Memories Galore & Free Pizza At American Cheez, 7th Avenue’s New Bar

Pop culture touches all of us, whether we like it or not. Even in the act of dismissing pop culture, we are acknowledging its existence, its impact on society, and the emotional effect it has on us. American Cheez, the latest watering hole to open up in South Slope, uses this fact to great effect.

After moving into the former Bar 4 space at the corner of 15th Street and 7th Avenue in December, American Cheez co-owners Brad Perrine (shown above) and Rob O’Neil are determined to cover every square inch of their new bar with cheese. That is to say, memorabilia that might once have been cool, but now just makes people cringe at the sight of it.

The best part? The guys are encouraging customers to bring in their own cheesy collectibles to add to the decor.

“Everyone has something in his or her mother’s basement,” explained Brad, “that they once thought made them cool, but now makes them say, ‘What was I thinking?'”

Brad and Rob want customers to come in and say “that’s mine,” or “I remember that.” By adding their own cheese to the walls (or any negative space around the bar), neighbors become a part of American Cheez. It might sound like a gimmick at first, but it’s really a way of making the bar your living room away from home.

The decor will be constantly evolving as patrons add their own items, and it will eventually go from being just a bar, to a museum of pop culture.

“The exterior sign will also evolve,” Brad said enigmatically.

In addition to a their time capsule of pop culture, American Cheez is offering a free personal pizza with every drink, which Brad says is just another thing that makes them unique (true enough for our area, though there are other bars in Brooklyn that offer the same).

Personal pizzas are “the world’s best bowl of pretzels,” he smiled.

Currently, they only have cheese pizzas (get it?), but they’re planning to offer additional toppings later.

So dig out those old Jonathan Taylor Thomas posters, South Slope, and get ready to make your mark at American Cheez.

American Cheez is located at 444 7th Avenue (at 15th Street). Hours are Monday through Friday, 3pm to 4am; Saturday and Sunday, 12pm to 4am.