Bar Susanne opened in Brooklyn with cocktails, oysters, and a full raw bar. The drinks and space lean coastal too, and the idea is to sit back and enjoy the fruits of the sea and someone else’s labor.
The new concept comes from designer Matthew Maddy of Lilia, Public Records, Oxomoco and Celestine fame, and his partner Marisa Maddy Ripo. With warm amber hues, natural light coming from the wall of windows, and recycled oak floors, the 75-seat spot feels comfortable and welcoming. The walls remain sleek and simple, dotted with paintings by Marisa and her mother.
The couple paired up with chef Jackie Carnesi (Kellogg’s Diner, Nura) to create a menu featuring seafood from Long Island’s North Fork and other local waterways surrounding New York.
Dishes include Shrimp Cocktail with a special roasted-shrimp-shell aioli; Crab Salad with yuzu and pickled Fresno chilis; and Pickled Mussels with jugo verde and coconut. The team offers a full caviar service complete with buttered toast points and crème fraîche. There’s also whimsical caviar options such as Sour Cream and Onion with fried onion petals, chive-laced sour cream, and Tsar Nicolai Caviar.
On the non-fish side, the Hearts of Palm and Celery Caesar comes topped with garlic breadcrumbs; the Roasted Sasso Chicken is served with jus and french fries; and an epic burger rounds out the land options. Don’t miss the galette for dessert, it’s fish shaped and comes with strawberry “scales.”
At the bar, Milos Zica (Employees Only, Fandi Mata) runs the beverage program, centering around martinis, agave spirits, and New York State wines. On the martini side, the Talented Miss Ripley comprises olive oil fat-washed gin, oregano, dry vermouth, lemon, and coriander; the Cured & Crafted comes with gin, a spiced brine, vermouth, Cocchi Rosa, and orange bitters.
Lean to the agave side of the menu and you’ll find the Uno Mas, made with Altos tequila, Nixta, Suze, citrus, grapefruit cordial, and Topo-Chico. Or, come in any time for the After Hours, a cacao-infused Mezcal, Diplomatico Reserva, Banane du Brasil, vanilla bean, honey, and espresso cocktail.
On the low-ABV side, try the Chai Bloom, which Zica spices with Masala chai, sweet vermouth, a blueberry hibiscus elixir, velvet falernum, and citrus. No matter if you’re perched at the bar watching the team work, or sitting by one of the windows, it’s an easy-going spot perfect for a little taste of coastal bliss.
Bar Susanne is open daily from 5 to 11 p.m. 6 River St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn, barsusanne.com
