"In a fluke of real estate, Hunky Dory, a bar and restaurant in Crown Heights that was only a year old when the pandemic hit, sat next to an empty lot — that just so happened to be owned by its landlord. So as restaurants across the city scrambled to co-opt former parking spots, owner Claire Sprouse was able to build a patio larger than her bar and dining room combined. Last summer’s bare-bones setup evolved to include lighting, haystacks in the fall, a hoop tent with garlands in the winter, and a built-out roof offering full shade and rain cover. Now, as the weather heats up, locals are swarming the place more than ever for its fun cocktails, straightforward seasonal menu (from spring ceviche to “fancy chopped salad”), and exciting lineup of pop-up chefs. The patio may be reclaimed by the landlord come October, but Sprouse plans to keep the party going for as long as she can. —Amanda Kludt" - Eater Staff, NYMag Staff
