The boys behind Franklin Park, Southpaw, Dutch Boy Burger, and Hanson Dry know a thing or two about opening in neighborhoods that lack solid drinking options. But with their newest bar, The Crown Inn in Crown Heights, for once they’re treading a more well-worn path (near Franklin Park and Dutch Boy). Opening this Friday, this bar has a completely different vibe than the others, and the interior — with its curved ceilings, antique lighting fixtures salvaged from ships, and wood panels head to toe — exudes a classy, nautical feel.
The partners rebuilt an empty bodega, leaving only the traces of the word “crown” on an exposed brick wall. “This place was old and dilapidated — a real dungeon,” said co-owner Matt Roff. “Now, I think it has a traditional New York feel.” On that note, the cocktails will also carry a hint of the past, with a focus on classic drinks like solid martinis and a “perfect Manhattan” ($6 to $9). The bar will stock around 40 types of bourbon, with sixteen taps pouring four wines and twelve rotating beers, including Kelso Nut Brown, Bluepoint Black IPA, Sixpoint Crisp Lager, and McKenzie’s Black Cherry Cider ($4 to $7). Their kitchen, which is built with subway tiles, will dish out grilled cheese sandwiches with a side of McClure’s potato chips, east and west coast oysters, crostini, charcuterie, and cheeses. Happy hours daily from 5 to 7 p.m. weekdays and 1 to 7 p.m. on the weekend. Thus far, hours run 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 5 p.m. to 4 a.m. Fri.; 1 p.m. to 4 a.m. Sat.; and 1 p.m. to 3 a.m. Sun.
The Crown Inn, 724 Franklin Ave., nr. Park Pl., Crown Heights; 347-915-1133