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Grocery288 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY | Directions 11231
40.681749 -73.993713 View Website
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“What it may lack in atmosphere, it makes up in flavors that are clean, fresh, and innovative.”
“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.”
“The waitstaff was also incredibly helpful and warm and the wine and desserts were fantastic.”
“The entrees were interesting, fresh, and delicious and the presentation was thoughtful.”
“Charlie (also owner) prepares fantastic dishes & the menu changes seasonally.”
“This is just a great Brooklyn restaurant, but it's not worth the trip from the city.”
“Go to Saul, the staff is topflight, and the food is just as good, if not better.”
“Forget about all of the downtown restaurants with their attitude, out of this world prices, and head chefs who are only occasionally in the kitchen, and go to Grocery, where the food is reasonably priced, the service is superb and the food is delicious.”
“had the slow rendered duck entree.”
Total Disappointment! Never Again!. I can't say how disappointed I was to have a bland, overpriced meal with bad service at the Grocery. I've heard good things about this place for years and was ready to pony up a lot of cash to dine here for a special occasion. The tiny space was full for dinner, so I expected a decent wait for food. I did not expect, however, to wait over an hour for our entrees, or for them to be either tasteless (Monkfish) or candy-sweet (Venison). As nice as the waitress was, it seemed so odd that when, as hungry as I was, I simply couldn't eat a bland plate of fish and left it nearly full in front of me, and the waitress didn't ask whether it was ok or if she could have gotten me something else. She walked by several times when our wine glasses were empty and didn't ask if we wanted to order another glass. This whole time the chef kept popping out to hang with people he knew a few tables away, but didn't bother to stop at our table until the meal was over (and didn't ask how it was). I asked for the check 3 times (in a place with ten tables) before I got it, and when we got up to leave in the middle of a blizzard, the waitress stared at us blankly before asking if she had our coats! You think?! Such a shame to drop $180 for two (without dessert and only a half bottle of wine) for lame service and bland food.
AMAZING!!!! Both Vegan and Meat-eater agree!. This was one of the best meals of my life!!! My husband (a meat-eater) and I (a vegan) had a fantastic meal. The chef/owner was extremely accommodating to me. Originally, I ordered the veggie plate, but the chef came out to our table and suggested other possibilities--he made the mushroom risotto sans dairy and it was AMAZING!!! One of the most delicious things I have tasted. I had the veggie plate to start out and it, too, was exceptional. My husband got the duck and LOVED it. We will definitely be back. I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant to veggies and meat-eaters alike!
Very Good. We like it very much. We've been to Grocery six times and not once has an item on the menu disappointed. While the room is not particularly comfortable, once you're seated you'll forget about everything except what's on your plate. Solid wine list, knowledgeable staff, friendly owners and an adventurous, ever-changing menu keep us coming back.
Amazing dinner - accommodating to those with food allergies. 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.
A very special restaurant !!!.
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.
Perfect in Every Way.
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.
yummy!. One of my favorites spots to eat in Brooklyn... yummy, original food! The service was decent... it was a little busy and we had to wait but overall our experience was a good one.
An amazing dining experience. There's a reason why reservations are hard to come by. My husband took me here for our wedding anniversary, and I couldn't have been more pleased with his choice. It was one of the best dining experiences I've had in a long time. The food was outstanding. The entrees were interesting, fresh, and delicious and the presentation was thoughtful. I had the scallops, and my husband had the lamb, which was cooked exactly how he requested it. The waitstaff was extremely attentive, very pleasant, and we never felt rushed. The chef came out to check on the patrons, which we felt was a nice personal touch. It's a small restaurant, with a minimalistic atmosphere, but still feels warm and inviting, like you're having dinner at a friend's home. I highly recommend The Grocery.
Amazing Food...Rude Waitress.
I went for dinner last Saturday night. The food was amazing- best duck ever!
However, our waitress had major attitude and actually insulted me out of the blue. So weird! I will definitely go back, but I hope I get someone else next time!
Sadly, Overrated.
It's my understanding that Grocery was recently rated and compared to Le Bernadin and other NYC top spots, which is exactly what peaked my interest. Unfortunately, it is not in the same ballpark. The food is certainly delicious, but not nearly as complex or well thought out as the class in which it is trying to compete. My advice is to go, but don't have such high expectations. This is just a great Brooklyn restaurant, but it's not worth the trip from the city.
The service, food, and wine were adequate but not impressive. Many people have had different experiences, so perhaps it was just a bad night for the chef.
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