Come Out & pleY @ Ocean’s 8 at Brownstone Billiards!

Don’t tell anyone but i have a new Ping-​Pong Paddle from Ocean’s 8… no i did not steal it, lets just say that after the last (AMAZING) Unilocal Elite event there i was convinced i lived at Ocean’s 8 and needed the paddle like i need my toaster.
What will i do with it now that it is MINE?! i am not sure as of today but i will be sure to figure this out with your help, Do i:
–use it in the bedroom (as a candle-​holder) sickos!
–play «ping» with myself in my living room (i only have one)
–make it into an african-​style lip plate?
–send it to a midget fraternity
–take it back to Ocean’s 8 and hope for the best?
You decide…
Regardless.
Best Event EVERRR!

First time to step foot in Brooklyn … and this Unilocal event did not disappoint!
I’ve only been to one other event, which was in Vancouver. Granted, Unilocal Canada is just starting to kick off, so it doesn’t compare volumn-​wise to brooklyn. I was blown away by the venue, the amount of the people, and obviously the food.
Mini tacos, spring rolls, dim sum, and a huge seafood platter? I was in heaven. Anything with seafood and I’m good! The actual entrees/​pasta was amazing. Can’t believe i had room for that!
Met cool Unilocalers and such, have nothing but good words to say about this event!

This is my second Elite event and it was awesome as expected. I feel so spoiled with the special Elite treatment. Food, top shelf drinks, ping pong, pool, dessert, what’s not to like!
I’ve been to Ocean’s 8 before and it sure is different when it’s open to the public. Unilocal did a great job as usual, thanks Peter and Jane!
Awesome and convenient location in Park Slope (I live two blocks away) I do have to agree with most people that it’s harder to socialize/​meet people in a larger setting. I’m sure it was different when the Elite events were smaller before.
Overall the catered food from Ocean’s 8 was decent. People have to remember that it’s not known for its food, but for a fun night out. The mini tacos were pretty tasty and the wings were ok. Funny I felt the same way about the seafood salad, but surprisingly I thought it was still decent. I thought the passed Asian h’ordeuves were better.
Open bar top shelf drinks — ahh grey goose and jameson, two of my favorites :-) Maybe it’s just me, my weakling self, but I thought the drinks were way too strong and I couldn’t enjoy them at all. From the apple martini to the cranberry vodka to the jameson ginger ale.
The cupcakes truly made my night. I’ve been meaning to try the CupcakeStop truck so this was perfect. I sampled most of the flavors: pineapple crumb, red velvet, pistachio, coconut, peanut butter chocolate. The crumb cupcake was absolutely divine!
Luke’s freshly brewed coffee was a nice treat. I’m not a big coffee fan and I liked it. I have to admit, when I saw it from afar, I thought it was beer.
And, I finally got a hold of the Unilocal lunchboxes. So happy and excited since I missed it at the Unilocaltoberfest event.
Thanks again Unilocal

Truly a good event.
Sure, the bartenders were Eh. The food I can’t comment on due to operating on the generally safe assumption that all food would be demolished for the entire night in a matter of minutes (therefore, I ate Chinese before arriving). The watery (according to my friend) coffee in a can was bizarre. The Grey Goose and cranberry tasted way off with an aftertaste of blehck. The Blue Moon «ran out» before 8:30 and was magically restocked (word choice?) by 8:45. Buck Hunter was bust. So were the hoops.
But the dj was superb. Pool tables there were aplenty, and I do enjoy actin’ a fool esp. when it doesn’t require any acting on my part. (Read: I suck at pool but dig the geometry) Also, air hockey? I haven’t played that in ages! People were in good spirits with the Yankees winning. We all had space to move around. Lis K and I ran into Marc-​with-​a-​C the +1 again, which was great. Outside, the subway was all of a few feet away. I mean, overall, a good time with a twist. Now if only I could land that eight ball in the right pocket…

I had a fabulous time as always. Tons of food, alcohol and fun to fill a Wednesday night. The place offers a variety of activities to keep you occupied. Even though I suck at pool, I had a good time playing a couple games. Glad there were TV’s around so I could finish out the night watching the Yankees win the World Series. I encountered nothing but friendliness from staff, even though others state different; maybe I was just intoxicated. Unilocal Elite Events are the bomb-​diggity!
Gold Star Peter and Jane!

Had lots fun. Why didn’t I get there earlier? Why did I miss all other Unilocal events? Food and Booze were flowing freely. There was an insanely amount of good tasting bites (good variety too!) going around. When I was already stuffed, entrees of pasta dishes and chicken w/​broccoli arrived. For the sake of my belly, I didn’t launch myself at those. For the beer, you had to fetch yourself at the bar: there was some wait because the barmaids were overwhelmed.
Btw, shame on you those who got like tons of drinks and didn’t even bother to TIP. Most things were free already… don’t be such a douche.
Meet up for the first time with Albert W. and Emily C., awesome Unilocalers and super nice to hangout with. After 2 games of pool I stopped by Luke’s Brew for some interesting and good niche of a bottle cold brew coffee. He was awfully amicable and passionate about his product.
I totally missed out the cupcakes though.
Saw Peter D., shaked hands, nice and extremely sociable fellow!
Had a blast. Can’t wait for the next one.
p. s. The DJ was great…

I never knew that I was a Unilocal before.
Also worth noting, a guy was doing coke in the bathroom. I’m not sure if this adds or removes stars from the rating.

First I would like to Thanks again to Peter and Jane for this great Unilocal Elite VENUE in BROOKLYN!
7:10 PM, Getting out of the subway «Where are I?»
7:11 PM Taking out her Phone, Google map the place, it says «IT’s IN FRONT OF YOU», Cross the street, get to the place SAFE!
7:15 PM Registering to Get in!
7: 20 PM Saying hello to my Unilocaler friends!, Grabbing my first beer (Sam Adams)
7:30 — 8:30 PM Grabbing food, mingling with my Unilocalers. Watching the YANKEES GAME, PING PONGING, Picture.
I missed out the MINI MINI cupcakes!, but someone spot me one, hehehhhehhee, Good times like always, Place is pretty big. Food Was decent but Alchie never fails me.
See you at the next even UnilocalERS!

First and foremost — bravo to Peter, Jane, Miriam, visiting CMs and Unilocal crew for organizing this fantastically fun event. How you guys manage to pull these off consistently is amazing!
I didn’t drink too much last night because my friend is a teetotaler (shock!) but one does not need alcohol to have fun at a Unilocal event. Especially when there is:
— Friends!
— Air Hockey!
— Pool!
— Good (if too loud) music!
— New Friends!
— Lots of food! (that I didn’t really eat, but it looked tasty!)
— …and booze, if you need it. ;)
I want to crow about me pwning Chun in Air Hockey — the victory was even sweeter because just before I had just been pwned by my +1. :shakes head: I do not want to crow about winning at pool against the fabulous Preeti B. and Liz W. because I don’t understand how it happened. I don’t play pool.
My +1 (also my best friend from undergrad) had a great time as well and that was the cherry on the ice-​cream sundae for me.
Hello to all youse I hugged and smooched — you know who you are (I know who you are too, I’m just too lazy to write it all here) and you all rock.

This event was not about the bar food (standard considering bar food)
This event was not about long waits at an open bar (standard considering an open bar)
This was about getting my butt kicked in ping pong with George T (I blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alco…I’m not gonna do that quote)
This was about shooting hoops with Jamel. It was about Toronto-​Buffalo air-​hockey match with Lis K (who let me win thanks to 5 own goals). It was about meeting the only other cool scientist (Matteo R) and probably not the only other Unilocaler with a Z last name!
Most of all, it was about being at an event with Grey Goose and Jameson as sponsors. Jane and Peter, I don’t know how you guys do what you do, but you’re awesome! Thanks for everything and see y’all soon!
edit: most of all it was about being with cool Unilocalers. I swear I’m not an alcoholic.

Halloween had left me worse for wear. Down a few brain cells, and a lot of dignity. But when I recalled that Nov. 4^th was a Unilocal Elite event of course I had to rally like the clutch player I am and come on out. After all I have but 6 more days of being 25, let’s finish this year off with a bang, yes?
So I grabbed my trusty plus one and the always handy Q train and trekked it out to 7^th Ave. Gotta love a Brooklyn event, oh so easy to stumble home from. The bar is unassuming from outside, but huge caverns of pleY await within. Not to mention a sizable spread. Mountains of muffaletta lead the charge on the let’s feed Michelle L. for free front. And ohmygod wings. I could have eaten like 45 of those, but I refrained. Afterall there was drinking to do.
Blue moon, you delightful orange topped mistress you, that’s the vitamin C I need to make drinking again not scary. And Jameson, old friend, never leave me.
Got my butt whooped at air hockey, laid down the law at duck pin, and didn’t embarrass myself too bad on the felt. Met some Unilocalers in person for the first time (Hey Kelly! Hey Briana!) Turns out telling people to talk to you on internet ahead of time actually garners results. And saw some familiar faces as well.
Definitely a win. Falling asleep in my bed later, I heard far off fireworks. I’m gonna go ahead and believe it was the after party. Keep up the good work you crazy kids.

I’m never not gonna give an Elite event five stars, because the work that Peter D. (and the entire Unilocal crew, Jane, Miriam and everyone else included) put in is incredibly appreciated — and let’s be honest, you’ve got to feed the Peter D. ego a little otherwise we’re not going to get the full effect of his awesomeness.*
That said, what makes these events great are the people. Thanks to the new Julies, M. and K., for not noticing that Ethan C. and I were surreptitiously putting the balls in with our hands** and for kicking my ass at ping pong. Thanks to Lisa. A. for «letting» me win at air hockey, and continuing my tradition of awesomeness*** that started at Club Hell in Chapel Hill, Abby and Jonathan G. for being the Stadler and Waldorf of my evening, Rod for bringing the Donut Plant doughnuts****, Natasha for welcoming me so graciously and Preeti for bringing me her extra Jameson and Ginger Ales*****.
All in all, I had a blast, even with the overenthusiastic DJ and the Zog Sports folks who came in at the end to steal all the extra food. Did those leechers even write a review?
Lamesauce.
* — That’s good for one free drink at the next event.
** — Nah, that doesn’t sound dirty at all.
*** — Second time in one review I’ve used that word; yay for me.
**** — Seriously, my waistline begs you, stop doing that.
***** — That she absolutely was not drinking. Nope.

Let me start by saying that it is NEVER a good idea to serve (or eat) Seafood Salad at a billiards bar. See photo.
I could see why Jane and Peter chose Ocean’s 8 for this event — in theory it’s perfect for a Unilocal event. As NinaGarciaFashionDirectorForMarieClaireMagazine would say on Project Runway, the concept was good but the ek-​secution was ALL WRONG. And you don’t want to bore Nina.
While I appreciated the «DJ» slash «Hypeman» Ocean’s 8 provided, his attempts to get us «Yelps» (as he referred to us) to raise our hands or make some noise were in vain. The « Unilocals» weren’t feeling it — neither was I. Considering it was 90 degrees in this bar and I was dressed seasonably, I did not want to dance, raise my possibly sweaty underarms or actually do anything that exacerbated my overheated-​ness.
Ocean’s 8’s bartenders and staff really have their finger on the pulse of New York nightlife. Who really drinks fancy Mezcal at Mayahuel or elderflower cocktails or sesame shochu in New York? Thank goodness the staff was so smart to offer up pre-​made appletinis, cranberry vodkas and Washington apples for the undiscerning taste of «Yelps». Not only do they obviously have great taste in cocktails, but the bar staff are also extremely slow at making them. In fact, they’re even slow at pouring a beer, and beyond that even incapable of pouring it correctly with minimal foam. Sweet. As an added bonus the bartenders were rocking some serious looks with fashions by Mandee, make up by Hard Candy and hair by Suave hair products. The cherry on top were the lower back tats. HOT.
Ocean’s 8’s famous wings were pretty good — not gonna lie. The rest of the food was a random mishmash of Italian things, mini tacos and Asian-​inspired hors d’oeuvres. The mini-​tacos were a whole lot of ok — as were the greasy yet meaty (ha!) Italian sandwiches. The antipasta salad wasn’t particularly delicious or appetizing — and of course neither was the SEAFOOD SALAD with which I had SO MANY ISSUES. «FRESH» SEAFOOD? From where? The Hudson?! It looked foul and noone ate it — and it sat untouched for hours. Gross. The formerly frozen «chicken rolls» «spring rolls» and «shrimp shumai» that were brought around by more scantily-​clad servers were also particularly revolting. Mini-​cupcakes from Cupcake Stop were as equally cute as they were delicious.
Also problematic: I suck at pool. Oops.
I did snag a Unilocal lunchbox though! Apologies to whomever I stole it from. Actually no, I’m not sorry.

Great venue. Managed to meet up and hang out with two fellow Unilocalers on my friends list and pretty much chilled for the whole evening over some pretty good food and drinks. I laugh that it’s like the best date ever to bring a girl to an Elite Unilocal event cuz I don’t have to pay for anything. =D
I have to come back and check out the ping pong side. I would’ve honestly appreciated it more though if the staff at Ocean’s 8 kept people from sitting on the pool tables as it damages the rails. One guy even stood in the middle of the table dancing — fun is fun but it’s a bit crossing the line in disrespecting the joint. Doubtful if Ocean’s 8 will ever allow Unilocal to host another event here.
Luke’s Brew was pretty cool. Very nice to meet a young entreprenuer with a nifty idea. Too bad I missed out on the lunch boxes. =(

awesome time. I really need to congratulate the one and only Peter D. apparently he is friends with a slew of guys I went to elementary school with, so he gets kicked up a few notches a la Emeril Lagasse for that.
and of course, do the lovely Monica S. and Jane K. really need anything more said about them? especially Monica, who ventured deep into enemy lines while the Yankees pummeled the Phillies (as of this review the Jankees are winning)? the girl’s got guts, ya gotta admit.
anywho. enough of my shameless praising of our Unilocal overlords…
the event itself was a lot of fun. the drinks were stiff, free, and constantly flowing, and the food was on the upper tier of bar food that I’ve sampled. mini-​tacos for the win.
I hesitate from giving this a 5-​star rating because it seemed like people kept to themselves a bit, and thus felt more like random groups of friends meeting up at a Unilocal meetup. then again, I am new to the Unilocal meetups, so maybe that’s how it is…
that being said, here’s a hilarious quote from one of my guests/​friend: «for an event made up of people who met on the internet, the women here are stunning».
the DJ was kinda annoying at times.
I wish it had been easier to mingle with fellow Unilocalers… ah well.
those dumplings were amazing. Dumpling Girl (s), will you marry me? please?

I had a great time, but it was not my favorite elite event this year. I love the events that force us to mingle with other elite members. The beer ran out, which was really the only frustrating part of the evening, but the Goose was a flowing and the food kept up all night long.
Once the Yankees game started, it was pretty much all I cared about (and quite a few others). I loved the crowd, which I thought differed a bit from the NYC events. I won a game of pool which was awesome, and was finally able to get in on a game of air hockey. I was way too drunk to play (thank you bartenders on the Grey Goose drinks).
All in all, a great event. Ocean’s 8 is what gets an A-​OK, but Yay! I’m a fan of Unilocal events, you guys get my 5 stars. Thanks for a great night.

When you come to an elite event you have to evaluate who did what and when it comes to this, Unilocal +5, Ocean’s +3. Unilocal,as usual, was organized and presented a boat load of free drinks and food and an overall solid event. After that, they had done their part. I was greeted by the lovely Jane K. and soon thereafter visited with peter d. Later in the night I did see peter d. sampling every aspect of the food bar and I am feeling a little sketchy about the things that were still identified as «salads» at 10 pm, but I am hoping for the best… for him, I would not touch the stuff that late.
Ocean’s was vast and much more than expected. From the looks of the entry, you expect a short bar and not much else, but as you delve downstairs you discover 20 some-​odd pool tables, 2 candlestick bowling lanes, 5 ping ping tables and 3 air hockey tables (which rarely keep the correct score, but I swear I still won Adam R. and Abigail M.).
The bartenders were very average. In the beginning I was trying to soak up alcohol all quick like before the Unilocalers I actually know got there and they were still slooooooowwww. The bar was sticky and it stayed with you as you took your Sam Adams Winter Lager glass and traversed the pool palace, every once in a while rubbing the «clean» glass on your hands in hopes of removing the stickiness.
The food was VERY average. Mini-burgers…eh. Shumai — decent, but a hard hill to climb with me. Spring rolls were good, but a Thai version with peanut sauce. The Muffaletta sandwich was avg. There was a lot to choose from though and I did see people making doggy bags so I guess that says something, or maybe more a comment on who was taking to-​go items.
Big thanks to Jane K. and peter d. for providing another huge venue to interact in, however, I kind of wish it was smaller overall so the Unilocaler contact was more involved. Thank God for Chun L. (first contact again), Abigail M., Danny P. and Adam R. for talking with me since I am so antisocial that I would have just ended up holding up the corner of the bar.
In retrospect and still reeling from the Jameson, Unilocal did all it should, Ocean’s…eh, not bad, but seriously the DJ. What was this? I felt like I was at my high school prom the whole time and all the mic action was disturbing and annoying. Am I at a pool/​game gall or a club? From the looks of it, I was at a pool hall.
Other highlights… meeting Liz W. even if she didn’t know it, watching the horrendous ping pong action once the drinks were ingrained in the participants and the reverse angst of the stickiness of the bar, awful.

My first Elite event. I don’t know what took me so long, oh I know — I get lost easily. Even with google maps and an iPhone I walked past this place 3 times.
But it was fun to meet everyone!
Man those special drinks were packed! I couldn’t finish them, which is not the norm for me. They were strong as hell with lots of Grey Goose.
I think I tried every drink, good but very strong.
The food was good, I guess it’s considered bar food. The best food of the night was the Cupcake Stop, those mini cupcakes were delish!
I searched all over for the famous lunch boxes but I guess I missed out :(Kind of sad that I didn’t get one.

Thanks to Jane, Peter, and Monica for organizing another amazing event. But what the hell was wrong with the DJ???
Loved the mini-burgers…I think that’s the only food i got. Loved the Sam Adams on tap too! I have to agree with Amber B. about the bartenders, though: i also was told they were out of Sam Adams, but then that beer magically reappeared when I asked another bartender???
it was great to meet Lily N., Jamel O., George T., Payam Z. (Osasuna’s supporter???), Wendy C., and Irene F.
Kyle H.: thanks, man; I’ll definitely contact you.
And I even managed to walk back home (not sure that was a good thing, actually…)!
Joey, sorry I couldn’t sing «Down under» with you and Brian. Is there an Italian version of the song?

So. I started writing this review on my phone while i was giggling to myself. Perhaps I had too much Jameson (no way! how is that even possible?!?). I was seated on the F train… carrying my Unilocal lunchbox… trying to play it «cool.» I had just left Kelly S., Ethan C. and Roddy at some bar… Freddy’s (?) and wanted a cab… but was not so lucky. So yes, I walked.
Let me back up a bit…
I met up with my cyber mom, Unlucky (five stars in her own right) in our neighborhood… we took the B67 to the event. After arriving, I realized that I must have walked by this bar numerous times… because Oceans 8 is really not that noticeable at the ground level. Once inside… it’s pretty cavernous.
You like to play pool? Ping pong? Air hockey? They’ve got it all here. And, there are about eight million tv’s so you can watch whatever sporting event that happens to be on.
The bar staff were great and efficient. The food was… ah, well, the veggie options weren’t so great. Let’s just say I ate two mini cupcakes and four mini veggie spring rolls before some «meh» vegetable pasta came out. (it’s okay, I’m used to it). Well, at least I had Jameson to keep me company.
It was so nice to see everyone and I was *elated* to see the likes of Mo P. and Liz W. And thank you to Melissa Z. for looking out for veggie food options for me.
I apologize to Danny P. for being such a horrid ping pong doubles partner. And, well, let it be known I let him beat me at air hockey (Luckily I did slay another guy before Danny…) even though I should have won because I’m part Canadian.
Excellent job Peter, Jane, Miriam and the entire Unilocal staff for another fabulous Brooklyn event.
Oh, and a side note to Roddy… if you ever bring those Doughnut Plant donuts to another event… we’re so not friends anymore. And you’re paying for my personal trainer.
;)