When hirn Trucking Company in Bushwick moved out of its 5,000-square-foot foot industrial plant, nightlife developer Ramon Moralejo saw a chance to combine lounge and community event space

by Brendan Fitzgibbons

Except for the lucky few who happen to have bought their five-story brownstones at pre-2003 prices, the only time a typical Brooklynite gets to cast eyes upon a 5,000-square-foot space is while waiting for a flight at Kennedy. In steadily gentrifying yet still industrial Bushwick, however, there are still a few such undeveloped gems. Ramon Moralejo noticed one colossal, airport hangersized space, recognized its rarity immediately, and set about developing a new business.

The result is a cocktail lounge/neighborhood hangout/artistic event venue hybrid known as Lot45.

“I wanted to create a place that could embody the culture of Bushwick, while still keeping that rustic feel,” the owner explained. “I just saw what it could be rather than what it was—and the space really sold itself.”

Lot45 officially opened on Sept. 25 in the former home of HIRN Trucking Company. The name stems from its title on the tax lot, and Moralejo felt that by sticking to that barebones moniker, the lounge would preserve a sense of raw authenticity.

The floorplan is equally divided into the “local living room” and airy “outdoor living room,” each with its own design aesthetic.

“The idea was to create a homey vibe within a lounge,” he explained. “And for years, I had been collecting different pieces that you’ll find all over here now. I went through my storage unit and pulled out all the things that spoke to me for the space.” Some of these items in the bar include reclaimed couches, colorful padded chairs, slightly worn coffee tables, elegant Persian rugs, and ornate lighting fixtures.

Seasoned mixologist Rael Petit formulated the cocktail list—one that includes the Street Canvas Cocktail—a clever blend of Singani 63 (a South American clear brandy), lemon juice, bitters, and egg whites—as an ode the to local street art movement. His Bushwick Pumpkin is a much-loved and fall-themed fusion of pumpkin jam, lemon juice, crushedice, Ford’s Gin, and fruit liqueur. The considerable beer list principally alternates between local Brooklyn ales and Mexican brews.

Despite its billing as an intimate cocktail bar, cuisine at the Bushwick hot spot has its own noteworthy and colorful flair, one that falls under the in-house culinary name of Djenna. There, chef Samia Behaya curates a refined menu of French Algerian street food, with base ingredients shipped in from Hudson Valley Harvest Farms.

Her eclectic plates are divided in four categories: “Tartines,” “Main Plates,” “Charcuterie,” and “Sides,” and must-try dishes include the Habiti (a flavorful mix of kale, sunflower seeds, dried cherries and lemon vinaigrette) and the Omri (a combination of sautéed garlic shrimp, black pepper, and cilantro).

The warehouse-style space at Lot45 allows the lounge to play host to a range of cultural events; its staff coordinates everything from film festivals to beatbox championships, burlesque shows to midnight disco parties.

Moralejo reiterated that even as his business is maturing, he wants it remain a home base for the community.

“The space is always evolving and changing and its work will never be done, “ he said. “But our goal is to create a living room for the neighborhood.”

Lot45
411 Troutman St., Bushwick / 347.505.9155 / lot45bushwick.com