Red Hook Bar Round Up -- Ikea Edition!

Next Wednesday is the opening day of the Red Hook Ikea and we'd be lying if we said we weren't pumped. We are so pumped. Some Red Hook residents, however, remain none too pleased that their remote maritime nook will soon to be stormed by the masses coming for their Flärkes and Ektorps. Here are two new spots where locals can drown their sorrows over lost parking spaces, and those of us brave enough to suffer the crowds can celebrate escaping alive with a post-Ikea drink.

Annabelle's, located across the street from the store, is the latest venture from Brooklyn chef Neil Ganic (Petite Crevette). Formerly Red Hook staple Lillie's, Ganic has kept some of its former tenants, with renovations including a new stage for live jazz on weekend nights, a mahogany bar, and the restoration of an original hexagonal tiled floor. These classic elements, unfortunately, are drowned out by panels of neon lights running around the bar. Thankfully Lillie's tiered back garden, complete with a pond, is still out back where a new ad-hoc kitchen is tucked away for serving up items like mini burgers, oysters and clams, and lobster rolls al fresco. The drink menu's also still coming together, and mixologist Julia Niego has created a collection of $8-$12 summery concoctions made with nectars and herbs from the neighborhood Fairway -- look for the Rosewood, a combination of whiskey and pomegranate liqueur, and the Pout, rose petal vodka and pear nectar liqueur. La Bouillabaisse, Ganic's reincarnation of his former Atlantic Avenue spot, is located next door and will also open next week.

Around the corner on Van Brunt Street, another beloved erstwhile establishment, Pioneer Bar-B-Q, has been transformed into Brooklyn Ice House, a beer geek haven from Ginger Man owner Trevor Budd. Five brews on tap include the Bitburger Pilsner and Guinness ($5), while the cans and bottles steal the show: Fin Du Monde, Chimay Blue Label, Bluepoint Hoptical Illusion, are a few of the 30 options available. The frosty name, according to Budd, is a nod to the ice houses of Texas and southern costal towns, most of them converted into bars as they were abandoned. Brooklyn Ice House, however, has foregone any industrial décor schemes and kept its former tenant's saloon look -- the wood paneling and tufted red leather banquettes remain -- along with its smokers which serve up hot dogs ($2), po' boys, pulled pork sandwiches ($3) and other grilled fare (grab a handful of their complementary pretzels and Hershey's Kisses while you're there). And, rest assured, there isn't a lingonberry or a meatball in sight.

Annabelle's
44 Beard St., (718) 643-1500

Brooklyn Ice House
318 Van Brunt St., no phone