Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Has People's Republic of Brooklyn Ceased To Exist?

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A few days ago, a reader alerted me to the fact that People's Republic of Brooklyn, the bar and restaurant at 247 Smith Street seems to be closed. Sure enough, yesterday, when I walked past, the windows had been lined with brown paper.
Just in February 2015, People's Republic changed management, concept, and got a make-over. Since then, it seemed mostly empty

Here is what the reader, who lives close to the establishment had to say:
"I have seen so many iterations in that space, most of them abysmal: operated by novices who had no idea of how to run a restaurant and so ended up focusing on drinkers. It had been a nice sports bar but the owner/manager became tired of the late nights on top of his day job. The group that took over was quiet but didn't seem to attract many customers.

We can only hope for a good restaurant or a store that replaces the businesses we've lost (Housewares, stationery, hardware, a good grocery). But given the layout (patio in back, bar in front), my guess is another restaurant/bar. If so, let's hope the emphasis is on food, not late-night carousing!"

No mention of this latest remodeling/ closing appears on the gastropub's web site or Facebook page.

Have you heard anything? If it is definitely closed, will you miss it?

For those who have been in the neighborhood for a few years, you may remember that this space used to house "Sapodilla", a restaurant, which, for a short period in 2008, became an event space.


9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Late-night carousing? Who wrote this, a 90-year old nun?

It's Smith Street! Nightlife, transportation, a traffic sewer in the morning. If there is anywhere in the neighborhood bars should be, it's Smith Street.

And, drinkers have the highest profit margin, so if you want an establishment to stay open for a while, I would encourage drinkers!

Anonymous said...

No surprise. That place had no identity and couldn't get its act together. For a while they had a B grade from the City Health Department. Add another empty storefront to the list. Is Carroll Gardens becoming a ghost town?

Donald said...

It's first incarnation as a restaurant was as Village 247, I think. They made a decent burger and fries.

Anonymous said...

Can't say I'm surprised, I'm more surprised that PRB stuck around for as long as it did. I give PRB points for a lack of pretension, they didn't attempt to do anything very well. It was always a little too generic, place usually appeared empty, beer was flat, I never really got it.

Anonymous said...

the main problem with this place is it just wasnt very good...i live nearby and have no problem with another bar coming in...just hope its a good/clean one - with good food...

Anonymous said...

A lot of places seem to be closing down on Smith Street.

Anonymous said...

Village 247 was an excellent spot for a burger and a beer at a fair price. I was a semi-regular there and still miss it.

The layout there is tricky with the big open space up front and the staircase downstairs to a 2nd bar. I would think that a plain old bar that maximizes use of the SF would do a lot better than a restaurant there.

Anonymous said...

Perfect spot for a pinball bar!!!

Rob said...

They had a great brunch. I think they were the first to start the unlimited drinks special in the area? And you got your money's worth too. They served mimosas in pint glasses with added vodka. Great place to drink away a Sunday.