First look: The Black Swan brings a better beer selection to Bed-Stuy

The bar at The Black Swan sports one of the better beer selections in Brooklyn. Photos by Clay Williams.

Bed-Stuy's newest restaurant, The Black Swan is a beautiful, black wood-laden gastropub. Its menu is small and filled with comfort food dishes like Mac n Cheese with bacon and sun dried tomatoes. The space, a former auto body shop, has super high ceilings, mixed communal and private seating in the back, including booths, tables and long wooden benches, and a small backyard space that turns into a smoking lounge after the kitchen closes.

Up front, the bar shows off one of the best non-beer bar selections of brews in Brooklyn. The list is eclectic and wonderful. Included in its 16 taps, a German Kolsch, a British ESB and some obscure Californians share space with local craft brews, including a cask engine that's currently pumping out Six Point. Those looking for cocktails could do worse than hit up the talented bartenders here who we working their muddling arms making Mint Juleps for Derby Day. A fine collection of wine, liquor and beer, plus a friendly staff and early neighborhood following, make Black Swan a must visit.

The Black Swan, 1048 Bedford Avenue and Lafayette Street, Brooklyn. 718.783.4744