Topsy's Fun House, a FiDi Clown Bar

There's a new Fidi hangout in town, and this one is a different kind of circus. Called Topsy's Fun House, this new Kearny spot comes from Playland owners Angela Bisesi and Steve Schefsky, who unveiled the carnival-themed watering hole last week. Housed in the former OZ Lounge space, Topsy's sports harlequin walls, a tin ceiling and other sideshow embellishments from designer Michael Brennan, including a clown's apartment in the ceiling (now look up "coulrophobia" in your nearest dictionary).

Cocktails at the new spot run from $9 (George Whitney Margarita, named after the onetime Playland-at-the-Beach owner) to $12 (Old Flame with Basil Hayden's, bitters and absinthe flame), with drinks like a strawberry basil martini and Fuzzy Cup with bourbon, Aperol, peach liqueur and rosemary appealing to sweeth-toothed grownups. Tablehopper reports that not only are cocktails on offer, but a boutique beer line called Fog Hog Brewhouse could be on the way, promising a housemade dark lager and a California poppy saison on draft in the future. For now, the bar's beer offering spans bottles from Bud Light to Hennepin Farmhouse Saison, with Goose Island Sofie, Big Daddy IPA, Square Mile hard cider and more on draft, plus a selection of wines by the glass.

Tablehopper also brings word of food on the way, with a kitchen that will be open late with a menu that includes classic dishes inspired by the Playland-at-the-Beach era, including crab Louie, chicken and waffles, blinis and Its-Its. Stay tuned for the latest on when the kitchen begins operations. Topsy's is now open, with hours from 4pm to 2am daily.

· Topsy's Fun House Opening in the Financial District [Tablehopper]
· Playland Bar Opens in Former Kimo's Space [~ ESF ~]