DUMBO — 18 bars participated in the annual DUMBO Holiday Bar Crawl, a festive choose-your-own adventure event organized by the DUMBO Business Improvement District (BID). The event took place on Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

“Hundreds of people came out,” said Alexandria Sica, president of the DUMBO BID. “We loved giving the people who live and work in DUMBO a festive way to get out and have holiday fun despite the weather on Wednesday.” 

DUMBO has undergone massive development over the past few years, and the bar crawl represented a coming together of old and new residents, businesses and ideas. 

“DUMBO’s nightlife is growing and we have such fun options, from old school DUMBO local scenes like 68 Jay Bar and Olympia to posh stops like Gair and Kinjo, breweries like Evil Twin and places to gather and play games like Randolph and Superfine,” said Sica. 

“Our Marquis Studios team had a great time on the bar crawl. We decided to make it our holiday party, which worked out really well. Our offices have been in DUMBO for over 20 years, so we feel a strong connection to the community,” said Paula Heitman, executive director of Marquis Studios. “As a non-profit, cost is always a consideration when planning social events, so the affordability of the bar crawl was especially appealing. We started off the night at one of the newer spots, Fountainhaus, which is located on the ground floor of our office building.  We were the first to arrive for the bar crawl and they were absolutely lovely!”

“We ended the night at Almar, one of the OG’s in DUMBO,” continued Heitman. “I have been going to Almar for over 15 years, and it never disappoints! I was happy to bring my team there for the bar crawl, and then we sat at the big table in the back and ordered some delicious food. It was the perfect place to end the night!”

The Holiday Bar Crawl aims to introduce those who work and live in DUMBO to the local businesses around them. The crawl is an interactive way for locals to revisit favorite spots and for newcomers to get to know the area.

“The thing I like most about those types of events is they get you to go and try new things and new places,” Bear Cahill said. “I tend to lean on familiar places I know and am comfortable with. Events like this give me the opportunity to try something new without having to plan and decide, and I can usually find a new place that’s comfortable, too.”

Bartenders at DUMBO’s finest were able to put their skills on display, and each bar offered a signature drink specifically for the crawl. The participating bars offered $10 specialty cocktails and $6 beers. 

“The night went fabulous; everyone showed up to support, the energy was beyond,” said bartender at Nobody Told Me, Cesar Pujols. “I got to meet new folks that live in DUMBO and others visiting. My favorite part is always getting the chance to meet new people and make drinks. I can’t wait to participate again in the future.”

Crawlers had to endure heavy winds and rain, but many considered the experience worthwhile as they celebrated the holidays with local businesses. 

“The DUMBO Holiday Bar Crawl was an absolute success! The weather was cold, wet and windy, but that didn’t stop people from coming out and having a good time,” said Johnny Capuano. “Evil Twin Brewery in particular is a fantastic bar with an amazing selection of beer, cider and wine but I think what captivated me the most was the staff that worked there. I can’t wait to join the crawl again next year!”

“Overall, the night was a great success! We were able to meet a whole new group of neighbors who we wouldn’t have had the chance to meet normally, and everyone was so great for trekking out despite the weather,” said Alex Lee. “I just thought it was a nice community event that everyone else seemed to enjoy as well.”

For a map of the bars that participated and a list of their drink offerings, visit the DUMBO BID website.