WHAT WAS FORMERLY T.B.D. BROOKLYN HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED INTO A SUMMER RESORT-LIKE INDOOR/OUTDOOR FEAST FOR THE SENSES

BY EVAN MONROE

Inspired, its owners say, by the vibes of Palm Springs circa the 1950s, The Springs, at Green point’s northern edge and just opened in May, takes the garden concept in an even more playful direction. An expansive bar, lounge, and patio, with summer resort-like colors and furnishings what was formerly T.B.D.

Brooklyn has been reborn in a fashion that takes even better advantage of the site’s 5,000 square feet of garden space (2,500 more inside). Al fresco décor includes U-shaped and pistachio-colored leather banquets o set by eclectic tables, chairs, and couches. Inside, there’s a long bar with 16 seats.

Tasty and finger-friendly food comes from Executive Chef Natalie Mitchell and her Desert Hideaway, a new food truck concept that will be parked at The Springs all summer long (a novel way of avoiding kitchen installation and licensing hassles). Egg sandwiches, the “House Cheeseburger” with fries, crispy avocado, eggplant rollatini sticks dipped in marinara, meatball sliders, and shrimp tacos are some highlights, and all were fresh, fun, and lovely, but it’s the cocktail program, and specifically its slushy component that captured our lasting attention. Mixed drink standouts are the Desert Star (Milagro Silver Tequila, Dolin Blanc, cucumber, mint, and Thai chile), Neon Palm (Spring 44 Gin, grapefruit cordial, Lillet Rose, lemon, and absinthe), and Midnight Mirage (Mezcal, Campari, Blackstrap Rum, and pineapple) but there’s just…something extra wondrous about sidling up to the patio fountain and getting your feet wet (you read correctly…fountain) with a frozen beverage. Slushy faves for us are the Aperol Seltzer (Aperol, gin, sparkling wine, sparkling water, and orange slice) and the Watermelon Margarita (Milagro Tequila, watermelon, ginger, and lemon juice). All slushies are available individually or in $95 pitchers that serve ten. Thjere’s also an extensive beer selection, including 12 drafts and dozens more in cans (and an associated boilermaker roster), along with a wine list.

The Springs
224 Franklin Street / 347.227.7114
thesprings-bk.com