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“Battery Harris: Beer, Booze, and More in Williamsburg”

It’s balmy out. The kinda day you just want to kick back and drink a cold pint. Why not check in at Battery Harris, a craft beer and cocktail bar at 64 Frost Street (at Meeker Avenue) in Williamsburg, which opened today, with a wide selection of aged spirits, regional cocktails, more than 20 beers on tap, and a menu of flavforful Carribean-style eats.

The bar is named after the WWI-era gun batteries on Fort Tilden in the Rockaways, where Battery Harris' co-owners-- Etan Fraiman and David Shapiro-- grew up. "We wanted to create a space that would evoke a feeling of escape and of home," explained Shapiro, who previously helped launch the Taïm Truck, and most recently headed a mobile food franchise in Moscow. 

Battery Harris' cocktail program, headed by Saul Ranella (formerly at La Mar and Añejo), is bolstered by house-made shrubs, juices and bitters. Cocktails, all $10, include the Nowhere to Run (Añejo Rum, Kumquat Vanilla Shrub, Bitters), and Double Impact (Mezcal, Apple Cider, Hum Liqueur, Agave Nectar). Battery Harris also offers two slushie cocktails: a Dark-n-Stormy and Purple Corn Drink (Chicha Morada, Passion Fruit, Pisco, Bitters).

A food menu from Chef Richard Gibbs (previously at Caracas Arepa Bar) includes Jerk Chicken Plate with Coriander Slaw, Crispy Plantain Chips and Coconut Corn Bread ($12), Blackened Catfish Sandwich ($10), Chicken Wings (Jerk or BBQ) ($6), Jerk-Dusted Fries ($4), and Baked Patties (Beef, Chicken and Veggie) ($3, or two for $5). The bar opens with a happy hour available Monday through Friday: a house-made patty and a draft beer for $6, available from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Accommodating small and larger groups alike, the 143-seat Battery Harris has seating options indoors and outdoors, including an elevated seating area with booths, two communal tables, and a long bar accessible from both indoor and outdoor spaces. A corner stage will play home to blues, soul, and funk music.

The bar's co-owners worked with the NYC Department of Transportation to install nine bike racks for guest parking, and a pedestrian plaza with soon-to-be-installed urban art.

A percentage of Battery Harris' profits will be donated to  Friends of Rockaway and the Open Space Alliance.

Battery Harris is located at 64 Frost Street, at Meeker Avenue,  (718) 384-8900, batteryharris.com

 

Hours: 

Mon - Wed: 5 pm - 2 am  (closed on Mondays in June) 

Thu - Fri: 5 pm - 4 am 

Sat: 11 am - 4 am

Sun: 11 am - 2 am

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted: May 23, 2013 - 11:26 am

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