Grocery
(718) 596-3335
288 Smith St
Brooklyn,
NY
11231
40.6821
-73.9937
Neighborhood: Carroll Gardens
What People Are Saying About Grocery
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
This charming neighborhood restaurant put Smith Street on the culinary map when it opened in 1999. Nowadays, diners arrive in hired cars from Manhattan, and chef-owners Sharon Pachter and Charles Kiely greet them with the same warmth extended to local regulars. Prices are higher, but there's still a zen-like elegance to the small, pale-green room. Service is smart but startlingly casual.
The Food
The owners' visits to farmers' markets in Brooklyn drive the ingredient-centric New American menu, which changes about once a month. Start with goat cheese ravioli atop a fan of yellow beets, or a comforting bowl of lentils with fresh poached egg and house-cured bacon. Beware of over-complication: Balsamic-radicchio glaze cancels the subtle flavors of ratatouille-stuffed calamari, and chunky pumpkin risotto with supple duck confit lacks integrated finesse. Simpler plates--like potato-crusted halibut or grilled lamb with artichokes, white beans and escarole--are wiser choices. Flaky, deep-dish cobbler is a perpetual favorite.
User Reviews
shelizabeth
May 24, 2009
I usually never write reviews for restaurants, but after the meal I enjoyed at The Grocery, I felt like I must. My wonderful experience began from the moment I called up to confirm my reservation. The man at the other end of the line was the chef of the restaurant who was incredibly courteous and kind. When I mentioned my food allergies (no gluten or dairy) he proceeded to go through the menu with me and outlined what I could eat, and what he could make ahead of time especially for me. This is a RARE treat indeed for someone with my dietary needs. When we arrived at the restaurant, we were seated in the back garden area. Unlike other outdoor city dining, this area was verdant and peaceful, basically the exact opposite of city curbside dining which is usually grimy and loud. Our server knew of my dietary restrictions and was kind and accommodating. The chef himself came out twice to serve us dishes he had prepared for us (which we hadn't even ordered) and that I could enjoy. At the end of the meal as I watched my boyfriend eat something that I could not, the waiter brought me a tiny serving of three sorbets and said that the chef didn't want me to just watch my boyfriend enjoy dessert. As someone who has a very difficult time navigating menus and eating food which I don't prepare myself, my evening at The Grocery was a wonderful treat. I cannot emphasize how accommodating and wonderful my meal was. I will definitely be going back again.
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Zincnyc
August 13, 2008
My husband & I came for dinner & ate outside in the pretty candle-lit garden. We eat out a lot but this was our first time, the menu was original & exciting and the staff extremely knowledgeable. The food was EXCEPTIONAL - each dish seemed to have an exquisitely crafted array of flavors. The chefs are PERFECTIONISTS & their attention to detail in each mouthful of flavor makes other restaurants / food experiences seem quite clunky! Extra touches: two small round hot potato croquettes were brought to our table between courses - another perfect little taste! If you are a true foodie, you will enjoy every minute here.
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CantStopTheEnvy
July 28, 2008
I'm astounded by some of the bad reviews of this place. This is our favorite restaurant in Brooklyn, and I grew up here! The food is always fresh & amazing. The staff is always very helpful & friendly, if they were rude to you, it was likely because you deserved it. The wine list is excellent, and Sharon (owner) is very knowledgeable. Charlie (also owner) prepares fantastic dishes & the menu changes seasonally. I've literally never had a dish I did not love & neither have any of our guests. The outdoor garden is so romantic, try to get there before it's too cold. I promise you - we are foodies - and this place is absolutely worth every penny (and not expensive at all!) One thing I've noticed from reading reviews of restaurants or vacations is that some people can not enjoy a good meal/vacation, no matter where they are.
read full reviewThe Details on Grocery
What to Drink:
The very reasonably priced wine list includes an interesting selection of international whites and reds--fruity red Mazzi Valpolicella pairs with everything. The restaurant does not have a full bar.
Where to Sit:
If you're dining as a party of four, request one of the spacious window seats, which allow more elbow room than the tightly-clustered tables. In warm weather, the lovely backyard garden is open.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
People Watching, Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Romantic Dining, Outdoor Dining, Prix Fixe Menu
