Comfort food and beer at Greenpoint’s natural Habitat

May 31, 6:45 PMBrooklyn Beer Bars ExaminerDan D'Ippolito

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Half a block away from the Greenpoint Avenue G is a hidden gem called The Habitat. At this atmospheric bar and restaurant, peopled with laid back patrons and friendly servers, you will find tasty food and a medium-sized lineup of excellent beers on tap. Tall ceilings, wide glass front windows, earthy décor, and wooden furnishings form The Habitat’s relaxed and welcoming environment. The handpicked music and subdued chatter never reach the point where you need to raise your voice, and if the decibels peak you can watch subtitled classics like Planes, Trains and Automobiles on the flatscreen behind the bar.

Poured from the taps are about a dozen beers, each of noteworthy quality and flavor, and none exceeding $7. The lineup changes every few weeks. When I last visited, California’s Bear Republic supplied us its Red Rocket Ale (6.8% ABV), a robust brew with a hefty but balanced amount of hop bitterness, malt sweetness, and a refreshing salty yeast finish. Accompany Red Rocket with an order of Habitat’s flavorfully spiced chicken wings. As the leader of the extreme beer movement, Delaware’s Dogfish Head is known to brew with unusual ingredients, but on the more drinkable side is their hearty Indian Brown Ale (7.2% ABV), a brawny combination of a brown ale, Scottish ale, and IPA. Pair this sugary, nutty, somewhat bitter beer with Habitat’s gently charred burger with sautéed onions. Captain Lawrence’s Xtra Gold (10% ABV) is a high-alcohol tripel style beer featuring a crisp, sweet body, and fine floral overtones. Order a New York produced Xtra Gold with your breadcrumb adorned mac n’ cheese, but be careful not to let this deviously potent beverage get the best of you!

The Habitat’s specials include a two-for-one happy hour from 4-7pm on select drafts and food (4-6pm on Wednesdays), and a late night happy hour from 12-1am featuring a shot and Brooklyn Brewery beer combo. On Mondays, the mac n’ cheese is $5 all day, and Wednesday is ladies night from 7pm-closing, with drink specials. The Habitat also hosts special events and tastings.