After reading Drinking With Men, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what bar I’d consider most important to my drinking-and-socializing life, and after careful consideration, I’ve landed on 61 Local. Since our first visit during the Smith Street Immersion, it’s been the go-to spot for my South Brooklyn friends. It’s been where we’ve met friends’ parents; waited to hear how a friend’s proposal went; celebrated my birthday; and picked up our CSA every week. The staff’s always been nothing but welcoming, the New York beer and wine selection delicious and ever-rotating—and don’t even get me started on the grilled cheese. They’re also fierce champions of all things made in Brooklyn, lending a hand to breweries and wineries impacted by Sandy. Needless to say, I’m thrilled that they’re celebrating their second anniversary this Saturday along with a few friends. Brooklyn Soda Works will be mixing up some special soda shandies, and there’ll be a raffle for a knife from Cut Brooklyn (with proceeds benefiting BK Farmyards), as well as a short screening of a video focusing on a collaboration between the bar and Cut Brooklyn. The people at 61 know how to throw a good party, so expect exceptionally good vibes and good company. –C.A.
