“If the music is too loud, you are too old,” reads the bright neon sign, setting the tone for your evening at Brooklyn Standard, a place which is all about live music, American brews and salty pretzels.

Hidden down a CBD laneway in the cellar of an 18-storey building, Brooklyn Standard is an homage to one of the most iconic New York neighbourhoods. It’s also a testament to the determination of its owner Adam Barton (former owner of Tank), and general manager Justinn De Beer who had to have a street-level, door-size hole bashed through a wall for the bar’s entry.

Inside, exposed brick walls are adorned with NYC paraphernalia – drinks trays, Mets banners, murals by local artist Dan Farmer and a 1940s shoe polish dispenser (it still works if you’ve got a quarter to spare). Behind the bar, discover Brooklyn Lager, root beer from Chicago, local craft ales, and classic cocktails.

With no kitchen and bands six nights a week, Brooklyn Standard serves up free bowls of salted pretzels – about 25 kilograms’ worth each week.