Minor Arcana was supposed to be called Flying Monkeys.  That was before a tarot card reader in Brighton Beach told the owner that he was destined for failure in his new venture.  Instead of throwing in the towel, he changed the name: “Minor Arcana” apparently refers to a destiny that you can change.  Thanks to this twist of fate, we can welcome to the neighborhood this small but cozy bar on Washington between Prospect and St. Marks.

The bar has a loose Coney Island theme, with sideshow style posters on the walls and tarot cards in the glass topped bar, but calling this a theme bar would be an overstatement.  Amazingly enough, it seems to aim to be just…a good bar.  Our bartender was friendly and from the neighborhood.  They have 12 taps with most beers at $6 (they have one for $3; add a shot of Jim Beam for another $3).  A jukebox near the entryway plays mostly rock.

I think it’s a sign of how much Washington Ave. has changed in the last year that a bar can now open without a gimmick and expect to attract people simply based on the fact that there are people in the neighborhood looking for a hangout spot.  One year ago, there were no bars on the block; now we have at least five.  Prospect Heights and Crown Heights are exploding, and it’s going to be really interesting to see where we are a year from today.  So on that note, welcome to the neighborhood, Minor Arcana!

Minor Arcana, 706 Washington Ave. between Prospect and St. Marks