The Grocery
Brooklyn, NY 11231-4650
Phone: (718) 596-3335
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Between Union Street and Sackett Street
- Directions:
- F; G at Carroll St
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 5:30pm-10pm, Fri 5:30pm-11pm, Sat 5pm-11pm
Editorial Review for The Grocery – by Dana Bowen
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.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe 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 SitIf 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.
User Reviews for The Grocery
06/06/2008 Posted by crsandoval
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.
05/31/2008 Posted by kmgorman
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.
Pros: Interesting seasonal dishes, outstanding service
Cons: Not easy to get a reservation
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