The man behind 61 Local is Dave Liatti, an industrial engineer who worked at the nearby Sixpoint Brewery. But Dave would tell you the people behind 61 Local are the local community. Dave has a strong commitment to providing a place for the community to collaborate and support the local economy.
In addition to transforming the former garage and townhouse into a community space, Dave also curates all the products sold and used at 61 Local. And he provides field trips for many of the employees to travel to some of the breweries, wineries, and production facilities to meet the creators and learn more about the products on sale. Everything is as local as possible.
The people at 61 Local are people like Jason Sahler (a former employee of 61 Local) who now owns Strong Rope Brewery, Joel Bukiewicz from Cut Brooklyn who provides the knives for the bar, and Michael Kurtz, the creator of Mike's Hot Honey that goes on 61 Local's housemade biscuits. But the people are also you, me, and everyone who is a part of this great local community.
It's this kind of collaboration with local businesses that is on display on our Brownstone Brooklyn tour, which is why 61 Local is always a highlight. We try some local beer, pickles, and house spiced nuts.
The What:
Dave modeled this space after public houses (which is where the word pub is derived from) but it refers to so much more than just a tavern. The wide open space features exposed brick, plenty of space to do work or hang out with friends, and a gorgeous event space upstairs that hosts local community events.
The bar features a giant map of Brooklyn and the northeast region indicating where all their beer and wine comes from. A menu of sandwiches, salads, brunch items, and bar snacks is much more extensive and delicious than expected.
Craft beer connoisseurs also know this is one of the best beer bars in the city with exciting offerings on draft from many of the city's best breweries. You'll always be able to try something next and exciting at 61 Local.
The Why:
You can come to 61 Local at 9am on a Tuesday, fuel up on some great local coffee, and join the laptop workers. Or you can come here on the weekend, have brunch, and socialize with your neighbors. Or you can come here in the evening when a lively local crowd work their way through a rotating tap list of local wine and beer. Or you can come here to pick up your CSA from Local Roots, a neighborhood farm share. Or you can come for one of the community events (like comedy shows or workshops). Basically there's never a reason not to come to 61 Local.
The Where:
61 Local
61 Bergen Street
Brooklyn, New York 11201
(718) 875-1150