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Located within a mass of trendy shops and eateries lies a unique twist on the neighborhood bar. With a group of seasoned industry professionals at the helm, an expert beverage program is led alongside a menu of straightforward, flavor-conscious dishes that set a new standard for bar food.
OUR ARTICLE
BY: Dakota Nate Contributing writerThe tree-lined neighborhood of Boerum Hill in Brooklyn, NY, chock-full of brownstone and more watering holes than you can count, happens to be the perfect location to enjoy the diverse dining options that the city has to offer without having to face the bustle of the actual city. Amongst an enormous selection of bars and restaurants that could give any foodie goosebumps lies Grand Army — an eat-all, drink-all house of leisure where you could find yourself imbibing for hours upon craft cocktails made by a lineup of masterminds behind the stick.
Grand Army’s navy blue exterior stands out on State Street and welcomes you in with an air of relaxed sincerity
Grand Army is the sort of spot that you could bring along a few of your bros, your boss, or even your mother-in-law and still have an equally good time — especially if your mother-in-law is a whiskey drinker. For that matter, a purveyor of alcoholic beverages of any sort is bound to enjoy their time seated at the bar considering the comprehensive selection of spirits, wine, and beer available to the thirsty patron. The stunning bar program is led by Damon Boelte, the original bar director at Prime Meats, while the simple, yet notably refined food program is led by executive chef Kimberly Plafke — formerly of Basil in Crown Heights. With a lengthy list of flavorful dishes, who could pass up pairing fresh oysters or their arctic char tartare with a glass or two of Domaine Filliatreau ‘Linea Chenin Blanc. The flawless combination is bound to light up your palate like a firecracker. You can thank us later.
The cocktail list has landed Grand Army on more than a few of NYC and beyond’s “Best Bars” lists, and last year, a bearded, snazzily rugged Boelte was praised by both critics and common bar-goers alike for the Gilmore Girls themed cocktail menu that he put together. This season’s fall cocktails are inspired by Townes Van Zandt — a celebrated country artist, if you’re not privy. The menu features 11 speciality cocktails, including Petals Glistening, an effervescent karate chop in the tastebuds made with overproof cognac, tamarind, benedictine, and sparkling rosé. A daily bartender’s choice is offered up as The Bosses’ Cabinet, while if you’re having a really rough day (or not) opt for a Grand Army Boilermaker, which consists of a Hard Start: a chef’s can of beer and a shot of equal parts Fernet Branca and Branca Menta. This tradition of the Hard Start was carried over by Boelte from his Prime Meats family where it was taken before a busy shift.
Mile End’s Noah Bernamoff felt that Boerum Hill was missing a proper neighborhood bar, so like any sort of innovative hospitality maverick, he opened one. An ideal location for the refined down home vibes that flow throughout the space, Grand Army’s navy blue exterior stands out on State Street and welcomes you in with an air of relaxed sincerity — from the service to each mindfully plated dish that comes out from the kitchen. As menus are updated seasonally, there is always something new for you to try on your next visit. Even if you have to go out of your way, an hour or two at Grand Army is worth your time. Your growling belly will thank you.
