As the recession lingers, we all dream of new beginnings. On a recent visit to DUMBO, we checked in with someone who got out when the going was good. Jason Stevens used to be slave to the daily grind on Wall Street. These days, the only grinding going on is that at his bar and restaurant’s coffee shop. Stevens is the owner of the neighborhood’s excellent Rebar. He doesn’t just provide his patrons with a casual spot to gather and drink, he points out a fact that might need reminding in tough economic times: change is possible.
The haunt comes amply equipped with what many Manhattan bars lack. It has plenty of room, reasonable prices, and is built on a terrific old space. If only we could replace our apartment’s pedestrian sheetrock ceilings with Rebar’s exposed brick. There are nooks in this restaurant to suit most moods. The boisterous bar area is ideal for socializing with strangers, and the tucked away tables are ideal if you are looking for a quiet conversation with your date. Just don’t get too tipsy and start trying to open the mysterious doors throughout the space. Rebar is housed in a functioning office building (those tenants sure have it easy for happy hour).
We were there to check out the spot’s new gastro pub menu. Each dish comes annotated with a wine and (in true Brooklyn fashion) beer pairing suggestion. The Salted Cod Brandade was a sumptuous comfort food, perfect for sharing. The mussels were plump and the curry sauce provided the perfect savory balance. It may not be four-star dining, but that’s not what you want on an easy night out. Think of this as high-end bar food, and order plenty to pass around. We had an anchovy pizza and beer for dessert. Yum.
During dinner, we got to chat with Stevens. While working at a high powered job in finance, he decided that he had enough. His dream was to open a popular neighborhood spot, and he stowed money away and started looking at possible locations. Over lunch hours, he dealt with interior designers. After work, he played with the cocktail list. Rebar debuted, he quit his stressful job, and now you can find him championing the easygoing aura of the place. He promises that he’d never go back.
We thought of his tale over drinks. Rebar’s signature cocktail is a potent blend with hints of coffee that are meant to pay tribute to the java shop that runs in the restaurant’s small entryway. The combo of Mitchner’s Rye, Sloe Gin, and Coffee Toddy Extract is best sipped as an after dinner cocktail. Providing twice the kick, both alcoholic and caffeinated, it’s perfect to propel you back to the subway station so you can make your way home. A more likely scenario? It will propel you right to the bar area so you can enjoy a few more rounds with the friendly DUMBO locals.
After some cozy chatter and laid back cocktails, you’ll start to ponder that new career path. Save up some money, quit your job, and maybe you’ll manage to one day open a place of your own. Even if that’s not quite your plan, stop by Rebar, enjoy some drinks, and mull it over. You’ll find some inspiration, whatever your escape route may be.
Rebar is located at 147 Front Street, only a short block from the F Train stop at York Street.
Photo Credit: Harlan Turkell
Comments