Pine Box Rock Shop opens in Bushwick

Long awaited by both patrons and owners Pine Box Rock Shop is open for business and off to a great start. From soft-core porn on the bathroom walls to Brooklyn-grown chilis in the cocktails and good beer on tap, their vibe and menus cater to the eclectic Bushwick crowd and make everyone feel welcome.

The cocktail lists are extensive, and if you can’t make out the small writing on the boards, ask one of the people behind the bar, they know their stuff. First you’ve got the house cocktails or Drinks To Die For. These include ingredients like grape soda (yum!), homemade vegan Irish Cream (way better than Bailey’s), and Phredd’s homemade pickle brine (spicy and magical). It’s good to know these will be staples.

There’s also the seasonal list with cocktails like Dig For Fire that use co-owner Heather’s homegrown Serrano chilis for an experience that gets delightfully hotter as you sip. The Grandaddy uses fresh pressed NY cider for a sweetly spiced evening drink. And if you like candy in your cocktails (and who doesn’t?) try the Sweet Jane with crystallized ginger or the School Of Fish with Swedish Fish!

But wait, there’s more! When husband and wife team Josh and Heather set out with their friend Collin to make this place happen, they called in all of their talented friends for help. From the person who designed their bar, which depicts ticket stubs that seemingly tell a life story, to pets of friends who bring them joy, everyone got a cocktail. Tucked above the entrance sits the Friends of The House board with a good 20 cocktails, each named after a loved one, be they human or canine. Upholding the same standard as the rest of the list, the offerings are tempting.

Oh, and did I mention the Bloody Mary Menu? Aptly called Hangover Prescriptions, these are for those brave souls that venture out in search of a hair (or fur coat) of the beast that bit them. The four versions, including one with tequila and one with whisky all sound promising, I recommend going with at lest 2 people and trying them all. Don’t neglect the empanadas on offer either. Made fresh from The V Spot in Park Slope, these are some of the best empanadas to be had this side of the equator, vegan or not.

Pine Box, named after the space’s former life as a coffin factory, has been a long time in the making and it shows. The thoughtful selection of beer, spirits and creative cocktails are keeping the standard high for Bushwick. Stay tuned for upcoming live music, karaoke and trivia nights.

Drinks not to miss:

Dig For Fire
Grim Pickle
Sweet Jane

Drink it in Brooklyn: Pine Box Rock Shop, located on Grattan between Morgan and Bogart, is open 7 days a week for your drinking convenience!