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Brooklyn Stops Being Polite, Starts Getting Real

June 9, 2008 at 10:03 AM | by | Comments (0)

Ever since word leaked out last month that MTV would bring the 21st (!) season of The Real World to America's hippest suburb, Brooklyn blogs were abuzz about whether the channel would film its drunken, 20-something antics in the hipster haven of Williamsburg or beautiful brownstone-lined Park Slope. So just about everyone was surprised when MTV announced last week that the show will actually film in comparatively grimey Downtown Brooklyn.

A quick look at the apartment they've chosen--the penthouse at Belltel Lofts, above--reveals the decision is a backhanded dis to Brooklyn after all, as the producers have clearly opted for a location with magnificent views (of Manhattan) rather than staking out ground in one of Brooklyn's more interesting 'hoods.

So where will all the drinking and drama happen? Here's a list of the trendy spots in and around Downtown Brooklyn where you'll most likely be able to catch sight of MTV's camera crew. For those of you who don't wanna do tequila shots with fameballs, we've also included some spots that The Real World cast surely won't frequent, but really should.

For: Getting Their Drink On

Will Go: Floyd, NY. Don't be surprised if you see the pretty young things tossing back pints of Brooklyn Lager and yelling through contentious games of bocce at this Atlantic Avenue bar, one of the neighborhood's prime party spots. 131 Atlantic Ave.

Should Go: The Brazen Head. For a more quality hops-filled evening, head across the street to this casual pub, where the rotating list of microbrews on tap includes seasonal offerings from local breweries Six Point and Blue Point, as well as cask conditioned hand pumped barrels flown in from Britain. 228 Atlantic Ave.

For: Picking Up Locals

Will Go: Gowanus Yacht Club. The Real World-ers will certainly spend a bulk of their time on Smith Street's nightlife row, which means they will sooner or later end up at this kitschy beer garden. $1 PBRs and grilled vegan hot dogs attract Brooklyn's drunkest assortment of hipsters. 323 Smith St.

Should Go: reBar NYC. For a less ironic good time, the cast could head in the other direction and sample the top-notch collection of Lambic beers at this one-of-a-kind neighborhood hangout in DUMBO. The reclaimed loft space is a coffee shop/bar/lounge/art gallery that brings in an eclectic artist and writer crowd from morning till night. 147 Front St.

For: Late-night Pizza

Will Go: Lucali's. Claiming anywhere in Brooklyn as the borough's best pizza is as sure a way as any to start a fight, but the MTV crowd is most likely to be seen stuffing their faces at this celeb-approved joint. (Jay-Z and Beyonce recently stopped by for a late-night snack.) 575 Henry St.

Should Go: Vinny's Pizzeria. Seriously, is there any reason for a fancy pizza place in Brooklyn? For the perfect $2 slice, look no further than this hole-in-the-wall. 445 Court St.

For: Hungover Brunch

Will Go: Bar Tabac. If there's one thing Brooklyn has more than enough of, it's quality brunch spots. Don't be surprised if you catch the cast holding their heads at this French bistro in Cobble Hill, where they can soak up the alcohol with a croque monsieur, or go the hair of the dog route with bloody Marys and mimosas. 128 Smith St.

Should Go: Junior's. Brooklyn residents know lazy Sunday mornings don't offer a better option than this classic Flatbush Avenue diner. From massive plates of fried chicken to potato latkes as big as your head--and of course the restaurant's signature cheesecake--anything a throbbing mind could wish for is here. 386 Flatbush Ave.

Related Stories:
· "Real World" Sets up House in Downtown B'klyn [NYDN]
· Brooklyn Travel coverage [Jaunted]
· Television Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photos: Brownstoner, Allyson M Murphy, Slice, Triborough]

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