Brooklyn's best bites: vogue staffers spill their secrets
Forget endless scrolling and influencer hype. Navigating Brooklyn's culinary scene—a sprawling, vibrant landscape of global flavors and fiercely defended local favorites—is a pursuit best guided by those in the know. And at Vogue, we’ve been doing a lot of knowing.
The reservation you need to secure (and why it's worth it)
Bong 724 Sterling Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11216, is, arguably, the most elusive reservation in Brooklyn, and the buzz is justified. A single dinner there, as director of creative development, Teen Vogue, Amalie MacGowan discovered, is a masterclass in rich, complex flavors. Think corn brushed in sweet and salty coconut milk alongside crunchy fried squid and grilled pork jowl—a symphony of textures and tastes that’ll leave you craving a return trip. Securing a Resy alert is your best bet; persistence pays off.
Old-school charm meets impeccable steak
Peter Luger (178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211) isn’t just a steakhouse; it’s a New York institution. Founded in 1887 as a German beer hall, the wood-paneled rooms, antique steins, and boisterous singalongs create an atmosphere unlike any other. As lifestyle writer Anna Grace Lee, who grew up visiting, notes, “I feel lucky every time I get to experience it.” But the real magic, of course, lies in the steak—a buttery, perfectly sliced masterpiece best paired with a crisp Bitburger and a side of creamed spinach and German potatoes. Don’t skip the bacon appetizer, a truly decadent indulgence, and finish with the “Holy Cow” hot fudge sundae—it’s legendary for a reason.
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The chicken restaurant that's also a natural wine bar
Badaboom (421 Bainbridge St, Brooklyn, NY 11233), a relatively recent arrival in Bed-Stuy, defies easy categorization. Lifestyle shopping editor Elly Leavitt calls it a “strange amalgamation of dining experiences,” primarily because it's a chicken restaurant masquerading as a natural wine bar. Order the half chicken swimming in sauce with potatoes, and then explore the French-inspired sides—the green beans, bathed in butter that would make Julia Child proud, are a must. Don't underestimate the au jus; it’s simply incredible.
Beyond the usual suspects: hidden gems and local favorites
Brooklyn’s culinary landscape extends far beyond the headline-grabbing spots. Briscola Trattoria (798a Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238) in Crown Heights, for example, offers long wooden tables, affordable house wine, and olive oil for the table – a modern trattoria dream. Good Ol’ Days Diner (212 Patchen Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11233) in Bedford-Stuyvesant is a weekend destination for those seeking a classic diner experience. Associate manager, social media, Edgar Gatsinzi raves about the coffee-flavored Oreo milkshake and the unique fried chicken breakfast sandwich. L&B Spumoni Gardens (2725 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223) offers a taste of Bensonhurst's heart, with its legendary square Sicilian pizza and scoops of spumoni. Bernie’s (332 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222) delivers big on flavor and atmosphere, with a wedge salad piled high and a sundae that’s a Jenga-like disaster of whipped cream and brownie bites.
The verdict? brooklyn's food scene is unstoppable
From the vibrant flavors of Miss Ada (184 Dekalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205) to the exquisite Mediterranean fare at Hart’s (506 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238), Brooklyn continues to redefine what it means to eat well. The sheer diversity—the treasured family-run businesses, the century-old institutions, the constantly evolving pop-ups—is a testament to the borough’s boundless creativity and its unwavering commitment to good Food. The search for the “best” is, of course, a fool’s errand. The true joy lies in the discovery.