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A Grubhub Guide to Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill
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Published Nov 23, 2021
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Now that we're deep into New York City fall and the city's back open in a way that seemed almost unfathomable not so long ago, New Yorkers can keep the party going, even if that means ordering in, with Grubhub! Delivery just got even better with the Grubhub Guarantee - get your food delivered on time and at the lowest price, guaranteed or Grubhub will make it right.
Gothamist and Grubhub are teaming up to celebrate amazing restaurants that, whether they’re a few blocks from your place or a bike ride away, are NYC favorites that we think you’ll love too.
Adjoining neighborhoods Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill in Northwestern Brooklyn have more in common than their multi-block border. Both are defined by their rows of lovely old brownstones on quiet, leafy streets. Both share a strong sense of community, and the playground and ball courts at Carroll Park are always loud and lively with families. And both rely on the businesses along their two main boulevards, Smith and Court Streets, for most of their local shopping, services, and, especially, for eating and drinking.
There are dozens of restaurants, cafes, bars, bakeries, butchers, slice joints, sandwich shops, taco stands, ramanyas, ice cream parlors--you name it, Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill has probably got it--running the length of these dual "main streets," some of which, it must be said, are considerably better than others.
Here, then, is a look at some of our absolute favorite places in this part of town, including some spots tucked away on side streets. And if you feel like being cozy and staying home tonight (or this weekend brunch-time morning), all of these spots are happy to deliver a feast right to your door via Grubhub.
Court Street Grocers
More than a decade ago Matt Ross and Eric Finkelstein opened Court Street Grocers, a dream-come-true neighborhood sandwich shop that proved to be such a hit they've since expanded into mini-chain territory throughout the city. It's impossible to go wrong with your order here--every sandwich is thoughtfully assembled using high-quality ingredients--but personal pick hits include the Tunaberry (tuna salad, horseradish mayo, cranberry sauce), the Ollie (turkey, provolone, broccoli rabe, hot honey), and the Pork Roll breakfast sandwich. The classic Rueben and Italian Combo are excellent too. And there are plenty of vegan options as well. Get a bunch and split them with friends--don't forget the bags of Zapp's!--for an indoor viewing-party picnic.
Another popular sandwich shop in the area, Hanco's on Smith Street, also happens to serve decent bowls of Pho, though any of the various banh mi is really the way to go here. In addition to offering a long menu of hot and cold sandwiches, Brooklyn Bread Cafe on Court Street throws a bunch of bagel creations into the mix. And for some prime NOLA-style po-boys, The Gumbo Bros on Atlantic Avenue will have you dreaming of Mardi Gras.
Court Street Grocers is located at 484 Court Street -- Order Now
Karazishi Botan
Impending winter means it's time to start seriously ramping up your ramen intake. Fortunately for Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill residents, one of the city's best spots for rich, warming bowls of noodle soup is right here on Smith Street, Foo Kanegae's Karazishi Botan. The dense, porky Tonkatsu, the bright, chicken-y Showa, and the fiery, vegan Tan-Tan Men are all first-rate, and the menu all features a number of terrific non-noodle dishes as well, like the funky Pork Spare Ribs, the Matcha Chicken Wings, and the hefty Fried Chicken Katsu Burger. Kanegae is a huge Marvel fan by the way, so get a feast delivered and stream a rewatch of, uh, all 24 MCU films tonight.
More good ramen can be delivered to your home from Za-Ya Ramen on Court Street (get the beefy Spicy Gyokotsu), and if you're more in the mood for dumplings and fried rice, East Wind Snack Shop on Smith Street is the correct choice around these parts.
Karazishi Botan is located at 225 Smith Street -- Order Now
Frankies 457 Spuntino
The Carroll Gardens / Cobble Hill community is loaded with classic red-sauce restaurants, but one of the best Italian spots in the area offers a more casual, contemporary vibe, the trailblazing Frankies 457 on Court Street. Opened back in 2005 by two guys named Frank (Castronovo and Falcinelli) and packed with both hungry locals and destination diners ever since, Frankies 457 serves a menu of non-stop comfort-food winners, from the legendary House-Made Cavatelli with Hot Sausage and Browned Sage Butter to the massive Meatball Sandwich to the crunchy Fennel, Celery Root, and Parsley Salad. And if you order delivery via Grubhub, you don't have to stand around waiting for a table! Just light some candles at home and crank up the classic rock for that Frankies feel.
More hearty Italian fare can be yours from Gersi on Court Street (the Panzanella Salad and Tagliatelle Bolognese are solid choices); from Fragole Ristorante, which is also on Court and makes wholly satisfying Chicken Parmigiana and Spaghetti Carbonara; and from Enoteca on Court, serving the holy trinity of pasta, pizza and panini.
Frankies 457 is located at 457 Court Street -- Order Now
Hi Hi Room
After many years of slinging sandwiches at the above-mentioned Court Street Grocers, Matt Ross and Eric Finkelstein decided to open a proper sit-down restaurant in the neighborhood, called Hi Hi Room on Smith Street. Unsurprisingly, the menu is crazy eclectic, the vibe is festive and fun, and the food across-the-board is delicious. Personal favorites here include Spaghetti Cincinnati, the midwest regional classic involving chili and pasta; the crackling Fried Chicken; and the pair of Hi Hi System sliders topped with melted American and comeback sauce. And if you really want to recreate the Hi Hi experience in your home, just take out all your random tchotchkes, photos, and paintings from storage and cram them in your living room.
East One Coffee on Court Street is another newish all-purpose neighborhood spot, featuring a menu of great pastries as well as Avocado Toast, Pork Hash, and a Grilled Chicken Sandwich. And Henry Public over on Henry Street will send out a decent Burger, Fries, and Baked Macaroni and Cheese to your home.
Hi Hi Room is located at 138 Smith Street -- Order Now
Bar Bruno
Every neighborhood deserves at least a couple of places like Bar Bruno, with its convivial setting and menu filled with crowd pleasers, in this case mostly of Mexican-food variety. Located on the somewhat out-of-the-way corner of Henry and Union Streets, Bar Bruno is known for its Fish Tacos, massive Carnitas Burritos, and gooey Quesadillas, but you can also get things like Spicy Wings, Fried Chicken, and a jaw-stretching, half-pound Bruno Diaz Burger. Order in a feast the next time you throw a futbol (or football) party!
Another reliable Mexican option in the neighborhoods include the Burrito Spot on Smith Street which, in addition to its namesake belly bombs, delivers good Waffle Fries and all kinds of desserts. And White Maize, also on Smith, is ready to satisfy all of your Arepa and Empanada needs.
Bar Bruno is located at 520 Henry Street -- Order Now
Malai Ice Cream
Finally, one of the top two or three ice cream parlors in all of New York City is located in the hearts of the two neighborhoods, right on Smith near Degraw Street, Pooja Bavishi's magnificent Malai. Founded in 2015, Malai found a permanent home here in Carroll Gardens after several successful years at Smorgasburg, and Bavishi continues to expand her menu of wonderfully rich and creamy frozen treats. We can devour about five pints a week of Bavishi's dreamy, South Asian-inspired creations, and honestly love them all, but our current obsessions are the minty Tulsi Chocolate Chip, the zippy Spiced Peanut Crunch, the refreshing Orange Fennel, and--throwback alert--her classic Rose with Cinnamon Roasted Almonds. And if you want to throw yourself a little party at home tonight, order in one of Bavishi's heavenly ice cream cakes.
You can also get pints of ice cream delivered from the Bergen Street branch of the popular Van Leeuwen chain, and local favorite Brooklyn Farmacy on Henry Street will send over as many of their over-the-top sundaes as you can handle (the Sir Twix-A-Lot and the Birthday Cake Sundae are particularly decadent). And if monster-sized cookies are more your thing, the excellent Chip City recently opened on Smith Street.
Malai is located at 268 Smith Street -- Order Now
As more restaurants have opened up throughout the city, New Yorkers can keep supporting these institutions by exploring new spots or ordering their favorite meals with Grubhub. And with the Grubhub Guarantee, New Yorkers get their food delivered on-time and at the lowest prices - guaranteed or Grubhub will make it right. If your delivery arrives late, you’ll receive $5 off your next order and if you find a lower price with a competitor, Grubhub will match the difference, plus you’ll get $5 off your next order. Consider supporting a neighborhood business and treat yourself to some delicious food delivered right to your door!
This post is a sponsored collaboration between Grubhub and Gothamist staff.
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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