Ethyl’s, the 1970’s-inspired dance bar and performance space reopened its doors on Grand Street in Williamsburg on October 13th. A love letter to the age of glitz and glam at Studio 54 and the rock & roll heart of Max’s Kansas City, Ethyl’s is the brainchild of native New Yorkers Charlie Sub and Brooklyn-born Gerard Renny. The pair have deep roots in the nightlife community. Charlie’s father’s Queens rock club, The Coventry, helped to launch bands like Kiss, The New York Dolls, and The Ramones, while Gerard’s formidable years were spent at ‘Disco di tutti Disco’, Studio 54.
The newly designed space, set to transport guests to the days of disco, soul and rock and roll, will be split into two sections to offer two different experiences under one roof. A bar will be stationed at the front, where guests can enjoy an array of Brooklyn-inspired eats and cocktails, as classic 70s films and Studio 54 footage are screened on the two TVs flanked on each side. An additional bar, stage and dance floor with a giant disco ball hanging over head can be found in the back room behind a metal chain curtain, where local bands, DJs and their go-go girls will perform live throughout the week. Ethyl’s also features a backyard lounge, where guests can enjoy an al fresco experience.
Ethyl’s menu begins with a selection of appetizers including Banana Spiders, crispy plantains with chimichurri aioli; Ethylz Pretzel, an ode to BK with a Sigmung’s of Brooklyn Pretzel served with spicy brown mustard; and Jerk Chicken Wings with dipping options of either Mike’s hot honey or cool ranch.
The spot also features a range of burgers including the Original Fi’Dolla’ Burger with a ¼ lb Pat LaFrieda blend; the Billy Burger with Swiss cheese, mushrooms, and crispy onions smothered in Luger’s steak sauce served on a toasted English muffin; and the Beyond Burger with go-go sauce.
Classic dishes include the Coney Island Combo, a Schaller and Weber beef hot dog with street cart onions and crinkle cut boardwalk fries, a French Onion Mac & Cheese and Crispy Shrimp Tacos.
In addition, free freshly popped popcorn will also be made behind the bar.
The menu pairs with their array of cocktails like the Hot Blooded, Espolòn silver tequila, blood orange, agave, and jalapeno; Bump & Grind, Wild Turkey bourbon, sweet vermouth, ginger beer, and bitters; Night Fever, Beefeater gin, Aperol, and tonic and the Hot Pants Punch, made with Appleton reserve rum, Campari, pineapple, and agave; and Smoke on the Water made with Vida Mezcal, blue curaçao and fresh lemon.
A full bar is available with cocktails on tap including Manhattan Special, made with Absolut Vanilla, Kahlua and Jameson cold brew and mocktail, Phony Negroni from Brooklyn’s own St. Agrestis.
Each week Ethyl’s will host a variety of different special events and performances. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, experience the Go-Go Get Down Dance Party starting at 9:30pm. Resident DJs will mix the sounds of disco, soul and rock and roll while go-go girls move and groove to the music. World Music Nights and Live Music Showcases will be announced in the coming weeks.
Ethyl’s is located at 312 Grand Street (Havemeyer/Roebling), Brooklyn, NY. The space seats 15 at the bar and has 20 table seats. Total capacity is 120. Ethyl’s is closed on Mondays and is open Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s from 6 PM–1 AM, Thursday from 6 PM–2 AM, Friday and Saturday from 6 PM–3 AM and Sundays from 4 PM–12 AM.
