Has People's Republic of Brooklyn Ceased To Exist?

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.

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Change Of Management And New Concept For People's Republic Of Brooklyn On Smith Street

A few days ago, I received the following email from neighborhood resident Ben U. :

"People's Republic Of Brooklyn on Smith St has closed and re-opened with a new name, management, concept and slight renovation. Most people probably wouldn't view this is a huge loss to the neighborhood, but it was one of very few chill, unpretentious spots to get a beer on Smith St. for the past few years. It also had a very multi-cultural clientele, which I dug -- a good cross-section of Brooklyn. Most importantly, they had world-class chicken wings, with homemade sauces by the chef, a self-described wing enthusiast. It will be missed. The soft opening of the new place happened last night. I couldn't tell you what's on the menu because I was too bummed -- just had a beer and left."

I stopped by People's Republic at 247 Smith Street two days ago. Though the name still seems to be the same, a quick look inside confirmed that the bar has gotten a facelift.

Have you been there recently? What do you think of the new concept or did you prefer it better before?



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People's Republic Of Brooklyn On Smith Street Wants You "To Spin A Yarn" For Them

If you like to tell stories and are looking for an audience, this might be for you.  People's Republic of Brooklyn at 247 Smith Street is looking for raconteurs to take part in their story telling series.  

Cool idea, no? 

If you want to spin a yarn for them, contact them at 347 865 7389

*** please note: according to someone at People's, the telephone number on the poster is incorrect.

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