t.b.d. in Brooklyn drew in a mixed crowd of hipsters and young Manhattanites this Saturday afternoon for “Greenpoint Brunchtacular.” The all-you-can-eat-and-drink event took place in the venue’s spacious outdoor beer garden, where picnic tables and umbrellas were set up amongst a handful of stations serving food.
Guests lined up around the block to receive their mimosa flutes (along with a stern warning not to misplace them) and trickled in around 12:00pm. Tables were packed by 12:30, but those smart enough to bring blankets laid down on an adjacent patch of grass. The warm, sunny weather was perfect for such a gathering and gave way to a fun yet relaxed atmosphere. While I felt the event could benefit from live music, the absence of any music prevented the crowd from getting too rowdy. Looking back, this was probably the smart decision in order to maintain civility.
The local Brooklyn food vendors featured were delicious. My favorite was The Bagel Store: their extensive display of creative bagels wowed me, and one was tastier than the next. I returned for several helpings of the French toast and jalapeño cheddar. Their margarita cream cheese too was yummy and unique. Their rainbow bagels were practically works of art. To top it off, they even gave out some free t-shirts! I look forward to seeking out their store the next time I want to impress breakfast guests.
Atomic Burger experienced brief technical difficulties but still managed to keep a constant huge line of people returning again and again. One of their waitresses walked around clad in a shiny silver bodysuit to promote the eatery’s image as “America’s first comic book/science fiction theme restaurant.” I believe I also spotted a man walking around in a Batman suit…who knows though, he may have just been a regular guest.
The sole mimosa table was swarmed with a constantly long line that extended indoors–pitchers for each table may have been the right move to appease those who quickly grew impatient. Mimosas also ran dry by 1:30 while the event was supposed to last until 3:00, so those eager to maintain their buzz opted to purchase beers inside at the bar. A handful of others saw this as the appropriate time to leave, and the space cleared out dramatically shortly past 2:00pm. My friends and I took in a few more rays, wolfed down the last of our granola, meat, yogurt, and chips (probably in that order), and leisurely made our way out a bit later.
Despite long lines and dwindling supplies, I found Saturday a “brunchtacular” indeed! I hope t.b.d. and other bars host similar events all summer long because I’ll be here, thirsty and waiting.
By: Emily Giove
@emilygiove