Don't Forget the Tacos!

For anyone passing by, Bar Reis is something of a conundrum.

Nestled cozily on Fifth Avenue (just north of the , between Fifth and Sixth streets), the location appears small, yet somehow still able to accommodate the droves of patrons that pile through its doors on a typical Friday or Saturday night.

Is Bar Reis some kind of physics-defying anomaly that is somehow capable of being bigger inside than out? Unfortunately, no, but as Park Slope regulars will attest, Reis has plenty of hidden treasures that it is perfectly willing to share.

Let's get one thing straight; Bar Reis is deceptively massive. Downstairs from the narrow-yet-intimate main bar is a major seating area with plenty of group-friendly seating, a pool table, jukebox and a big screen TV, which, on this night, happened to be showing Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Beyond that is the equally huge outdoor garden, perfect for the freezing masses seeking their hourly nicotine fix. The best section by far, though, is the crow's nest; this bench-lined nook is only accessible through a narrow spiral staircase and is great for chatting with friends, voyeuristic people-watching, or enjoying a meal.

That's right—in addition to serving up a great selection of draft beers (including Six Points Sweet Action, Kelso Pilsner and Peak Organic IPA, all $5) and cocktails ($7 for a Jameson and ginger ale), Bar Reis also offers a tasty menu of late-night eats. Attached to the bar is Taqueria Reis, a late-night taco joint that cooks up some truly delicious Mexican fare and is the third incarnation of the Bar Reis kitchen. 

As with any establishment dedicated to the fine art of imbibing copious amounts of alcohol, a bar is nothing without the people who occupy it, and it is here that Bar Reis excels. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, with regulars (and there are many) more than willing to make the new guy feel right at home. This is equally true for the staff, all of whom are clearly having a good time, laughing and joking through the night with customers and each other alike (a special shout-out to Ryan, the bartender on Saturday who, besides being awesome, got her crew together for a fantastic photo-op).

Only now in its 11th year, Bar Reis is still somehow the new kid on the block, but it has already created for itself a reputation as a warm, reliable neighborhood fixture.