The Grocery
"This charming neighborhood restaurant put Smith Street on the culinary map when it opened in 1999. Nowadays ... Prices are higher, but there's still a zen-like elegance to the small, pale-green room," writes Dana Bowen for Citysearch. Since the Grocery only seats 30, it's always a good idea to call for a reservation, but in the warmer weather the backyard garden offers unreserved tables for walk-ins.
"Inspired dishes include slow-rendered duck breast with toasted bulghur, swiss chard, and caramelized red wine, and whole boneless trout stuffed with mushroom duxelles. For dessert, there's a chocolate fig cake with coconut ice cream and passion fruit sorbet," says New York magazine's Adam Platt. The menu changes with the seasons, but Time Out New York promises that you can "expect a wonderful meal whether you order pan-roasted squid stuffed with black risotto, roasted trout or artichoke served with lemon-poblano aioli."
Chowhound BklynBlaise tried the tasting menu at the Grocery and says, "It was fantastic. I'm allergic to shellfish, and my friend doesn't eat red meat, and they were very accommodating in selecting the courses accordingly. They even included an extra course for us, which was very nice." What's your take on this place?
Reviews (14)
sebb wrote a review on January 21, 2009 12:05 PM
I have been here at least 4 times and the food is wonderful.
mopar wrote a review on January 21, 2009 12:05 PM
Arrgg, this place is monstrously overrated. I went here once when I lived in the area and was profoundly underwhelmed.
East New York wrote a review on January 21, 2009 12:19 PM
My lovely bride and I found it to be excellent, one of the few Brooklyn restaurants that can match the better Manhattan eateries.
promenade wrote a review on January 21, 2009 12:26 PM
when it first opened, and before the press, it was amazing...went there again recently, it was a very sad meal...guess the restaurant couldn't handle the demands of a huge public interest...from the reviewers above, perhaps it is merely inconsistent? still, must rate based on my meal....
slick wrote a review on January 21, 2009 12:28 PM
Before it was written up as the best restaurant ever, it was really good.
After the review, the staff became sort of full of themselves (in my opinion), and quality dropped off. As a result, I havent been in years because it was too much trouble. I go to Saul for my fancy smith street meals.
janelle wrote a review on January 21, 2009 2:09 PM
i've always had a great experience every time i've been here. friendly and professional service, and of course amazing food. once i brought my parents, and the chef persuaded my dad to try an appetizer of duck ravioli in cold corn soup. my dad is far from an adventurous eater, but he loved it!
ownhs wrote a review on January 21, 2009 2:27 PM
The problem is it's too cramped. You go here to have a nice, high-end, maybe even romantic evening out. Then you find yourself basically having dinner with the couple at the next table because you can hear everything they say.
The food/service are what they should be. It only stands out because of how many restaurants are styled as high-end, but can't live up to it. It's by no means innovative or spectacular.
FatLenny wrote a review on January 21, 2009 3:12 PM
The best duck dish I've had stateside. I can't bear to try anything else. The room is a bit too small and intimate for comfort. But it's a mellow vibe so not too claustrophobic.
StJacques wrote a review on January 21, 2009 3:29 PM
It's terrific. We've been a few times in the past year and contrary to what we had thought, it was wonderful every time. The garden in summer is totally pleasant.
jfss wrote a review on January 21, 2009 9:38 PM
First time we went we thought it was really expensive for Smith St but the food was great - 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, 1 dessert. So we went again. Food was terrible - 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, 1 dessert - all disappointing. We didn't go again.
superstooper wrote a review on January 26, 2009 11:37 AM
One of the very best.
kbrown0804 wrote a review on February 2, 2009 3:16 PM
Was just here over the weekend for the second time. The first time was fine, but I didn't understand the fuss. Determined that I missed something and gave it another go. Still wouldn't recommend it since it's a drab interior, the service is just ok, the prices are very high, and the food is good, but offers nothing memorable.
brooklyn guy wrote a review on February 3, 2009 11:23 AM
good service and a pleasant atmosphere do not make up for the inconsistency. one great meal there, two subsequent meals that were bad enough to make it a "no-return." the food is way less inventive than it reads on the menu and the winelist is a joke - completely overpriced and full of wines that are very difficult to drink because of their high alcohol content. how many australian grenaches does one restaurant really need?
CECILIA wrote a review on April 2, 2009 6:32 PM
A friend told me how good this place was, (but said it was very small and the tables were so close) so we went there to check it out first and reserve a table for two, this was the table that we both liked, since I am a big fan of being at a restaurant where I feel comfortable and don't feel cramped, this was about 2004. I called to let them know we would be late and they said okay. We arrive about 15 minutes late and the table that we reserved had been taken. I was very disappointed in there attitude, so I suggested to the staff and it may have been one of the owner's that we sit up front where the swing is located, near the door, they told us that was for four, so we really got angry and left. I just did not like the arrogrant attitude and the lack of professionalsim. THEY WERE WRONG. Of course, we were both dress so well and look so fabulous, we were celebrating something special between us. I think they may have been intimitidated. I had heared about Bouley in Tribeca and we called and they were ale to get us a table at the last minute. The food was so delicious, service impeccable and professional and of course the place very elegant. We have been going to Bouley for over 5 years and the food is always amazing. I really would have like to have tried the Grocery, but they lost a very potential customer.
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