Now through Oct. 30, Soda Bar in Prospect
Heights will host "Oktoberfest," a celebration of beers
from international microbreweries. Soda Bar’s owner, Anatoly
Dubinsky (pictured on right with bartender Michael LiDondici),
whom you may remember from his now defunct Smith Street Kitchen,
will pour Spaten, from Munich, and Flying Duck, a pale ale from
Colorado, in addition to 13 specialty beers.
In November, Dubinsky will expand on the soda theme by adding
Soda Lounge, a more upscale – but still casual – space next door.
"We needed more seats indoors for the winter time because
the bar has become so popular," he says. The lounge will
sport ice cream parlor signs like those that have hung in the
bar since it opened in 2002.
"Henry Boses had a sundae shop and soda fountain here for
years," says Dubinsky, "so the name and the signs come
from him." While Soda Bar will continue to serve hamburgers
and pierogies, the menu at Soda Lounge will go a step further
than the "typical bar food."
Dubinsky describes the cuisine as "American tapas,"
or small, affordable cheese plates and antipasti. Margaritas
will be made from fresh seasonal fruit such as strawberries or
pineapples and cocktails will be mixed with famous Boylan sodas.
Soda Bar (629 Vanderbilt Ave. between St. Marks Avenue and Prospect
Place) accepts American Express, MasterCard and Visa. Dishes:
$3-$8.50. The bar is open until 4 am daily. For information call
(718) 230-8393.
