* The Richardson
Photo from http://sieve-gcs.blogspot.com/
CUISINE: It's mainly a cocktail lounge, but small dishes are available
ADDRESS: 451 Graham Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
(at Richardson Street, beside the BQE)
PHONE: 718.389.0839
HOURS: 12pm-4am
CARDS: All Major
SUBWAY: L Train to Graham
MAP: Click Here
WEBSITE: http://therichardsonnyc.com
CITY SEARCH SAYS: Despite the fact that it's located right under the Brooklyn Queens Expressway, a long mahogany bar, wainscot wood paneling, wooden slat blinds, sconce lighting, old-fashioned cash registers, gold brocade wallpaper, and a soundtrack of mostly pre-1969 American classics provide a romantic backdrop. It's a pleasant alternative to the otherwise uber-cool Williamsburg bar scene. The $9 specialty cocktails, served up by friendly mixologists, are reasonably priced and extremely tasty. High-back bar stools make for a more comfortable drinking experience. The Richardson has a great selection of wines, liquors and frothy German and American beers on tap. Although the marble-painted stucco columns that separate the long angular bar are designed to create a more intimate vibe, the space still feels a bit too large. Grilled sandwiches and other light fare is served between the hours of 1pm and 2am daily.
EATER SAYS:Williamsburg just got its third cocktail lounge, this one situated near the East 'Burg/Greenpoint border in the vicinity of Daddy's. Not as atmospheric as Hotel Delmano but still better looking than Huckleberry Bar, it's a good addition to the nabe. Delmano's former cocktail man Jeff Hansen was on hand on a recent Tuesday, mixing up some of the classics and a few surprises (try their weirdly delicious sasparilla).
PAPER SAYS: Heads up, Williamsburg cocktail parlor Hotel Delmano, you've got company! The Richardson, a new spot on the corner of Graham and Richardson, is now the second speakeasy-cocktail lounge in the neighborhood, and yet another addition to the Manhattan-imported cocktail boom that keeps on booming over in Brooklyn. Inside, décor has been kept to a minimal: wallpaper with a gold damask print, one chandelier, zero sepia toned photos. The drink list is divided into a few classic cocktails and house specialties (all $9), the latter including usual suspects from your nana's heyday like Old Fashioneds and French 75s. House cocktails, however, had some enjoyable standouts including the citrusy, tart Vegas Saddle, with orange juice, lemon juice, Curacao and apple brandy, and the Higgin's Sarsparilla, a ginger beer, club soda, amaro, and red wine concoction that was slightly sweet and surprisingly palatable. Really. Seats at the long L-shaped bar, were quickly snatched up on a recent weekend night visit, most of the crowd drinking $5 drafts (the beer list includes Guinness, Bitburger and Sixpoint Sweet Action), and although table service is available, it still was difficult to hear much over the crowd and music (man, speaking of nanas). But the place is, after all, steps away from Daddy's, home to $2 drafts and hot dogs when they have them. Unlike the Hotel Delmano, The Richardson trades pricier drinks and fussy décor for a looser atmosphere -- a wise move given its location, but one that puts it too close to merely being a Williamsburg bar with $9 cocktails.
