Palo Santo
(718) 636-6311
652 Union St
Brooklyn,
NY
11215
40.6771
-73.9824
Neighborhood: Park Slope
What People Are Saying About Palo Santo
The Editor
Justin Hartung
Citysearch
The Scene
Plantains are piled high in the front window of this Park Slope restaurant, located on the ground floor of a mid-block brownstone. The tiny front room boasts a fireplace and a few bar seats facing a long, narrow kitchen, while the back room's large windows provide a vista of a serene fountain out back. Throughout, Slopers dine in chairs hand-carved by owner and chef Jaques Gautier. Only the cheesy pan pipe soundtrack disrupts the cozy, intimate mood.
The Food
The daily-changing menu delivers a patchwork of South American and Caribbean cuisine. Chowder blends fresh chunks of conch with fiery chilies, while baby fennel enlivens a subtle tuna appetizer. Entree highlights include pink and moist duck medallions in a smoky mole and griot--boar chunks in a liver-enhanced sauce paired with tongue-searing slaw and pickled okra. Desserts finish strong, from a surprisingly light pineapple cake to a creamy pie spiced with sorrel.
User Reviews
zaire
February 23, 2009
wow, ive never been asked not to bring my 8 yr old to a local restaurant. especially in park slope. my husband and i, upon entering, where told my the cook behind the counter that he didnt cater to families, but he would make an exception. i should have left then.. the interior is a little on the "look ma, i made it all by my self" side. not that i dont like a down home feel, this was more shoddy than chic. we started with ceviche. wow. it was still frozen in the middle. kinda defeats the purpose. at that point, i lost my appetite but my husband and son plotted on. their brave. they split a short rib dish and a pork chop covered in a 'mole' sauce. the mole had the consistence of elmers glue and the taste of nestle quick. go figure. the short rib was dry and flavorless. after not eating any of the entrees, the waiter was genuinely concerned. i pointed out the frozen ceviche and the gelatinous mole. he nodded in agreement. he confided in us that there are good days and there are bad days there. wow. do not waist your time. there are to many other, truly delightful dining options in the neighborhood.
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Draggonspoon
February 22, 2009
The food at Palo Santo is excellent - there is no other description that is sufficient. I love it and go as much as possible. The chef is competent and creative. The service if just fine - I've never had a bad experience over the past several years. The prix fixe menu is well-priced and I always come away satisfied and looking forward to my next meal there. The brunch menu is also great- particularly when there is some sort of pork sandwich available.
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bgourley
February 02, 2009
having eaten here at least 15 times the past year I am well acquainted with the menu. The service is great if you have one of the waitresses serving you, and mediocre if you have the other one. One of the waitresses works her tail off (had a neckbrace when we were there) and the other one is a bit snobby and indifferent of whether or not you enjoy your meal. The food is very good , but the wait for your food can be cumbersome and if you have the snooty waitress forget getting your check or food on time.
read full reviewThe Details on Palo Santo
Breakfast:
The breakfast and brunch menus include dishes like zucchini bread and cactus quesadillas.
Prix Fixe:
Gautier will custom-build a prix fixe tasting menu for regular customers.
Know Before You Go:
Palo Santo is cash only.
The Extras:
An order of tiny homemade tortillas is perfect for cleaning up tasty sauces and broths.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Cash, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Breakfast, Romantic Dining, Brunch, Hidden Find, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Dine At The Bar
