Elite Event at Bedford Hall

Leron’s Lesson: It does not get better than this. Great great great event!
Full Review: From the minute I walked in, to the minute I left I was smiling. The owners of Bedford Hall were really cool and they put together an unforgettable experience. The cocktails were great, the food was exceptional and the special surprise burlesque show was wonderful. I’m coming back Bedford Hall. Please believe it.

We all know Unilocal parties are the best kind of parties, so walking into Bedford Hall that blustery evening of course expectations were high. This IS a Peter D. party after all… Could we have expected snazzy jazz age décor with plus chairs and decorative ottomans abounding, every seat feeling like you were right next to the fireplace sipping your favorite cocktail with your favorite guy/​gal at your knee? Perhaps… Could we have expected stellar service and spot on cocktails and food tastings? Probably… But could we have expected the perfect atmosphere, with the perfect service (Bedford Hall’s amazing service of passed food and beverages managed to completely defeat the rise of the Unilocal Hunger Games, huzzah!), the most delicious food, great crowd… and…and…AND Calamity Chang the Asian Sexation? Its just too much!
Really, as late as I am reviewing this, I have to take all hats off (even the Derby hat) to Peter, the team at Bedford Hall, and of course to Calamity Chang and Broadway Brassy. Calamity rarely graces Brooklyn with her amazing act, so it was a real treat to see her at a Unilocal event of all places. Some of our friends in the crowd could have used some manners lessons, but that’s the closest I can come to anything off-​putting about the evening. Bedford Hall should give trainings for all future Unilocal Elite hosts, they really know how to throw down the party gauntlet!

Overdue review on one of the most spectacular Unilocal Events to date! Partially, because I was still in recovery mode until Friday. Haaa. I arrived about close to an hour before my closer friends. So, naturally imbibed in probably a million delicious of those variation on a Moscow Mule cocktails. One of my favorite drinks ever. Though, I also tried the Victorian cocktail, that tasted mostly of pineapple juice and was pleasant. It was delicious on the first round and then became mixed wrong later on in the night by someone. WAY too much tart lemon. Not sure if that was even the same cocktail or if someone just mocked something up. Passed that one up.
I was enamored with the local musicians and singer on the piano for a good while. Really classy and beautiful bar in an area I never really trek out to so will have to remember to come back here specifically for this awesome place. I LOVE bars with book shelves and sofas as well. I could live here. After adjusting myself to the scenario, people offered to check my coat. Though, I held onto it, which was probably a stupid idea because that coat got mystery sauce on it EVERYWHERE later on.
Quickly, trays of savory pork balls with a sweet tangy sauce were passed under my nose along with mini crab cake balls with aioli and pico de gallo. Personally, I loved both of these items and they were my favorites of the evening. Incredibly moist crab cakes and I liked that they were on the small side. Just means I can eat more. And there were so many rounds that went around! Like the drinks.
Ran into some Unilocalers that I haven’t seen in awhile! Always good seeing familiar faces! And then eventually my friends roamed through starving and thirsty. Massive arrangement of trays of steamed mussels submerged in a curry broth. I’ve never had anything like this before and don’t often find myself eating mussels. But they were delicious and messy. Also, brownies from Grandma’s, shrimp ceviche, catfish sliders, cheesecake mousse with berry couli in a cup. I tried to try one of everything and then eventually as Steph P. handed me another slider my stomach said «oh no, no, I can’t».
We watched some interesting Burlesque. I’ve never been to a booby show before but it was kind of neat. I liked their Victorian themed costumes! Stephy asked to pose with one of the girl’s disco balls at one point, lol. I also heard at some point, quote of the night, «I bet her ass cheeks don’t clap». And then this proceeded onwards into getting sloppier at Tip Top. Great life decisions? Probably, Probably, Yes. Thank you so much Peter D. for hosting yet another spectacular event!

I have been saving my 300^th review for something truly special, and I have found it. Like bowling, 300 represents something perfect and I needed something perfect to spend it on. This event takes the cake (or brownie.)
Yes, it’s taken me a couple days to write this — but hey, I have been recuperating from the shenanigans at the Elite Event at Bedford Hall!
I expected there to be booze, laughs, food and a wonderful time in true Peter D. style. What I did not expect was easily my favorite YEE not only of the year (ha!) but one of the best I have ever been to, ever!
Stoli brought their A-​game with infused cocktails playing off the Moscow Mule and whatever-​it-​was-​I-​drank after a couple of those. It’s a blur. But a good blur. Like the kind of blur that enables you the good fortune of forgetting what a fool you made of yourself last night! ;)
(I’m building up to the best part here, stick in there!)
The food was superb, and I devoured several of Grandma’s brownies with cream on top. I then told her I loved her. And hugged her. Really. The cerviche was ri-​donk-​ulously good, which I thankfully asked if it had avocado before eating and the knowledgeable staff immediately said yes. Being allergic, I gave mine to Miss Sarit and the gentleman serving actually took my name and had a special cup made just for me — without me requesting it — with no avocado, and actually FOUND me and gave it to me. No small feat, I tipped well and I’m sure I probably told him I love him, too.
Best part (other than this being my 300^th review!!) was the entertainment. In the words of Takei, «Oh myyyyyy…» A night full of food, booze, friends and burlesque? Do you need any more reason to love Brooklyn Unilocal?Or Bedford Hall? Or Peter D? (Or Grandma… Or the male server…)
… Maybe I’m still a little drunk.
As always, thank you Peter D, Bedford Hall, Grandma and the great staff and burlesque entertainers! This sets the bar amazingly high for the rest of the year! ;)

What better to warm you up on a bitterly cold Wednesday night in January than awesome friends, potent drinks, tasty food, a sophisticated atmosphere… and titties?!
First off, this place is seriously gorgeous. Like, really fucking beautiful. Designed in the style of a Brooklyn 1920s speak easy, this classy place features lots of wood, a library, dark leather couches, stuffed animals, and lots of space. Also, loved the pictures along the wall featuring people who contributed to the neighborhood through the decades. Bed-​Stuy is a neighborhood with a lot of history; it’s nice to see it celebrated.
Also, great entertainment with live jazz piano, and a freakin’ burlesque show! This is a first for me at a YEE. Broadway Brassy, Miss Strawberry Fields and Calamity Chang got the crowd all pumped up!
My only suggestion to the people at Bedford Hall: Fix the sound system.
The food was delicious: Pork skewers, crab cake balls, fluke and shrimp ceviche, plus turkey sliders, lamb mini-​burgers, and cheesecake filling in a mini parfait cup with the berry coulis.
Stoli vodka-​based drinks (The mule from Bed-​Stuy and The Victorian) were potent and free-​flowing. Don’t you love it when they actually deliver the drinks to you? So, shout out to the people behind the bar: you are awesome!
One of the best YEEs I’ve ever attended. Thank you, Peter D., for once again making the magic happen.
Also, the afterparty at Tip Top bar kept the fun going, but all that is a bit blurry in my mind right now.

6 stars!
Honestly this was the perfect way to kick off 2014 if you ask me! I went to Bedford Hall within the first month of their opening (they weren’t even accepting credit cards yet) and i immediately feel in love with the vibe. If you’re into cool Brooklyn bars, this bar is the coolest! So when i got word that the first elite event would be there i knew i had to go.
They really rolled out the red carpet for us, giving us a great sample of their yummy food (clams and pork skewers anyone?!) And the drinks by Stoli were great. Burlesque dancers and acapella singers made the whole evening seem like a variety show, just demonstrating what they have to offer on any given night. The staff was so nice and the owner had no problems with chatting it up with us and letting us know more about his space and what he’s trying to do. Just a great vibe all around and a high bar set yet again by Peter D! Yay!

Finally popped my first Brooklyn Elite event cherry! And yes it happened the night before my dental board exam (I so got my priority straight). Definitely no regrets whatsoever because I had such an amazing time!
My only regret was eating dinner prior because they were more than generous in serving food and drinks to us. There were continuous circulations of crabcake bites, pork skewers, ceviche (personal fav), catfish BLT, turkey slider, fried mushroom, pots and pots of mussels in Thai curry sauce, brownie bites, and to wrap things up — cheesecake in a cup with berry sauce (sooooo good).
It was the perfect venue/​event for my girlfriend and I to catch up + unwind. I would had never known such cute venue exist (I’ve actually never been this part of Brooklyn before). Tasteful roaring twenty décor, cozy/​plush seats, attentive staffs, and beyond stuffed food baby — what more can I ask for? And the cherry on top — the burlesque show they threw for us. AH-​MAZING! The performers were so friendly and took their time in taking individual pics with us afterward!
Bedford hall really went above and beyond in making sure we were well served, fed, and entertained. Thank you so much to the management at Bedford, Peter (yay we finally met!), and all the Unilocal staffs for spoiling us.
Crap, Bedford set the standard too high, I’m going to expect all Brooklyn Unilocal events to be the same.

Really like this bar. It has a very classy interior, and is exactly the type of place I’d like to go for my next birthday, or celebratory event.
Specific likes:
1. Bookshelves on the walls. The old and leather-​bound kind. It makes it look like my parent’s study. This makes drinking surrounded by these literary masterpieces seem like you’re raiding your parents wine stash, or something. Feels naughty in the best kind of way.
2. They have a phonograph. Like, a real one. And it works!
3. Dark corners. There are many private areas built into this bar. It makes you feel like you’re in a VIP with everyone sitting around on leather couches and separated from the rest of the fray. I tried to explore all of them when I was there last night, but every time I turned around there was a new one.
4. Awesome service. They have some of the nicest staff here. Bonus: some of them have cool foreign accents. I’m a sucker for that kind of thing.
Dislikes:
1. This one lemon drink they served last night was gross. Waaay too much lemon. It was free for an event they hosted, so I didn’t say anything and just set it aside. The Victorian was delicious, though! It also seems like the type of place that would take the drink back without question. Everyone was very accommodating.
I haven’t spent much time in this neighborhood, but maybe I’ll have to start! It’s also walking distance to a bunch of other bars in case you need to switch to something a little less classy for round 2.

Snow, sleet, and freezing cold shall not keep dedicated Unilocalers from an event — and they were rewarded, and privileged to be at the BEST Unilocal EVENT EVER! Peter D. knocked it out of the park with this one! He has already set the bar high in January!
Speaking of bars, Bedford Hall is a grand, wonderful place, looking like part library, part bar, part Victorian living room. The event was well staffed with plenty of professional staff who mixed a great drink, served fantastic food, and provided great entertainment! Drinks came quickly from servers, the pork was succulent, crab tasty, mushroom delightful, and to top it off we were entertained with Jazz singers, a fantastic DJ, and — a cabaret show!
The event space made it great to walk about, mix and mingle, network and meet fellow Unilocalers — I definitely made a few more friends during the evening!
Bedford Hall is a great venue and a welcome addition to the Bed — Stuy neighborhood. I will definitely be coming back to enjoy the warm space, cocktails, and the food. Brooklyn had definitely arrived! Thanks for hosting us, and many thanks to all of the excellent staff (there were so many it was hard to remember all their names) that made the evening truly memorable. This event deserves 10 stars!

Oops! Forgot to check in!
I really enjoyed myself at this event dispite rolling in 45 minutes late. Just in time for booze and boobs.
I couldn’t believe the amount of food and drinks being served. As far as food&drink to people ratio, this event was definitly the best. While I mind my Unilocal manners and only sample the bites, I actually had to turn some down because I was so full! The drinks were pretty sweet and I enjoyed the buzz I got from them.
I really liked the atmosphere here. I had no idea there would be burlesque dancers. Did the one preformer dressed as Marie Antoinette look a bit like Sweet Dee from It’s Always Sunny? Maybe that’s just me.
Fellow Unilocalers discussed coming back for their jazz brunch. This is one place I would like to return to and spend my hard earned dollars.
The staff put on a really great event!

Wow. First time I’ve been to Bed-​Stuy, and I want to come back.
I was a little surprised to find a drink called «The Mule». This immediately reminded me of the iconic villain from Asimov’s Foundation Series.
Then I turned around, and spotted a picture of Asimov on the wall. Bizarre.
What an awesome bar!

Holy Bajesus AmazBALLS!
I’m still coming out of a food coma that left me on cloud nine. I’ve been going to elite events for about a year and this was my second event in Brooklyn being a Queens elite member. Bedford Hall ranks right up there with the BEST of them.
I got here early and right away there were servers walking around with drinks. The two drink special were The Mule From Bed-​Stuy (Soli Vodka, ginger beer, lim juice and bitters) and The Victorian (Stoli Vodka, elderberry liquer, pineapple juice, and lime juice). They were both delicious though I really loved The Victorian.
Don’t get me started on the food. The first thing I tried was the pork skewers. They were meaty, fatty, and downright delicious. Two of those could have been a meal all by themselves. The crabcakes were probably my favorite. I just couldn’t say no. Then the staff started busting out the big guns. Dishing out sliders left and right. There were two kinds of sliders being circulated. The turkey sliders were sooo good. That’s when I officially decided I was full. Like officially, but there was just so much more to try. The Catfish BLT sliders with avocado were really good too. The mushroom appetizer with salsa were cute and tasty. The brownies were magnificent. I secretly love to have chocolate after eating and the brownies just hit the spot. The mussels were very appetizing also.
Bedfor Hall overall was just a complete treat. The décor was lovely. I loved all the pianos and organs everywhere. I even saw I few Unilocal members sit down to play for a bit. The seating was comfortable and chic. The shuffleboard table made for some great entertainment and the burlesque show was just the cherry on top.
It was always great to see the familiar faces and of course some new Unilocal elite members. A round of of applause is order for Peter D. and the entire staff at Bedford Hall. Everyone seemed like they were having a remarkable time. I tip my hat to you all. SUCCESS.
I’m worrying about not being able to check in while gorging on amazing appetizers and revolving drinks. #YelpEliteProblems
…BUT I STILL GOT MY HIGH FIVE FROM PETER D.

This event was crazier than drag racing sport cars, while drinking alcohol on pain medication mixed with robitussin, with hip hop stars and Justin Bieber.
I’m joking… Khalil is definitely not a star. Though this event was legit crazier than anything else going on that night.
Bedford Hall is a relatively new spot located on Franklin Avenue. It’s cool, hip and swanky. Amazing décor. Reminds me of Union Hall in a multitude of ways. You can just pickup something random around the bar and start having fun with it. And I’m not talking about the women. Books, a small shuffle board and a beautiful piano. It’s just an amazing looking place. Lots of charm.
I stuck to the Moscow Mule the whole night and was drinking quite a few of them. I really wouldn’t say was double fisting because I had two in one hand while the other hand was busy putting amazing food in my mouth. Turkey burger sliders, chicken BLT sliders, pork skewers, mussels, shrimp ceviche and brownies. All fantastic. I didn’t care for their crab cakes, but I am very particular about my crab cakes.
The staff here was amazing. Super friendly and helpful. The owner was super cool. They had people playing the piano and singing. Then they had a burlesque show. I wanted Peter D, to partake but alas he declined. Burlesque usually ain’t my thing, too classy for me, but everyone seemed to be enjoying it and definitely got everyone excited.
Everyone was having a blast and a good time. It was great to see the usual Unilocal crowd and some people I got to actually meet for the first time. At the end some drunk guy was convincing everyone to go down the block to Tip Top for after hours. Level of drunken debauchery went from Justin Bieber to Amanda Bynes.
Thank you so much Bedford Hall for starting the 2014 Brooklyn Unilocal season off right. With a slam dunk of an event. It was like a monster jam that drew contact, got to go to the free throw line. Threw it off the glass, got it’s own board and slammed it down again. And because it was so great the refs felt that last dunk should be worth three points and the other team conceded without much of an argument because they themselves were amazed. Peter D, thank you like always for setting up an awesome event and properly representing the best borough in this fine city.

When my phone is completely destroyed before I even leave an Elite Event, I would consider that a good time… I think. :-)
Peter D. knows how to start off the new year for the BK Elite life. Bedford Hall is truly one of Bedstuy’s best kept secrets. For being open only about three months, it’s definitely been a secret from me.
Either the ambiance of Bedford Hall or the 8 – 9 Moscow Mule’s + some Jameson shots but whatever it might have been, this place is truly awesome. From the décor, to the couches, to the bookshelves lined across the wall, live jazz piano (loved that Lauryn Hill by those impromptu artists from New Orleans). Everything about this place screamed cozy.
Food, food and more FOOD, YES PLEASE!!!
The crab cakes with avocado aioli was my favorite bite for the night OR was it the juicy pork skewer OR the refreshing shrimp ceviche OR was the sweet and savory lamb burger. All of the appetizers served were very delicious but the crab cake was the best. It had a spicy kick to it and the most ideal thing, they were bite size. You can’t go wrong with a tasty crab cake.
The bartenders and staff here were simply amazing. Stolichnaya, ginger beer, and bitters is where the party is that. Drinks were served up very quickly, which is a major plus. Calvin, Joanie, Johnny, Sue and the entire staff were all very welcoming and very generous. I look forward to coming here and trying out the rest of the menu along with the entire bar.
Many, many thanks to Peter D. for taking a gamble on Bedford Hall and showing us another one of Brooklyn’s finest establishments. Without him, I don’t know where I would be.

Dear future Unilocal Elite Event hosts,
I hope you were all taking notes, because this is how you do it.

One of the best Unilocal elite events that I’ve been to!
The food was excellent although hard to get to and the drinks were good. My only issue with the burlesque show was that it only catered to the men! Please keep in mind that we women would’ve enjoyed a little eye candy as well. Ijs I can’t be the only female that felt that way LOL.
I enjoyed myself and plan to definitely return for brunch.

So. I totally worked the system and got more than one high five from Peter D. I’m totally kidding; I don’t do enough lifting– still sore from the one.
I just turned Elite last week so I was more than happy to attend my first event last night (xoxo to Dave H.!). I had no clue who or what to expect, but everyone I met was so friendly and open to talking to the stranger with two of her own name tags. Speaking of which, some of the ladies can probably attest to how sudden head movements would result in loss of hair.
I didn’t get to try all the food (donde esta crab cakes?) because The Victorian had all my attention. I loved the staff as they were so gracious; anyone who continuously delivers me sustenance wins my heart. I am not a cheap date.
I don’t think I’m allowed to post any of the better pics I took with the burlesque ladies; let’s just say the pasties didn’t cover all the nips. [NSFW and NSFYelp]
All I have to say is, the ‘Yelpite’ cherry has been popped and there’s no going back!

BEST Unilocal ELITE EVENT I HAVE EVER BEEN TOO!!!
Screw the snow and screw the cold. I am so glad I made it out to this event. As soon as we walked in we grabbed a Victorian drink, which was fantastic. We also had the Mule which was pretty good as well. The food was absolutely amazing. No doubt about it. I enjoyed the BBQ pork skewers, crab cakes, the mushrooms, and the brownie cakes. DELICIOUS!!!
Best part of the night was the Burlesque show. GREAT ENTERTAINMENT!!! AWESOME SHOW!!! BOOBIES!!! YES!!! YES!!! YES!!!
The Bedford Hall staff and managers were so friendly and very welcoming. I liked that the staff were walking around with the drinks to hand out instead of us going up to the bar to get them. Love the food and the drinks. Love the atmosphere. It was a very classy.
Thank you Peter D. And the Unilocal team for throwing such an awesome and entertaining Unilocal elite event. I enjoyed the check in offer. Get one and only one high five from Peter D. I got my high five. Haha!
Thank You Bedford Hall!!!

I’m a true Queens Elite at heart, but I have to give Peter D credit for throwing the HOTTEST Brooklyn Elite Event thus far! I was not a fan of walking in the snow, but I knew I had to suck it up and march over to Bedford Hall. I’m so glad I was able to make it. Entertainment was nothing I’ve ever experienced before. It was my first time watching a Burlesque show and it was amazing. I got a lot of kicks and giggles from it. Oh, and that SONG that lady sang… CLASSIC!!! lol
Now on to the food. Everything was delicious and the staff were so generous in bringing more food and drinks around. I felt like I got my fair share of the night. The pork skewers dipped in chili sauce was amazing. Crab cakes with avocado aioli and salsa was definitely to die for! The Victorian drink was absolutely fabulous. Thanks for the awesome event!!! I truly enjoyed myself!

Ok, I finally made it to an elite event… that was my New Year’s resolution… I made my goal! (All jokes aside, I hope to attend more events, even if its cold as f#%k out)
Bedford Hall was a warm and cozy spot. It seemed like the perfect place to come and chill with a group of friends. The place was sophisticated. I feel like it would be a perfect spot to come in with a bow tie and a cigar pipe. (Cigar pipe just for show of course, Bloomberg made it clear there’s no smoking inside, e-​cigs included)
As soon as I walked in, I notice a few waiters walking about, with drinks on a tray, rather than have a group of people bunched up against the bar waiting for drinks. That was a plus. Food was plenty so there was no need for people to attack waiters as soon as they emerge from the kitchen with a tray of food. There was also a self serve station with two platters of coconut curry mussels. At the end they served a dessert of a cheesecake filling in a mini parfait cup topped with a berry coulis.
We were also treated to a burlesque performance… boobies=awesomeness…also, a song was sung… um…yea, that song…
Where are my manners? Many Thanks to the awesome Brooklyn CM, Peter D. and the Unilocal helpers for making this shindig happen!!!