It’s a typical six-family, on a regular Bushwick block, and not a bar in sight.  Or is there?  One, two, three, four doorways later, Oliver and I found ourselves in some sort of Bavariawickian paradise.  Perhaps because it channels this area’s German past, or maybe because it’s creators bring new meaning to the word detail, the Bushwick Beergarden is extraordinarily authentic, and somehow fits seamlessly into its surroundings.

Jan VanDamme and Paul Nicholson built a Beergarden in their backyard.  To document their work, they created an impressive display of the Bushwick Beergarden genesis, including before and after shots, details, materials, and more. Before we crossed the threshold of the final doorway to paradise, Oliver and I marveled over the pictures, and especially the timeline: April 2008 to just a few weeks ago.  And I thought I had a productive Spring/Summer.

When we entered the garden, we were immediately offered cold beer in frosted biersteins. The bottle caps were effortlessly removed with a handy wall-mounted opener, and dropped into a tin bucket. ”Clink.” As we moved through the different areas, each with it’s own character and unique potential for interaction, experience, even performance, I was impressed by the attention to detail, the gift for creating atmosphere, and being German and having been in many a biergarten, the authenticity.” Every little detail, we drank over and pondered over,” remarked Jan. Pointing to a nook behind the lattice arbor with a high bar and stools, Jan said “we thought about this area for 35 hours.”

The entire garden can seat about 37 people, and the distinct areas include an “International Room” with built in benches and garden chairs around a low table. There is a beautiful wooden bar on a raised deck with high stools and benches and a backdrop of ivy. There is a lattice enclosed arbor with a heavy wooden table, sturdy benches, hanging candles, and creeping up the wood are actual hops growing and weaving through the holes. Beyond that is an area for lounging, with Liegestühle (lounge chairs) and hammock. To the left is a raised platform (which immediately screams stage, covered by a tarp made from natural fibers. There is, of course, an area entirely devoted to grilling so that weisswurst, bratwurst, and all the wursts can be part of the experience.

Paul mentioned that throughout the planning and building process, they made very conscious decisions to use only natural materials. It makes a huge difference. Everywhere you look, instead of seeing plastic or logos,  you see wood, greenery, flax-colored fabric, glass and and wrought iron. Jan called these materials “the Bushwick Beergarden Bible.” It has the effect of making you feel like when you are there, you are really there. Every detail works, fits, and ultimately makes you want to drink great beer.

As far as the plans for this incredible place, the proprietors are open to ideas. They have hosted parties and events, one for the neighbors in their building, the bike crew whose headquarters are next-door, one to open the place, and a work party. Their landlord was in support of the entire project, which highlights just how much possiblity there is to create in Bushwick. For more information, or to get in touch with Jan and Paul, you can visit their website (and hopefully their Beergarden).

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