Fulton Hall
250 Ashland Pl at Fulton St, Fort Greene
The Place: A sports bar/beer hall that recently opened stupid close to my new apartment.
Montauk driftwood ale and buffalo cauliflower at Fulton Hall
The Time: Tuesday July 10, 7:30pm. So I moved to Fort Greene, and almost immediately after, Fulton Hall opened. I wanna check out my new neighborhood spots, and I know they’re showing the World Cup. Since it only happens every 4 years, I guess I should see what the fuss is all about.
The Vibe: Well, when I get here, there’s only basketball and baseball playing on the many TVs. Then I’m like, duh, the World Cup is in Russia, of course it wouldn’t be showing in the evening. And that’s how little I know about sports, folks. But since I’m already here, I take a seat at the end of the bar. Fulton Hall is in Gotham Market at the Ashland, so the ceilings are stupid high and it gets a lot of light, unusual for a sports bar. It’s a really big space, with booths, pool tables, high tables, low tables, tables outside. They have all of the tables! Trophies, flags, and sports memorabilia cover every surface that is not a table. I’m pleased to find this place is not overrun with dudes; there are some women here, including one riding solo at the bar who’s watching baseball! Rad.
The Bartender: A sweet young Irish guy who’s attentive, but gives me plenty of time to decide what I want. I’m sitting right near the service station, so I overhear and witness some behind the scenes action amongst the staff, like when the bartender mistakenly prepares 6 of the wrong shot/beer combo for a table. It’s unclear whose fault it is, his or the server’s, but everyone handles it well. I’m impressed.
The Drank: Montauk driftwood ale. A good summery beer. They have a bunch of beer on tap and by the bottle, plus a small selection of classic cocktails and elevated, therefore slightly-more-expensive-than-your-average-bar, bar food. I get the buffalo cauliflower wings, which are spicy and delicious. I eat all of them and don’t regret a damn thing.
Was I Hit On? A guy comes up next to me to close his tab, then says to the bartender “wait, I may need to transfer some more money to that card” and checks his balance on his phone. Like dude, you coulda done this at your table. The bartender's just standing there, cuz he doesn’t know what to do, so the guy says to him, “it’s been a hot summer, you know, lots of spending.” Cool no one cares. Then when things are fine with his bank account, he says to run the card, then quickly adds “but throw like 3 or 4 beers on there for regulars throughout the night, wouldya?” Which is super nice but also, buddy, that’s probably why you’re overspending. He signs his check, smiles at me, and leaves. I spy the total on that bill and let me tell you, that dude's gonna go broke real fast if he keeps this up. As I’m about to leave, the woman who is also here alone says to me, “I just wanna tell you how great it is to see another woman drinking alone at a bar.” And with that, this kindred spirit and I end up talking for a long time and have a great conversation. Cheers to making friends with women at bars!
Should You Drink Here Alone? Another sports bar I can happily say is safe territory. Fulton Hall is chill, delicious and fun, even without watching any sports! And that’s kind of all you need in a sports bar, right?