Neighborhood Spotlight: LIU Brooklyn

Hey All,

We’re back with another neighborhood spotlight, and this one comes to us right in the middle of Downtown Brooklyn.

With tons of new NYC Footy leagues springing up around the city as we roll into winter, I want to take this moment to point out one of our best looking new locations, LIU Brooklyn.

Those of you who have played with us during the winter before this year, and those of you who call Pier 5 home, probably were familiar with the gym at St. Francis. Sadly, this space is no longer available as the whole building got sold.

While it’s always sad to see a field go, especially one with so much connection to Footy, this makes LIU all the more special.

The gym at LIU is only a short walk from where St. Francis used to be, so those of you who live in Downtown Brooklyn or who covet a short walk from the subway to the gym won’t have to sacrifice a thing.

This is the LIU Brooklyn Spotlight!

LIU

The Pitch:

The gym is incredibly well maintained and as you can see above is gigantic.

We’ll be running a two games on the floor side by side so there will be a lot more soccer for you and your friends to play, especially for those of you who like to stick around and sub for the games after yours.

This also means there is plenty more space on the side where you can keep your stuff, change, and sub without worrying about an errant ball (or human) flying towards you.

It may seem like a small luxury, but most indoor fields are fairly tight on space and this is one of the few locations where you’ll have the entire large area at your disposal.

Indoor seasons are a great way to get into shape in the ‘off season’ as there’s always a way to be active on the smaller field, so LIU is a perfect chance for you to kick off those resolutions strong and stay in shape for the spring and summer seasons.

The Neighborhood:

Downtown Brooklyn is chock full of post game parlors for you and your team.

I’m going to point you towards a few of my favorite recommendations. If you’re someone who likes to explore on their own both Fulton St. and Lafayette Ave are littered with bars, restaurants, and coffee shops, and rest just a block away from LIU to the south.

On the other end, the Dekalb Market Hall is just a block to the west, so there’s plenty around you in any direction.

Wherever you go, if you have your friends, it’ll be a great place!

Up First: Alibi

Alibi

Alibi is this lists no no-nonsense dive, and it just so happens to have landed the #2 spot on GrubStreets list of the Top 50 Dive Bars in New York (you can check out the full article right here: Grub Streets 50 best dives).

Alibi is located just a few blocks up Lafayette Ave. If you’re looking for somewhere dimly lit, with draft beers, and a dart board this is the place for you.

The bartenders are incredibly jovial and warm, so your kindness towards them goes a long way.

IF you get up here and find that it’s not to your liking or is a little too packed, there are four other bars on this one block of Lafayette Ave, so just keep calm and mosey on.

Up Next: Fancy Free

Fancy Free

Good bar food, drink specials all the time, a friendly staff, not to mention it’s two blocks away from the field and sits directly in front of the subway.

As you can see, there’s plenty of outdoor space (with space heaters in the winter of course), and the indoor goes deep into the back and is filled with long tables so even if you come in with your whole team, you won’t have to worry about accommodations.

Perfect if you’re looking for that “ok fine but only one because I have stuff to do” drink.

Up Next: Walter’s

Walter’s

Walter’s falls more on the sit down and eat category than quick post-game drink, but if you’re playing on a weekend afternoon and want to spend some more time with your wonderful teammates, Walter’s is perfect.

They serve elevated American fare, have great drinks and brunch specials at your pleasure.

Additionally, they’re right across the street from Ft. Greene Park, so on those rare, crisp but comfortable winter days you can spend some time lounging among the trees or walking through the farmer’s market that pops up right across the street on weekends.

And Lastly: Rockwell

Rockwell

Rockwell is a great bar, serving beer, cocktails, small and large bites in a really nice space complete with a front street patio.

While all of this is well and good (and I do mean that sincerely) the real reason Rockwell finds itself on this list is because it is right across the street from the gym. Really, right across the street.

So if you and your friends are trying to make a quick exit from the gym and want to land back inside within 60 seconds or less, Rockwell is your place.

Directions:

LIU sits near the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, so there are about fifty different ways you can get to the field easily.

Subway: The G, 2, 3, B, D, 4, 5, F, N, R, W all have stations in close proximity to the field making it one of the most easily accessible locations around.

Bike: There are two Citibike stations on both sides of the gym, so if you’re biking (in the winter no less, bless your heart) you’ll find it super easy.

Bus: You can also use the B54 which runs along Myrtle Ave and will drop you right in front of the location.

As always, it’s been a pleasure to write for y’all and share what I can. I hope you take some notes and have a great season!

-James