Bushwick Beer Garden: Drinking Over the Details
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).
September 2nd, 2008 at 5:37 pm
this place looks beautiful and is an awesome addition to the neighborhood. after the beer garden in williamsburg opened up i was thinking that bushwick needed one too. props to the creators.
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:42 pm
This place IS beautiful. i’ve enjoyed a few beers there myself during Bushwick Open Studio weekend. The finishing touches look wonderful, this place deserves to be recognized and enjoyed by others!
September 3rd, 2008 at 1:26 pm
It is an honor to say I have been to this lovely beer garden. The hanging candles, the well constructed table and chairs and mostly the great company makes this a wonderful oasis in Bushwick.
I am proud to say that this exists due to the inception of my friends Jan VanDamme and
Paul Nicholson. Two very talented and motivated people.
September 3rd, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Although I have not seen the beer garden, I will make it to NYC, because we need to have a beer. I miss you guys tons and it looks amazing!
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Is is operating out of a residentially zoned space?
Looks like a private party scenario. Not public space.
September 4th, 2008 at 12:44 am
It is a backyard space. They don’t sell beer, or food. They just offer a truly unique experience in Bushwick, to all who want to come and have fun in a truly amazing space. Bring some beer, some food, and they will show you a great time in a very amazing space.
September 4th, 2008 at 10:21 am
It is wonderful…and truly special….i do hear it is haunted
September 4th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
So what’s the deal? You rent it?
September 4th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
See, I’m with Dresden in the “scratching our heads” group over here. I see a really nice back yard. Gothamist, NY Mag, Brownstoner, et al, see something to flip out over, as if Bushwick had a gorgeous new place to eat and drink. It doesn’t. Some guys have a gorgeous new back yard. I’m excited to go on Saturday and see it and hangout in it, but the fact remains, in the absence of some kind of more explicit public plans for this space, that I am being invited to somebody’s back yard.
September 4th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
i can’t wait for you to see it jeremy!
it’s amazing.
really.
September 4th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
The only, and it’s a stretch, way to operate is as a “private club”.
Charge monthly dues and operate some kind of pay and you drink / eat.
Otherwise, residential zoning is pretty un-fuck-able. You could operate something retail out of a manufacturing / industrial space, because in the city’s eyes, you’re moving down in “danger” and “must go inspect property” type status - unless it’s “brown land” - toxic.
You see, I sort of do this for a living and here it’s, well, someone’s apartment with a cool backyard… where’s the money?
September 5th, 2008 at 10:18 am
Well, I’m speculating here (because I haven’t been yet) but maybe they just wanted to build a really cool backyard and hangout space for their friends.
I know, this is shocking to me too, but not everyone’s trying to make a buck!
September 8th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
It just seems like you’d need an invite, right?
September 9th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Awesome. I heard about this place. It was a stop on Open Studios, right? I was going to stop by because it’s close to me but I ran out of time. So now I’m happy to see the pictures. Thanks!