Givers and Takers

"When you’re looking to drink in Gowanus, Lavender Lake is our favorite outdoor option for a big group. But if you want something a little less crowded in the neighborhood, try Givers and Takers anytime from Thursday to Sunday after 4pm. It’s just a long, plain-looking space with a bar and some small tables, and there’s a little porch in back with three big round tables. It’s like the tiny backyard that you don’t have, and it’s perfect for when you want to drink a glass of wine and talk about the weather, what you’ve been reading, or just birds in general." - Hannah Albertine

"A neighborhood bar with a quiet back patio is a pretty ideal spot for an early-in-the-game date, and that’s exactly what Givers and Takers is. This place is just a nice, charming pub in Gowanus, and out back you can sit at a round table near a picket fence while you discuss dog breeds and TV shows with someone you only just met." - Bryan Kim, Katherine Lewin, Hillary Reinsberg

"There are a lot of big outdoor bars around Gowanus, and they all tend to get incredibly busy whenever it’s sunny out and humidity levels are bearable. So if you’re avoiding crowds, try a smaller one, like Givers and Takers. It also happens to be a great place to wait for a table at Claro (which is next door)." - Bryan Kim, Matt Tervooren

"If you're looking for a place to drink in Gowanus, Lavender Lake was our favorite outdoor option, and Pig Beach is great for big groups - but if you want something a little less crowded in the neighborhood, try Givers and Takers. It’s just a long, plain-looking space with a bar and some small tables, and there’s a little porch in back with three big round tables. It’s like the tiny backyard that you don’t have, and it’s perfect for when you want to drink a glass of wine and talk about the weather, what you’ve been reading, or just birds in general." - Bryan Kim