For the last decade, New Yorkers have witnessed the gentrified waistband of Williamsburg nightlife bust its gut. Spilling over into the Greenpoint, Bushwick and Bed-Stuy areas, everyone has unfortunately seen the rise of the term "hipster" in vernacular. With so much in flux, one time-honored question remains: Does anyone know where a girl can get a decent drink around here?" The best advice: Go west-- southwest, to be exact.

Welcoming a solution to the pervasive problem, the people behind Union Hall-- purveyors of the cozy library-themed pub, basement music venue, and indoor bocce ball court, teamed with the owners of Brooklyn Heights' Floyd for a larger endeavor-- The Bell House, which opened in September. As their respective reputations had swollen, so did the crowds. And the bottlenecks one had to maneuver seemed impenetrable, especially if coupled with thirst. Not to mention, just the caliber of the bands booked for Union Hall alone merited a larger space. So they looked towards the previously uncharted territory of Brooklyn's Gowanus Canal.

Perched on the timberline between Park Slope's classic brownstones and the industrial Red Hook warehouses, this location feels tucked away yet is actually located conveniently only two blocks from the 4th Avenue F train. Once crowds hang a left onto 7th Street, residences peel away on the walk downhill. After crossing 3rd Avenue, the reaction may be a nervous "Do I have this address right?" but continuing west leads right to the doorstep. If anything, the deserted atmosphere makes the actual entry into the Bell House more dramatic.

After an ID check with one of Union Hall's trademarked good-natured security guys, duck into a spacious lounge with no bottleneck in sight. While this 1920s structure was formerly the storefront that housed a printing press, the new setting eradicates any memory of heavy metal equipment with the wainscotting, gentle lights, and cushy seats around the perimeter. The bar runs the entire width of the front so there is room for everyone. In house special concoctions, named in honor of landmark indie albums ($6 to $8) are for the taking-- and specifically notable choices include in the Pinkerton (a la Weezer), Parklife (courtesy of Blur), and the piece de resistance White Light White Heat (inspired by the The Velvet Underground, $13). Draft, can, and bottled beers abound-- and the wine list (mulled included) is set to expand this winter. Pad your stomach lining with fresh handmade DUB Pies from the Down Under Bakery, and special events and concerts bring huaraches and pupusas from the famous Red Hook Vendors, with more menu offerings coming.

After a second round of drinks, patrons can head toward the second part of the venue: a true one-two-punch to the incredible setting. Pass the ticket booth, obtain the magic hand stamp, and enter the true heart of Bell House: 25-foot-high, arched wooden ceilings preside over a grandiose stage set off by the Twin Peaks-influenced red drapes. The stage right holds yet another bar-- this one slightly elevated, appropriate for vertically-challenged spectators to perch on the steps for a better view. Unlike many venues, there are no columns to obstruct the view and a sweeping vista is lit by giant chandeliers. And the sound system is state of the art, serving 350 concert-goers (or 200 seated for mellow events).

The opening weekend offered free shows by Matt Pond PA and the The Lilys (hot off their All Tomorrow's Parties appearance). Since then, the Born Ruffians, The Veils, Liam Finn, Plants and Animals, and Grizzly Bear side project Department of Eagles have graced the stage, along with Eugene Mirman, Michael Showalter, and Aziz Ansari bringing up the comedy end.

With room for everyone now that Union Hall's Secret Science Club will take place at this new venue, Bell House will continue with the popular Outsmarted: Music Trivia Night series, hosted by Indie Rock icons. And as for the house specialty, drinks will rotate seasonally, with a Daydream Nation cocktail (for fans of Sonic Youth) in the near future. Overall, the venue leaves little reason to not partake-- providing 3-hour-long 2-for-1 happy hours on weekdays and an ample host of cabs on 4th Avenue heading back into Manhattan.

The Bell House merits a standing ovation for many things-- the affable staff, clean bathrooms, well-chosen soundtrack pumping in the front lounge, and stellar lineups offered in the back. But most notable is the overall spirit of the place, derived from the creators who stuck out their necks with a vision to create one of the most welcoming spaces in the city from scratch. And the fact that patrons might bump into Carl Newman or David Cross is icing on the cake.

~Abbey Braden

The Bell House, 149 7th St, Brooklyn NY. (718) 643-6510


First and fifth photos by Sam Horine
Second, fourth, and sixth photos, courtesy of The Bell House
Third photo by Abbey Braden