Rustik Tavern Opens on New Year’s Eve!
| December 31, 2007 | ||
| 4:00 pm | to | 11:00 pm |
This weekend I was schlepping groceries down Dekalb Avenue when I came upon Rustik Tavern. The door was open and I saw a man and a woman step out and head towards their car which was parked at the curb. I started to get excited. I had to get more information on this place, so I abandoned my groceries and scurried up to them.
“Is this a bar?” I asked them, pointing to the Rustik sign in a state of wild-eyed mania.
Clearly the woman had me pegged for a seasoned alcoholic, because no sooner had I asked the question than she blurted out, “This will be a restaurant with a FULL MENU.” (And no, I didn’t add that emphasis; that was how she said it.)
“But there will be liquor, yes?” I asked in somewhat impaired English, confirming all of her suspicions. Why didn’t she understand that my speaking ability was impaired by the thought of being able to get alcohol regularly within walking distance of my home without any bulletproof glass involved? I couldn’t think straight. This was all happening too fast, too fast.
I can’t remember what her response was, because just then the owner approached the building heading towards the tavern’s front door.
“There’s the owner,” she said.
Before she had spoken the second syllable of the word “owner” I’d already abandoned my conversation with her and started rushing towards him.
Booze Rule #1: Befriend the person who owns the bar.
Booze Rule #2: Befriend the person who tends the bar.
If you’re lucky, they’re one and the same.
The owner’s name was Franz.
I introduced myself and he allowed me to step inside and see the space. It was absolutely gorgeous–like nothing I’ve seen in this area. There was a lot of exposed brick and the lighting made the space feel warm and cozy. There was a beautiful bar on the right, but it was clear that the place was a restaurant because there was a good amount of seating.
Franz gave me a Rustik card (shown above) that had the kitchen hours on the back: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.), Thursday (4:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.), Friday (4:00 p.m. – 1:00 a.m.), Saturday (11:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.) and Sunday (11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.). Weekend brunch is on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. He told me that Rustik will be open for business on Monday, December 31st at 4:00 p.m. I could hardly contain my excitement!
The website was up a few days ago. It was still a work in progress–there was no hint about what’s on tap or on the menu. When I checked the website today, it was down, so I’m assuming they’re currently adding the bar and menu information to the site. Click here to check the website out.
I love that they’ve included on their card a quote by Ernest Hemingway, a man who spiraled down into the depths of depression and committed suicide by shooting himself in the head with a shotgun. Now that Rustik Tavern is here, none of us has to go down that road. I’ll see ya on Monday!
Rustik Tavern
Opens Monday, December 31st at 4:00 p.m.
469 Dekalb Avenue (between Kent and Franklin)
27 December 2007, 11:40 am
Did you convince them to name a drink after you, Changeling? (If so, would love to know what is in it.)
Great to see this addition and please take pictures when they serve you the food.
27 December 2007, 11:50 am
welcome! welcome! welcome!
If they’ll be open for brunch on the 1st, I will most definitely be there!
27 December 2007, 12:02 pm
It really does look like a nice place. I can’t wait to try it too, and see how beautiful it is. Where are you shopping for groceries on DeKalb. Why not go to Associates on Myrtle?
Changeling I love reading your posts they are so fun, and inspiring. Of all the places to go on New Years Eve you are supporting your local businesses and coming here!
Love that something old fashioned like this is in the area.
27 December 2007, 5:47 pm
omfg
I’m in shock. I cannot believe we’re going to get a bar other than sputniks. Is this true? Is it april fools? If this is a joke, changeling, you’re effin going DOWN!!
AND SO CLOSE TO MY HOUSE!! SO CLOSE!! 5 MINUTES!!! OMG OMG OMG OMG
If they have wine I’m just going to pass out and die.
27 December 2007, 5:49 pm
OMFG IT SAYS THEY HAVE WINE ON THEIR WEBSITE. KILL ME. I AM SO HAPPY.
Ok this makes me look like a total alchy but I am SO TIRED of 30+ minute g train rides to go get a drink. This is going to kick so much ass. Plus now there’s somewhere to meet neighbors other than tiny cup (not that I dont love tiny cup, but its kind of a running joke between regulars that there’s a posse that’s always there…)
28 December 2007, 8:01 am
Wow- this place looks great!!!
28 December 2007, 1:10 pm
@Sally: I have to do the ABC’s when I go grocery shopping around here: Associated, Bravo and C-Town. I can’t seem to find everything I need in one place. Sometimes the Bravo will have something one week and it’s nowhere to be found the next week so I have to go somewhere else. Someday this will be a distant memory…
@Carmen: Oh no, Carmen. I wouldn’t joke about something like this! I’ll see you at the bar.
28 December 2007, 3:25 pm
We should organize a bedstuyblog meetup in this place to show support. Maybe invite those jokers over at clintonhillblog also? I want to meet some of you peoples…
28 December 2007, 7:25 pm
That is such a relief. I have an ex in the neighborhood who is ALWAYS at Sputnik and I just would love to walk down the block to have a drink without thinking I have to sit in the same bar as him. And the food is just a cherry on top but I hope its tasty.
28 December 2007, 9:29 pm
Wow, this is right around the corner from me! Great news.
30 December 2007, 7:59 pm
oh, yes.
31 December 2007, 10:52 am
i say Wow this place looks great!!! oh, yes
31 December 2007, 4:48 pm
Fabulous, finally a new restaurant (and bar) in the neighborhood. Looks terrific.
01 January 2008, 1:33 pm
did anyone go here last night? I require a full report
04 January 2008, 4:57 pm
I second Carmen’s idea to do a bedstuyblog meetup. Anyone else?
04 January 2008, 5:39 pm
I was in the preliminary stages of planning something. I hope to have deets early next week.
04 January 2008, 8:46 pm
I tried heading there tonight (Friday) it was closed at around 8 o’clock.
04 January 2008, 9:06 pm
I peeked in on New Year’s and it actually looked as good in pin person as it did on the website. Couldn’t stay because of prior engagements though.
05 January 2008, 10:14 pm
I went by as well this weekend and they had their gates down…. no info
07 January 2008, 11:19 am
Hi all:
I recieved an email today and I just wanted to reply to the blog. I am the owner of Rustik and I look forward to seeing all of you once we’re open. Unfortunately, we’re waiting for the paperwork so we can open. I assume we should have everything within a week or two. New Years Eve was a pre-opening event. If any one has any questions, please feel free to contact me @ fmetellus1@hotmail.com. Neighbors please stop by whenever the gate is up. I enjoy showing off the place. And maybe you can get a complimentary beer out of me. Beers on tap: Jever, Blue Moon, Kelso of Brooklyn, Old Speckeld Hen, Harpoon to name a few. We’ll be rotating the beer on tap.
08 January 2008, 10:22 am
I’m thrilled about this. I find myself travelling to other neighborhoods too often for a good meal/drink! And as much as I love Clinton Hill/Fort Greene it would be super nice for my friends to come to me. Frantz, I hope all the paperwork goes through soon.
On another note, Changeling, do you know anything about the place on the corner of Halsey and Bedford? A few months ago it looked like it was only a rentable space, but now it looks like a full blown bar. Whenever I pass it I’m always in a rush, so I never stop to ask questions. But I’m always excited about new gin joints opening up!
08 January 2008, 12:01 pm
Halsey and Bedford? That’s Denim Lounge, I believe:
http://www.denimloungeny.com/
08 January 2008, 12:11 pm
I do not want to be biased; Frantz is a close friend
and he hosted my birthday party on New Years Eve to launch Rustic….Jesus could not have had a better time…It is a honeycomb hideout for Adults….”RUSTIK[?:”
08 January 2008, 3:18 pm
this is wonderful news. best of luck to you, frantz. i really cannot wait to have a bite and proper cocktail close to my home. this will change everything!
10 January 2008, 7:11 pm
One more inspection tommorrow. Should be the last one. keep your fingers cross.
13 January 2008, 8:31 pm
Any news on the inspection? I was checking out your website now that some of it is up (fyi- some of it seems messed up (like the wine list is actually a replica of the beer list) in case you didn’t know
14 January 2008, 3:22 pm
All inspections are final. (or at least I think so). This week we should know.
14 January 2008, 3:23 pm
Thanks for the updates, Frantz!
15 January 2008, 1:22 pm
I Have to say that i was wooed….Impressed and speechless. RUSTIK amazed me….From floor to ceiling…it seems hand picked. The craftsmanship…..a must see…..The original authentic Beers are one of a kind and the “RUSTIC Lemonade” drink is awesome. Its extremely warm and cozy. I’ll definitely be there for the grand opening.
16 January 2008, 3:13 pm
I can’t wait to see this place. It’s right aorund the corner from us.
28 January 2008, 7:48 am
Did they open up the tavern yet
28 January 2008, 2:15 pm
Yes, we need an update!
28 January 2008, 3:49 pm
i knew this was too good to be true
29 January 2008, 5:52 am
IT TAKES TIME TO SET UP A EATERY ALL THE RIGHT PERMITS HAVE TO BE IN PLACE EQUIPMENT ECT. LETS WAIT AND SEE BUT JUST LIKE YOU I HOPE ITS SOON
30 January 2008, 10:58 am
Stopped by last night and it was still shuttered.
30 January 2008, 11:34 am
I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!! (stomps feet)
30 January 2008, 12:40 pm
I just got my weekly email from brooklyn based (http://brooklynbased.net/) and it says that rustik is opening sunday for sure. Someone go check it out!
30 January 2008, 1:30 pm
WHAT TIME FRAME IS IT BRUNCH OR DINER
30 January 2008, 1:31 pm
BRUNCH OR DINNER
31 January 2008, 4:08 pm
Hi All:
Finally we can open. We’ll be open this evening for drinks only. Tommorrow (possibly) with a limited menu. (Still working out little kinks), but yes we are finally open.
Frantz
31 January 2008, 4:11 pm
HOORAY!!!!!
31 January 2008, 4:16 pm
AWESOME!!!!!!
31 January 2008, 5:45 pm
CONGRATS ARE IN ORDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i will be up in there
31 January 2008, 5:45 pm
CONGRATS ARE IN ORDER
01 February 2008, 1:50 pm
Congrats, I’ll try and stop by tonight.
03 July 2008, 8:46 pm
I laughed out reading The Changeling’s post. People just don’t understand this need: it means SO MUCH to have a bar in walking distance! I am a jane-just-come to New York and while my first encounter with Nostrand and Fulton filled me with a kind of awe, it is rather slowly dissipating into restlessness and irritation, I mean, all these people in the afternoon, where do they all go in the evenings for a glass or two? It’s killing. And yes, I too get my wine from a glass hole when I must firstly put the money for the seller. I dont even get to touch the bottle beforehand, which, by the way, is one or the other…just two kinds of wine, what? you want a Chilean merlot? No, we have just this. That’s it.
11 September 2008, 1:52 am
This place is awesome! Definitely a grown folks atmosphere. The whole setup and format was incredible–comfortable and cozy! My friend Choc Drop fell in love with the owner at first sight!