the buzz

“Roadhouse Barbecue at Pork Slope”

What started with Thistle Hill Tavern has now grown into a tidy little Park Slope empire of culinary coolness that includes Talde and now Pork Slope.

Pork Slope, a Brooklyn-style roadhouse bar, is owned by Executive Chef Dale Talde and partners, Bartender John Bush and Restaurateur David Massoni, who both also own and operate Park Slope’s Thistle Hill Tavern. Their latest spot offers the team’s favorite takes on dive bars and honky-tonks, and even uses Patrick Swayze’s 1989 action film, “Road House,” as a reference. (The bar’s opening on August 18th coincides with the late actor’s birthday.)

At the bar, Pork Slope features a wide selection of mostly American whiskeys, bourbon and rye ranging from harder-to-find small-batch distillers such as Willet and Pappy Van Winkle, to popular, larger producers such as Four Roses and Jack Daniel’s. A rotating cast of beers is offered from the bar’s 25 taps featuring such esteemed local craft breweries as Brooklyn Brewery, Kelso and Sixpoint, along with other nationally known brands such as Lagunitas, Molson, Anchor Steam and Budweiser. Additionally, Pork Slope offers more than 20 different ice-cold canned beers that range in style and price, and three wines on tap.

If you’re so inclined step up for the “$5 beer and a shot” special, and regulars are invited to take part in friendly competition with the “100 Shot Club.” As its name suggests, the bar will track shots purchased and honor patrons who reach this significant landmark by having their name engraved on a trophy housed behind the bar.

Given its swiney name, the menu is heavy on porky eats including the Porky Melt on rye with griddled onions and cheddar, House-Smoked Meats including brisket, pulled pork and St. Louis ribs served with slaw and potato salad, and Artisanal Country Hams served with biscuits or cornbreads with mustard and honey butter. You’ll also find Fried Chicken served by the half, and a Griddled Burger with American cheese, chopped onions, pickles, mustard and ketchup. Desserts will rotate daily and include a selection of fresh pies and cakes provided by Park Slope’s very own Du Jour Bakery located just up the street.

The setting feels very honky tonk, decorated with antiques and kitschy memorabilia discovered in basements, flea markets and attics that have been collected by the crew over the years. In similar fashion to TALDE and Thistle Hill Tavern, David and John have salvaged an oak wood fireplace mantle from an early 20th century mansion to create the back bar.

Other locally curated décor includes bar neons, vintage black and white photographs, mismatched furniture—including many pieces from the space’s previous tenant, Aunt Suzie’s restaurant—and a coin-operated pool table in the bar’s rear lounge area. Highlighting the space are two salvaged taxidermied boars’ heads that were named Piggie Smalls and Boss Hog in a contest by the readers of the popular local blog, “F**ked in Park Slope.” And of course, in memory of Swayze, a photo of his legendary “Road House” character James Dalton will be framed to the side of the bar. Music at Pork Slope will be straight rock and roll.  

Pork Slope is located at 247 Fifth Avenue, near Carroll Street, 718-768-7675. The bar is open daily from 5 p.m. - 4 a.m.; the kitchen closes at 2 a.m. www.porkslopebrooklyn.com. Cash Only.

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