Lake Street Bar, quietly nestled at 706 Manhattan Avenue in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, offers a slice of unpretentious Midwest charm in NYC. Located at the corner of Norman and Manhattan Avenues, this bar’s unassuming storefront might be easily overlooked by visitors, but it’s a cherished spot for locals seeking a genuine, no-frills bar experience. In a neighborhood that can sometimes feel a bit too curated, Lake Street Bar stands out by simply being a bar – exactly what many are looking for.
Lake Street Bar exterior in Greenpoint Brooklyn, showcasing its unassuming storefront.
Stepping into Lake Street Bar on a Sunday afternoon, you’ll likely find a relaxed crowd enjoying the bar’s selection of a dozen beers on tap. During a recent visit to explore this Greenpoint newcomer, the bartender was asked about the most popular beer. His genuinely confused reaction, turning to the regulars for input, highlighted the bar’s laid-back and unscripted atmosphere. Having not spent much time in the Midwest myself, except for a summer festival visit to Chicago, the hope was to discover a beer that felt like a taste of the heartland. The bartender’s honest bewilderment was met with good-natured ribbing from the patrons, who seemed to be thoroughly enjoying their affordable pints.
Inside Lake Street Bar in Greenpoint, featuring the bar area and friendly bartenders.
Opting for the bartender’s personal recommendation, a Captain Lawrence Kolsch (from New York), which was suggested as no consensus emerged on a house favorite, I settled into a spot by the sunny window. The Kolsch was a perfect choice for a warm day, light and refreshing. As I waited for a friend, I took in the scene at Lake Street Bar.
The clientele at Lake Street Bar that afternoon seemed to naturally divide into two groups: “The Bar” and “Everyone Else.” The attire leaned towards casual and comfortable – jersey knits, denim, leather jackets, and relaxed slacks. Noticeably absent were trendy leggings or high heels. The soundtrack, provided by The Clash, offered a British rock vibe, perhaps not quite the all-Midwest music selection one might expect, but fitting nonetheless.
There’s a unique sense of comfortable anonymity at Lake Street Bar. While occasionally catching the eyes of the bartender or patrons, there was no pressure to engage in forced banter. Instead, the bar offers the option of comfortable invisibility – a judgment-free zone where you can simply relax and blend into the exposed brick backdrop. Perched on a high-top stool, it’s easy to unwind and observe the unpretentious scene.
Craft beer taps at Lake Street Bar, a Greenpoint bar known for its unpretentious beer selection.
While the beer menu might not be exclusively Minnesotan, featuring drafts from Illinois, Colorado, and Missouri, Lake Street Bar subtly nods to its Midwestern roots in other ways. (Minnesota’s state drink is milk, according to Wikipedia, for those keeping score). The snack selection, however, is a clear and delightful homage to the Upper Midwest: Old Dutch Traditional Potato Chips. These bags of chips, available for just $1 in flavors like the particularly savory dill pickle, provide the perfect accompaniment to a cold beer.
Old Dutch potato chips, a popular snack at Lake Street Bar in Brooklyn, highlighting its Midwestern-inspired offerings.
A friend who attended college in St. Paul mentioned that Lake Street Bar provides a sense of community for those from the “Gopher State diaspora,” especially during Vikings games. It’s a welcoming beacon for those seeking a taste of home, and for anyone else who appreciates a straightforward bar experience. Ultimately, Lake Street Bar’s appeal lies in its simplicity: a well-poured pint, a comfortable seat, and absolutely zero pretension – a refreshing find in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
