Given the apparent popularity of our first and second posts this week on the forthcoming Franklin Park bar and beer garden, we thought we'd end the week on this high note: Owner Matthew Roff just emailed us to say, "Liquor license is in the house. We are planning on opening next weekend."

And there you have it.

In the meantime, if you can't wait a week to start boozing (and who can?), check out our top 10 reviews of New & Notable bars, or peruse our list of spots that are too new too review (but not too new to get you wasted).

As promised yesterday, behold the soon-to-open Franklin Park bar and beer garden in Prospect Heights.

Move over, Radegast--you're not the only shiny new beer garden in Brooklyn anymore. Introducing Franklin Park (on St. John's Pl. between Franklin and Classon), the latest in a slew of new and notable bars to set up shop in BK. This one is the brainchild of Matthew Roff, co-owner of Southpaw. In an email that was forwarded to us, Roff described his latest venture (we've bolded the salient points):

Franklin Park bar & beer garden is located in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, three blocks from the Brooklyn Museum and Brooklyn Botanic Garden ... Franklin Park was a 600 sq. ft. 3-car garage with 1400 sq. ft. of outdoor space. We converted the garage to an 800 sq ft. bar boasting 12 taps and a 1200 sq. ft. outdoor patio with multiple picnic tables and other outdoor tables and accessories. A kitchen will soon follow but for now the bar is where it's at.

We're told Franklin Park is awaiting its liquor license, but barring any unforeseen problems with that the bar will supposedly open its doors "within the next two weeks." We're also promised a photo by Friday, which we'll share as soon as it arrives.

This week we review The Hideout, Fort Greene's latest speakeasy-style cocktail den. Would local celebrity Ol' Dirty Bastard roll over in his grave? Probably. But that doesn't mean it isn't a nice addition to the 'hood--if you don't mind dropping a few extra bucks on creative concoctions like the Snow Mosquito and Whiskey Fig Fizz.

Read our full review of The Hideout, and then peruse other New and Notable bar reviews, or check out our list of spots that are too new to review (but not too new to get you wasted).

This week we review Weather Up, a new speakeasy-style spot in Prospect Heights that boasts the expertise of cocktail mavens trained by Sasha Petraske himself.

Hits: It's not overrun with gawkers--yet--and drink prices are reasonable (under $10 in some cases)

Misses: Despite the pedigree of the bartenders, the menu is surprisingly basic. The cocktails are impeccably made, to be sure, but we've seen them all before.

Read our full editorial review of Weather Up, then peruse other New and Notable bar reviews or check out our list of spots that are too new to review (but not too new to get you tanked).

And be sure to bookmark Imbible, and check back regularly for the latest info on NYC nightlife--next week, we review the new club Mansion ... stay tuned.

The Rusty Knot--the new West Village bar conceived by alums of Spotted Pig, Milk and Honey and Freemans--may have opened last night. Or it may be opening this weekend. Or it may be closed. Or whatever. Daily Candy

Two days after the NY Times broke the news that Gov. Eliot Spitzer had engaged in extramarital romps with pricey New York prosties, he has officially stepped down. The torch now falls to Lt. Gov. David A. Paterson, who will make history as the state's first African-American governor. Unfortunately for Paterson, that considerable feat is likely to be outshined in November, when America elects its first black president. NY Times

Is the State Liquor Authority more drunk off its own power than a horny New York governor with a god complex and several thousand an hour to burn? In December, The Observer reported there was beef between Lola--a Cajun-soul-food spot featuring live soul, jazz and gospel music, which relocated from Chelsea to Soho last year--and local anti-bar-sprawl group SoHo Alliance. Now, Lola is ensnared in a battle that may force its closure, after the SLA granted their liquor license and then annulled it, only to have it reinstated on appeal but with a ban on live music, which was permitted under the original license and upon which Lola's livelihood depends. The Villager

So, you need a drink like whoa, but you've got no one to watch the rug rats while you're busy getting tanked. What do you do? Line 'em up--at least for patrons of DUMBO's Water Street Restaurant and Lounge, which has contracted with something called Parent Play to provide on-site babysitting during the dinner hour. (No word on whether irresponsible alcoholic adults can retain the babysitting services for myself themselves.) Brooklyn Paper

If it seems like every new bar that opens is in Brooklyn, that's because it is. This week we review Beer Table in Park Slope, a new bar that specializes in vodka. Just kidding. It specializes in beer, and specialize it does. The selection of brews changes daily, along with a menu of charcuterie and cheeses designed to complement the day's suds. With just three tables and no bar (or bartender), get there early if you want to get a seat.

Here's how one Citysearch user, nickd717, summed it up:

There is some real quality stuff on the menu, and you're not going to find Coors Light (also known as "water"). Some of the beers are a bit wine-like (lambics and such), but there is sure to be something on the menu for every type of beer enthusiast. The owners, Justin and Tricia, are very friendly and helpful, are passionate about beer, and know their stuff.

Read our full editorial review of Beer Table, then peruse other New and Notable bar reviews or check out our list of spots that are too new to review (but not too new to get you wasted).

(Photo courtesy of Beer Table)

For those who hadn't heard, Greenpoint is the new Soho. Next up: t.b.d., a new bar opening soon on the corner of Franklin and Green. Gothamist

Beloved Bedford Street speakeasy Chumley's Bar may finally be on the road to reopening. Eater

Perez Hilton may get his own record label. And in other news, I'm getting my own brand of Scotch. Gawker

A Clinton supporter reportedly stabbed his Obama-loving brother-in-law, after an argument about their political differences. Oh snap! The Smoking Gun

Is Schiller's Liquor Bar immortalized in the new Richard Price book, "Lush Life"? And if so, does anyone care? NY Mag

And this just in...

After five-plus years of rocking Atlantic Avenue and entertaining thousands of customers and welcoming hundreds of great bands, Magnetic Field in Brooklyn will be closing its doors on March 31st. Co-owners Lee Greenfeld and William Crane would like to personally thank all of Magnetic Field's staff and patrons for their loyalty over the past few years, as well as all the numerous bands who have brought some truly tremendous and memorable performances to our stage...

The press release also indicates that the bar will go out with a big bang of final shows the last week of March. Check the website or the MySpace page for details.

One bar closes, another one opens...

(Photo courtesy of Magnetic Field)

Even the most Brooklyn-phobic Manhattanite will feel comfortable at Williamsburg newcomer Hotel Delmano--what with its unmarked entrance, expensive cocktails and tabletop "reserved" cards. But with the backing of the same people behind Union Pool and Pencil Factory, this stylish (and stylized, from the decor to the "nearly identical coiffures of the bartenders") local watering hole is sure to become a staple of Berry Street.

Read our full review of Hotel Delmano, and then peruse other New and Notable bar reviews, or check out our list of spots that are too new to review (but not too new to get you wasted).

(Photo courtesy of Hotel Delmano)