Where To Eat In Gowanus

When it comes to exploring the vibrant neighborhood of Gowanus in Brooklyn, New York, one of the most exciting aspects is discovering the diverse and thriving food scene. With its rich history, trendy bars, and artistic vibe, Gowanus has become a hotspot for foodies and locals alike. But with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to eat. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the best restaurants, cafes, and eateries in Gowanus.

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Overview of Gowanus’ Culinary Landscape

Gowanus is a melting pot of culinary delights, offering everything from classic New York diners to trendy eateries serving up innovative cuisine. You’ll find a range of international flavors, from Italian and Mexican to Asian fusion and classic American comfort food. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite, a romantic dinner, or a night out with friends, Gowanus has something for everyone.

Neighborhood Highlights

In this guide, we’ll take you on a culinary tour of Gowanus, highlighting the must-visit spots, hidden gems, and local favorites. From popular brunch destinations to underground supper clubs, we’ll cover it all. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just visiting, this guide will help you experience the best of Gowanus’ culinary scene.

Where to Eat in Gowanus: A Foodie’s Guide

Gowanus, a Brooklyn neighborhood nestled between Carroll Gardens and Park Slope, has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Once a hub for industrial activities, Gowanus has evolved into a thriving arts and cultural district, attracting visitors from all over the city. One of the most exciting aspects of this transformation is the emergence of a vibrant food scene, with a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and bars serving everything from classic American comfort food to international cuisine. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to eat in Gowanus, from trendy eateries to hidden gems.

Breakfast and Brunch Spots

Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast or brunch at one of these popular spots:

The Finch: This farm-to-table restaurant serves up seasonal American cuisine, including a mouthwatering brunch menu featuring dishes like eggs benedict and avocado toast.
The Brazen Head: This historic pub has been a Gowanus staple for over 30 years, offering a classic breakfast menu with a twist, including Irish-inspired dishes like corned beef hash and soda bread French toast.
L & B Spumoni Gardens: This beloved Italian eatery has been serving up classic breakfast dishes like eggs, sausage, and pancakes, along with their famous square-cut pizza slices, since 1939.
The Farm on Adderley: This cozy farm-to-table cafe offers a seasonal breakfast menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, including fresh eggs, meats, and produce.

Lunch and Dinner Options

From casual eats to upscale dining, Gowanus has a wide range of lunch and dinner options to suit every taste and budget: (See Also: Where To Eat In Peterborough)

Dinosaur Bar-B-Que: This popular barbecue joint serves up tender meats smoked to perfection, along with classic sides like mac and cheese and collard greens.
Four & Twenty Blackbirds: This beloved pie shop offers a variety of savory and sweet pies, along with sandwiches, salads, and soups, in a cozy and intimate setting.
The Good Batch: This farm-to-table restaurant serves up creative, globally-inspired dishes like Korean BBQ tacos and roasted vegetable quinoa bowls, using locally sourced ingredients.
Monte’s: This classic Italian eatery has been a Gowanus staple for over 20 years, offering a wide range of pasta dishes, seafood, and meat options, along with an extensive wine list.

International Cuisine

Gowanus is a melting pot of international cuisine, with a variety of restaurants serving up authentic dishes from around the world:

Kokomo: This Caribbean-inspired restaurant serves up flavorful dishes like jerk chicken, curry goat, and fried plantains, along with creative cocktails.
La Vara: This Spanish-inspired eatery offers a range of tapas, paella, and other traditional dishes, along with an extensive wine list.
Mile End Delicatessen: This Jewish deli serves up classic dishes like pastrami sandwiches, knishes, and matzo ball soup, along with creative twists like smoked fish and bagels.
Yun Nan Flavour: This Szechuan Chinese restaurant serves up authentic, spicy dishes like mapo tofu and boiled fish in chili oil, along with a variety of noodle and rice options.

Coffee and Dessert Shops

Take a break from your meal and indulge in a sweet treat or a cup of coffee at one of these popular spots:

Ovenly: This beloved bakery serves up creative, artisanal treats like salted chocolate chip cookies and strawberry rhubarb pie, along with a variety of coffee drinks.
The Chocolate Room: This cozy dessert shop offers a wide range of chocolate treats, including truffles, cakes, and hot chocolate, along with a selection of coffee and tea.
Gowanus Coffee Roasters: This local coffee roaster serves up expertly brewed coffee drinks, along with a selection of pastries and sandwiches.
The Ice Cream Factory: This popular ice cream shop offers a variety of unique flavors, like honey lavender and pistachio cardamom, along with classic favorites like chocolate and vanilla.

Bars and Nightlife

After dinner, head to one of these popular bars and nightlife spots for a drink or a dance:

The Bell House: This popular music venue and bar serves up creative cocktails and hosts a variety of live music events and DJ nights.
Union Hall: This trendy bar and event space offers a wide range of craft beers and cocktails, along with a variety of live music and comedy events.
The Rock Shop: This music venue and bar serves up classic rock-inspired cocktails and hosts a variety of live music events and DJ nights.
Gowanus Yacht Club: This outdoor bar and event space offers a variety of drinks and hosts a range of events, including live music, trivia nights, and outdoor movies.

Special Mentions

These popular eateries and markets are worth a mention, even if they don’t fit neatly into one of the above categories:

Fletcher’s Brooklyn Barbecue: This popular barbecue joint serves up tender meats and classic sides, along with a variety of craft beers.
Gowanus Farmers Market: This weekly farmers market offers a variety of fresh produce, meats, and specialty foods, along with prepared foods and drinks.
The Brooklyn Kitchen: This cooking school and market offers a variety of cooking classes, along with a selection of specialty foods and kitchen supplies.

Recap and Key Points

In this article, we’ve explored the best places to eat in Gowanus, from trendy eateries to hidden gems. Whether you’re in the mood for classic American comfort food, international cuisine, or a sweet treat, Gowanus has something for everyone. Be sure to check out some of the popular breakfast and brunch spots, like The Finch and The Brazen Head, and indulge in a delicious lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants, like Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and The Good Batch. Don’t forget to explore the neighborhood’s vibrant nightlife scene, with popular bars and music venues like The Bell House and Union Hall. With its rich history, cultural attractions, and thriving food scene, Gowanus is a must-visit destination for any foodie or Brooklyn enthusiast. (See Also: Where To Eat In Grand Canyon Village)

Key points:

Gowanus is a thriving arts and cultural district with a vibrant food scene.
The neighborhood offers a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars serving everything from classic American comfort food to international cuisine.
Popular breakfast and brunch spots include The Finch, The Brazen Head, and L & B Spumoni Gardens.
Lunch and dinner options range from casual eats to upscale dining, with popular spots like Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Four & Twenty Blackbirds, and The Good Batch.
Gowanus is home to a variety of international cuisine, including Caribbean, Spanish, Jewish, and Szechuan Chinese options.
The neighborhood has a thriving nightlife scene, with popular bars and music venues like The Bell House, Union Hall, and The Rock Shop.

We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your next culinary adventure in Gowanus. Happy eating!

Frequently Asked Questions: Where to Eat in Gowanus

What are the best brunch spots in Gowanus?

Gowanus has plenty of amazing brunch spots to choose from! Some popular options include The Finch, which serves up delicious farm-to-table dishes, and L & B Spumoni Gardens, a Brooklyn institution that’s been serving up classic Italian-American cuisine for over 70 years. If you’re looking for something a bit more laid-back, The Brazen Head is a great spot for a casual brunch with friends.

Are there any good vegan or gluten-free options in Gowanus?

Absolutely! Gowanus has a number of restaurants that cater to special diets. For vegan options, check out Modern Love Brooklyn, which offers a fully plant-based menu, or The V Spot, which has a separate vegan menu. For gluten-free options, try The Finch, which has a dedicated gluten-free menu, or Littleneck, which has a number of gluten-free dishes to choose from.

What’s the best place to grab a quick bite in Gowanus?

If you’re in a hurry, there are plenty of great spots to grab a quick bite in Gowanus. For a delicious sandwich, try Fletcher’s Brooklyn Barbecue, which has a number of mouth-watering options to choose from. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more exotic, try Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, which has a number of tasty BBQ options. And for a quick coffee and pastry, check out Hungry Ghost Coffee or Cafe Grumpy. (See Also: Where To Eat In Pula)

Are there any good restaurants in Gowanus that are kid-friendly?

Yes, there are several kid-friendly restaurants in Gowanus! The Brazen Head is a great spot for families, with a casual atmosphere and a menu that kids will love. L & B Spumoni Gardens is another great option, with a big backyard where kids can run around while you enjoy a meal. And for a fun, casual meal, try Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, which has a kids’ menu and a fun atmosphere.

Can I make reservations at restaurants in Gowanus?

Yes, many restaurants in Gowanus take reservations, especially on weekends or for larger groups. It’s always a good idea to call ahead or check the restaurant’s website to see if they take reservations and to book a table. Some popular restaurants, like The Finch and Modern Love Brooklyn, often book up quickly, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead.