Abilene: The new kid on this Carroll Gardens block, Abilene is somewhat imposingly rectangular, but it’s gentle in its giantness. In fact, its retro, window-lined interior, shielded from the street by Venetian blinds, resembles a comfortable diner, with Formica-topped tables, wooden benches, and swiveling cushioned seats at the long, shiny black-lacquered bar. Couches, tables, and lamps add a vintage living room dimension to the bar’s laid-back lounge area, where occasional bands perform, and corner nooks offer some privacy should you want to play Scrabble or Connect Four. There’s no jukebox, but an unexpect-edly good MP3 playlist, created by a record store employee, incorporates many genres, including indie rock, bluegrass, and folk. Big and friendly, Abilene’s ambitious future plans ensure it’ll grow into the fave neighborhood hangout it was born to be. |
