Pickle Shack (CLOSED)

Brooklyn Brine and Dogfish Head Brewery come together for this cuke-centric Gowanus pub. The artisanal pickle makers—who’ve partnered with the Delaware beer buffs on their Hop Pickle since 2012—exclusively serve eight Dogfish suds at the 35-seat nook. You’ll find tap regulars like Indian Brown Ale and Raison D’Être, and Dogfish owner Sam Caliagione hooks up his infuser to two draft lines at the bar, flavoring the beer with French lavender, citrusy Amarillo hops or a coriander-cumin spice blend. But brews aren’t just relegated to the tap—the Brine team also uses them to flavor pickles and condiments, including a barbecue sauce spiked with 90 Minute IPA and onions caramelized in Palo Santo Marron. Fried pickles, cheese plates and sandwiches round out the offerings. In between gherkin-eating and pint-chugging, you can play a few rounds of bocce in the 40-seat backyard.