Moondog, a new listening bar and cocktail lounge from siblings Einat and Elon Admony, opened its doors in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The bar promises immersive soundscapes to be enjoyed alongside cocktails and elevated street food. Both Einat and Elon share a passion for music and with Moondog as their first collaboration, they are thrilled to bring that passion to life, in partnership with Einat’s husband, business partner, and Moondog co-owner, Stefan Nafziger.
Einat, the celebrated three-time James Beard nominated chef and owner of Balaboosta, and Founder of Taïm, developed the small plates menu, drawing on her Israeli and Middle Eastern roots. Guests may choose from options such as:
- Tacos, including Chicken Shawarma (with amba aioli, caramelized onion, and tirchi pickles); Mushroom Al Pastor; and Lamb Molé (with Baharat, crispy shallots, and pickled onion)
- Empanadas, including Corn, Feta, and Mozzarella and Argentinian Beef (with black currants, olives, and jalapeño)
- Sides, including Yucca Fries served with harissa aioli, Hummus (with passionate s’chug, black beans, and tortilla chips) and Esquites (with lime, harissa mayo, and cotija cheese)
Beverage Director Josef Griz (previously of The Beekman, MADE Hotel, Gurney’s Resort, Ruschmeyer’s Hotel) developed Moondog’s cocktail program. The selection of craft cocktails reinforces the Med-Mex influence, offering creative takes on quintessential beverages. Highlights include the Manhattan Moon (Mexican Corn Whiskey, Vermouth, and Amaro), the Jaffa Old Fashioned (Añejo Tequila, Chocolate Orange Liqueur, and Date Syrup) and the Figroni (Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Gran Classico Bitters, and Fig Syrup). Those looking for lighter, more fruit-forward options can enjoy the Malabi (Charanda Mexican Rum, Lemon, Pistachio Orgeat, and Pomegranate Foam), Prickly Tempo Collins (Blanco Tequila, Prickly Pear, Cucumbers, and Lime), and the Dove’s Lament (Rum, Coco Lopez, Lime, Coconut Sparkling Soda, and Arak). Non-alcoholic cocktails, curated wines – natural, local and Mexican – and rotating beers are also available, complementing the venue’s eclectic music and culinary offerings.
Designed by the Moondog team, the space is influenced by the craftsmanship and attention to detail found in high-end audio setups, blending rustic design elements with touches of nature throughout. The 800-square-feet interior holds the main bar area, where a striking white marble bar with 30 seats is contrasted by exposed brick walls and complemented by pops of lush greenery and modern walnut millwork. Anchoring the space is a custom-built DJ booth made from rich walnut wood. The main bar area features Fyne Audio Vintage Classic XII speakers paired with a McIntosh MA-352 amplifier, with Ex Machina speakers to amplify the soundscape, delivering a rich, immersive audio experience throughout the venue. The 1,500-square-foot outdoor patio provides additional seating, with picnic tables, benches, and cozy lounge seating, all lit by soft, ambient lighting to create a warm, intimate atmosphere. For a more private, secluded experience, guests can also opt for a table in the 300-square-foot speakeasy, which is accessible through the bar’s side entrance, where there will be regular small curated events and immersive listening sessions. The speakeasy will open to the public in the weeks following Moondog’s opening. Designed for those who appreciate both exceptional sound quality and contemporary design, the room will also double as a showroom for EX Machina’s special installment of their flagship speakers, the Pegasus, offering a unique auditory journey in a sleek, sophisticated environment.
Elon spearheads the bar’s listening experience, bringing with him two decades of experience as a music producer, sound engineer, and co-founder of ReSolute. Vinyl DJs will perform thoughtfully curated sets nightly, featuring records from various genres, including jazz, funk, soul, house, international grooves and beyond. Guests can expect to hear tracks from renowned artists such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Roy Ayers, Nina Simone, and Moondog, among others. The bar/lounge will also host “deep listening” sessions where entire albums will be played uninterrupted, offering a concert-like experience. DJ sessions on the weekends will feature a mix of genres, focusing on high-quality sound delivery and unique vinyl selections.
Moondog is located at 119 Ingraham Street in Brooklyn, New York. It is open from 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and from 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM Thursday through Saturday. It is closed on Mondays. Walk-ins are welcome and reservations can be made via Resy in the weeks following the opening.
