Story and photos by Devon Portney

Since 2008 Franklin Park has served the Crown Heights community well and has expanded that tradition by partnering with brand new restaurant, Dutch Boy Burger.

Franklin Park epitomizes the trademark Brooklyn bar, with unique and obscure beers on tap, outdoor seating, old fashioned posters, paintings and photos. The patrons are almost as friendly as the bartenders, keeping the atmosphere communal and pleasant.

The outdoor space actually provides more seating than the bar’s interior, with several long picnic tables lining the area. Also, like many bars in Brooklyn, there is a sign requesting that people keep the noise down, as a courtesy to the neighbors.

There is a long list of beers on tap, most of which you have never heard. But all the bartenders are knowledgeable and can help you find the closest match to whatever you are used to drinking. There is also a generous bottled selection of more recognizable brands, as well as wine, a full bar and a small list of specialty cocktails. There are water pitchers kept at the bar’s end, so that on a busy night patrons can help themselves to cold water and allow the wait-staff and bartenders to concentrate on the important job of serving up their thirsty customers’ libations of choice.

Franklin Park and Dutch are for now, separated by interior walls. But those will soon be coming down to form a huge beer and burger Mecca. Though Dutch Boy’s backroom is a soon-to-be-opened extension of Franklin Park the room is almost identical to the main bar and provides additional indoor seating, which will definitely help the overflow come winter.

Until the two merge to become one, Franklin Park accommodates its patrons by keeping Dutch Boy menus in constant supply. Customers can either call or take a quick walk to place their order and then will receive a call on their cell phones when the order is ready. Of course, all are welcome to enjoy their food anywhere in the bar. Nothing beats a delicious burger and cold beer, especially sitting outside on a beautiful summer day. And at the corner of Franklin Avenue and St. John’s Place, you can find a one-stop shop for all your delicious needs.

Franklin Park | 618 St. John’s Place at Franklin Avenue | 2,3,4,5,S to Franklin Avenue