This one kinda snuck up on me, so if you've been hip to it for a while please excuse the lateness of my tip. Seems the beverage distributor that used to command Lefferts I (that's an inside joke for you Manor types - it's Lefferts at Flatbush or Phat Albert's to the plebes) has become Brooklyn Beer & Soda, a recent transplant from P-heights. I used to ride by it regularly (over on Washington near Bergen) and wouldn't have known it was the same business if it weren't for a bitchy Yelp review complaining about the greedy landlord that sent them packing from Portlandia Heights. I jest, really, I think Vanderbilt and Washington and Franklin have shown remarkable vim, vigor and pluck in their recent upscale commercial renaissance, and I congratulate them on their transformation from check cashing meccas to nightlife destinations. And yet somehow, Fred & Carrie let this one slip away.
Full disclosure, I don't drink beer no more, so this is not a joint I can recommend from the first hand. But, the second hand tells me this no-nonsense distributor rules, and they have 16 spigots in the wall that let you take out fresh tap beer via a peculiarly named chalice, an honest to goodness Dark Ages European-style fad known as the (reusable, mind you) Growler. A growler, for those of you who like me have been long-parked on planet Middle-Age, is an olde-tyme bottle that you can fill up like a thermos every time you stop by. (Actually, you could probably get cheeky and bring in your actual thermos and see if they call you on it. Or old Sunny D containers?) It ain't cheap - some of the craft beers cost more than $20 for a half-gallon jug, but apparently the taste AND the buzz of some micro-brews are well worth it, depending of course on the sophistication of your taste buds and/or your zest for artisanal brain-deadening. Frankly, I always preferred the more economical method of starting with the good stuff and working your way towards the rotgut by eve's end. After the fifth or sixth beer, can anyone really tell the difference? Of course, the Growler is NOT NECESSARILY intended as a SINGLE SERVING, though technically neither is a pint container of Haagen Dazs.
Oh. And they sell bulk sodas too.
Anyone care to share their experience with BB&S?
10 comments:
great tip, thanks!
This was my go to place for the past 9 years until ownership changed hands. I appreciate the selecion, but their prices skyrocketed. I don't really see much point when the six packs are the same price or sometimes more than the bodegas. I can even get cheap seltzer for less at the groceries. I know our demographics have changed, but can our neighborhood really support that many taps where the kegs get changed over enough to stay fresh.
My 2 cents and as you can tell I do have an agenda. Turning into a grumpy young old man with the price increasing on anything and everything.
I agree with Anonymous (above). The place is now too rich for my blood. $10 six-packs plus tax and deposits.
Anyone know of any alternatives in BK? Large selection and warehouse prices?
The Park Slope Food Coop has a pretty extensive beer selection (no growlers) and good prices (like cans of Sixpoint for $2.00). Of course you have to be a member, work your shift, and schlep all that stuff home, but for many (myself included) it's worth it.
I don't understand why everybody complains that we have no fancy amenities in this neighborhood, but when we get a store with fancy offerings, people complain about prices being steep. $10 for six-packs isn't that much compared to some other neighborhoods in Brooklyn. I'm happy to have a growler option in PLG.
Amen, Anon 12:48 - I'm with you (and I don't even like beer that much, especially whatever kind would go for under $10 a six pack).
I'm not a huge beer fan, but I think this place looks pretty awesome! I'll give it a shot.
I've actually never complained about the lack of fancy amenities. I think along wth the Q all I'm looking for is trash and crime reduction. My main beef with this business is that a pack that was once priced at 9.99 went up to 11.99. That is a fairly large increase along with tax and deposit which the delis already figure in. Even cheap beers went up as well. If you want to be ripped off just to have a nice looking establishment in the area be my guest.
-josh
Other Anon person, but the thing is that PLG rent prices have increased since the original prices were set at 9.99 ... maybe the new own is paying rent that is higher than the old establishment, and because of that their prices are higher. Maybe the old location could no longer afford rent and maintain lower prices, hence they are no longer operating in the same form with the same prices. The prices are still very reasonable compared to nearby neighborhoods, and I as somebody who likes beer is willing to pay the price. Beer isn't the same thing as it was 20 years ago -- lots of it is craft and with that comes a price. Lots of corner stores still sell heinie and bud, if you want discount beer.
These guys are really awesome! They are friendly and even have gluten free beer options. I'm very happy to have them in the neighborhood!
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