Mama Tried

"A mellow feel to a great bar, with a great list of cocktails, beers, and wine, there is a seat for anyone. This is one of our favorite spots to swing through after a day at the studio." - Hyperakt

"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 lot of bars pay lip service for being “for locals” and then charge $8 for a Bud Light. Mama Tried puts its money, or lack thereof, where its mouth is. Drinks go for as little as $10 (a steal in Miami), and during happy hour, you can find them for as little as $5. Despite its location in sometimes-empty downtown, you’ll still find it teeming with service industry types and cost savvy locals pretty much every night." - MATADOR_NETWORK

"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

"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