertise from the street is a triangle of concrete reaching some 10 feet out and overlooking an abandoned lot. So why should anyone go?

This might seem like a novel idea, but with all the clutter removed, it's a great place to catch a drink. They have a rotating list of something like 15 draft beers, which are proclaimed on a chalk board above the bar. Also listed are the dates of when each of the kegs were tapped, in case you were wondering how long that Blue Point had been sitting there. The bartenders will let you taste before making the plunge. Nearly all the beers are around $5, except for two ales which are hand pulled and absolutely worth the extra buck. They also have a very impressive scotch selection, which we're looking forward to next time we stop by.

As far ambience, it can remind you of pretty much every other pub in the city except they probably have less TVs. The bar also hosts live music occassionally. On their website, the upcoming event happened a week ago. The bartenders said they have live music when they feel like it.

The Brazen Head
228 Atlantic Ave.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Nick Kindelsperger on April 5, 2007 2:27 PM

Comments [rss]

Joy

Just watch out for the Brooklyn Law School nights. The place is full of suits.

Ace

Brazen Head is named after the "oldest" pub in Dublin.

Ed

This may be my favorite bar in New York at the moment, due to the beer selection mentioned in the write up, and the fact that you are less likely to run into the hipster douches, i-bankers, and guidos that infest most of the other bars in the city.

I was hoping that it wouldn't get discovered and ruined, but then again its location across the street from a jail (its right next to a bail bond place) may offer some protection.

Tim N.

Sorry for the double post. Server issues?

Tim N.

Yeah, the Head!

Lou the owner is a old and dear friend of mine, and a great guy. Get him talking about his experience with Sydney Pollack and his one-line role in The Interpreter and trust me, you won't miss the TVs.

Tim N.

Yeah, the Head!

Lou the owner is a old and dear friend of mine, and a great guy. Get him talking about his experience with Sydney Pollack and his one-line role in The Interpreter and trust me, you won't miss the TVs.

Gregoire

The name of this establishment makes me feel funny.

Tom

Went there for the cask beer festival last year. Great beer, kind of crappy service.

LBrendle

This place is solid. In the spirit of the very vague write up, there are far fewer hipster douches than most other bars in the area. If you want a time out from irony or want to pretend that Williamsburg isn't in the same borough, this is the place.

citygirl

I second Lames. Brazen Head treats the BLS crowd like gold. The owner also brings in food to share with the masses on Mondays and creates a Stew every Sunday.

EricGewiz

"Something like 15 beers..."

Very accurate reporting there!

lames

this is a brooklyn law school bar. they are great to bls and bls students are great to it.

brooklynbee

Gee, you make it sound so appealing.

janelle

the semi-annual cask festival!

Ryan

This is really a stretch. There are so many good bars in Brooklyn, one with fewer tv's as ambience is not exactly a ringing endorsement.

Although, "The bartenders said they have live music when they feel like it" is a great quote.