Serious Eats: New York
Happy Hour: The Levee in Williamsburg
Editor's note: We're back with another Happy Hour report from our happy hour bureau chief Linnea. On tap this week, the Levee in Williamsburg.
The Levee could be considered a dive bar, save for the extensive line of single malt scotch, beer, and the array of tasty bar snacks. Or should I say, bar snacks that I would actually eat considering there are some dives I frequent where the only safe order is beer from a bottle. The space is nice too. Dark and large with two sides, it's a great place to go alone or come with a large group of people. And, as if booze wasn't enough, they have Batman pinball, Big Buck Hunter, Megatouch, and board games.
The Happy Deal: From 5 to 8 p.m. every day get $1 off all beer, wine, and mixed drinks. The drinks aren't too expensive anyway and they have specials like The Texas Two-Step (a bottle of Lone Star and a shot of tequila) or The Frat Boy (a bottle of Budwiser and a shot of Jagermeister), both for $5.
No matter what time you get here, you get free all-you-can-stomach cheese puffs, plus an extensive menu of regular and vegetarian bar fare. The Frito pie is perfectly gooey and not to spicy, and the french onion dip with Ruffles brought me back to watching TGIF when I was in middle school. And who can say no to a cafeteria style sloppy Joe?
In Conclusion: Though this wouldn't necessarily be a good place to take your mother, or even a first date, it's great for a get-together with buds. After all, how could anyone go wrong with junk food? Especially when given the option of vegetarian or meat lovers. Add $2 cans of Black Label and let the party begin!
The Levee
212 Berry Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211 (at N. 3rd Street; map)
718-218-8787