Chestnut
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Phone: (718) 243-0049
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- DeGraw Street
- Directions:
- F, G at Carroll St
- Hours:
- Tue-Sat 5:30pm-11pm, Sun 11am-3:30pm, 5:30pm-11pm
Editorial Review for Chestnut – by Erin Behan
The Scene
Uncomplicated, tasteful touches--a soothing abstract painting, an exposed brick wall, a tiny bar--grace the restaurant's neutral-toned interior. The adept waitstaff moves between the tightly packed tables, delivering plates of rich, hearty fare to the neighborhood's 30-something gastronomes and oenophiles.
The Food
Former Chef of Washington Park Daniel Eardley leans heavily on seasonal ingredients: An autumn appetizer of duck salad bursts with ripe pomegranate seeds; tender grilled octopus with peppers and turnips is a starter must for every table. Entrees continue the theme, employing earthy ingredients, often in unconventional ways. Spaghetti, tossed with gorgonzola, cabbage and celery root, packs an uncharacteristic bite, and the ample ribeye is nicely spiced by the subtly sweet onion jam. Desserts, such as apple quince pie and chocolate cake, are good enough, but don't merit the loosening of a belt buckle. Instead finish with the fragrant peppermint tea, which arrives in an individual French press.
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Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe 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.
Know Before You GoA 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 SitWhen making reservations, be sure to request a table far away from the swinging kitchen door.
User Reviews for Chestnut
07/13/2008 Posted by happyjuice8000
I used to love this place. They used to have good food and good service. However, this place has gone downhill very fast. I suspect there is new management or new kitchen staff. The usual winners on their menu have rapidly turned into losers. Their pasta dishes, once excellent, are now mushy messes. They taste like re-heated over-cooked pasta that's been sitting out all day. Their veggies are now over-cooked and over-salted. Their chicken is now so dry you have to choke it down with their off-tasting tap water. Their wines by the glass, though pricey, often taste like they've been poured out of large economy-sized bottles or boxes sitting in the fridge for weeks. They taste completely oxidized, like when you open a bottle of wine, keep it in your fridge with a poor fitting cork and try to drink it again a couple weeks later. The floors and tables are sticky and smell shockingly foul, like they've been washed with filthy mops and rags (the same ones used to clean the bathroom). Needless to say, the bathroom is dirty, and the thought of the kitchen staff washing their hands in there is revolting. While most of the waitstaff is pleasant, the manager is dismissive, and there is one waitress who is pushy and rude and condescending. Don't waste your hard-earned money at this place.
Pros: Used to have good food and service.
Cons: Food and cleanliness has gotten really bad.
06/04/2008 Posted by segale
This is one of the greatest meals in Brooklyn. The service is great, and the food is creative and always amazing. The ice cream dessert is by far the best in the city.
