Grocery

I can't say how disappointed I was to have a bland, overpriced meal with bad service at the Grocery. I've heard good things about this place for years and was ready to pony up a lot of cash to dine here for a special occasion. The tiny space was full for dinner, so I expected a decent wait for food. I did not expect, however, to wait over an hour for our entrees, or for them to be either tasteless (Monkfish) or candy-sweet (Venison). As nice as the waitress was, it seemed so odd that when, as hungry as I was, I simply couldn't eat a bland plate of fish and left it nearly full in front of me, and the waitress didn't ask whether it was ok or if she could have gotten me something else. She walked by several times when our wine glasses were empty and didn't ask if we wanted to order another glass. This whole time the chef kept popping out to hang with people he knew a few tables away, but didn't bother to stop at our table until the meal was over (and didn't ask how it was). I asked for the check 3 times (in a place with ten tables) before I got it, and when we got up to leave in the middle of a blizzard, the waitress stared at us blankly before asking if she had our coats! You think?! Such a shame to drop $180 for two (without dessert and only a half bottle of wine) for lame service and bland food. Pros: can't think of any Cons: Service, Price, Food (in that order) more

This was one of the best meals of my life!!! My husband (a meat-eater) and I (a vegan) had a fantastic meal. The chef/owner was extremely accommodating to me. Originally, I ordered the veggie plate, but the chef came out to our table and suggested other possibilities--he made the mushroom risotto sans dairy and it was AMAZING!!! One of the most delicious things I have tasted. I had the veggie plate to start out and it, too, was exceptional. My husband got the duck and LOVED it. We will definitely be back. I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant to veggies and meat-eaters alike! Pros: delicious food, accommodating to vegans, attentive service more

We like it very much. We've been to Grocery six times and not once has an item on the menu disappointed. While the room is not particularly comfortable, once you're seated you'll forget about everything except what's on your plate. Solid wine list, knowledgeable staff, friendly owners and an adventurous, ever-changing menu keep us coming back. Pros: great menu more

I usually never write reviews for restaurants, but after the meal I enjoyed at The Grocery, I felt like I must. My wonderful experience began from the moment I called up to confirm my reservation. The man at the other end of the line was the chef of the restaurant who was incredibly courteous and kind. When I mentioned my food allergies (no gluten or dairy) he proceeded to go through the menu with me and outlined what I could eat, and what he could make ahead of time especially for me. This is a RARE treat indeed for someone with my dietary needs. When we arrived at the restaurant, we were seated in the back garden area. Unlike other outdoor city dining, this area was verdant and peaceful, basically the exact opposite of city curbside dining which is usually grimy and loud. Our server knew of my dietary restrictions and was kind and accommodating. The chef himself came out twice to serve us dishes he had prepared for us (which we hadn't even ordered) and that I could enjoy. At the end of the meal as I watched my boyfriend eat something that I could not, the waiter brought me a tiny serving of three sorbets and said that the chef didn't want me to just watch my boyfriend enjoy dessert. As someone who has a very difficult time navigating menus and eating food which I don't prepare myself, my evening at The Grocery was a wonderful treat. I cannot emphasize how accommodating and wonderful my meal was. I will definitely be going back again. Pros: extremely fresh, flavorful dishes, wonderful service, more

My husband & I came for dinner & ate outside in the pretty candle-lit garden. We eat out a lot but this was our first time, the menu was original & exciting and the staff extremely knowledgeable. The food was EXCEPTIONAL - each dish seemed to have an exquisitely crafted array of flavors. The chefs are PERFECTIONISTS & their attention to detail in each mouthful of flavor makes other restaurants / food experiences seem quite clunky!\r Extra touches: two small round hot potato croquettes were brought to our table between courses - another perfect little taste!\r If you are a true foodie, you will enjoy every minute here.\r \r Pros: exceptional food more

I'm astounded by some of the bad reviews of this place. \r This is our favorite restaurant in Brooklyn, and I grew up here! \r The food is always fresh & amazing. \r The staff is always very helpful & friendly, if they were rude to you, it was likely because you deserved it.\r The wine list is excellent, and Sharon (owner) is very knowledgeable. \r Charlie (also owner) prepares fantastic dishes & the menu changes seasonally. \r I've literally never had a dish I did not love & neither have any of our guests.\r The outdoor garden is so romantic, try to get there before it's too cold.\r I promise you - we are foodies - and this place is absolutely worth every penny (and not expensive at all!)\r One thing I've noticed from reading reviews of restaurants or vacations is that some people can not enjoy a good meal/vacation, no matter where they are.\r more

One of my favorites spots to eat in Brooklyn... yummy, original food! The service was decent... it was a little busy and we had to wait but overall our experience was a good one. more

There's a reason why reservations are hard to come by. My husband took me here for our wedding anniversary, and I couldn't have been more pleased with his choice. It was one of the best dining experiences I've had in a long time. The food was outstanding. The entrees were interesting, fresh, and delicious and the presentation was thoughtful. I had the scallops, and my husband had the lamb, which was cooked exactly how he requested it. The waitstaff was extremely attentive, very pleasant, and we never felt rushed. The chef came out to check on the patrons, which we felt was a nice personal touch. It's a small restaurant, with a minimalistic atmosphere, but still feels warm and inviting, like you're having dinner at a friend's home. I highly recommend The Grocery. Pros: Interesting seasonal dishes, outstanding service Cons: Not easy to get a reservation more

I went for dinner last Saturday night. The food was amazing- best duck ever!\r \r However, our waitress had major attitude and actually insulted me out of the blue. So weird! I will definitely go back, but I hope I get someone else next time! Pros: food, wine list, atmosphere Cons: rude waitstaff more

It's my understanding that Grocery was recently rated and compared to Le Bernadin and other NYC top spots, which is exactly what peaked my interest. Unfortunately, it is not in the same ballpark. The food is certainly delicious, but not nearly as complex or well thought out as the class in which it is trying to compete. My advice is to go, but don't have such high expectations. This is just a great Brooklyn restaurant, but it's not worth the trip from the city.\r \r The service, food, and wine were adequate but not impressive. Many people have had different experiences, so perhaps it was just a bad night for the chef.\r Pros: Small Restaurant Cons: Overrated more

The food is amazing and very fresh. I'd eat her again and again. The decor is simple - not fancy at all, so if you're looking for ambience, this place is pretty casual. But it doesn't matter -- the food is worth a visit more

hnrlvv;bv;j kfsbt;uightwg h45;oght 4wo';ngr'w vrafkq\r fkwrpogjoright r;br;vnr;kjvn trmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmm mmmmm more

I was actually the other diner, and in defense of Grizman, the service he sought wasn't ""stuffy"", but professional. And to say that the service we received is a Brooklyn thing is ridiculous. Go to Saul, the staff is topflight, and the food is just as good, if not better. \r \r Maybe we're being unfair, but even our neighbors called The Grocery ?a bit of a strange place to eat at?, and they too had the same complaints about the horrendous service.\r \r Just my 2 cents.\r more

I went to The Grocery with my boyfriend and another couple and it was enough to convince us that we need to venture to Brooklyn for dinner more often. The food was absolutely fantastic - fresh, innovative, satisfying but not make-you-sick-filling. The service was warm, friendly, but not that formal, fake obsequiousness you get at some of the Midtown or Uptown Manhattan restaurants. They brought us some complimentary parsnip soup and some potato croquettes as we perused the menu, and were incredibly helpful and thoughtful in terms of choosing dishes and wines that we would enjoy. The lamb chop, monk fish, and risotto with duck were out of this world. And the desserts (especially the apple cobbler and the chocolate fig cake) were absolutely fantastic. The space is small but comfortable, and allows for an intimate, unhurried feel. Great for a relaxing evening with friends or for a date. The prices weren't cheap, but you get what you pay for. Pros: Fantastic food, excellent service and atmosphere Cons: On the pricier side more

To Grizman23: I had to post a first time comment after reading your review. I've been eating at the Grocery since moving to Brooklyn in 00. I love the food. Ok the service isn't 4 star, or even 2, but Coble Hill isn't Mid-Town, you don't come here expecting that kind of service. You're new to the neighborhood, so you need to ease out of the mid-town expectations of stuffy professional service. Loyal customers come to the Grocery to eat Charley's creations, we do not hope for stuffy service. more

This is our anniversary go-to restaurant. Not too stuffy but with great food, especially in season organic-type stuff. (They give wonderful wine recommendations, too). The outdoor garden is great when it's warm. Pros: incredible food, great wine, outdoor seating Cons: weirdly sterile environment, very small more

I ate at the Grocery many years back before the hoopla. The service then was mess, but the food was good, and I chalked up the unprofessional nature of things under New Restaurant Growing Pains???. December 06. I recently purchased a home in Cobble Hill and on a whim decided to pay The Grocery a 2nd visit?. Much to my dismay it?s still run in unprofessional chaos. The staff seems confused and on edge. When my tablemate asked for a wine recommendation our waitress basically said she didn?t know the wines, and that she?d send over one of the owners. Twenty minutes later the manager arrived. By this point we were already into our appetizers. The rest of the meal was basically the same, chaotic and undisciplined. Our waitress Jane seemed flustered, and apologized profusely for how the owners ran things. In her defense it was obviously she was new to waitressing and unfortunately had picked The Grocery as a starting point?.. Would have thought after 8 years The Grocery would have gotten it?s act together, sadly they have not. It?s a shame the food is good but the need for a good manager has been ignored and the service has suffered. \r more

All of my neighbors in Cobble Hill have been raving about The Grocery. I finally made it there last night. I didnt have a reservation and after a bit of confusion really didn't matter and I was seated on the patio. The service was almost non existent. Our waiter was new and when asked about the wine list admitted he hadn't tried any of them. Other reviewers say they didnt feel rushedperhaps that's because the service was realllllly slow. And not in a comfortable way.in a way like where's my food. 2 of our appetizers were really salty. Although, the beet salad was delicious so was the octopus salad. There was a lot of unnecessary running around that was odd considering how long the food took to come to the table I couldnt figure out what the rush was all about. I probably wont go back. Pros: seated without reservation, good wine list Cons: Service is slow more

The Grocery started off with promise. I didn't eat the food, but I had a few glasses of wine, and my friends enjoyed the food and I enjoyed the atmosphere and the service, our waitress was very nice. However, after an unfortunate incident occurred, and we complained to the manager. He told us to never come back to the Grocery instead of being gracious enough to attempt to resolve the situation. For the price, I'd say that the Grocery was ripped us off, and I didn't even eat. Definitely not a place I would ever return to, even if I were the one getting paid. Pros: atmosphere Cons: service, manager with emotional problem more

the absolute best food i've had in years. combination of ingredients is creative yet still allows individual flavors to come out. service was very good, decor is modern yet still warm. be sure to make reservations in advance. more