FNYCRR Award: Best Nalc Bar in Brooklyn
The Virgin Surgeon (664 Bedford Ave.)
Now that the recession is officially over, young New Yorkers are realizing they have better things to do than spend their time crying over their micro-brews. It’s time to get serious about working hard, making connections, and philosophizing about indie rock. That’s why “Nalc Bars,” or non-alcoholic bars, are popping up all over Brooklyn and Downtown Manhattan.
Virgin Surgeon is our favorite of the Brooklyn bunch, mostly because of the signature mocktails of bartender Whea McDaniel. For instance, the “Stroopwaffel,” a mixture of sparkling peach juice, white vinegar, and ice, garnished with a plum pit, is simply delightful. Or the “Awkward Stare on the Beach,” which blends coffee and Russian dressing together for an invigorating rush.
McDaniel’s philosophy on nalc beverages partners with his soundtrack choices inside The Virgin Surgeon. “Look, I think The National is the perfect band to listen to when you’re nalc partying, so that’s what we play in here. That band spends a lot of time thinking about their lyrics when they’re writing their lyrics, so you should not be messed up on alcohol when you’re listening to their lyrics. You should be paying attention.” says McDaniel. “When I look across the street or next door to my left or next door to my right, I see bars filled with people who are being all messed up and stuff on alcohol and they are just yelling. Those people probably listen to the Ting Tings. I know the bass player for The National because his sister is my friend’s roommate, so I think I know a little bit about how they write their songs.”
fake nyc restaurant reviews! the national! the ting tings!
