Greenwood Park
555 Seventh Avenue, Greenwood Heights – South Slope, Brooklyn
Getting There: F to 15th Street- Prospect Park

New York’s latest trend of outdoor beer gardens is far from a fad, and we couldn’t be happier. Located in the Greenwood Heights – South Slope section of Brooklyn sits “Greenwood Park,” the newly opened beer garden and bar, borne from the minds of the owners of popular watering holes “Cubana Social,” “Matchless,” and “Bar 4.” Without ever letting a notable bar opening pass us by, the LocalBozo crew headed to “Greenwood Park” on its opening weekend- and yeah, we grabbed several beers as well.

Arrive at 555 Seventh Avenue, and you may think it’s the wrong location. The creators of Greenwood have surrounded the entire 3,000-square-foot property with massive walls of shipping pallets, making it appear to be any other industrial business in the area. But, once you walk through the large metal gates you will find a drinking oasis unlike any you have imbibed at throughout town. Large and small garden tables fill this outdoor space, providing more than enough seating to accommodate every size party. The bar which serves the beer garden is located in a reclaimed shipping crate. While you’re taking in the sun, why not grab a drink to beat the heat. Happy Hour specials will keep you delightfully sauced from 12-7 as well, when all drafts are $3 and well drinks $4. A bocce ball court sits just to the side giving patrons their fix of this very popular bar sport.

Not into sitting outside? No problem. “Greenwood Park” features a sprawling indoor bar located in what appears to be a former garage. The long bar is filled with a ton of boozing options like the tasty homemade red or white Sangria ($6 Pints, $20 Pitchers). We grabbed glasses of the white and they were filled with fantastic flavor and loaded with minced fruit. If you’re more of a beer lover this place has you covered, boasting solid selections of craft brews from their many taps. As of our visit, guests could grab pints from the likes of Kelso Pilsner, Goose Island Summertime, and Narraganset Lager. Each pint is priced between $5-$7. The joint also sports a friendly food menu. Guests can order light and seasonal items such as a “Corn and Tomato Salad in a Lime Vinaigrette” ($5) or backyard grilling standards like their much talked about, “Grass-fed Burgers” ($7). All of “Greenwood Park’s” spirits and food selections are cash only so remember to bring some dough along or use their onsite ATM.

Greenwood has an innovative and industrial feel throughout the entire place. It’s fantastic to see the combination of past and present architecture, all while sipping on some great brews, and munching on some tasty bar food. Greenwood Park is a joint not to be missed this summer or any other. Grab a seat a noon, and stay all day. Just make sure to put on plenty of sunblock.

- Jay Rubin