Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
Inside Jack The Horse Tavern: Brooklyn Heights' Best-Kept Secret Expands
By
Jen Carlson
Published Aug 26, 2014
Modified Aug 26, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Photo by Laurent Airoldi/Gothamist
View all 14
By
Jen Carlson
Published Aug 26, 2014
Modified Aug 26, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
I don't really want to tell you about Jack the Horse—it's one of those special little places that you should just be so lucky enough to happen upon. But at risk of losing my bar stool, here we are.
The restaurant, which opened in 2008, sits on the quiet corner of Cranberry and Hicks Streets in Brooklyn Heights, about two blocks from a spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline. Along with its main dining room (which is open daily for dinner, and on weekends brunch), also houses a short bar (with one additional tall table)—all in all the bar space is capable of holding about twelve people comfortably.
They also make amazing Aviations (Jen Carlson/Gothamist)
Behind that bar, during the hours of 5:30 to 7 p.m., some of the best bartenders in Brooklyn will make you an Old Fashioned for just five bucks. Their happy hour is incomparable and high quality... and it includes food. For another $5 you can get a small plate of mac n' cheese, for $6 a giant plate of brussels sprouts and radishes, and for $4 a plate of smoked trout deviled eggs. Look how cute:
(Photo by Jen Carlson/Gothamist)
Recently, owner Tim Oltmans—who named the place after a Minnesota fishing spot he would frequent with his family—opened up a new space next door, inside of an old framing shop. The two spaces are now connected through the kitchen, but for patrons you'll use the sidewalk. He's calling it The Oyster Room, and in the back of the small space you can even watch your oysters get shucked. Those start at $1.75, but Monday through Thursday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. they host an oyster happy hour, and prices drop to $1.
You can also order a few small plate items at any time, including shrimp cocktail and fried goat cheese balls, but the menu is always changing (it can be found here). For drinks, you'll find a more limited menu in the Oyster Room, with three cocktail selections (check the chalkboard), wine, and beer.
Jack the Horse is located at 66 Hicks Street in Brooklyn Heights, a short walk from the A/C and 2/3 trains.
Tagged
brooklyn heights
jack the horse
oyster room
original
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.
The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Published Oct 19, 2026
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.
By
Robert Sietsema
Food
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.
By
Robert Sietsema
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
By
Robert Sietsema
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
By
Sonia Rao
5 NYC banana puddings as good as Magnolia's
By
Hannah Frishberg
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .