Getaway | A Different Type of Bar

New York City is full of countless bars, but Getaway in Greenpoint, Brooklyn is doing something different. Unlike the aforementioned locales that can range from a total dive to something more trendy, Getaway actually doesn’t serve alcohol at all. Rather, this spot, decorated with shades of dusty lilac and rattan details, offers inventive libations that won’t have you missing alcohol one bit. Just like a bar, it is open for happy hour and until midnight. Getaway is the brainchild of Sam Thonis and Regina Dellea, who both had careers in media before collaborating on this new venture. We chatted with Regina about their unique idea, the cool design, plus they shared a recipe for one of their most popular drinks—The Trip to IKEA—that is perfectly tart.

Getaway 158 Green St. Brooklyn, NY 11222

What spawned the idea to open Getaway?

Sam’s brother has been in recovery for a few years, and after getting sober they no longer had a place to hang out and talk where they weren't surrounded by alcohol. As Sam thought about it more, he realized that there really aren't nightlife options for people who don't want to be around alcohol or people who are consuming it.

What type of crowd are you looking to draw?

We're looking to draw anyone who wants to be here, really. There are tons of reasons why someone may want to go somewhere without alcohol, whether they are a drinker or a not. We welcome anyone who wants an alcohol-free drink, whether they spend the whole night here, just get it started here, or end it here. All are welcome.

So, let’s get technical for a moment, is it a mocktail, a faux-cocktail or a mixed drink?

We call our drinks mixed drinks. Some people call them mocktails, but we feel that implies they are missing something or mimicking something, and we don't think they are missing anything. We created drinks that stand out on their own and aren't just alcohol-free versions of something else.

How did you come up with so many interesting combinations like tobacco syrup with chinotto or jalepeno with elderflower?

Experimentation! We worked with Jen Yoon, who has a background in mixology. She taught us a lot about building drinks and had a million ideas about flavors to combine. Her knowledge combined with Sam's extensive research in the space and a little help from The Flavor Bible is how we ended up with the launch menu.

What do you think is the key to creating a delicious drink?

Delicious, interesting, fresh ingredients that are balanced correctly. It can be tricky to do without alcohol, but we're always trying new things and learning as we do.

Pretty in pink, The Coconut, which is a sweet combination of pineapple, coconut milk, cream of coconut, San Pellegrino Aranciata Rosso and nutmeg.

Let’s talk design—the space is very pretty and calming. Did you work with a design firm?

We worked with Cortney Walleston from C.Wall Architecture on the space. She was great to work with and has done a lot of spaces in the area.

What was the aesthetic that you wanted to achieve? Are there any design elements that you wanted to incorporate?

Above all, we wanted it to be a bar. So we knew the bar should be the focal point of the space, and we wanted it to be comfortable and inviting, so we have a lot of rounded edges and soft colors to make it feel really cozy.

A Trip To IKEA

1 Tbsp lingonberry compote

2 oz heavy cream

1 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice

1 oz elderflower tonic

1 tsp vanilla

Directions: In a shaker, combine the above ingredients. Shake with ice and pour into a coupe glass, garnish with ground cardamom.

Photography by ROSE & IVY