Another Brooklyn Bar Bans Babies (After 5)

Are baby bans seeping over the Park Slope line and into Windsor Terrace? According to Courier-Life, Double Windsor owner Jeff Switzer says their policy of no babies after 5 p.m. has been in effect for a few months now, and was instituted after some feedback from patrons. He says, “It’s more of an issue between people that live in the neighborhood than it is with us. Most people who come to the bar would prefer not to have babies in the bar.” And the debate rages on!

While he hasn't had to kick any strollers to the curb just yet, it seems some local breeders aren't too happy with the cut off time—one saying it should be more like 8 p.m. (but that's during happy hour!). Those without spawn maintain that they come to the bar to relax, and don't want to be chastised for smoking outside or cursing within earshot of a youngin'. And that group is not afraid to question your parenting!

It was just 2 years ago the Park Slope's Union Hall caused a stir after their stroller ban—so we asked Jack "Skippy" McFadden (booker of Union Hall and owner of the Bell House) what he thinks of bans like this now that he has a (10 month old) daughter. He also happens to be a regular at Double Windsor! He told us:

My stance hasn't changed since I had my daughter. We've taken her to a bar or two, and she's proving herself to be a very pleasant diner, too—but we take her at times where it's totally square and appropriate. I've never eaten dinner at 5:30 before, but now I do if I REALLY want to go and we don't have a plan. I know a ton of other bar and restaurant owners and I can see them cringe when people bring their kids in at inappropriate times. It ruins the vibe they've worked very hard to create. Bars aren't Romper Rooms, they are dangerous places with pottymouth drunks. Some seem more friendly than others, but they aren't. You can tell if a place is friendly to kids or not and you shouldn't take it personally if they are not. Just go somewhere else.

If people would just use some common sense and consideration, there wouldn't have to be rules. That pretty much goes across the board for everything, but sadly, there are always self-absorbed people who think the planet revolves around them. You should hear some of the quotes that come out of parents' mouths when they are asked to keep an eye on their kids at bars "Oh, it's Park Slope, someone will watch them" (as their kid is hauling ass down an employees only entrance en route to a flight of stairs into an oven).

I hate that Double Windsor had to make rules, especially now that they are serving such awesome food, but they know their bar better than anyone. They aren't a bunch of single kid hating cranky dudes. They are parents. Take it from them, they know better, and parents who live in Park Slope should know better too. Get a babysitter, you can afford it.

Wise words... not that they will end the debate.

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

By Jen Carlson in News on February 17, 2010 1:50 PM

Comments [rss]

PhillyJoeJones

Cafe Regular du Nord has now joined the list of Park Slope establishments where moms can let their babies scream to their hearts' desire with impunity.

bitchincamaro

The only time a baby should be in a bar is when it is fetching another bucket of beer for its owner.

Mookie Wilson

This is in the best interests of all young New Yorkers. Nobody should be forced to go to a bar named "Double Windsor" before they are old enough to run away.

P.S.-You're all a bunch of pussies. I grew up getting dragged to bars with my parents. A nice little coke on the rocks and a stool and you were a rock star with all the barflys. It's called a neighborhood bar.

kleinpeter

I hate parents.

Manitoba

As a newly-minted parent, I can't imagine have the energy, or frankly the desire, to go out to dinner or a bar with my baby. I actually enjoy sitting at home, eating dinner on the couch and watching a DVD.

Plus, I can load up on beer and have friends come over to my place; you'd be surprised at how friends are willing to come over, hang out, watch Clash of the Titans, and drink free beer. Unless friends want to go out and try to pick up some chick at a bar, they typically just interested in drinking and hanging out - something easily done at home. Also, you can set a time limit of 9pm, so they still have time to hit the bars themselves.

wobbleSmith

we could always try this...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_modest_proposal

wobbleSmith

sigh. reply fail.

sorry, manitoba. i don't want to eat your baby...

...just ALL babies.

Manitoba

No worries - they are pretty delectable.

bobj

This is typical of the entitlement generation who are now parents. Seriously, why would you bring a baby into a bar in the first place? Enough already with these entitled parents- I'm sick of not being able to walk down the sidewalk without making a detour into the street to avoid another McLaren being pushed by self righteous parents.

Also, this is a Brooklyn phenomenon- I've never seen a baby in a bar in Manhattan. I love living in Brooklyn, but these self-righteous parents are ruining the

neighbourhood.

wingedearth

I thought bars generally ban anyone under 21. Doesn't that already include babies?

grifforama

seriously, enough with the "breeders" and "spawn"

When you get lucky enough to have kids Jen, maybe you'll realise....

jaycjay

My new band is named "Spawn Of Breeders."

NycChick

I was gagging and disgusted when I first saw babies at applebee's in Westchester.

wingedearth

Applebees? Isn't Applebees a restaurant? Like Denny's? What's wrong with bringing a baby there? (I mean, aside from it being a chain restaurant with processed, unhealthy food.)

the3rdbridge

Do journalists use Alliteration to defuse their bordom or are they all just out to upset me?

jaycjay

Journalists generally don't use it at all.

the3rdbridge

Your comment gets lolz but I wouldn't knock the Gothamist writers. A -so many posters give them shit but clearly continue to read. B -I see it much more often on that damn Captivate screen in my elevator, which means that the people writing the headlines for Reuters are not by any means any higher caliber.

nycraf

Alliteration or consonance? I always get those two mixed up.

flynn110

Eat more babies!!

Stephenson Billings

What kind of parent would take her child into a bar at all? What kind of mother puts her desperation for drunkenliness ahead of the welfare of her child? I can't imagine any kind of father allowing this. I have to think that children's services isn't doing their job here.