Breuckelen

Amazing
LOVED the food and service!!!

When I walked up there were two people making out as hard as you could imagine. I mean they were really going at it. For a long time. At first I was like, damn, did someone just come back from war? Because that’s pretty much the only answer for this kind PDA. Either that or drugs. War or drugs. It was that intense and it was definitely something I was going to tell people about later.
Then, after our meal I forgot all about it.
Thats how great this place is, from the food, to the people to the price. And that’s how I would describe this place: It’s better than watching a return from war, drug induced, public make out session.

Being almost spring, it seems appropriate for a baseball analogy: Breuckelen is the New York Mets of restaurants. A comfortable home field setting, with a promising menu that gets you excited and hopeful at the start, but leaves you disappointed and wondering where your money went come the end.
The location couldn’t be better. A cozy, inviting place tucked into a leafy block of cobble hill. But the welcoming atmosphere and beautiful dishes are like Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran… look great on paper, but fail to deliver in the end.
Ultimately, the food is good but lacks the WOW factor that makes you want to come back for more. The skate and short rib entrees were hits, but the sweetbreads and beet salad starters were swing and misses. Saffron poached oyster amuse was delicious, but when it comes down to it, the entirety of the meal just didn’t hold up.
When you factor in the higher cost relative to other gems in the hood, Breuckelen fails to deliver. Like the Mets, root for these guys, but just don’t expect to come home with a performance to brag about.

Overall:
I won’t be coming back. This was an expensive dinner for an unmemorable meal. This neighborhood has restaurants that are better by far.
The meal:
Amuse Bouche: No idea what this was, as the server did not explain. And whatever it was was completely forgettable.
Starter: Sweetbreads. I’ve never ordered sweetbreads before, so I can’t say how these stack up. I found the salad that came underneath the sweetbreads way more interesting and delicious.
Entrée: Butternut Squash Gnocchi. The gnocchi seemed very dense and large. I was full after eating just two or three of these beasts. Not at all what I expect from gnocchi. The overall taste was bland, and I couldn’t detect the butternut squash flavor in these at all.
Dessert: I don’t recall what we had… Some sort of overly dry cake layered with tart fruity stuff, and a teeny tiny bit of chocolate ice cream. The ice cream was by far the best part of this dessert.
The restaurant:
The seating felt tight. There were several empty tables that night, and unfortunately they chose to seat us at a table with another couple.

We decided to try Breuckelen the other night, since it was listed as a place with outdoor seating and it was nice out. Basically, we loved it. For starters, the bartender, hostess, and waiter were all super friendly and attentive, which is surprisingly harder and harder to find.
Free bite of skate sashimi to start the meal, great. We had trouble deciding what to get, because everything on the menu looked awesome. Ended up with braised lamb ravioli and braised short rib, with polenta. Both excellent, good portions, good flavor. (although the short rib was a but pricey, pasta is reasonably priced)
Would like to see a more diverse dessert and appetizer portion of the menu, but every entrée looks worth a try.
As for outdoor seating, there’s probably eight seats out front, and eight seats in back, so it’s not huge. Not sure if they’d let you reserve the entire back, but if so, it would be perfect for a group of 8 – 10 on a nice night.
We’ll be back.

Another reason I’m glad my buddies have an apartment in cobble hill. Went last night and had a great meal. Rundown
Drinks. Wine and beer list were both excellent, we got a $ 32 bottle of hearty malbec for our pasta dishes and it wasn’t bad. I started with a sazerac and ended with some absinthe, so I was feeling allright.
Food: amuse Bouche of fluke sashimi was a nice start, and free
We got an oyster trio and sweetbread appetizer, sweetbreads a definite hit with me, cold prosciutto and warm sweetbreads with frisee makes me happy.
Pastas– all excellent, the rigatoni with cumin sausage real nice, lamb ravioli and gnocchi were tasty and even better was the hearty portions.
I also got the skate wing, sauteed kale and capers there, over some pom purée. Another home run and refreshing lightness to the heavy pastas
Service was spot-​on, as a habitual 8 water glass a meal a-​hole it’s nice to always be full.
Remember…super small, so I’d assume there is a wait on busy nights. Good date/​special occasion spot. Eat.the.sweetbread.

Went here for brunch — noon on a Sunday. It was good, but was not super impressed. It was ranked up there with many of the Williamsburg and Carrol Gardens staples.
Thin bloody marry (if you like bloody marries you know what I’m talking about.
Menu was very small. 1 soup, 2 salads, 2 egg dishes, 1 pancakes, 2 sandwiches, 2 desserts.
We opted for the burger and the poached eggs with duck confit hash. Both were pretty good, but nothing spectacular.
All in all, it was a good meal, but does not stack up to its 4-​star rated Brooklyn counterparts. Also, it’s very pricey, especially for Brooklyn. 2 entrees ($ 15 and $ 16 each), 1 coffee, a bloody mary and a mimosa were $ 65 before tip.

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiip. what’s that sound? That, my friends, is a High Class Rip Off.
1. Short Ribs are on the menu for $ 26. They come with polenta, wilted greens and some other stuff. The only thing that had real flavor was the polenta. So sad. The short ribs were chewy and tasteless.
2. The amuse bouche, a spoon with an overcooked mussel and cut chives, came after we received our entrees. The waiter said that it had been sent to another table by mistake. I wish he hadn’t said that, because it looked as though it had been sitting at another person’s table. I hesitated while my husband went for it. The look on his face quickly let me know not to give it a try.
3. The ‘Bklyn’ drink is basically a Manhattan, but with a ‘real’ maraschino cherry that tastes eerily similar to a nasty grape.
4. Bartender was nice, and I get that he wants his drinks to be more authentic… but it seems that happens at the expense of taste.
5. Let’s get to the aforementioned short ribs for $ 26. Funny. They show up on the bill for $ 28. When asked, the bartender apologized and said it must have been a mistake and would we like a drink on the house. I appreciate that it was offered, but as my husband said, no, I’d rather have my 2 $ that you purposely overcharged us. When you have a computerized menu system, how often do prices really go in wrong? I think that the clientele is so wealthy that restaurant-​goers don’t check the cheque. They should. Owner is ripping customers off.
So close to home, but sadly we won’t be returning.

This has been my 5^th trip to Breuckelen since their opening in Sept/​Oct and I think it just may be my last. Visit #4 was over Sunday brunch, which left little to the imagination and a $ 60 tab for 2. They know the’re eggs right?
My last visit, Jan 7^th 2011, was just ok. I was excited to start with the sardines, only to be disappointed as they were over grilled, dry and complicated. (The paired the sardines with garbonzo beans and red peppers that were just out of place and didn’t belong with the dish.)
I followed my app with their Red Snapper dish, which they replaced with Grouper as they ran out of snapper. This was by far the best dish I ever had at Breukelen. If I was to go back, I would order this dish again.
My partner had some lack-​luster Lobster squash bisque, but his short rib entrée was terrific.
So here is my recent problem… There was the overpriced, bland brunch, but now they had 2 bad appetizers and on top of it, stopped taking American Express! There reason was because it was too costly, but at an average «entrée» priced at $ 29 they should cough up the fee. Our bill for 2, including a $ 80 bottle of wine came to $ 214.00 after tip. I think they can afford to pay the AMEX fee.
To top it off — when I was asked about my experience, and I commented on American Express, the manager immediately acknowledged my sentiment stating that I was the 3^rd person of the night to say the same thing. When she walked over to tell the Chef and Proprietor, Andrew, he looked at the manager and shrugged his shoulders saying, «I don’t care… I am not paying Amex the fee.» His arrogance was enough for me to not go there again. Andrew is so short sighted and bottom line, a bad business man — not just for the Amex decision, but because he is inconsistent in his delivery.

«Oh, so there was bread,» I murmured to no one in particular, as the Chef de cuisine and I stood awkwardly next to the gaping archway to the kitchen, watching a sous chef cut up some delicious looking* olive bread, while I was waiting for the restroom after dinner.
Chef replies «I bet you’re looking forward to some of that!»
I think: Be nice, Claire F.
I say: «I really enjoyed the gnocchi» and give him a big smile. How can you not smile at that sweet, chubby face of his? You just want to like him. Much like how I really wanted to give this place five stars. But I just couldn’t. And here’s why:
When my friend made the res, it was going to be two of us, then another girlfriend wanted to join. We called and were told that there was no room at the inn. Upon arrival, the two of us are seated at a 4-​top. –1. Literally.
We weren’t brought a cocktail list but were asked if we wanted one, yet when we received said list it was completely devoid of anything interesting. It contained the likes of a hot chocolate-Bailey’s «cocktail»… for pre-​dinner? The wine list, however, was pretty good and offered a range of price points. I liked my pinot noir and my companion her prosecco.
The «bouncer» that has been mentioned below… is he the manager/​maitre d’hotel? For such a small place, he does have a noticeable commanding presence that could perhaps be distracting.
Yet their swish logo/​menu design and the adorable Christmas décor made it a pleasant atmosphere, even despite unforeseeable intangibles, like when our superstar waitress had to swoop in to move some doofus’ bike that he had thought to bring INTO the restaurant** and lean against our table. But, the music? I felt like I was in a Greek taverna, dining with Yanni.*** Also, that is a super ugly HUGE painting next to the bar, completely at odds with the rest of the décor.
Our server was stellar. She was friendly, helpful and completely attentive, without being overbearing. When we had a question about a menu item she chose to go ask the kitchen rather than BS us.
Overall, the food was great. The butternut squash soup was really well done, with fried sage and crème fraîche really bringing out the flavour. I had the ricotta gnocchi that was simply dreamy in its pillow-​like texture with braised beef, greens and sage/​balsamic brown butter. I savored each bite.
Feeling yuletide-​y, we opted for the figgy pudding for dessert– it was paired with a five spice crème anglaise that just. worked. There was a mini spoon battle for that last bite, for sure. You may have won this round, Addie S., but I’ll be back! (shakes fist)
And I will. I think this place has potential for greatness. I’ll give them a few more months to work out the kinks in their service and visit again.
(3.75)
—
* I can neither confirm nor deny its deliciousness as my table was never brought any.
** for realzies
*** In a word: bizarre. In another few: that actually sounds like fun…

— The squash soup was AN ORDER OF MAGNITUDE better than any squash soup I’d ever had in my life. This is NOT HYPERBOLE.
— My fish was cooked perfectly.
— There’s this French chardonnay blend they have there by the glass. Don’t mess around. Get a bottle.
— Our bartender made us an herb-​infused cocktail of his own design after dinner and, Sweet Baby Jesus, it was amazing.
— During after-​dinner cocktails, the table next to us had their pasta arrive and just smelling it felt like a second meal. Totally sublime.
— Do it.

What a wonderful place! Small, but cozy and the staff are awesome and make you feel like you are eating in their own home. Everyone from Andrew the executive chef/​owner to Jeff the maitre d and Alexander the bartender. All were so welcoming and a pleasure to converse with.
It’s located in a historic building including original artifacts on the wall from the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. We sat at the bar as we popped in without a reservation on a busy Saturday night. I don’t have a problem eating at the bar in general and sometimes prefer it, but if that’s not for you make sure you call and make a res. My cousin and I shared a couple of salads to start off. We attacked the roasted beet salad first. What a beautiful presentation. Great combo of cheese and nuts, combine that with the fresh lettuce and juicy beets in a blood orange vinaigarette. Perfect! Then moved on to the prosciutto salad which was just as succulent. A little on the acidity side, but tasted so healthy and fresh. After the salads they brought out an amuse-​bouche which I forget what it was, but a classy touch. I know it had cilantro in it. Might have been a mussel???
For an entrée I ordered the 5 spice duck breast. While waiting for the entrée, Andrew surprised us each with a bowl of risotto. Wow! Wow! Wow! I don’t usually think to order risotto, but it was one of the best things I’ve ever had. Subtle hints of parmesan and truffle oil which pucker up your taste buds. It was perfect because it was just what I needed being that it was a cold night and warmed me up with every spoonful. The duck entrée was so juicy and tender and presented so nicely. The port jus was sweet and went great with the chestnut spaetzle. My cousin had the bouillabaisse and enjoyed immensely.
Don’t leave without trying the risotto, make sure you say hello to the wonderful staff and don’t be afraid to go out on a limb and order something you might not normally get. You won’t be disappointed. Almost forgot to mention it is very reasonable for the quality and creativity of the cuisine you are served. Entrees are between $ 18 – 26. If you went across the river you would easily be paying upwards of $ 35 for the same plate of food.

We had a great meal here; start to finish. Came by on a busy Saturday night without a reservation and sat at the bar. Every dish that we had delicious. For real.
The amuse bouche with the mussels: Delcious.
Salad with sardines: Delicious.
Cauliflower soup: I licked the plate.
Fried quail over a bed of grits: Delicious.
The duck: tender and flavorful. Perfect.
Sweet potato tart type thing: Delcious.
In regards to the rest of the hood, Breuckelen is more casual than Grocery or Saul but I think the food is on the same level.
We’ll be back.
(Update: They have stopped taking reservations. We can all debate if this is a good/​bad thing, but the issue is that of course their bar is smallish and there isn’t much space and the closest bar will be three blocks away.)

By far the best meal I’ve had in a long time, and I go out very often. Their attention to every last detail is impeccable. From the food to the service to the décor and the music, the cocktails and wine; this place masters the art of everything.
The chef is bold and innovative, yet clearly methodical. They set the tone with the food and carry that approach over to every other aspect of the dining experience. In short, this restaurant embodies everything I love about Brooklyn. All of the salads, the cauliflower soup, gnocchi, duck and quail are all highly recommended.
Will go here again, again and again.

Dutch 19^th century name? Check
Trendy looking façade, and nice interior? Check
Bartenders who are well groomed and professional? Check
Bouncer at the door? Check?!
Cobble Hill must be peaking if it finds itself with a restaurant with a bouncer outside. Something was fishy when I arrived only to be stopped outside by a large albeit friendly man asking if I had a reservation (I did), and let through.
The table was not ready and while waiting at the bar I was suggested a beer that smelled and tasted like arse (I was reassured this was in fact the intended taste). The food was decent except wifey’s dish managed to ruin a perfectly good lamb tagine by adding lavender scent to the cous cous. Otherwise nothing mind blowing.
This restaurant is closer, based on just the food, to 3 stars. Service was more like 4 stars. But all together, this place decidedly does not deserve its namesake, nor the hype.

I always get a little worried about going to places when they just open — you never know if they’ve worked out the kinks in service, food, etc. Breuckelen does not seem to be suffering from opening jitters.
The host/​manager is lovely, warm and remembers your name when you leave.
Drinks were strong, but good, and dinner was delicious from start to finish: the olive bread was crusty and good, a surprising amuse bouche showed up that was delightful, and I had duck that was cooked perfectly with roasted brussel sprouts and chestnut spaetzel: hearty and tasty. House-​made apple tart a la mode was unbelievable and I’d order again (and again and again!).
Décor is adorable and class, pretty and understated, though I wish the space were bigger (and seated folks a little more comfortably).
All in all, a great neighborhood find and I hope it stays open!

I have mixed feelings about this place. The food is so absolutely amazing from the appetizer to the main to the dessert. the portions were generous, the wine list is one of the better ones around with a good selection of «by the glass.» The service was perfectly attentive without being overbearing. My only complaint is that the tables are quite close together even by NYC restaurant standards. One or two fewer tables in front and the place would be perfect.
Make a reservation.

I just LOVE this place.
I had the tomato and watermelon salad as my appetizer and it was fantastic. I had to eat the ricotta gnocchi slowly because it was so damn good I didn’t want to eat to disappear just yet LOL.
The vibe is pretty great too!
The only negative was that the service was bit slow — understandable since it was their opening week.

As far as the other reviewers noting the crowd and close tables– i agree with the person who notes that this is NY. Although its always nice to feel like you have your own private little oasis, unless you are ordering out, you rarely get that (ive never seen it for a decent restaurant at least). The staff were very nice and well educated not only on their food and drink but on Brooklyn as well. It was great having an explanation of the location and the items that were on the walls as décor. (Im not going to repeat anything because i dont want to saying anything incorrectly– but when you go there make sure to look at the décor, and ask what each item is– it was pretty fascinating to me!)
I started off with a Breuckelen D’oro– it was phenomenal. And trust me I know my drinks. I am a mixologist as well as an avid drinker ;) When we were served our sparkling water i was pleased to see that they have their own water bottles– nice touch!
We had a hard time deciding what to order and our waitress was kind enough to describe each item to us… as well as personal commentary– which i found very helpful.
We ended up trying an aray of items, which sadly i can not name them all off as I dont remember what they all were– so, i will describe to you what each item was as i can not leave anything out each item had my friends and I in awe.
First we were presented with a small beginner which consisted of a mussle in carrot purée. When I was told what this was, i can not lie, i thought to myself something hideous. However, upon tasting this i was blown away with surprise. It was fabulous. I wanted more, the three of us joked noting we wanted to lick the spoons they were served on.
We then had what i think was a gazpacho (im embarassed that im forgetting each items real name). It was amazing and i just adored the presentation (in a small tea cup). Each flavor melted into the next and eventhough my portion was only big enough for three spoonfuls (this was a gift from the chef to try) i felt as though I had a full serving due to the massive amount of flavor.
Then it was on to our main courses, I had the Crawfish Risotto– I did, however, have the chef make this sans mushrooms for me (i cant live with fungus on my plate!). Its creamy texture and perfect amount of those delightful little critters was so satisfying! As expected it was very rich and i found myself sharing with my friends0 who gladly devoured it with me.
My guests enjoyed the hanger steak and all i heard was «oh my» and «wow» and it was gone from both plates before i could ask how to spell «hangar».
For desert we were presented with a tasting of the torte, the fresh made ice creams, and what i think was a chocolate bomb. (Again, please forgive my memory here!) The ice creams were prefect in every way. Lime Basil was not my choice– but i can appreciate the delicate flavor and herb-​y after notes. The plum was my favorite (ironically matching my drink) and I still dream about this. The Vanilla was so smooth and creamy that i can never experience haagen das again without wondering where they are getting their recipe from and why they havent improved it.
All in all this restaurant is now my favorite. I can not wait to go back and Its my lifes goal to make sure anyone who appreciates fine dining experience this location. I even made reservations for my doctor this week.

Brooklyn has been waiting a long time for a restaurant of this caliber to spring in the County of Kings, Cobble Hill. That day has arrived.
The concept is now not original: locally sourced, seasonal, ultra fresh ingredients with a relatively short menu that frequently changes. But the bar has been raised to a new level of excellence.
First and foremost, the food. Wonderful, as in inspiring wonder (in a good way). My hangar steak with truffeled potatoes and horseradish sauce was perfect, and cooked exactly medium rare as ordered. My first wife’s hen was exceptional, with a succotash that changed my life. Enough to quote Deee Lite: My supper dish, my succotash wish. I’ll be thinking about and longing for that succotash likely until my next visit.
It was only the beginning of their second week in business, and a holiday night, but at 8:30pm, the restaurant was full and there was a short wait, which could be spent at the bar, or outside on benches and chairs situated in a picturesque part of Cobble Hill (not that there are many non-​picturesque blocks).
We chose for the bar, ordered a glass of wine and a cocktail. The wine was remarkable, and they have a fine list of reds/​whites and sweet wine by the glass. I had a cocktail that was well executed.
We then opted to eat our meal at the bar, which was well tended by Alex. The service was quick, efficient, professional and observant, from the maitre ‘d to the gentlemen who brought our meal.
Appetizers were first rate: an heirloom tomato salad with feta and watermelon. The sweetness and juiciness of the watermelon nicely complemented the tomatoes, which in turn were complemented by the saltiness of the cheese.
Dessert was also lovely. Watermelon, basil, and berry sorbet, and a peach tart with ice cream were a pleasant way to end the meal. Coffee and tea were also exceptional.
The restaurant is on the small size, but considering it was full, the noise level is fine. The design has slightly modern vibe while maintaining the warmth of the space and some of the older features (such as the pressed tin ceiling) which has been a restaurant for the past few decades under other ownership. The chef/​owner schmoozed the room to accolades from pleased nabe residents who are likely quite happy to have him as an addition to the local food scene.
This is exceptional food. The prices are also a bit exceptional, and some patrons, used to «value sized» portions might view the plates on the small side. However, we left feeling satisfied and not overfed.
I thought I was burnt out on «new American», but Breuckelen has restored my faith in the power of food to inspire.