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New Restaurant and Bar Radar: From Dram to Covet

Courtesy Jackie Neale ChadwickDram: Way back in the winter of Aught Seven, cocktail maker Tom Chadwick (you'll know his work from the menu at Rye) told us that he'd soon be opening a bar called Dram in the Southside Williamsburg space formerly occupied by Zak Pelaccio's Chickenbone. Well, the seasons changed, America elected a black president, and the world forgot all about Chadwick's dream. But not Chadwick! Earlier this month he finally quietly opened his charming little lounge, just across the street from the new Pies 'n' Thighs, and blocks from Pelaccio's return to the neighborhood with Fatty 'Cue.During a recent visit, the place was almost completely packed with merry imbibers, and the unassuming Chadwick told us about his idea for Dram, which features a different cocktail menu every few days and a rotating staff of bartenders who do time at other cocktail hotspots like Death & Co., Clover Club, and Flatiron Lounge. Chadwick sees his role as "curating" the talent behind the bar, and a tiny kitchen area in the corner will soon serve as a "sort of DJ booth" for a variety of rotating chefs. The dimly lit interior has a warm vibe and a tiki influence, with an illuminated kayak hanging over the bar, where some patrons sip mysterious drinks out of vintage tiki mugs. Recent cocktail options included the "Knuck If You Buck" Buck (Rye, Housemade Ginger Beer, Lemon, Lime, $9), and the Devilâs Pocket (Armagnac, Madeira, Vecchio Amaro Del Capo, Maraschino, $9). Beers on tap range from Six Point Diesel Stout to Kulmbacher Pilsner, and if you want to roll the dice you can choose the Bartenderâs Choice, which comes with two instructions: 1. Name Your Spirit 2. Then Choose Stirred & Spirit Forward or Shaken & Refreshing.177 South 4th Street, (718) 486-DRAM, open daily from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. — Gothamist

Published Apr 8, 2010

Modified Apr 8, 2010

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This week in new restaurants: Dram is finally open in Williamsburg, The Parlour Midtown is partying, Project Sandwich serves its namesake, and there's mountain lounging at Covet. And check out our photo features on splashy newcomers Zengo, Tamarind and The Empire Room.