This is a laid-back, open-air, neighborhood place with beer, soft drinks, hamburgers, hot dogs and kielbasa cooked on a barbecue in the corner, under a vent. The staff is young and cool and the vibe is very mellow. Groups of people sit around tables and chairs, chatting and enjoying being outside, yet protected from the sun or rain by the awning. It’s been a neighborhood fixture for over a decade, but had never lost the makeshift look or faithful clientele. No sugar free drinks, but free cold water. Great to satisfy a craving for a hot dog, or to catch up with friends and still stay outside.

On a walk in Carrol Gardens a hot Sunday afternoon looking for brunch, we were sidetracked by the this yard-sale-of-sorts on the corner of Smith & President Street. A hodgepodge of rickety furniture painted brightly and a jigged up bar makes up the entire establishment. My husband has a canine nose for beer and B-lined in to this humble lot of cracked concrete that is home to Gowanus Yacht Club, where the patrons seem to be mostly local captains. Hubby was very happy with both the draft and canned selections of beer. Not being much of a beer drinker I settled for "the white wine". The burgers and dogs being prepared on the grill smelled crazy good and the set of 90’s music was perfect for the setting. The people working here are so friendly and laid-back, it felt as if we were crashing someone’s party. This is a diamond in the rough.