Brooklyn Nights: Some Kind of Wonderful

Nestled along the up-and-coming strip of DeKalb Avenue between Classon and Bedford Aves, local bar and event hall "Brooklyn Nights" is not the place you'd expect on first site.

What initially appears to be an upscale night club from the outside, "Brooklyn Nights," located at 497 DeKalb Ave, is a warm and inviting alcove. "Nights" offers a state-of-the-art sound system and an expansive layout, perfect for large parties -- its biggest source of business.

The main room is long and narrow, providing ample room for dancing. If you're just looking for a casual drink, customers are welcome to sip them around the multiple private wooden tables or atop the long, polished wooden bar.

All events at “Nights” are catered, with the kitchen serving everything, from breakfast (eggs, pancakes, bacon and sausage) to dinner entrees (various salads, calamari, mozzarella sticks, shrimp scampi, chicken francese, and the list goes on and on). Drink prices are moderate as well, with most drinks costing below $8. Also, there is a $3 drink special every night of the week.

Although "Nights" has been around for five years, the bar recently was taken over by its new manager and owner, Sammy Astafanous, a year and a half ago. Astafanous had been leasing the space out to “Nights'” previous operators, whom Astafanous said were "running it in to the ground."

"We struggle just like every other business" said Astafanous about the recent economic downturn. "We aren't there yet, but we're working on it."

Astafanous said he had to make cuts in every section of the business including renovations and inventory. He also had to cut down on staff, which now only includes Astafanous, his two business partners and two bartenders.

As a business owner for 20 years, Astafanous, who also owns “Sam’s Pizza” right across the street at 486 Franklin St, maintains a positive attitude about the future of "Nights."

He is also positive about the recent change in the neighborhood, saying that it is for the better, both business wise and personally. He does wish that “Nights” would have more walk-ins rather than just private parties. But, “We are here until things get better,” Astafanous said.

For more information on “Brooklyn Nights,” visit its website.