Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
What Was Once P.J. Hanley's, Brooklyn's Oldest Bar, Reopens As Goldenrod
By
Nell Casey
Published Aug 6, 2013
Modified Aug 6, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
View all 3
By
Nell Casey
Published Aug 6, 2013
Modified Aug 6, 2013
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
In March, P.J. Hanley's—the bar with the distinction of being "Brooklyn's oldest"—shuttered after 139 years of pint-slinging in the borough. After owner James McGown filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February, rumors began that the space would host a Belgian beer garden later in the spring, forgoing the space's history for an entirely new concept. That did not come to pass, however, and instead McGown has reopened the bar as Goldenrod, a nod to an 1890s beer from a long-gone area brewery.
The space has been restored to its turn-of-the-century look, or at least as close as one can get without getting rid of necessary contemporary amenities. The pressed tin ceilings and carved wooden bar remain and the proprietor has added lots of sawdust to the floor because back in the day Brooklynites eschewed brooms, or something. All of that makes the outdoor "beer garden" a bit startling in its modernity, though nobody is likely to quibble about continuity when downing cold ones in the warm bath of sunset.
Being that it's a hat tip to the old Otto Huber Brewery, Goldenrod commissioned some private label brews for its lineup, including a Goldenrod Pilsner made by Brooklyn Brewery and a Goldenrod Ale made by Olde Saratoga Brewing Co. Additionally, the bar offers 20 beers on tap and 20 in the bottle/can plus a bespoke Goldenrod Moonshine distilled by Breuckelen Gin. McGown operates next door South Brooklyn Pizza, which imbibers can now order up at the bar. Salads, burgers and a selection of spreads "in a jar" are also available. Small plates ($4-$9) including gastropub'y offerings like Truffle 'Shrooms, PEI Mussels and Tempura Green Beans.
451 Court Street, Carroll Gardens
Tagged
carroll gardens
goldenrod
james mcgown
new restaurant and bar radar
pj hanley's
Nell Casey
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.
By
Robert Sietsema
Published Oct 10, 2026
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
The global dish is shapeshifting and ubiquitous.
By
Robert Sietsema
Food
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
The global dish is shapeshifting and ubiquitous.
By
Robert Sietsema
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
By
Sonia Rao
5 NYC banana puddings as good as Magnolia's
By
Hannah Frishberg
Where to eat in Greenpoint, Brooklyn right now, from Polish to Sichuan to Iberian
By
Robert Sietsema
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .