Berry Park’s blissful roof deck seems to span acres, but certainly spans two of the borough’s most dynamic hoods

by Brendan Fitzgibbons

Across the street from the luscious greenery of McCarren Park is Berry Park, a bar/restaurant with an unassuming flint-and rust-colored facade that looks like it could have been at home in the Old West.

Yet behind the subtly rustic décor is a booming hangout mainstay for the gentrification-happy enclaves of Greenpoint and Williamsburg, one that sports three theater-sized screens, 14 premium tap beers, a brick-lined fireplace, foosball table, full bar and food menu, and a roof deck that conjures the expansiveness of a major league baseball stadium.

As Berry Park general manager Georgiana Condric explained, the result is a unique, multidimensional space.

“I think Berry Park just has all the elements of what you are looking for when you want to hang out in Williamsburg,” she said.

Much of the drawing power of the joint is thanks to its massive rooftop. The deck seats 100, has a maximum capacity of 150, and offers a dazzling view of the Manhattan skyline. Last year, management beefed up the space by installing a retractable glass-encased roof that opens and closes in a matter of minutes. The glass covering looks part greenhouse, part secret lair, and neatly functions in any weather condition.

“Our clientele reflects the changing dynamics in Williamsburg.” Condric said. ”We have some loyal customers, an influx of New Yorkers who just moved to Brooklyn, as well as some who make the trip from Long Island, Staten Island, and New Jersey.“

Berry Park also offers a distinct city brunch experience. Every Sunday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. is “Brunch Beats,” a serene rooftop atmosphere wherein a local DJ spins while patrons sip signature house cocktails like Bloody Marys and Huckleberry Lemonade (a novel mix of 44 North Huckleberry Vodka and…you guessed it).

The bar also bills itself as one of the best places to watch soccer in the borough. Games from the Premier and Champions League are frequently screened on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and Condric added that there are plans afoot to turn this summer’s FIFA World Cup in Brazil into a full-blown extravaganza.

“We going to host a concert just to kick off the games,” she said with a chuckle. “It’s going to be absolutely insane…in a good way.”

The bar also has plans to host a slew of 4th of July festivities commemorating the return of the fireworks to the East River.

The business was established in 2009 before the onslaught of neighborhood hipsterism, though Condric acknowledged the hoods’ ascendance has fueled the bottom line.

“When we opened, this part of Williamsburg was empty… there was nothing around,” she said. “In the last five years, it has been incredible to watch it grow and build. And sure, I like to think we are a cool bar, but we’re by no means exclusive or a place where you need to be on the guest list. This is never going to be an establishment where people get shut out.”

As the accelerated gentrification of Greenpoint and Williamsburg increases further, and even more ultra-chic, too-cool- for-school clothing shops, bars, and gastropubs pop up in the area, Berry Park promises to remain the same.

“We’re not drinking the local Kool-Aid,” Condric said. “We’ll be here drinking the same beer the whole time.”