The proprietors of Brooklyn Social have done it again – this week, Henry Public, their latest endeavor, opens and will undoubtedly and quickly become a neighborhood haunt. A throwback to somewhere between the 1800s and the early 1900s (we blame the absinthe in our Brooklyn Ferry cocktails for our inability to nail down an exact time frame), its wooden booths, black-and-white photos, fireplace and brass chandeliers give it a cozy, saloon-like feel.
With the nostalgia-inspired drinks such as a Kings County Sour (a concoction of rye whiskey, lemon, sugar and topped with a frothy egg white and port float) the Two-Cents Fancy (what could be swankier than champagne, tarragon honey and pear?) and the Oddfellow (featuring a homemade bark & root syrup), Barfly felt all of them merited at least a try. No need to play favorites when it comes to alcohol. Several nips later, we took in the Bill of Fare deciding on both Marrow Bones served with Toast and Fresh Oysters. Sipping away and reflecting on the rich history of Brooklyn, moments later we found ourselves slightly sauced and oh-so-satisfied…does it matter what year it is?
And though we might have been less-than-sober when we encountered the spirit of Dr. Thomas W. Henry, a former president of the Medical Society of the County of Kings in the 1830s for whom Henry Street is named not to mention the inspiration behind Henry’s Remedy (another potent pleasure), we’re firm in our conviction that Henry Public will be just the prescription for New Yorkers everywhere.
Henry Public
No. 239 Henry Street, Brooklyn
718-852-8630
Open daily for supper and late night dining
Sunday – Thursday, 5PM – 2AM, Friday – Saturday, ‘Till 4AM
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