Elite Event at Banter Brooklyn

Whoops! Totally overdue but it needs to be done.
The Elite Event at Banter in Brooklyn was a good olé’ time filled with familiar faces, new faces, hot paninis, bourbon concoctions, and cute bartenders. Sadly, I had to leave early to meet an incoming friend on her way from the airport but I wish I could have stayed longer (if only to witness the effects of excessive bourbon on my more masculine friends). I really wanted to sample more of those tasty paninis!
Now I’ll admit I’m not a big bourbon drinker so I appreciated the mixed drink options. If I had done straight bourbon, I’d probably would have just fallen down on my face and that hasn’t happened to me yet. *knocks on wood*
Let’s keep it that way.
Belated thanks to Peter D., the rest of the Unilocal Team, and of course Banter for the night!

Usually when Peter D stands up on a barstool he also takes his shirt off but he kept it on this time so I guess 2012 really is gonna be different.
I have the drinking tastes and habits of an 1880s railroad baron with bourbon being at the top of the heap so this was the perfect event to sample (oversample actually) the very tasty and peculiar Buffalo Trace. It goes down a bit smoother than most other bourbons. The friendly bartenders were swamped all night so big-​ups for the prompt service in the face of our highly demanding group.
This is a pretty big bar for Williamsburg and I’d definitely come back.

They ran out of bourbon? That’s news to me… What was hard to get to were those delicious grilled cheese sandwiches, but I managed to get my Elite paws on a few towards the end of the night. Always good seeing my Unilocal buddies and making new Unilocal buddies because, that’s what it’s all about isn’t it? Getting drunk for free and hanging out with cool people and meeting new cool people and having your photo taken? Yea… that is what life is about…

Listening to a keyboardist on the L train platform play the Zelda theme song with a transition into Listen to your Heart was how my night started. Beat that.
Then I arrived at Banter.
People were outside and it was still early. I decided to pace around the block a couple times because I was a nervous grown man. I thought it would be uncool to arrive alone and early to my first event. Eventually I got in line and stared at Ralph Machio and the gang prepare for their tourney against Cobra Kai.
Everything started to loosen up once I met my first Unilocal friends. As you can see, I’m really lacking in that department– most of them are automatic Facebook adds. Thank you to everyone who made a brother feel welcomed. The bartenders, Peak Organic, and Buffalo trace are also to thank for that. I felt like I was crashing a wedding reception without bringing a present. Rotating between free beers and cocktails, throwing down ones, and mingling with complete strangers is my kind of party.
Great place, Banter. You haven’t seen the last of me.
Okay, it’s time to stop typing because I need to get two churros from the lady at the Atlantic stop. Until next time…

My first Unilocal event — I feel like a big girl now!
I don’t do beer and I’m not a huge fan of bourbon so I bought wine. I like wine. I also liked Banter. It was a lively crowd and I dug on the crazy movie they were showing. Many, many thanks to Kelly («Champers!») S. for making me her «Plus 1». Hope to see you all again sooooooooon.

Had an amazing time last night at the first Brooklyn Unilocal Elite event of 2012. We kept the drinks coming until Banter Bar’s very last drop of bourbon. simply couldn’t get enough of that Buffalo Trace! But that’s a-​o-​k, because the Peak Organic beers they were serving were deliciously hoppy and refreshing. The atmosphere was incredibly warm and toasty (the huge television screen with a fireplace might have something to do with this) and the bartenders were super friendly and attentive.
Although it is a bit of a trek to the Willyb for me, I’d definitely consider swinging on by and trying their selections of beers on tap.
Yet another successful Elite Event! (Thanks Peter D. for setting up)
Great drinks with Unilocal friends = a perfect Tuesday night.

Brooklyn we go hard, we go hard!
What an awesome Elite Event to ring in 2012. Think familiar faces, new friends and re-​acquaintances with 2 hours worth of Peak Organic IPA, winter ale and Buffalo Trace bourbon drinks. What do you conclude happened? Fun times indeed.
Banter is a laid back bar conveniently located in South Williamsburg that offer daily happy hour deals until 8PM. $ 3 well drinks make you holla? Check it out while you wait for a table at Traif ;)
Thanks Peter D. for always arranging cool events. I approve!

When I RSVP’d for this event, I was not a fan of either bourbon nor IPAs. However, I knew that if I was lucky enough to be selected to attend, that I would have a good time. I was wrong, though, because I did not have a good time… I had a fabulous time! The crowd at this event was definitely impressive-​a line out the door on the way in (but not anywhere near the shiveringly long line like at the snow ball last year!), and people on the street asked me what the line was for. I felt pretty cool telling them it was a Unilocal event. They were definitely jealous.
There were a ton of people here, with lots of familiar faces (Hi DeShaun C. and Raphael D.!) and some cool new Elites and wanna-​bElites (did I just coin that term?), along with two of the coolest CMs around, Peter and Jando! It was cool seeing other CMs from other states (Candice G.), and the amount of Unilocal swag at this event was killer. I made a friend SO happy after the event when I gave him his very first Unilocal watch… he is now officially stylish.
Every time I am presented with bourbon (or whiskey, or scotch), I make a valiant effort to like it. I really do. But every time, it just tastes like old man. I am just not grown-​up enough to drink this stuff. I did have several sips of it on the rocks, and it wasn’t bad-​but I just couldn’t drink a whole glass. I decided to move on to the beer, which actually was not bad for an IPA, but I am not a fan of IPA’s in general because of the hoppy taste (I’m more of a bud light or strongbow gal… feel free to commence laughing and pointing).
Eventually I decided to just move on to my drink of choice, Ketel One on the rocks, despite my desire to not spend any money (other than on tips) last night. Because Banter is such a cool, sleek bar, I was anticipating prices to be closer to the Manhattan side of prices, and I was shocked when it was only $ 7 for my drink! I don’t know if it was happy hour or if they were just cutting us a break, but if that’s really their all-​the-​time price, I will definitely be back!
I was able to snag a tiny sandwich, which was turkey/​goat cheese/​something else, and it was very salty but a nice complement to the drinks. Banter was a bit off the beaten path, and I’m glad that I found out about it through this event. Thanks for the good time, Peter!

What a happening shindig !!
Buffalo Trace Bourbon.
Ales by Peak Organic.
Classy and comfortable interior.
a big ol’ TV burning the yuletide log.
& homies GALORE.
Although I arrived a little late, I sure managed to enjoy the f*ck out of myself in the short time I was given. Big ups to Ron C., Danielle S., Ileana S., Stephanie L., Ethan F., and Mateo R. for being such wonderful company. I’d spend an evening in a tavern with yall anytime!
Now, I usually try to make a new friend at each event. It almost looked like I wasn’t going to meet anyone new this time around, until the awesomely friendly and cool Rob K. came over and introduced himself shortly before the party ended. What a righteous brah! Welcome to the Elite Squad my dude, great to meet you.
Jolly off fine spirits and great company, I rode off into the night. I will certainly return to Banter in the future, and I can’t wait for the next Unilocal party.
As always, much thanks and praises are due to Peter D., Banter, and the fine institution that we call Unilocal.Thanks for having me!

Straight bourbon on the rocks and Peak Organic beers. Enough said.
It was great to see old faces and new faces. The bartender was pleasant and didn’t charge for a virgin coke*. The venue has tables in the front, a long bar with stools and more tables in the back. Plenty of space to banter around.
Banter has drink specials through out the entire week on top of happy hour which runs daily until 8 pm.
Thank you, Peter for kicking off the new year with an awesome bar in an awesome neighborhood. Can’t wait to see what future events are in store for us!
— — — —
*Coke should always be mixed with whisky. At least, that’s what my mom says.

Wanna know a secret?
I do not drink bourbon.
Wanna know another secret?
I have discovered a love for Buffalo Bourbon and Gingerale… and then when my love was getting deeper, the bourbon was dry.
DRY!
Which means, we succeeded! If thats not a Unilocal success, i dont know what is!
I beleive that being thirsty is a requirement for being Elite.
What a great turnout.
So many new faces. So many familiar faces.
My heart swelled when Peter D got up on the bar and I thought he was doing a «Jando» (giving a speech at an elite event) but sadly, he was only reporting a lost clutch.
I was lucky to taste some of hte paninis that were going around. Damn, they was tasty.
I brought a Unilocal newbie with me last night who not only enjoyed his bourbon, but also met a lot of awesome Unilocalers!
I was thrilled to meet some of the CMs from other states~ Hi Ryan and Candace!
Really great time!
Thanks for the Watch and Poncho PeterD! Looks like it still rains every time you host an Elite event!

The first event to start off the New Year. Brooklyn Style!
Once I walked in I noticed that we have a bunch of new faces.
Welcome to the World of Unilocal Elite, Newbies!
Banter was a cool and chill spot. It was a good ratio of people and space. It wasn’t too crowded where you can’t even get a drink and not too big where someone can bust out in a random break dance.
Bourbon and I don’t really have a good past, but I wanted to test it out and see if we can start over. Results were not well, but we have more time to see if we can work out the differences.
All in all it was a great night. Awesome drinks and cool people. I got to meet a couple of new faces and some of the «OG» Elites. The only drawback of the night was that they RAN OUT OF BOURBON. It’s like going to Shake Shack and not having anymore meat…
Special Thanks to Peter D & Banter for throwing an awesome event!

As newbie Unilocaler Stephanie L. and I walked towards Banter, we noticed the meek line that curved onto the street. It was fast moving, which was a plus. First things first in a Unilocal Elite event… drinks! We tried the Winter Session Ale from Peak Organic, which ended up being our fave (in comparison to Peak Organic’s IPA).
From there on, we met a few new people, introduced ourselves to them and we moved on our merry way towards the back of the bar, where I saw some familiar faces. Stephanie L. and I managed to swipe mints, which were stored in a cute metal Unilocal tin.
…I then came in contact with the red flashy Unilocal watches. I fell in love. There were two staring back at me near people and I was sure that they were already claimed. To my fortune, they were not and I hurriedly snatched them up in a Black Friday style and fashion. PRECIOUS red Unilocal watches… for me and my plus one. Woot!
The space isn’t quite the best for intermingling for big groups of people so we pretty much stayed in the same area with the same small group (me, Ron C., Ethan F., Danielle S., Ryan B., Rob K., Stephanie L.) until it was time to skidaddle to the arepas afterparty. Yum yum.
Question: What’s up with the bizarre painting on the wall with a person on fire? I don’t get it. A little off, IMO.
Until next time, Brooklyn Unilocal Elites! :)
***I am proud to say that I am part of an amazing Unilocal community with some of my favorite people in New York. Fer cereal. :)

Awesome selection of adult beverages, good crowd. I had a great time for the short period I was able to stay. Unfortunately work forced me out after only an hour.
The bourbon was great, was my first time trying it, and I’m glad that I did. Peak Organic is great beer — hats off to you organic freaks, because it fits the bill. Banter’s atmosphere is great, and I’d definitely visit again under different circumstances… when in the neighborhood of course.
Side note: I would have loved to meet some new people, but could barely find any of you that I met at my first event this past summer :(

After a couple of glasses of champers in a lovely yet lonely bar in gramercy, it only took a mere suggestion to convince my oldest, bestest Unilocalie to accompany me on her very firstest, bestest, Unilocaliest Elite Event Ev-​ah (that’s Jen L, our ambassadrice from my former hometown due West*).
Zoom! We were off to fête Peter D. and his squadron of Elitist in the W-​burgh, champers, smokies and smartass taxi driver in tow.
Bourbon and gingers, Unilocal watches and beer coozies awaited us, together with the welcoming arms of Unilocal friends old and new.
A wonderful spot to ring in the new year, and after imbibing in all Banter had to offer, my luxurious coach (G!) whisked me to off to a night of champers, bourbon and sugarplums dancing in my head.
Smooches! You know you love me,
XOXO, champers girl
P. S. Buffalo is in NYState for someone (cough cough) who may need a geography lesson (cough cough).
P. P. S. BIG UPS to Buffy’s new CM, Ryan W, who is going to rawk it out Buffy-​Style!

One of my New Years Resolutions was to venture in the far reaches of Brooklyn whenever a Unilocal event was taking place. I succeeded, as Williamsburg is the definition of Far Reaches compared to my neighborhood of Bensonhurst.
As always, Unilocal kicked butt, Peter D rocked the place, and new elite Unilocalers were all over the place. It was awesome. The Winter Session was delicious!

Awesome time, awesome people!
A great way to kick off the new year. I always love me some Peak Organic, and it was my first time trying out Buffalo Trace Bourbon, which was delicious and a bit dangerous on an empty stomach (shout out to Jando for convincing me to get one on the rocks anyway!).
Banter was also a really cool place, with high ceilings, tons of seating, and cool art; I particularly liked the painting of Icarus (aren’t I so cultured?) and the fact that they were showing black and white films on TV.
Thanks to Peter for organizing. And it was great meeting the Chicago and Buffalo Ambassadors too! Thanks to Peak Organic, Buffalo Trace and the Banter staff as well!

Free booze, dark bar, finger sandwiches? Yes, yes and YES Unilocal.The bartenders were fast and attentive, drinks were good and strong, and the vibe was super friendly. I drank the bourbon, and while I’m not usually a dark liquor drinker, it may have made me a convert. I confess I never got to the tap beers, but it did look like they had quite the selection. Seems like a great place to hole up in on a cold night.
My only gripe– What’s up with the lack of tipping Unilocalers? You’re getting free booze, free BOURBON! Sitting at the bar, I started paying attention after getting a bit sauced and going on a tirade about manners. Basically you cheapies cost me an extra $ 15 or so in guilt tips. I could name names (you were wearing a nametag you’ll recall), but I won’t, well… maybe for another cocktail.

The Morning After Blues
I hear the G train comin’
It’s rollin’ ’round the bend,
And I ain’t seen the sunshine,
Since, I don’t know when,
I’m hung over in Park Slop,
And time keeps draggin’ on,
But that G train keeps a-​rollin’,
Back down to Banter Bar.
I’ll definitely return — a very cool joint. Thanks to Peter and the Unilocal Posse, the prompt & helpful staff and all the luscious lushes with whom I shared a drink and convo.

They ran out of Bourbon!
In other words: we drank the place dry. A clear sign of an evening to remember. Or an evening whose details I can’t quite remember…
I can’t think of a better way to kick start the new Unilocal year than an evening of tasty brews (20 beers on tap!) surrounded by some of Unilocal’s finest.
Both Peak Organic IPA and Winter Session Ale were good, and paired very well with the panini that were streaming out of the kitchen en masse.
Shout out to the French bartender who gave me excellent suggestions for draught beers to try (at $ 2 for half a pint!): the Founder’s Centennial IPA was wonderful; just like the Bluepoint Rastafarye, and an Austrian beer I can’t quite remember now…
I have to admit that I felt a bit emotional when Peter D., my Commander-​in-​chief, climbed on a stool and addressed the crowd. Peter, you make me feel proud of being a Brooklyn Unilocaler.