Anthony Mackie takes the celebrity barman phenomenon to a new level with his Brooklyn speakeasy, NoBar, whose name references both its Nostrand Avenue location and Mackie’s New Orleans roots. Not content to merely invest his money, the acclaimed actor, best known for his role in the Oscar-winning film The Hurt Locker, did much of the carpentry at NoBar himself. “I get a huge sense of fulfillment when I look at what I built,” he says. This personal touch resonates throughout NoBar: the rustic French décor, the relaxed vibe and the menu of New Orleans-inspired dishes like pulled-beef BBQ sliders. Mackie even created NoBar’s namesake cocktail, a gingery, bourbon-based play on the caipirinha. “I’ve always loved caipirinhas,” he says, “but cachaca is hard—people like it or they don’t. But everyone can enjoy something with bourbon.” If you can’t make the trip to Brooklyn to behold his handiwork, watch him in Real Steel, costarring Hugh Jackman—or just mix a NoBar of your own. 608 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn
THE NOBAR
1 oz. Maker’s Mark bourbon
Muddled lime
Pinch of sugar
Splash of bitters
Ginger ale
In a cocktail shaker, mix bourbon, lime, sugar and bitters. Shake and pour over ice in a rocks glass. Fill the remainder of the glass with ginger ale.
