This is “Small Bites,” a South Florida Sun Sentinel feature with tidbits on the food and beverage scene — because we know that sometimes you just don’t have room for a long article. You want a little news brief instead, an amuse bouche of information, if you will. Enjoy!
WHAT: For those in the know, The Brooklyn Room is open.
The new speakeasy is hidden inside the recently-opened Common Room restaurant just off Young Circle in downtown Hollywood. It’s a room within a room, if you will.
If you simply walk in, you may never be able to find The Brooklyn Room.
Don’t worry. We got you: Just locate the inconspicuous bookshelf in the hallway next to the server station. That bookshelf is actually a door. You pull on the bookshelf’s frame and it reveals the hidden entrance. (Yeah, it’s giving big-time IYKYK.)
But wait, if only it were that simple.
“The manager gives final approval for access,” co-owner Eric Douglas said. “We send out weekly invites that allow booking reservations through a provided link. The manager still gives final approval to ensure the dress code is met, the party size is accurate and — most importantly — that there’s availability.
“Reservations don’t always guarantee access,” he added, “so it’s important to arrive on time.”
Both The Brooklyn Room and Common Room are part of Bol Hospitality Group, which includes culinary concepts such as The Bol Asian Cuisine, Social Room, Bae Korean Grill and Davidoff of Geneva cigar lounge.
That’s a helpful clue if you are hoping for an imbibe-invite.
“While access to The Brooklyn Room speakeasy is by invitation-only, becoming a familiar face at any of Bol Hospitality Group’s establishments doesn’t hurt your possibilities of getting an invite,” Douglas said.
Oh, and not only is the cocktail program (designed by Unfiltered Hospitality) inspired by the Brooklyn borough, but so are the beats — we’re talking old-school hip hop and jazz.
WHERE: Inside the Common Room, 2032 Harrison St., Hollywood
WHEN: The Brooklyn Room hours of operation are 8 p.m.-2 a.m. Thursdays-Saturdays (additional days to come)
INFORMATION: commonroomfl.com
Common Room
Josué Gonzaléz, a consultant/partner with Unfiltered Hospitality, which designed the cocktail program at The Brooklyn Room in downtown Hollywood. (Common Room/Courtesy)
Common Room
Cocktails at the new speakeasy bar The Brooklyn Room, which is an invitation-only hidden space inside Common Room restaurant in downtown Hollywood. (Common Room/Courtesy)
Common Room
The entrance to The Brooklyn Room speakeasy inside the Common Room restaurant is hidden behind a bookcase. (Common Room/Courtesy)