Best Burger in Brooklyn- The Dram Shop Bar
PARK SLOPE 339 9th St Brooklyn, NY 11215
I ventured into this popular Park Slope watering hole with my girlfriend one night this week for some dinner. We dropped in around 6:30 pm and found the place to be relatively empty aside from the few slopers hanging at the long bar by the entrance sipping beer from large mugs (my first thought, albeit corny, was: “this is hardly a ‘dram’ shop”). Looking toward the back, we noticed several high top tables, that awesome shuffle-board-game-with-sawdust that you never see anymore, and a nice looking billiard area. We were definitely in a bar…
Awkwardly, we walked toward the back of the room, wondering if we needed to wait to be seated. A friendly waitress came out from the back of the bar and told us to “grab a seat”- and we chose one of the five u-shaped booths along the left wall; each looked like it could comfortably seat 10 people. Upon arrival, we found no napkins or silverware, just one skinny menu standing up in the center of the table- the contents of which would easily fit the description of “Bar Food”. The back flap had about 25-30 different whiskey options, and about the same amount of beer options, both bottled and on draft.
Front and center on the menu was the “Hamburger with Hand Cut Fries”; not only was this what I was craving, but come to find out (by the description at the bottom of the menu), this is what this place was known for..
[Sixty years ago, the first of our burgers was served at the Mallow Grocery in South Dallas. The secret of this gastronomic treat remained closely guarded and was passed down from my grandfather Lynn to my father Steve, and then to me. In the spirit of true Texas hospitality, I am now sharing his Dallas delicacy with my friends in Brooklyn]
Upon the first bite I got excited…the heavily seeded sesame roll held two thin, juicy patties, fresh crisp lettuce and tomatoes, pickles, diced onion and Mayo/Mustard. Reminiscent of Five Guys, but better, this burger hit the spot. On the side was a mound of crispy, nicely seasoned fries, a small tub of garlic aioli for dipping, and an ice-cold 20 oz. Omengang Witte that was putting the finishing touch on each mouthful.
I truly enjoyed the experience at Dram Shop Bar. A great burger spot with a comprehensive selection of beers and brown spirits, that begs for a large group to come in and spend the night. I look forward to going back again!
