Franklin Park

Say the words ‘beer garden in Crown Heights’ and you're apt to get either a furrowed brow—the area north of Brooklyn Botanic Garden isn't known for being a nightlife destination—or a knowing look that says, this has to be good. The not-quite-German beer garden opened in 2008 inside a rehabbed hardware store and mechanic's shop, and with its laid-back vibe, photo booth and see ball in the indoor annex and frequent DJ sets, it's a crowd-pleaser of a bar bound to win over both sceptics and instinctive enthusiasts. The decor is dilapidated chic—whitewashed bricks, tiled bars and chalkboard menus listing the 12 or so beers on tap (originating from as far as Belgium to as near as Brooklyn), including the weekly specials. The owners also run Dutch Boy Burger, which connects to the bar at the back, so patrons can order burgers, fries and milkshakes to eat at the picnic tables lining Franklin Park's leafy 1,400 sq ft yard.