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Another Sports Bar for Atlantic Yards Area – And This One’s Already Open

Machavelle Sports Bar & Lounge stealthily opened over the weekend.

 

Here we go again.

A new bar and lounge has quietly opened up directly across from the Barclays Center at Fourth Avenue and Pacific Street – right next to the proposed location of Player’s Gastro Pub and Sportsbar, a new eatery that has had Slopers up in arms over concerns for noise and late hours.

Machavelle Sports Bar & Lounge soft opened over the weekend, and plans to officially open this evening, according to a man that identified himself as the owner but refused to give his name for fear of “media attention.”

“It’s just going to be good cocktails and good times,” he said, from inside the sleek, two-story lounge (see the video).

But residents of Pacific Street have said that the brand new club has already become a bad neighbor.

“They’re already loud and trashy, and it’s a small place,” said Pacific Street resident May Mosleh. “It’s a mystery with the windows all dark. It makes you wonder what’s going on in there.”

“602 Pacific is hiding from us,” added another neighbor who wished to be identified only as Jane.

Much like the initial issue with Prime 6, another planned Barclays Center-area bar, Machavelle was somehow granted a liquor license (in a speedy one month) without Community Board 6 ever even learning that it was applying for a license in the first place. The lounge then stealthily opened over the weekend.

“It never went before Community Board 6, so there seems to be a problem with the process,” said Jim Vogel, a Pacific Street resident and representative to State Senator Velmanette Montgomery. Vogel caught wind of the situation last month, and has left several notes with the owner in hopes of opening a dialogue but heard no response.

He said that Senator Montgomery is looking at putting together legislation that would require the State Liquor Authority wait for a response from the community board before granting any liquor licenses, rather than grant a license after 30 days regardless of response. The bill would prevent situations like this one from cropping up.

At Monday night’s community board meeting, committee members were faced with the question of what they can even do about the bar, now that it has not only been granted a license, but is open.

“Our block used to be quiet, but it’s not going to be like that anymore,” said Mosleh. “It’s going to be like living on 42nd Street.”

Related Topics: Atlantic Yards, Barclays Center, Bars, Machavelle Sports Bar & Lounge, Player’s Gastro Pub and Sportsbar, Prime 6, and Sports Bars

Ray Mathias

1:18 pm on Tuesday, May 24, 2011

"has had Slopers up in arms over concerns for noise and late hours"
and for concerns of black people

"loud and trashy"
i.e. black people

“It’s a mystery with the windows all dark. It makes you wonder what’s going on in there.”
black people having fun

"It’s going to be like living on 42nd Street.”
Where there are more black people

Uh-oh. Looks like the North Park Slope area is about to see an influx of black people. The horror.

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Parksloper

4:55 pm on Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Those who accuse others of racism are usually the racists.

Denis Hurley

2:31 pm on Tuesday, May 24, 2011

This place doesn't look loud and trashy. I used to live on that block, and it's definitely going to change. People who oppose all development are going to lose. Businesses are going to open up to accommodate the needs of the new arena and the people who visit the arena. And yes, regrettably, some of the opposition seems be motivated by racism.

However, it's a real shame that the owner did not get in touch with Jim Vogel. Anyone who opens up a business in a community should engage the community members.

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PSA

12:54 am on Wednesday, May 25, 2011

I've been to Machavelle and it was a completely relaxed evening of fun. I suggest that all the naysayers drop in and check it out because they obviously have not. The noise described in this article would have certainly warranted a visit from the police. Since that didn't happen, it is obvious that the descriptions in this article are exaggerated. It is curious that the author is using a Youtube video filmed prior to the opening instead of simply walking inside a public venue and speaking with the owner. It seems that an opinion has been formed without all the facts, aka Fox News style, unfair and unbalanced!

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G

9:33 am on Wednesday, May 25, 2011

I am a life time Park Sloper (born and raised) and Machvelle is nothing like what you described in this article. The place is small but coozy and welcoming. The music was not loud at all and could not be heard from the street. I thought it was just right because it allowed conversation to flow. I really do not understand the "trashy" comment at all. As a white man, I do have to agree with the earlier comment that the trashy comment can be easily percieved as racialy movitated. The place did attract a racially mixed crowd (mostly Black) and dressed as if they were coming from work . I do not think that the trashy word would have been used if was another all white wine bar with folks in jeans and t-shirts ( which I wore). Give the place a chance. Honestely, It is completley different than I expected.

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SRD

9:41 am on Wednesday, May 25, 2011

I went to Machavelle this past weekend and had a pleasant experience with my friends. It was extremely calm, the owners were very nice to us and it was a welcoming environment. I love that it was not loud and the intimate crowd was nice. I could hardly hear the music as we entered the bar. The owner made it a point to escort us out and ensured that guests were not standing outside for too long. That’s the kind of place I would want on my block…

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Living Inspired

3:15 pm on Wednesday, May 25, 2011

I went to Machevelle this past Saturday with ten of my friends. We had not seen each other for several months so we spent our time talking and catching up. We had such a great time partly because the music was at an enjoyable level. In fact, the music was barely audible as one entered Machevelle, and for sure could not be heard outside the establishment. The crowd, the food, and overall ambiance are very nice. This is an upscale venue for people to enjoy sports and relax with friends.

I am certain that the negative comments have come from individuals who never visited Mrchevelle and are committed to giving this fine establishment a hard time. I urged anyone who is concerned to visit Machevelle. You will find that this is the kind of place you would want to visit to unwind and watch sports.

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ron decastro

3:33 pm on Wednesday, May 25, 2011

I was there this Saturday and there was noting myterious or trashy about the place. Good Food, good crowd, conversational level music owned by good people. if you have concerns why dont you just go in!!
Ron

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Lorisa

3:41 pm on Wednesday, May 25, 2011

I visited the establishment on Saturday night, and there was nothing trashy about the place. It was a wonderful place to be social. It seems to me that the person who wrote the article hasn't even stepped foot into the establishment to get a first-run account of the people and the atmosphere.

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A. Brown

8:49 pm on Wednesday, May 25, 2011

I met up with some friends to check out the spot and watch the Dallas v Ok City game. I hope this place is given a chance to find it legs. That block has been messy for years...the garden is an eye sore, Sports Authority & PC Richards fliers on the ground, and Atlantic terminal trash that drifts in the wind...don't blame. Petiton for some "do not litter" signs not "no liqour". I've lived in this neighborhhod for many years and that block has been dead for a long time. Nothing mysterious, loud, or trashy. A few spots on my block (Vanderbilt) have dark windows as well...just come in grab a drink, watch a game, and enjoy. One thing...they need larger screens at the bar. Good luck!!! It's going to be a mad house when the stadium opens!

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Michelle

11:17 am on Thursday, May 26, 2011

Interesting perspective, not true but interesting. I also visited the bar and found it to have a simple yet tasteful appeal. The music was audible enough to be heard but not intrusive or bothersome for conversation. which is what I did the entire time I was there. In fact, that was the comment everyone I spoke to made, it is nice to be able to hold a conversation in a bar and not have to yell or speak directly into someones ear. The patrons were anything but trashy, it was an afterwork crowd. The writer is clearly someone afraid of change and anticipating the worst possible senario . Change is coming, as is the stadium. you may have some things to worry about ...this sweet place isn't one of them! Go back ,make a friend and give it a chance!
M.

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Charlene

5:58 pm on Thursday, May 26, 2011

“They’re already loud and trashy, and it’s a small place,” said Pacific Street resident May Mosleh. “It’s a mystery with the windows all dark. It makes you wonder what’s going on in there.”

What makes it loud and trashy? I was there and I certainly do not attend loud and trashy establishments or fraternize with those that do. I encourage the residents of the community to actually to go in behind the "mysterious dark windows" and meet the owners and find that they are upstanding, enterprising and humble people who would welcome you. I am proud to have been one of the patrons of Machavelle and wish the owners continued success despite the fact that this slanderous article has been written. I encourage the readers the Park Slope Patch to Go in!

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Ebony

10:45 pm on Thursday, May 26, 2011

As we all know assumption is the lowest form of knowledge. Clearly the author of this article has no idea what he is talking about. How can you judge an establishment before visiting and getting the facts. I urge you to visit the bar and I am sure you will find an elegant, upscale establishment that you will want to visit often.

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MissJi

11:16 pm on Thursday, May 26, 2011

I was there at the opening ... very warm and friendly atmosphere ... nothing shady going on behind those dark windows ... as far as the noise, once the stadium goes up, this little spot will be dwarfed by the traffic, crowds and mayhem that will soon overtake the flatbush/atlantic/pacific st area ... people need to chill ... or they need to move!

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SC

2:10 pm on Friday, May 27, 2011

Okay, people, here we go…clearly if the establishment was an O’Hara’s Pub or Lucky’s this wouldn’t be an issue. Instead of falling victim to the racist undertones that riddles this article, I’ll simply state, go check out the place for yourself! Perhaps that will place you at a vantage point of knowledge instead of your current state of gross ignorance. Otherwise, keep your misinformed and racist implied views to yourself. Shame on you for not giving it a fair chance before condemning it! I can't wait to patron Machavelle!!! I know it’ll be nothing short of an overall good time with friends and family.

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Fab

9:11 pm on Sunday, June 5, 2011

People seem to be addressing the author. Yet it seems that she was only quoting the ignorance of the neighbors she interviewed. It is those small-minded people that we should focus on. They need to put aside their preconceived notions and give this place a chance. Some people have a sense of entitlement as if they "own the block." Let's be real here. The area is not even close to being "quiet." It's Brooklyn people! It's across from one of the busiest areas of the borough. Its proximity to Atlantic Center alone make the claims that this neighborhood wasn't already "42nd Street" ridiculous. The traffic on both Atlantic and Flatbush often rivals Times Square! It is only going to get worse once the stadium opens!

Look, I have been to Machavelle a few times. The decor is upscale and the clientele are FAR from "trashy." The drinks are great (not watered down) and the owners are friendly and very personable. The music is not loud or obscene and the atmosphere is welcoming. Plus, the wings are delicious (I could eat the teriyaki wings all night)!
People need to step off of their high horses and give hard working entrepeneurs a chance at their own "American Dream." Last time I checked, EVERYone had the right to it (black, white, red or "Slopers").

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