Chestnut
(718) 243-0049
271 Smith St
Brooklyn,
NY
11231
40.6826
-73.9931
Neighborhood: Carroll Gardens
What People Are Saying About Chestnut
The Editor
Rebecca Behan
Citysearch
In keeping with the adjacent restaurant, Chestnut Bar champions a bevy of influences, dividing its rotating wine list into solid basics ("themes") and more exotic "variations." Part rustic hearth, part modern wine bar, this petite 20-stool nook of red brick and rough-hewn wood hugs close neighborhood 30-somethings looking for a lingering late night. A small, classically skewed cocktail menu delivers hefty 12-oz. doses of rum, gin and Sazerac rye, starting at $9, alongside the complimentary house-made maple caramel popcorn.
Hits: Seasonal appetizers, small plates and entrees fly from Chestnut's next-door kitchen, bringing Chef Daniel Eardley's locavore offerings--including a prix-fixe menu, chef's tastings and wine pairings--to the bar.
Misses: Though bartenders dutifully wait on the tiny round tables, which are stacked single-file against the raised wall banquette, the close proximity is not for the shy--or the broad shouldered.
User Reviews
BROOKLYNEATER
July 01, 2009
Chestnut seems to be living off years-old reviews and word-of-mouth referrals. The place is a Gordon Ramsey show waiting to happen. On a recent visit for brunch, my friend's poached eggs came out hard-boiled and my burger was cooked well-done, not "medium," as I had asked. We would have sent our food back, but we'd waited 45 minutes it and we were very hungry. The only thing good at this place is the mimosas and the Bloody Marys.
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sixoune
March 22, 2009
For some odd reason, I have lived not too far from Chestnut for the past 3 years but had never eaten there. On Saturday night, four of us went there and had the tasting menu ($60) with wine paring ($30). It was simply put.... superb. I truly did not expect such innovative cuisine. The tasting menu was around 10-12 different small size dishes (we stopped counting), all of them innovative and soul filling. The Hanger steak (yes I know hanger steak) was amazing, the small chocolate cake to die for. Even the wine pairing (which I usually avoid because it tends to be either expensive or low on quality) was not only plenty (10-12 half glasses of wine but matched each dish perfectly. The somelier (owner?) described each wine with passion. Great sign, i did not even feel lousy the next day (which says a lot when you mix 10-12 diferent wines). Service was friendly but not imposing. Eventhough the dinner lasted over 3 and a half hours, we truly did not see time fly and were almost begging for more surprises. My wife and I go out a lot both in Brooklyn and Manhattan and it has been a while since we both had such a great culinary experience at such a reasonable price. Keep up the great work...and see you on Friday !!!
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Anonymous
December 09, 2008
Their brunch is amazing. I like their scones and popovers, which I had heard about from my friends. The prices were decent, the environment casual, and the staff friendly. I heard about the chocolate budino, but did not get to give it a try, so I'm waiting until the next time I go back.
read full reviewThe Details on Chestnut
Know Before You Go:
A smaller late-night menu is served from 11pm to 1am on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 11pm to 3am Thursday through Saturday.
Where to Sit:
When making reservations, be sure to request a table far away from the swinging kitchen door.
What to Drink:
The wine list does not play geographical favorites--wines from France, Oregon, Switzerland, Italy and Washington all make the list. Feeling confused? The house syrah is a good pick.
When to Go:
Avoid the restaurant overflow by nabbing a spot at the bar early in the evening or just after the dinner rush, around 10:30pm.
The Extras:
Unlike other wine-focused locales, The Chestnut Bar doesn't just offer bottled suds, with a variety of 14-oz draughts also served.
Fun Fact:
Chef and partner David Eardley conceived of many of the bar's designer touches, including the small side tables, which are made from recycled chestnut wood.
The Extras:
Unlike other wine-focused locales, Chestnut Bar doesn't just offer bottled suds; a variety of 14-oz draughts are also served.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Family-Friendly Dining, Romantic Dining, Brunch, People Watching, Dine At The Bar, Notable Wine List, Prix Fixe Menu
