Flag Pole Athens Georgia Published 9/11/2002

---

By Jennifer Rice

Hank's

Hank's Saloon, named after the man himself, is the best bar in Brooklyn. A small, dark tavern with flames painted on the exterior walls, it attracts an interesting mix of hardened barflies and neighborhood twentysomethings. There is live rockabilly, punk or country music most nights, cheap beer, and one of the best-stocked juke boxes in New York City. Sunday nights, Hank's is host to Sean and Daria's Kuntry BBQ. Sean Kershaw and the New Jack Ramblers plays two sets of classic country covers with a guest band in between. Daria, who is in a couple of local bands herself, tends bar and sometimes sings with Sean. Drop-in guests include musicians from Kershaw's other band, The Blind Pharaohs, as well as fellas from Uncle Fucker, Intoxicados and Graveyard Sluts. The music is fun, but it's the atmosphere that keeps Hank's regulars coming around. Well, that or the Galaga game that turns into Ms. Pac Man halfway through. Either way, Hank's is well worth a subway ride into Brooklyn (just beware Wednesday nights, when the bar inexplicably books jazz bands).