The ritzy Five Front is now Brooklyn Bridge Gardens, a new bar near Brooklyn Bridge Park that will open this Friday.
It’ll be more tavern than trattoria.
“It’s going to have more of a bar feel to it than last time,” said chef Paul Vicino, who owned the glamorous Five Front restaurant but will stay on as the cook. “It’s going to be classic.”
The wood finish and new-American feel of the old Five Front — tucked at the corner of Front and Old Fulton streets at the anchorage of the Brooklyn Bridge — already gave the location a classic allure. But its new renovations certainly cater to a thirstier crowd.
On its back patio, tables and chairs have been replaced with wood-finished benches and chest-high drinking space. New wood floors were installed inside alongside a refinished bar, and workers are just finishing up a smaller chandeliered room for the diners.
Vicino said the food will still provide that classic American experience — his burgers at Five Front were outstanding — but the owners wanted to give an under-served drinking community a reason to stick around. There will be more drinks, more drinking space and drinkers, as Brooklyn Bridge Park pulls an audience in the coming months.
And with a wine bar opening up at the park pier this summer, it looks like sunset sippin’ in DUMBO is making a mighty debut.
Brooklyn Bridge Gardens (5 Front St. between Old Fulton Street and Dock Street in DUMBO, no phone).
