Getting Away from Our Troubles at Getaway, an Alcohol-Free Bar in Brooklyn
All of the fancy drinks with none of the next day hangover.
By Maggie Chirdo and Manahil Zafar
Does work start early tomorrow? Are you under 21? Trying a new diet? Just reached a sober milestone? Allergic to alcohol? Religious? Taking medication? Just prefer not to drink?
Whatever the reason, we may want to steer clear of stuffy bars full of rowdy drunks and watered-down margaritas. Getaway, a new establishment in Greenpoint, might be the best new alternative to late-night benders. The bar promises zero percent alcohol in all its drinks. It opened earlier this April and offers an environment in which everyone can “consume what works best for their lifestyle,” according to its website.
This means crafting a menu of seasonal cocktails with locally-sourced fruits that stand on their own, not just as virgin versions of well-known alcoholic beverages. Getaway’s “Coconaut” is a sweet mix of pineapple, coconut milk and San Pellegrino Aranciata Rosso sprinkled with nutmeg. “A Trip to Ikea” is made with Lingonberry, lemon, vanilla, cardamom and cream. But have no fear, a bartender will assemble it for you.
Co-owners Sam Thonis and Regina Dellea — who became friends while working in video production — hope Getaway serves as a laid-back hangout for everyone, no matter their relationship with alcohol.
“I was talking to my brother,” Thonis said. “He was just saying that there’s not a ton of options for people who don’t drink in New York City.”
His brother is sober and has been in programs like Alcoholics Anonymous. Thonis added that even places not centered on drinking, such as bowling alleys and restaurants, still readily provide alcohol.
“So if you don’t want to be around it, there’s not a lot of places to go,” Thonis said.
Located at the corner of Green Street and Manhattan Avenue, a protruding neon sign marked “0%” distinguishes Getaway from surrounding businesses. The interior boasts an Instagram-worthy aesthetic, with mint green barstools, lush potted plants, and a bathroom lined with bright pink wallpaper. Behind the bar are rows of simple syrups, metallic straws and mixers, and a built-in espresso machine for those seeking caffeine.
On social media, a handful of people have questioned the bar’s prices. Each mixed drink is currently $13. Also on the menu are locally-canned sodas for $4 and coffee and tea for $3.
“Instantly you can go to a variety of different bars with different price points and different things,” co-owner Regina Dellea said. “We’d love for that to exist for people who don’t drink as well and we’re just one part of that spectrum.”
Roughly 30 percent of Americans never drink alcohol, and another 30 percent have less than one drink each week on average, according to the Washington Post. Getaway appears to be part of this larger shift away from drinking culture in the country.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Faux-jitos
While the prices might dissuade some, Getaway has carved out a new space for non-drinkers in the city. The relaxed environment means you can actually hear your friends speak and the risk of vomiting in a rideshare packed with strangers at the end of the night is slim.
Maggie says:
I was skeptical at first. Like, would this just be an average coffee shop open late? But the design made the place feel more grown-up. I definitely want a bottle of the “Apples and Oranges” concoction that Manahil and I split. (We’re still broke college kids after all). And I could picture myself hanging out here with coworkers I’m not particularly dying to see sloshed. Also, as a resident assistant, I’m always looking for cool places to bring students of all ages so no one feels left out. It’s exciting to see a business catering to people who forgo drinking, for whatever reason. It was refreshing to go out without worrying I’d need to switch on babysitter-mode to help a friend who had one too many.
Manahil says:
Getaway has this relaxed vibe, very similar to plant-mom-goes-out but maybe just a step higher than that — I’m living for it. Pro-tip: if you have long hair, you might want to keep it away from the candles. Since I always have trouble making plans with my friends, who like to enjoy an occasional drink or two or more, I’m just excited to finally be able to go out with my people and not have to choose between venue and menu. I can already picture myself at Getaway a few weeks from now. Who knows? Maybe it’ll become my new Saturday night spot.
Getaway, located at 158 Green St., Brooklyn, NY 11222, is open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
