Vinny’s

295 Smith St
Brooklyn, NY 11231
(718) 875-5600

Menu

This utilitarian restaurant serves up large portions of well-prepared home-style Italian-American classics for around $10.00 a plate. No matter if it originated from land or sea the generous portions will easily serve two, maybe even three people (depending on their girth).

The food is pre-prepared but always fresh due to high demand. This would be next to impossible to achieve in any place less desirable. Vinny’s literally has a menu that is alive. Your feast is right there in all its glory, offering itself to you (creepy).

The food is great and the red sauce is nothing short of amazing. It always fully satisfies my thrust for some great pasta (I may lick the plate when I think no one is looking). Vinny's is unique do to its reasonable price, grand proportions and traditional clientele. I look forward to trying something new each time I walk into this classic Italian restaurant.

Apartment 138

138 Smith St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-858-0556

Menu

Apartment 138 is an escape from the shiny restaurants that litter Smith St. Upon entering you’re taken back to a seaside establishment you’re not sure you’ve ever really been to. Cozy, candle-lit two tops scatter the dark wooden floors, while the bartender pours strong drinks from his fully stocked, homey enclave.

Although the interior of the restaurant is a great place to spend the evening making googly eyes at your companion, not all is romantical at 138. If you choose to move down a narrow staircase, you’ll be dumped out in to a game room of sorts. Arcade games, pool and Foosball tables are provided for your, probably by now, tipsy entertainment.

If dimly lit rooms and a game of pool aren’t your bag, have no fear because Apartment 138 provides one last surprise. . .the always elusive patio. And what a patio it is. A continuous bench lines the dimensions of this overly large for Brooklyn outdoor space. Tables and greenery are scattered along the benches as well as throughout the elevated wooden floor. And a water wall adds a bit of serenity to the bustling activity of the servers and patrons. Parties big or small are welcomed with a smile.

But enough with the atmosphere. It’s time to get down to the food. I was in the mood for a burger but not ready for the guilt of what a beef burger would do to my body. I opted for the turkey burger, sided with greens and seasoned fries (don’t judge). Before my meal arrived I had a chance to peek at a few other plates from the surrounding eaters. The portions were gigantic and every one seemed to be enjoying their meals. During the comfortable wait for food, drinks were always replenished and bread was put out as a pre-meal tummy pleaser.

The food arrived, visually appealing. The burger sat atop a juicy slice of tomato and crisp Bibb lettuce and all was nestled between a fresh English muffin. A few bites of mesclun with house balsamic accompanied the burger while a generous portion of fries demanded almost as much attention as the main attraction. I’d give the appearance an A- (given the ingredients) but the taste a C. The burger had that great fresh off the grill taste but lacked flavor and individuality. And although the burger lacked oomph, the lightly seasoned, crispy fries and the slightly sweet vinaigrette salad helped to boost the meal’s delish factor.

I’d definitely go back but I’ll probably try another dish (with a side of fries, of course).

By Saint Ramsey Von Spinkle

Bar Tabac

128 Smith St
Brooklyn, NY 11201-6258
Phone: (718) 923-0918

Menu

Every time I walk past Bar Tabac, it is packed. I always assume there will be a wait, and I never have the patience to even try for a seat. From the sidewalk I can hear upbeat music and often a live band jamming while folks eat or just hang at the bar.

I had the fresh calamari brochette for an appetizer and the truite amandine (almond trout, string beans, steamed potatoes, lemon, brown butter) for my main course. Why would someone kill calamari with hot lard I asked myself when my appetizer arrived? You deep-fried calamari lovers should be ashamed of yourselves. Nothing beats fresh calamari with a light sauce or maybe just a bit of lemon juice. The calamari brochette was a perfect summer appetizer.

I love fish and chips but often feel the same way about calamari as I do all seafood. If it is fresh then keep that shit out of the lard…tubby. The truite amandine at Tabac was definitely up to par, cooked and seasoned well. The string beans and steamed potatoes were a nice addition.

I have read reviews of Bar Tabac that criticized the service, but my server did a fantastic job. Maybe peer review and blogging makes a difference. After reading about their lackadaisical servers, Tabac decided to upgrade staff. In the age of technology, accountability is certain. Hint, hint…COMMENT!

Lastly, Tabac does not make the mistake of sacrificing food quality for décor and atmosphere.