Potlikker

Everything is fantastic. Went for brunch and loved the Dutch pancake. Mimosa and curly fries too… loved it.

Really loved this place. So many special items on the menu that made it stand out from the crowd. Word on the street is that they lost their head chef and menu items keep getting cut and or simplified to the point where it hurt the business. You will be missed potlikker.

At 6:45 p.m. on a Sunday I was by all accounts the first diner of the evening at Potlikker. It’s New York on a fabulous summer day and meals wind later. Just the previous evening I’d been at a Mile End that hadn’t gotten busy until the clock struck 10. And on these sorts of days, brunch has really just ended a couple of hours earlier. So, I didn’t take the emptiness as a ominous sign, instead I took it as an invitation to ditch my (much cheaper) plans to get some dumplings at Vanessa’s before biking to Park Slope and cross Potlikker off the New-​ish Restaurants on Bedford Avenue list.
Just as only in hindsight does the actual portent of the raven or black cat come into focus, such it was with this restaurant. I had a tight time frame, so I went with one of the half-​dozen sandwiches (there are only two true mains anyway) available. I selected my entrée when looking at the menu out front, so it was less than two minutes later when I was going through the finer points of my order. No, my waiter informed me, the cilantro could not be excluded without removing the small slices of orange that came pre-​mixed. Not wanted to through off the proportions demanding by chef, I had the duck banh mi sans alterations.
What arrived could have done with some judicious editing. The near baker’s dozen ingredients pushed inside a not particularly fresh roll seemed to have been selected based on things that ‘sounded good’ rather than how they worked in concert. Every element of a traditional banh mi had to be altered. Instead of carrots there are oranges! There are cucumbers for crunch! The pork has switched out for mean duck confit!
Even worse, the whole frankencreation fell after the second leaving a bizarre salad of fruit and fatty poultry all over my plate.
This came with a side of Old Bay Curly Fries, which would have been an amazing accompaniment if they have not been a) cold b) unevenly seasoned. I was the only customer. Unless these fries are being reheated (which at a place where most entrees are in the 20s, why is this the case?) that’s unacceptable.
Potlikker comes from the word for the liquid that is left after boiling greens. If only this food was good enough to require licking up every last piece of the juices.

A fancy and minimally decorated open restaurant right off of Bedford Avenue. Sound familiar? It does.
As it turns out, Potlikker’s food does not reflect the simple and clean décor or the well-​designed menus. The mis en place seemed fancy and pleasing (Mediterranean poached eggs), but as far as sandwiches are concerned, the fried chicken sandwich was of a smaller portion and the potato salad had a very slapped-​on side/​extra feel to it (think packaged potato salad from your local bodega/​supermarket). The side order of curly fries were fresh but not even close to crispy or anything worth praising.
Overall, it was somewhat overpriced for the dining experience and the impact of its food.

Sweet and savory.
If those two words encompass the tastes which you look for in your food consumption experience then Potlikker is worth you’re going to.
A pink neon sign with the restaurants name in cursive softly advertises its presence on Bedford near S. 2^nd. Despite big glass windows facing streetwise, due to the dimly lit interior (mood lighting some would call it), one may miss it for some of the more bustling places on Bedford. Those that do, would be missing out.
Wednesday night around late 8, almost 9; a buddy of mine and I were hungry and looking for a bite. We walked in and the place had two other sets of patrons but was mostly empty. I enjoy going to restaurants when they’re in this state. A huge black bulletin board with white movable type has what looks to be comments from patrons on the establishment. Words like MEAT CANDY SOUNDTRACK BEER HATS OYSTERS FANCY and FUSSY are pronounced in caps.
The kitchen is open, diner style to a counter and a row of tables lining the wall.
The drink menu has a list of wines and has 4 – 5 beers on draft with an affordable $ 4 yeungling for those pinching pennies.
We were told by our waiter that everything is made in house and made to share, so we decided on splitting an appetizer, small plate, and sandwich. We ended up ordering the dutch pancake, the hot nuts, and the oyster po boy.
The hot nuts came out first and was a bowl of boiled peanuts. It sat in its own liquids and the peanuts were tasty and easy to eat. A bit spicy and savory, sitting in its own boiling liquid. The soggy shells were a bit hard to pick apart and due to the dimness of the place I couldn’t really see whether I missed what I was deshelling or had grabbed an abnormal peanut. Nevertheless, fans of boiled peanuts and all that it entails will be happy.
The dutch pancake was a plate sized pancake with jelly, goat cheese, bacon, and two fried oysters. The pancake was split in half and quickly devoured by the both of us. Never had the like before and both my buddy and I were happy with it.
The oyster po boy came out on what looks and tasted like ciabatta. It had a meyer lemon marmalade which continued on the sweet and savory path the dutch pancake had set. I mean… I guess we had a thing for oysters and jellies ordering those two menu items.
The sandwich comes with a side of curly fries which were good enough. But I wouldn’t say would be enough to make my SO happy (she is a hardcore potatophile).
After finishing the meal, I would disagree with the waiter’s assessment of made-​to-​share; maybe because the food was so good, I wouldn’t want to or just that I’m fat and like to eat to much.
Two unisex bathrooms in the back, with sink outside. Use the one on the right so you dont have an awkward time getting out as the one on the left is small and opening the door pins you to the wall. A weird observation: due to the layout with the bathrooms and the open kitchen, when you exit the washroom, dont go walking into the kitchen as natural walking would incline you to do so.
Potlikker was a great, experience, low key, welcoming and comfortable. Do get the dutch pancake and oyster poboy. Would definitely like to return and try the rest of the menu. Thanks Potlikker!
PS THIS IS REVIEW 150 HOORAY!

First time visiting the NY area and came across this place while exploring Williamsburg. We were starving after a loooong day of sight seeng, but this food was AMAZE-​balls!!! We started off with the artichoke appetizer that came with some creamy cheese sauce… Omfg!!! A must have, so tender melts in your mouth. As main courses my friend had the Po’Boy sandwich which looked super tasty. I had the Cobb Sandwich (which I was forewarned it could be a messy); not at all. The chicken was grilled perfectly sealing in great taste and moisture. The bread was grilled with what I can assume was butter which added even more flavor to the bleu cheese, avocado and bacon that came in the sandwich. So tasty I’m craving it as I type this review. Dishes came with seasoned curly fries that looked freshly made… Definitely not the frozen kind. The sangria was also very thirst quenching, so I had 2! The potato salad that we ordered on the side was a pass for me: looked like it was drenched in mayo (kinda watery); the curly fries were 100% better by far!
The restaurant itself was small but very cute and inviting. Our waiter was very friendly and helpful when ordering, and he was even nice enough to allow us to charge our phones while we ate.
On a side note: probably the weirdest one by far, I have to mention the restroom. Dude, best smelling restroom ever!!! No f-​ing joke. Smelled so good I’m even posting a pic of it. Will definitely re-​visit this place when I come back!!! Kudos!!!

The good:
–The chicken is amazing. I don’t understand how they can make it that juicy
–The oyster po boy is a yummy sandwich with yummy marmalade
The meh:
–My po boy had more bacon than actual oyster
–The waitress gave me a very annoyed look when I asked if she could please check if the kitchen would substitute something for me. Hmph not like it hurts to ask

Staff is great and I’ve loved everything I’ve had (2 brunches 2 lunches). The fried oyster PO Boy with bacon is delightful. They should make the Meyer Lemon mayo and tomato chutney on it into a Creamsickle. It’s lightly fried, just great. Perfect well crafted soul food. And a great attention to detail.

I’ll get the bad bits out of the way first:
— The corned beef hash is only served on Sundays. PLEASE, for pseudo-​Irish folk everywhere, make this clear on your menu/​website. Back story: I arbitrarily chose this place because I saw this scrumptious corned beef hash photo in the Unilocal reviews and my friend loves corned beef hash.
— Cash-​only. Enough said. Woof.
— No meat side dishes. You know when you go to brunch and you order a side of bacon. Yeah, you can’t do that here. You CAN order a pot of pickles.
Alright, alright. Now for the reasons I’m not completely ripping on this place:
— The Vietnamese iced coffee was niiiiice — and I normally prefer steaming, black coffee.
— The Mediterranean Breakfast dish was tasty and super nourishing. The dense ghocci cake was a great backdrop to the tomato stew. The chickpeas in the stew had a little bite to them, which is my personal preference. Overall it felt like a different and less soupy take on shakshuka.
— The staff was attentive and not completely judgmental when I asked about the possibility of getting served bacon.

Lovely restaurant, understated simple southern vibe — especially when it is warm and the windows can be thrown open. Service is always competent and friendly.
The food is also good as well — I would love to give this place 4 stars — but because I don’t eat meat, I have effectively only been able to eat 3 or 4 dishes here. So, because the menu is SO limited for people that are vegetarian or pescatarian, I find it very difficult to go here, or to invite friends to dine here. At brunch, there is a delicious breaded poached egg with an even better celery salad that is vegetarian. Recently a second vegetarian brunch entrée was added — that was a relief, because for awhile the poached egg with celery was the ONLY vegetarian option. I tried to order another egg dish (the huevos rancheros) once, but was told it had chicken stock buried somewhere in the recipe. Sigh.
And for dinner, dinner is even worse for vegetarians. I have to order the «small» pasta plate, which is tasty, but I don’t feel like I’m getting the whole picture of this restaurant (or being welcomed to). Even the oyster sandwich comes with bacon. I really wish I could rely on there being at least one vegetarian or fish entrée every night — like most of the other restaurants in the neighborhood.

Came here for a friend’s birthday, reservation was accepted online (albeit it didn’t seem necessary)… the restaurant is somewhat small and offers an eclectic menu that changes constantly. You can see the kitchen from your table, so you know when your meal is being fired… Service was excellent (is this really Williamsburg?)…
Food was very good as well– simple «new American», well seasoned and flavorful. The brick chicken which seems to be on the menu all the time was very good (although the breast was a little dry, sadly) the thigh portion was delicious and juicy.

I really like this place. I went with a girlfriend to have a drink and talk about whatever it is us girls talk about. The bartender/​waiter was kind of amazing. His name starts with J. I only remember because his name started with the same letter as my girlfriend and they both made a corny joke about it. A corny joke that I enjoyed I might add. He was friendly, funny, just the right amount of chatty, and talked us into getting the pitcher of sangria instead of by the glass. Well played, J… Well. Played. We enjoyed the sangria although a tad bit much for two people. I was not complaining at the moment but did grumble the next day. I would of course do it all over again if I went back.
Next time I hope to try the food in addition to ordering the sangria.

I believe an Asian fusion restaurant used to grace this address before Potlikker was born. As a long-​time southside Burg resident; I’ve watched this neighborhood go from wonderful and eclectic-​but littered with abandoned buildings, closed restaurants, and dirty streets-​to a full-​on, booming subtropolis of New York City. Nary a forgotten construction project or has-​been eatery in sight; Potlikker came right with the times, and in perfect sync with the neighborhood, to bring us an eclectic, cozy, American menu that we all need more of in our lives. As I’d walk to and from the subway each day, I watched in anticipation as Potlikker was pieced together, only to then read about Liza Queen’s next venture in Edible Brooklyn. Sure enough, there she’d be, setting up the restaurant, smoking her cigarette out front, or talking with her staff each and every day. Now you can peek through the open kitchen in the restaurant and see her cooking up some f*cking awesome food.
The interior of the restaurant is a retro-​meets-​modern-​yet-​simple style. The hot pink glow of the neon sign goes perfectly with the teal accents and furniture you’ll find inside. You’ll find a large bar, open kitchen (plus one little TV just in case you can’t miss that game), and seating that almost resembles an old diner or your grandma’s kitchen (in the best way possible). We were dressed to go out later that Friday night but wanted to grab a delicious yet easy dinner before hand; this was the perfect place to do so. The energy in the restaurant is lively yet easy and delightful.
About that food: It’s good. The menu isn’t large; but it’s enough to keep you coming back a few times to try new things. The wines are a little pricey; it’d be nice to see a red for $ 7 or 8, but for the generosity of the pour I was given for my cabernet, I didn’t mind. Now, whether or not you are a chicken liver mousse kind of person, you must indulge here. Every aspect of it was b-​o-​m-​b; the mousse itself (heavenly taste and texture), and the sourdough French toast points with shallots agrodolce (that’s an Italian sweet and sour style). Next time I go, I’ll be sure to try the Dutch pancake with fried oysters, hot pepper jelly, goat cheese and bacon. I’d gotten my oyster fill as my entrée; the fried oyster Po’boy ($ 13, and perhaps their most noteworthy menu item). Heavy on the fried oysters, and accented with lemon marmalade and bacon, lots of bacon; it was hard to complain about anything happening on my plate. Citrusy, bacony, and with the subtle flavors of the oyster somewhere in between. I was loving it, and especially since it was served with potato salad as well.
Perhaps next time I will have to go for their duck confit banh mi (perhaps inspired by Queen’s recent stint in Vietnam), or try their steak or pork chops. But all in all, Potlikker is an essential restaurant to this neighborhood because I’ve yet to see anywhere take something so truly comfort food and turn it into something so truly gourmet. Go here.

My fried poached eggs were pretty good, but when I saw a cook grilling the brisket sandwich I was filled with regret. It looked incredible.
My gripe with this place, though, is that they served us sake bloody marys. If you don’t ask what’s in them they will not tell– «because most people don’t notice any difference». Well. I don’t think that’s cool. It’s a shame because I’m pretty sure a lot of people would be intrigued by a sake bloody mary. Honesty is the best policy, folks.

A good place for sandwiches. Skip the dutch pancake, too much cheese, and other flavors that just did not go together. It was a bit all over the place.
The duck banh mi and BLT were both good, but nothing especially great to make me go back.

Wow this place is serving some delicious, creative and soulful southern food! Went there last night after seeing it listed as #4 in Eater’s“15 of New York’s Most Underrated Restaurants 2013.”

Boy were they right!
Started off with the boiled peanuts — they were tangy and oh so good having been cooked in a vinegar, chile and bay broth. I was against ordering them but glad we did!
For mains, I had the market plate and chose beets with sunflowers, the 4^th of July salad and the seasonal salad. It was beautifully plated and creatively done.
My date had the brick chick and it was amazing. The accompanying corn bread was equally insanely yummy — huge too! The greens, while a bit vinegary for my taste, was cleverly mixed with blueberries — I mean greens and blueberries? Brilliant!
Eater nailed it when they listed it one of the most underrated restaurants in NYC. If you have yet to go, you should go check it out!

Man. This place is delicious. They make all the ingredients in house (like, bake the bread, pick the mustard seeds etc). And it shows. The food tastes delicious. Clean and fresh.
We had the Dutch pancake, which was incredible. Then we split brick chicken and the BLT. So so good. Plates cleaned!
Great service and such a cute spot. Will definitely return!

I am in love with Dutch pancakes and will pretty much go anywhere that serves Dutch pancakes. My favorite is the Dutch baby from Walker Brothers in the Chicagoland area.
Loved the simple décor and bright natural light. Great service.
I ordered the savory Dutch pancake with a poached egg, shredded bacon, cheese, and potatoes. It was very flavorful. I asked for some maple syrup (I didn’t look at the bill but if they charged $ 2 like the other reviewer… Really??). That hit the spot. The pancake itself was ok. Not as fluffy and light as Walker Brothers. I also got some Indonesian dark roast coffee — free refills.
My date got the corned beef hash with poached eggs and Boston Brown French Toast. I had a few bites of the hash — delicious and reminded me of homey Chinese food — but it was really salty. The french toast was also pretty heavy. I think it’s due to the bread they use. It’s dense on its own. They give you two slices of toast for 4 pieces of french toast, which is a big portion. Kudos if you can finish it. It tastes much better with some maple syrup. Overall, I felt like this dish was way too salty and not balanced in flavor.
The spicy curly fries were cut pretty thin so it’s very crispy and very seasoned. I would’ve preferred a teensy more in width to actually taste potatoes and absorb some of the seasoning.
The rest of the menu looks pretty good but I don’t live too close and am not itching to come back any time soon!

I really liked the staff here… absolutely nothing wrong with gracious and friendly service. I’m also digging the vibe. Even though I still love washed-​out, vintage, exposed bulb, antique-​saturated, tin-ceiling’ed time warps that make so many Williamsburg standbys so cozy, Potlikker puts on an airy, bright, contemporary look and it’s not such a bad change of pace.
All that said, the food here was nothing short of abominable. People seem to love this place and I can’t wrap my head around it. I’ve visited for both brunch and dinner and both meals featured inexplicable, elementary cooking gaffes. From nonsensical portion sizes to frightfully unappealing presentation, everything looked like something I’d have cobbled together as a 12-​year-​old messing around in the kitchen. Our dinner entrées ranged from horribly bland to inedibly overseasoned. We probably finished around a third of our food and tried to shuffle it around on the plate so as not to have to answer questions (and this from some typically unapologetic public plate-​cleaners).
I hope they turn it around. But at this price and in this neighborhood of really strong new American joints, I just don’t get it.

I just moved to Brooklyn three weeks ago, so I am very excited to be writing about someplace that is newer than even me. Walking to the L, I would pass by a storefront on Bedford that was undergoing renovations. Little by little the storefront got more built up, till finally yesterday my roommate told me that he had had brunch at the new place and that it was great. That was all the confirmation I needed.
It’s a brand-​new restaurant in a space that has traditionally been a tough place for business. My roommate remarked that the interior had been entirely remodeled. It looks great, sort of California-​nouveau meets diner meets Wiliamsburg. I love the country-​style cloth napkins. The front windows open wide, and combined with the ceiling fans there is a very pleasant breeze throughout the restaurant. The service staff is excellent, helpful without being overbearing: they look like they could be your friends if your friends were cool.
We started out with their iced coffees, which is brewed from Café du Monde’s chicory blend. In a nod to my Californian roots, they add a dollop of sweetened condensed milk to the bottom of the highball glass. You stir the coffee and milk together with a long-​handled spoon, and it is delicious, sweet, and refreshing.
By way of food, my roommate got the corned beef hash with poached eggs, without the French toasted rye bread ($ 15) because he’s on the Paleo diet. However, he compensated by getting the Farmer’s Market salad with champagne vinaigrette ($ 7) for his side. I got the corned beef tongue, Emmentaler, Potlikker sauerkraut and buttermilk dressing on rye sandwich ($ 14). I also wanted to order a side of duck confit fries with Maldon salt ($ 7) but was informed that they were off the menu because the chef/​owner was not quite happy with how they were turning out. No matter, because by the end of the meal I was quite full.
The food was excellent: good portions and simple but attractive presentation. The corned beef hash was flavorful, with large chunks of tender-​yet-​chewy meat. The salad was a surprising hit, the bitterness of the greens being offset nicely by toasted sunflower seeds and sweet-​acidic vinaigrette. My sandwich was supremely good. The bread was toasted in butter until it created the perfect vessel for the sauerkraut (which was more of a cole slaw) and my corned beef tongue. The corned beef tongue was rich, flavorful, and was full of little fried bits.
Though we didn’t try any of the alcoholic beverages, Potlikker has an extensive selection. I would like to come back when they open for dinner (soon) and try the ½ liter pitcher of Beaujolais ($ 14) or try a glass of their Cabernet Franc ($ 9). They have ½ liters starting at $ 14 and bottles starting at $ 26 and up to $ 92 (for a Barolo), with the average bottle price being around $ 38 or so. They also have a number of beers by the bottle and three beers on tap. The Captain Lawrence Kölsch ($ 6), on draft, is a good deal.
Overall, a great restaurant. They didn’t seem to have any kinks in their service or production, and the dishes I tasted were on point. I am very excited to try them for dinner, and am thankful they are in the neighborhood.