The scene inside Clyde’s, in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn.CreditNina Westervelt for The New York Times
Just when the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn seems to be overrun with corporate retailers — Whole Foods, Citibank and Apple, to name a few — comes a lively Trinidadian cocktail bar that harks back to the neighborhood’s alternative, indie spirit.
Clyde’s, which opened in March, is partly owned by Christopher Leacock of the electronic dance trio Major Lazer. And although it sits just steps from the touristy bustle of Bedford Avenue, the funky lounge serves as a refreshing departure from the encroaching commercialism that surrounds it.
THE PLACE
The bar is in the middle of a quiet block lined with vinyl clapboard apartment buildings. Inside, the cozy and narrow space is a colorful mash-up of tropical wallpaper, beaded curtains, wicker chairs, worn Oriental rugs and old calypso album covers that elicit laid-back island vibes.
THE CROWD
Thursday nights feature reggae dance tunes and draw young Trinidadians from across the five boroughs. On a visit not long ago, a stylish group of Bronx women in their early 30s and dressed in tube tops and vintage denim laughed raucously with two Jamaican-American men who work in tech.
Nearby a pair of fashion students from SoHo in tie-dye and track pants took shots of rum, while three older women in vibrant floral-printed dresses sat in a far corner, presiding over the scene like village elders.
The bar is on a quiet block. CreditNina Westervelt for The New York Times
THE PLAYLIST
An upbeat mix of reggae, dancehall, calypso and soca music, with live D.J. sets each week. A recent night’s playlist stumped Shazaam, a welcome shift from the popular bars nearby playing Top 40 and pseudo-underground electro.
GETTING IN
Guests can enter through an unmarked door on the street. Or duck through the beaded curtain that separates the bar from Pearl’s, the adjoining Caribbean restaurant.
DRINKS
Rum reigns supreme. The bar manager, Cyllan Hicks, serves signature cocktails ($14) made with native Trinidadian ingredients like cane syrup and guava. Small plates like sweet plantains ($6) and stuffed crab back ($15) are on offer from Pearls, with table service in the lounge area.
Clyde’s, 178 North Eighth Street, Brooklyn; 929-276-3528; clydesquality.com. Open daily, except Monday. Hours vary.
