The Grocery

Easily rated one of my favorite Brooklyn spots, The Grocery serves as the quintessential neighborhood joint. The service is friendly, there is not usually an excessive wait (call ahead), and the food is always fresh and delicious.

There's nothing super fancy about The Grocery. In fact, the decor is pretty much non existent. But if you are okay sitting in a tiny room overhearing your neighbors conversations, and you can overlook or even appreciate Charlie's swarthy/funny remarks, you will find yourself an incredible and memorable meal. 
The menu here changes based on what's fresh and in season, but no matter what they put on, you will not leave disappointed. There's always so many vegetarian options! It's crazy. On an average Thursday night the first 8 items listed were all sans meat and shellfish, and the toughest decision of the night was what we should omit. 

After an amuse of Parsnip Soup, we decided on the Fried Cauliflower with green lentils, serrano chili and sherry vinegar and the Braised Artichokes with garlic bread, escarole, white wine and chili flakes. Both were great. Be forewarned the portions lay on the small side, so you are going to want to get a bunch of things, and the meal will not be cheap. But ah, it will be gooooood. 

Next came the Local Lettuces with grilled cheese and red wine vinaigrette. It sounds like such a simple dish, but the salad and the grilled cheese were both really excellent. The Grilled Asparagus with melted feta and fried egg was another winner. All these dishes have components that works really well together to bring out the simple flavors of delicious fresh food. How can you go wrong with that?

We really love the House made Pasta with spring garlic, young greens, poblano, white wine, brown butter, and grana padano cheese. Really, I don't think we disliked one dish we had all night. The Fluke with white beans that were pillowy soft, roasted garlic and lemon dijon vinagrette was also delicious. The fish itself was not my favorite of the night, but the butter beans and sauce made us lick up our plates.

 For dessert they brought a trio of yummy Sorbets, and we had the special dessert of the night which was a Mocha Bread Pudding with ice cream and hot fudge. 
All in all, it was another great meal at the Grocery. Charlie and Susan are doing something right. Can't wait for the weather to get a drop warmer so I can take advantage of their outdoor garden. The Grocery is a Smith Street stop that never goes out of season. As all new young and fun trendy spots come and go, The Grocery is one that will stand true and delicious and be there for you when others let you down (or you just can't wait 2 hours at Battersby). 



Neighborhood: Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn 

Bite Mark: ****

Good For: Family Dinner, Date Spot, Small Parties, Neighborhood Joint

The Grocery, 288 Smith Street  www.thegroceryrestaurant.com