Hops and Hollywood: Bar Movie Nights

Who doesn’t like free entertainment? One of my favorite things about New York in the summer is all the free outdoor movie screenings scattered around the city. While the projectors won’t get fired up until June, there’s plenty of opportunities to see some free flicks and get tipsy on a weeknight at your local bar. They’re tricky to track down in the city, but Brooklyn being oh so fond of theme nights boasts plenty of free screenings.  With summer right around the corner, must-see TV turns into Law & Order spin-off purgatory. I’ve already seen all the different ways women can be killed, and Jeff Goldblum , I’d rather see you make The Fly 2 then play cops and robbers. So turn off the telly, and catch-up on your blaxsploitation films.

Tandem Bar

If you don’t live in the area, you might have never heard of Tandem Bar. Located on an unassuming side street in Bushwick, this bar cum restaurant is well worth the trip. Their food is fantastic and there’s a big room in the back for spontaneous dance-offs. Starting tonight, they can add temporary cinema to their repertoire. Evey Tuesday, a different exploitation film will be screened at 9 pm.  Come early for drink specials and good seats. The line-up includes: Hustler Squad, Chain Gang Woman, Superchick, and Sister Street Fighter. Tonight’s selection is Trip with Teacher about an innocent field trip that turns deadly with a chance encounter with some local bikers. Sounds delightful!

Tandem Bar
236 Troutman St
Between Wilson & Knickbocker Ave [Bushwick]

Huckleberry Bar

Known for their fancy cocktails, slick interior and cozy backyard, Huckleberry Bar is one of those places you might take a date or an out of town friend you want to impress. These are drinks to sip on rather than chase with a shot of pickle juice. But hey, there’s a time and place for everything. If you enjoy free popcorn with your sidecars, then head over for their Monday night movie series. Right now they’re showing the entire Indian Jones series with next week being my personal favorite, The Temple of Doom. I haven’t seen them all since my Dad decided to host his own marathon on laser discs, but I’m sure Harrison will look just as good on DVD. I’m still kicking myself I missed their screening of the  original Clash of Titans with some classic stop motion animation. Films start at 9, and Happy Hour includes 2 for 1 drink specials.

Huckleberry Bar
588 Grand St
Between Lorimer & Leonard St [Williamsburg]

Beauty Bar

This relatively new edition to the Beauty Bar franchise, the Brooklyn location is joining the Monday movie night fray with their weekly screenings at 10. Enjoy free popcorn and cocktails in the trippy interior and get ready to dance after the movie is over with dual DJ’s. Expect a crime fighting theme with Dark Knight, Iron Man, Watchmen, and Ghostbusters. And if you’re going to go all the way down there, be sure to catch a show before or after at Goodbye Blue Monday for some more antics under the JMZ. Check their Facebook page for complete listings.

Beauty Bar
921 Broadway
Between Melrose St & Arion Pl [Bushwick]

Photo Courtesy of: Two Hot Peppers