Newest Brooklyn Bar (Literally): Strong Place

I walked into Strong Place around 9:30 pm. “I didn’t know you guys were here. When did you open?” I asked one of the owners.

He looked at his watch. “Oh, about four or five hours ago.”

Bars seem to spring up out of nowhere in Brooklyn, but Strong Place (which officially opened for business Monday, July 26 — “four or five hours” before 9:30, of course) literally sprung up out of nowhere on this fairly quiet strip of Cobble Hill. While construction continues just a few doors down on whatever is going to open in the spot formerly occupied by Tea Lounge, Strong Place just sort of showed up at 270 Court Street, next to Osaka and Sweet Melissa, and directly across from the Cobble Hill Cinemas. There is no official sign yet above the door, just pieces of paper with the bar/restaurant’s name hanging from the windows.

The decor is pleasant and fits the neighborhood’s vibe (exposed brick, hardwood floors, dim lighting). But small, eclectic touches — like tiny placards hanging from clothesline pins in place of large, gaudy beer taps identifying the brews on tap — add a little je ne sais quoi.

And what’s on tap is quite impressive: 24 different beers to choose from, including Captain Lawrence Freshchester, Dog Fish Head Palo Santo Marron, Allagash Curieux, Six Point Gorilla Warfare, Speakeasy Prohibition Ale and Ommegang Rare Vos. (Bar Great Harry, watch out, you have some competition …) Strong Place also has a solid wine menu.

The food menu tilts heavily toward fish and meat. Fish entrees include seared diver scallops, sauteed skate wing and “Ipswich style” fried oysters. Among the meat entrees are steak tartare, porter braised beef brisket and a grilled lamb burger. Prices seem to be very reasonable, but (just speculating here, since Strong Place is reportedly run by the people behind the Italian “small plates” dynamo Bocca Lupo) that could have something to do with small portions.

I did not have time for food or drink on this night, but I will be back for both soon. Welcome to the nabe, Strong Place!