Greenpoint Comedy Club Opens
Brooklyn’s comedy scene has a new address. Greenpoint Comedy Club, located at 66 Greenpoint Avenue, is the latest addition to the neighborhood’s nightlife mix, bringing stand-up, cocktails, and a community-driven energy to the heart of Greenpoint.
Photo by Mindy Tucker
Brooklyn’s comedy scene has a new address. Greenpoint Comedy Club, located at 66 Greenpoint Avenue, is the latest addition to the neighborhood’s nightlife mix, bringing stand-up, cocktails, and a community-driven energy to the heart of Greenpoint. The venue was founded by veteran comic and producer Jeremy Pinsly and his wife and business partner Kayla, with a vision for a club that feels as much like a hangout as it does a performance space.
Photo by Mindy Tucker
Photo by Mindy Tucker
The launch centered around an April 10–11, 2026 opening weekend, with live comedy kicking off Friday night at 8 PM, followed by an opening party with music and food. Saturday’s lineup continued with two more shows, at 7:30 PM and 10:15 PM, marking the arrival of a new venue built for both comedy fans and the performers themselves.
What sets Greenpoint Comedy Club apart is its bigger-picture approach. The more than 2,000-square-foot venue was designed with both the audience and comics in mind, featuring upgraded lighting and A/V, a cozy bar-forward atmosphere, and a format meant to encourage people to stay awhile instead of simply dropping in for a set and heading home. The founders have positioned the club as a place where newer comics can develop alongside more established names, while guests settle in with drinks and make a full evening of it.
Photo by Mindy Tucker
Photo by Mindy Tucker
That sense of community extends beyond stand-up. In addition to regular comedy shows, Greenpoint Comedy Club has plans for live music, workshops, and other creative programming, all part of a broader mission to build a real neighborhood hub for artists and audiences alike. In a city full of comedy venues, Greenpoint Comedy Club is aiming to stand out by creating not just another stage, but a destination.
Strong Cocktails, Live Jazz, and Brunch by the Sea at Breva
On a perfect summer Sunday, we made our way to Breva Brighton Beach—a modern brasserie tucked just off the boardwalk—for what turned out to be one of the city’s most memorable brunch experiences.
On a perfect summer Sunday, we made our way to Breva Brighton Beach—a modern brasserie tucked just off the boardwalk—for what turned out to be one of the city’s most memorable brunch experiences. With live jazz floating through the air, a salty ocean breeze in the background, and vodka spritzes on deck, Breva delivered coastal elegance with a local soul.
This wasn’t just any brunch—it was part of Breva’s Sunday Jazz Brunch series, running now through Labor Day. From the moment we stepped onto their 110-seat patio, the vibe was set: jazz musicians grooving by the sea, cocktails flowing, and an inviting menu of fresh, seasonal fare.
We kicked things off with a trio of standout starters: smoky Charred Eggplant, crisp and golden Crispy Calamari, and pillowy Potato Dumplings that delivered on comfort and depth. From there, the Blanco Pizza—rich with cheese and a crisp crust—made for the perfect shareable dish. The Wild Mushroom Tagliatelle was earthy and luscious, while the Black Angus Skirt Steak & Eggs brought satisfying brunch heft with chimichurri and crispy potatoes.
To sip, we tried the Mai Tai, The Jungle Bird, and the Hibiscus Margarita—all beautifully crafted and strong, yet balanced. The bar program at Breva isn’t playing around. We ended on a refreshing note with a scoop of Berries Sorbet, the perfect palate cleanser for a hot afternoon.
With the backing of Apicii Hospitality and a kitchen led by Chef Travis McGinty, Breva isn’t just another beachfront restaurant—it’s a destination in itself. Whether you're here for jazz, brunch, or just the ocean views, Breva offers an elevated, distinctly New York take on beachside dining.
Reservations available via OpenTable or visit brevabrightonbeach.com for details. For events and updates, follow @brevabrightonbeach on Instagram.
Grand Opening: The Mouth
Dinner and a show? That’s exactly what you get at The Mouth (20 Marcy Ave.), a vibrant new restaurant and bar in the heart of Williamsburg.
Dinner and a show? That’s exactly what you get at The Mouth (20 Marcy Ave.), a vibrant new restaurant and bar in the heart of Williamsburg. Connected to the famed Brooklyn Art Haus, The Mouth features a fusion of Mediterranean flavors, craft cocktails, and the infectious energy of Cirkus Moxie for a blend of food and fun like you’ve never seen before.
With 70’s inspired decor (don’t miss your chance to get a pic with the big neon lips), and plenty of pop references, the Mouth is a culture fiend’s haven. This is reflected not only in their decor but their signature drinks—sip on the Shibuya Roll Call, boasting gin, melon, and yuzu, or the Pornstar, featuring Pride Vodka, Cava, passion fruit, vanilla and tangerine—to truly feel like you’re in a spinoff of the Rocky Horror Picture Show (but with great food, of course).
When you’ve had your fill, be sure to head right over to Brooklyn Art Haus to watch a slate of mesmerizing performances from performers like Aerialist extraordinaire Lisa Natoli, who defies the laws of physics with graceful twirls and flips high above the crowd, and The Brides, a pair that uses mime-like humor and mind-bending acrobatics to silently captivate the audience.
The public is invited to celebrate The Mouth's grand opening this Saturday, April 6th from 10am to 11:30pm with complimentary passed hors d'oeuvres, an all-day happy hour, live music, and more. Immerse yourself in a new creative atmosphere with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, crafted cocktails, and a rotating art gallery.
RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-mouth-kitchen-bar-opening-tickets-868721709017?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Seltzerland NYC 2021
Cannonball Productions brought their nationally-touring hard seltzer festival like no other, called Seltzerland to Brooklyn this past Saturday. As a fan of fizz drinks, this was a can’t miss event, and it did not disappoint.
Guests were given a vendor card and sipped the best seltzers around from iconic national brands to beloved local companies including White Claw, Mike's Hard Lemonade Seltzer, Vizzy, Playamar (Jose Cuervo Seltzer), Mamitas, Lunar, 99 Vodka, Cool Cat and so many more!
Guests were also able to try bites from Beyond Meat and Chef & Owner of Fornino Michael Ayoub brought delicious folded Neapolitan pizzas. Attendees also walked away with tons of Seltzer swag while busting out the ‘gram for epic photoshoots.
The next city Seltzerland is traveling to is Columbus, OH, and moving back outdoors for a fun day on the green.
Images courtesy of Cannonball Productions
Holly Jolly at the Ho Ho Holiday Lounge
The Springs, located in Brooklyn, NY, opened their Ho Ho Holiday Lounge on December 5th. This chic bar transformed itself into a Christmas wonderland, leaving every guest with an immediate euphoria. This pop-up lounge managed to incorporate everything one could think of to feel like Christmas has arrived. Greg’s Tree’s Christmas Market occupied both the patio and the side of The Springs. The Christmas trees embrace you with a pine scent, transporting you to a world of relaxation. Comfort was found amongst the trees, the towering reindeer decoration, Santa’s sleigh, and millions of other Christmas trinkets that were either for sale or amplifying the ambiance.
Every aspect of The Springs makes you feel like you are at home: the unmatched generous hospitality, the specially named seasonal cocktails, and Fornino’s pizza which brings warmth and contentment to your body with every bite. They offer a mouth-watering spiked hot chocolate(called “The Springs” on their menu), along with other drinks that will bring you as much fun as their names indicate such as: “Elf’d Up”, “Nog Yourself Out”, “Comet so Bitter”, and many more. Complimenting the drinks was a vast array of pizzas leaving an option for everyone. One was comprised of mushrooms and truffle oil, another was classic Margherita, and lastly there was one with butternut squash and a spicy honey. While these pizzas all had different toppings, what they all had in common, was a savory flavor.
The ceiling was lined with garland and Christmas lights, allowing a sense of magic to resonate through every corner of the room. Some parts of the entrance are garnished with rainbow lights. The back wall and ceiling are adorned with candy cane stripes, bringing about a pepperminty excitement. Scattered throughout are endearing videos of fire places displayed on TVs.
The Springs has an energetic sense of life that flows through every part of the establishment. The Ho Ho Holiday Lounge is open from December 5th- January 1st, and is the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit.
Fall at Clinton Hall: The new seasonal menu
Fall is finally here! This is my favorite season, especially in New York City: The weather is warm with a breeze in the air, streets are prettier when tree leaves turn red, and houses get spookier when Halloween is around the corner. But as a foodie, my favorite thing about autumn is all the seasonal goodies that comes when the temperature gets cooler. Clinton Hall made sure to launch their new fall items, to satisfy all of us foodies out here. I couldn’t miss out on this.
I met with two of my friends at Clinton Hall’s Williamsburg location at the POD BK Hotel, and it was everything we needed after a long work-day: a chill interior, cool neon lights, hip and young energy, friendly ambiance, and (most importantly) a bar. We were welcomed by a smiley staffer (who was super sweet to us throughout the entire night), and the hostess walked us to our table. But as I was walking between the seats and looking around the cozy interior, I realized that there were board games, papers and pencils on each dining table. I was intrigued.
Seated, the waiter gave us the menus, and they are BIG. There was a huge variety of appetizers, salads, craft burger, drinks, and more. We eventually made up our mind, and decided to have the Dip Trio: a huge plate of butternut squash hummus, fresh guacamole, and spicy feta dip, served with veggie sticks and pita chips. It was so flavorful, light, and fresh at the same time. For the main dish, I picked the Clinton Hall dry aged burger, which is perfect for the cool weather. With a half a pound of 28-day dry aged beef, swiss cheese, crisps onions, watercress, and horseradish cream, this mouthwatering burger is as delicious as it looks. The fall season also calls for fresh honey. This is why my friend and I also split The Crispy Chicken Stack, topped with the delightful Mike’s Hot Honey sauce. This sweet-and-sour sandwich is just perfection for this time of the year. The sauce complements the crispy chicken perfectly, and is served with rainbow slaw, hot cherry peppers, fried pickles, and a side of French fries.
Our dishes were empty, our stomachs were stuffed, and our souls were happy. While we were enjoying the last sips from our wine and beer glasses, we heard the host welcoming everyone to Trivia Night (which explains the games and stationery on the table). And as I was trying to remember what AM means to win the game, I thought of how happy I was. This is all what I needed after a long day at work: good food, generous portions, amazing company, and fun times.
PS: AM stands for Ante Meridiem (Latin for before midday).
The Springs NYC
New York is great and all, but there are definitely some times where the concrete doesn’t cut it, and I crave Cali -- palm trees, beaches, and dreamy 80’s pop. Cut to The Springs, a combination bar, lounge, and patio located in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
With colorful umbrellas, pink flamingo decor, an outdoor patio and plenty of frozen cocktails to go around, The Springs is a step into 70’s era Cali, a la Palm Springs. And this year, they’ve handed another West Coast element to their repertoire -- Desert Hideaway, a conceptual food truck serving elevated bites.
Created by Executive Chef Natalie Mitchell, Desert Hideaway is a comfort food lover’s dream. In addition to classics like Baja Shrimp Tacos and Fried Chicken, Desert Hideaway also serves up a delish Fried Pimento Cheese dish, a Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Jam, and my personal favorite: the panko crusted avocado, served with a delish cilantro sauce and a few stray jalapenos.
In addition to the bites, of course, The Springs offers an extensive cocktail menu, with drinks such as the Desert Star (Milagro Silver Tequila, Dolin Blanc, Cucumber, Mint & Thai Chile), the Neon Palm (Spring 44 Gin, Grapefruit Cordial, Lillet Rose, Lemon & Absinthe), and the Midnight Mirage (Mezcal, Campari, Blackstrap Rum & Pineapple).
So if you’re looking to get your Cali fix, be sure so stop by The Springs while summer’s still in town. For more information, check out https://www.thesprings-bk.com/ or @thespringsbk
Go Green and Drink at Clinton Hall’s Rooftop Beer Garden
Save the Beer, Save the World … or was that Save the Cheerleader? In any case, drinking at Clinton Hall’s new Rooftop Beer Garden will take you a step in the right eco-friendly direction. The 2,000-square foot rooftop space located at the POD BK Hotel in Williamsburg is the first solar powered rooftop bar in Brooklyn and ready to take on both the environment and thirsty New Yorkers.
Just off the L train on Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn’s newest and greenest beer garden has been added onto the beer hall’s current ground space which serves the always delicious Clinton Hall bar food, beer and cocktails. Games are of course a part of the experience, now they are just being played four flights off the ground. Getting to the top is part of the experience, with intricate murals lining the walls as you wind your way up the spacious outdoor staircase.
When you make it to the top, grab a spot at one of the picnic tables to enjoy a bite and drink from Executive Chef Darryl Harmon’s new culinary offerings. The menu includes Taco & Margarita flights, an Angry Lobster Roll, Guac and Chips, Crab and Cobb Salad and of course a summer must, Cider Frose.
Come for the day day and stay for that Instagramable sunset, either way the Rooftop Beer Garden is a welcome summer oasis.
Freehold Brunch
The word “brunch” holds a special meaning in the hearts of New Yorkers. Brunch is a weekly tradition for those who live in the city, typically celebrated on Sunday with a good group of friends. There are places all over Manhattan that offer a tasty meal and cocktails to beat the “Sunday scaries.” But head down to Brooklyn and you’ll find Freehold - the refined yet urban restaurant that can do it all.
This well-rounded restaurant checks most of the boxes one looks for in choosing a place to eat, drink, and have a good time. The Freehold has mastered creating a space that has a unique aesthetic and artistic feel. While the Freehold operates day-to-day as a restaurant, coffee shop, and bar, special events offer live music, dancing, and special performances that transform the space from day to night. Sundays at the Freehold usually start off quiet as guests gather for brunch and by mid afternoon- the music turns on.
Known for their savory dishes, the Freehold recently unveiled their newest brunch menu. The selection offers gourmet dishes of both breakfast and lunch favorites such as the “Smoked Salmon Scramble,” cooked over an English muffin; the “Brunch Burger,” a ground patty stacked with Munster cheese, fried egg, and the works, and a simple egg platter, scrambled with meat and made to perfection. Yummy vegetarian options now include the “Housemade Yogurt”, with berries, granola, and honey, the “Everything Salad”, and a plant-based veggie burger named the “Impossible.”
Also introduced were a range of cocktails perfectly crafted for the afternoon. The “Dirty Chai” tastes of chai, cinnamon, and tequila. A fruitier choice is the “Bloodhound,”a vodka-based drink disguised with a splash of grapefruit.
To celebrate, The Freehold generously hosted an intimate brunch in their private dining space. Tables were served courses of each dish, family-style to share and taste throughout the course of the afternoon. Both the food and cocktails were well received by guests, leaving no plate untouched. Overall, the event was very successful in launching their new menu.
Heading to Brooklyn? Make sure to stop by the Freehold to check out their new menu. Or make a trip; it will be well worth it. Brunch at the Freehold is served both Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm.
Photos courtesy of FreeHold
Barano: An Argument for Brunch
In his 1999 article, “Don’t Eat Before Reading This,” Anthony Bourdain breaks down the emotional mechanics of being a restaurant chef. Butter is a cook’s best friend, he reveals, while brunch is a word “dreaded by all dedicated cooks.” Bourdain claims that chefs “despise hollandaise,” along with “home fries, those pathetic fruit garnishes, and all the other cliché accompaniments designed to induce a credulous public into paying $12.95 for two eggs.”
But in the years since Bourdain’s dismissal of brunch as a bastard breakfast, the meal has had a resurgence in popularity. The word ‘brunch’ is now a verb used by both poor college students wishing for an adulthood in which brunch is a regular occurrence, and well paid hipsters reminiscing about their days of student poverty. And while it’s true that it is far too easy to brunch at a place that charges an absurd amount of money for an omelette you could make on a two burner stove, in recent times, there seems to be an increasing amount of innovation within the brunch market -- a suspicion proven true by my recent visit to the nuovo Italian restaurant run by Chef Al Di Meglio: Barano.
Barano is -- there’s no other word for it -- classy. I’ve been to brunches where the sole purpose is to be boozed up by the meal’s end. This is not the case at Barano, where the cocktails serve as a complement to the food. Who knew that homemade, rhubarb pop-tarts would pair so well with mimosas? Eating this dish, I fell into a natural routine: bite of pastry, swig of mimosa, enjoy, repeat.
Other options for Piattini, or small plates, included a house made coconut and cherry granola with sheep’s milk yogurt and honey, Pizza Bianca, and the “Little Gem Lettuce” salad, composed of roasted and raw peaches, Sicilian pistachios, smoked pecorino, and a red wine vinaigrette.
After having our expectations blown away by our first couple of dishes, my friend and I went all out and gobbled up a total of four more entrees from the new brunch menu: an Italian pork sandwich topped with crispy onions, semolina pancakes drizzled in lemon curd, the Benedetto, or poached eggs served in a rosemary biscuit with prosciutto, radicchio, and honey, and an avocado and salmon pizza.
Now, all of these dishes were well crafted, flavorful, and beautiful to look at. But if I had to pick a must try, a top of the pack, a dish above the rest (if only by a few hairs), it would be the Avocado and Salmon Pizza. I don’t like bagel and lox -- there’s something thick, doughy bagels in conjunction with paper thin, slippery salmon that puts me off. But I LOVED this pizza, and so did my friend, who’s normally opposed to fish of any kind. I don’t know what it was -- the toasted sesame seeds? The avocado mascarpone mix? Whatever it was, this pizza beats your standard bagel and lox any day. As an added bonus, the huge pie clocks in at only $18 and can feed two people, which means this dish can officially be added to food under ten dollars that is worth one hundred. An unbelievable bargain.
Barano’s new outdoor patio and extended Brunch service (Friday-Sunday, 11:30-4 p.m), has officially kicked off for the summer season, so be sure to get down there and gorge on all the delicious new dishes they have to offer. For more information (and pictures of Barano’s excellent food), check out their website, http://www.baranobk.com/, and their instagram, @baranobk.
Photos courtesy of BaranoBK
Taco Takeover in Brooklyn
On Saturday, May 12th, Cannonball Productions brought Taco Takeover back to New York City for its second annual celebration of tacos, tequila, empanadas, and beer. The event took place at the Brooklyn Expo Center, where it gathered several local chefs who brought their best Mexican-inspired dishes to the table. With tacos from Queens Bully, Dos Caminos, Mid|Nights, and Zen Taco to empanadas from Empanada Mama, there was something for everyone to indulge in.
Organized a week after Cinco de Mayo, the Taco Takeover included options for traditional taco fans, as well as for those willing to experiment. There was a “Hot Chicken Taco” from the Queens Bully, which was a twist on the concept of a traditional taco since white bread was used instead of the taco shell. The spicy “taco” was accompanied by a cool coconut “margarita,” which was a mixture of Don Julio tequila, coconut milk, cane sugar, and coconut flakes. There were also fun vegetarian options, such as the “Shroom Taco” from Dos Caminos, and “Masala Jackfruit” taco from Baar Baar, which included spices and ingredients from the South-Asian cuisine.
Besides the finger-licking food and fun alterations on classic drinks, the Taco Takeover also transported its visitors to a summer getaway. The event included beer pong and inflatable pool floats as props for photobooth photos provided by Deadpool and Lyft while songs from Celia Cruz to J Balvin were playing. It was difficult not to think of the approaching summer days.
Missed out on the Taco Takeover in NYC? No worries, since Taco Takeover will also be coming to Dallas, TX and San Diego, CA. The organizers of the event are also invested in working with local non-profit organizations and food recovery programs in order to donate leftover food to those in need. If you’re interested in finding out more information about the festival, visit https://thetacotakeover.com
The Springs Preview
If you are on the lookout for a new summer cocktail bar, The Springs is the place to go. Located on the border of Brooklyn and Queens in the Greenpoint neighborhood, The Springs offers a 1950s Southern California vibe without having to leave New York.
Sarah Boisjoli Photography
Sarah Boisjoli Photography
Sarah Boisjoli, who is a mixologist, photographer, and the owner of the new “it” spot, introduces a wide variety of perfect summer cocktails. The cocktails include classics, such as the Old-Fashioned, but also cocktail slushies that come in surprising flavors and with unique names, such as Sunburn (Tequila, Aloe Vera, Blue Curacao, and Lime), Desert Springs (Milagro Silver Tequila, Dolin Blanc, cucumber, mint and Thai chile), Riverside Revival (Hendricks gin, grapefruit cordial, lemon, and Absinthe). If you are feeling a bit more on the traditional side, you are welcome to grab a refreshing Pina-Colada or a classic Coca-Cola float from the bar.
Sarah Boisjoli Photography
Sarah Boisjoli Photography
To complement the delicious assortment of summer cocktails, you are welcome to grab a juicy beef burger, mac’n’cheese, or a martini-flavored grilled cheese. Want something a bit more on the healthier side? Try the eggplant rollatini sticks that come with their own special dip.
Sarah Boisjoli Photography
Sarah Boisjoli Photography
Sarah Boisjoli Photography
The Springs has everything and more to offer. With summer temperatures in town, it is the perfect time to pay a visit to Southern California without breaking the bank by taking the train to 224 Franklin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222.
Photos courtesy of Springs
Food Loves Tech
Powered by Edible Manhattan and Edible Brooklyn, Food Loves Tech (FLT) is an education-by-entertainment innovation expo. From vertical farming and food delivery to virtual reality menus and plant-based proteins, FLT unites food and drink innovators, thought-leaders and enthusiasts to experience the future of food and drink.
Taste of Bushwick 2017
On the evening of Tuesday, June 13th, throngs of people gathered on a private block within the famous Boar’s Head warehouse at 24 Rock Street for the largest showcase of Bushwick’s vibrant culinary scene. The affair celebrated the 4th Annual Taste of Bushwick, which provided some relief for the struggles of keeping up with this trendy neighborhood’s seemingly endless list of new restaurants. The outdoor walk-around tasting festival kicked off what is becoming one of Brooklyn premier culinary events.
This year’s tasting has come a long way from its humble beginnings in 2014, which featured 12 vendors and 200 people in attendance. The 4th annual Taste of Bushwick is the biggest yet and has nearly tripled in size since the first, with an attendance of over 1,000 people. Whether it was the group of hippies walking two blocks from their $2000 closet-sized studio or the businessman who reluctantly ventured all the way from the island of Manhattan, everyone showed up and came together to enjoy delicious bites.
The event prides itself on celebrating the diverse flavors of the neighborhood with more than four dozen Bushwick restaurants, bars, and shops. Some of Bushwick’s most renowned culinary institutions convened at the outdoor space to rejoice the neighborhood’s active gastronomic life while offering tastes of their food and drink. All proceeds from the event benefit the upcoming 2016-17 Season of theater, dance, puppetry, and performance at the neighborhood’s Obie Award-winning, non-profit theater The Bushwick Starr, located at 207 Starr Street.
Participants included the new celebrated Caribbean-American BBQ spot Sally Roots; a veritable “battle of the Tony’s” with slices from Knickerbocker Ave favorites Tony’s Pizza and Tony’s Pizzeria & Restaurant; Sweetest treats from Big Gay Ice Cream; Bushwick’s very own dumpling factory Chef One; new brews from the Kings County Brewers Collective, and returning favorites such as Michelin-starred Faro, FINE & RAW Chocolate Factory, Montana’s Trail House, Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos, Bushwick-brewed Bruce Cost Ginger Beer, innovative brewery Braven Brewing Company and dozens more.
The year’s event represented a wide array of Bushwick’s culinary and cocktail scene, both new and established, proving that Brooklyn’s gastro-culture rivals that of the mighty Manhattan. That's right! Bushwick has way more to offer foodies than just Roberta’s wood-fired pizzas.
An after party was hosted by Syndicated Bar with drink specials that had everyone on the dance floor. Between the spectacular fare, live music, and strong drinks, it is safe to say that everyone had an extraordinary time. It was the perfect summer night out. On a side note, with all the amazing food festivals this summer in New York, you can say farewell to your beach-body goals.
Photos courtesy of Lautaro Sourigues
Special thanks to Paras