Frankies 457
(718) 403-0033
457 Court St
Brooklyn,
NY
11231
40.6777
-73.998
Neighborhood: Carroll Gardens
What People Are Saying About Frankies 457
The Editor
Erin Behan
Citysearch
The Scene
Italian food is taken seriously in Carroll Gardens, and this restaurant--helmed by two Franks, Falcinelli and Castronovo--meets neighborhood standards. The warm interior, with exposed-brick walls, wooden tables, a pressed-tin ceiling and soft lighting, adds a touch of romance. The informal, knowledgeable staff guides patrons through the moderately priced, Italian-heavy wine list.
The Food
While the fine selection of meats and cheeses merit a sample, it's the short list of rotating specials that keeps neighborhood regulars coming back. Start with a delicate mound of watercress, surrounded by light fig puree, before moving on to heartier fare like the sweet-spicy combination of homemade cavatelli and hot sausage, which will have you sopping the last bits of sage butter off the plate. The slow-cooked braciola, pork swimming in a tangy marinara, is another surefire bet. For dessert, the tiramisu is a smooth, decadent treat.
User Reviews
eatery12
June 14, 2009
One should expect to hear the Grateful Dead when dining at the Burrito Bar, a college dorm, or any restaurant that has neon Jimmy Hendrix posters hanging on the walls, but at Frankies 457 and at that volume? Who knew that this was the ambiance they were heading towards? And had we not already ordered our food and waited 45 minutes before it came on, we would have left because for some in our party listening to the grateful dead is unbearable. It was as if they wheeled a dumpster into the restaurant before they brought us our food. And when we asked the waitress, who neither wore patchuli nor smelled bad, if they could switch it to something less obtrusive, she politely said that she would ask (it was not her preference either). She was told by the owner that he would not switch it. It is his place and he can do what he wants. But others should know these details and should stay away if they matter. The food seems to be going downhill as well-- the cheese plate was tiny and the linguine ill-combined and the butter filled polenta was unimaginative (no, sprinkled pine nuts do not an imagination make). Perhaps all this tastes better to some who come in stoned and that seems to be the clientele they are now catering to. Is that what all of those vans were up to that were parked outside? Is that why the wait-staff kept heading out back? One wonders whether the unkempt bathroom (upside: there's only one) is also a reflection of the new culture of Frankies, why-should-the-customer-matter-those-are-your-values-not-mine-dude?-attitude. But one certainly sees a trend. Apparently we needed a miracle, as the dead-fans say. Too bad we have lost this one....
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urbanlegend
May 30, 2009
I stopped going to Frankies because the service was so bad. Unfortunately, my friends and I made the mistake of trying yet again. I have never written a bad review for Frankies, now I must. As a fair warning to others really. They are still as unorganized, frantic, and all over the place as ever. It's not worth the wait or drama (yes the servers can be as difficult as other reviewers have pointed out). The food is good, it's not the best ever and the good reviews seem to by employees or friends of the owner, it's painfully obvious. There are plenty of options in the Carroll Gardens area with better food and far better service. It's a simple fact. Sorry to say it!
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thomas11231
December 18, 2008
If I only ate Frankie's for the rest of my life, I would be happy. Truffle crostinis for life? Not so shabby.
read full reviewThe Details on Frankies 457
When to Go:
Brunch is served on weekends until 4pm. Also available: wines by the glass and a selection of crostinis and light sandwiches, perfect for a late-night or afternoon snack.
The Extras:
The turn-of-the century stable in the garden is available for private parties of up to 75 people.
What to Drink:
The addition of a freshly pulled shot makes the espresso martini a savory after-dinner drink.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Date Spot, Dine At The Bar
