Union Smith Café

305 Smith St.
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Phone: (718) 643-3293

Menu

Union Smith’s spacious outside patio is what attracted me as an observer. Despite random negative comments (possibly fueled by NIMBYism due to patio noise) I decided to make it my Saturday brunch option. It was hot and I should have postponed and dined in someplace air-conditioned. I was hung over and sweaty, I reminded myself of Will Farrell in Anchorman “It's so damn hot... milk was a bad choice.” But I tried not to let it sway my opinion.

Let me start off positive, they have amazing coffee mugs. They are not only large but have the perfect size handle for gripping and perfect size rim for sipping. Due to my addiction to caffeine I require large maintenance doses of caffeine, so this scored points. It is good that the cup was large because the wait staff was a little sluggish. Not turtle slow, but no real sense of urgency.

The menu offered a good variety of lunch and breakfast options. It was a little pricey for brunch and sans the free mimosa you could argue it was not worth it off the bat. But I stuck it out and decided on the macaroni and cheese per my waitress’s recommendation. My roommate ordered the fish and chips and his lady friend did the mac and cheese.

First, the macaroni and cheese was not macaroni and cheese. It was rigatoni. I understand if you serve mac and cheese you have to church it up, but it said “macaroni and cheese” on the menu. Liars. The rigatoni did not really work for me. It is just a bit too large of pasta to get the correct cheese to pasta ratio. Conchiglie, farfalle or rotini would have all been better options. The cheese was great; I would just recommend a change in pasta.

I had to steal a taste of the fish and chips. Generally I am picky when it comes to fish and chips, well, with fried food in general. I usually drown my fish and chips in vinegar to mask the oil taste. I will just say the portion was minuscule and the fish may have been from a box. But the fries were good!

Now, like I said before I was sweaty, hung over and had to work later that day so I was not in the best mood. I tried to be objective in my writing but sometimes emotions and hangovers bleed into reality.

Ceol

191 Smith St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(347) 643-9911

Menu

I have always enjoyed the booze at Ceol but never gave it much consideration as a dining spot. Food was usually not on my mind when I walked through those big green doors. That is until I heard a rumor they served a great brunch and it seriously peaked my interest.

My laziness kept me from brunch week after week and I really wanted to try the cuisine. Sometimes the local pub houses some good chow and I needed to know. So I drug my roommate in for some wings and quesadillas on our way home from the gym one night. The prices are good and the food was definitely above average for pub food.

I take issue when you order buffalo wings in this city and end up with deep friend chicken wing with no sauce. Not sure what that is, but it sure ain’t no buffalo wing! Please don’t disrespect our brothers to the north folks. I was pleased when a plate full of nice size wings came out dripping with sauce. The quesadillas were also quality, a nice portion and they came with a variety of toppings. All and all I would do it again.

Cubana Cafe

272 Smith St
Brooklyn, NY 11231
Phone: (718) 858-3980

Menu

THE MIGHTY CUBAN

The Cuban sandwich, also known as the cubano, is a popular meal in south Florida where many Cubans have settled since the early 20th century. These tasty, toasted Cuban sandwiches are definitely Tampa and Miami, Florida's favorite snack. These treats can be found in most restaurants in these cities, but the best places to buy them are from the street corner-snack bars, called loncherias…

The number one reason I seek out Cuban restaurants is to get my hands good Cuban sandwiches. I found a respectable Cuban at Cubana Cafe, but not entirely crave worthy. I would definitely recommend it; it’s just that I set the bar high when looking for something so specific. Everyone has a favorite spot to get a slice, hotdog or wings. You would still eat those foods outside the desired venue but it’s still not the same. I need to have this with the Cuban.

The menu lists a multitude of reasonably priced Cuban and Latin American specialties. Entree choices range from braised beef, pounded chicken, garlic shrimp, poblano chile, hanger steak and spiced pulled pork. The extensive menu is worth exploring outside of my narrow-minded views and lack of deviation from the Cuban sandwich. Just make sure you comment on your experience so I do not have to vary from my staple.

Lastly can I say, “oh buddy”. The cocktails are amazing. I recommend their Mojito. They use fresh quality ingredients and always seem to employ great mixologists. If you do not go for the cuisine and cute décor you should stop in for a Mojito, but be prepared to drink more than one.

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.

Amazon Café

227 Smith Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
718-852-5948
718-852-7860 fax

Menu

“A Chipotle burrito minus the heart attack” says the Daily Burrito

They make amazing wraps, fresh salads and smoothies. I enjoy the wide range of vegetables and other fillers they offer. They are all about food that tastes good and is actually good for you, weird concept.

The online menu seems to be missing some items that exist on the in store menu. It would be helpful for them to post the full menu online for all to see…

I have always been pleased with the staff and have been accommodated when ordering special items. The chairs and tables are pretty comfortable, especially the arm chairs in front. They are perfect for people watching and booty staring. A little known secret is that there is a patio outback, who knew.

They also have free WiFi and I have seen people hanging out on their laptops without bother. They also take debit and credit cards with no minimum, big plus!