Gowanus is a neighborhood in Brooklyn. It lies in the northwestern region of the town, in the former South Brooklyn. The neighborhood has a population of over 20,000 people.
Gowanus takes its name from Gauwane, which means “the sleeper.” This area is quite lively. There are exciting art galleries, and the evenings can get busy at the funky music venues and trendy bars.
Gowanus restaurants are also an important component of the neighborhood’s uniqueness. You can treat yourself to fantastic meals at the restaurants; you will be glad you did.
Are you in this part of New York? Here are the best restaurants in Gowanus, NY.
Best Restaurants in Gowanus, NY
1. Olivier Bistro
Olivier Bistro offers French cuisine with a touch of Spanish and Italian taste. The owner, Olivier Verdier, set up the business after years of schooling in a restaurant and cooking school. He subsequently worked in the industry for over a decade.
For breakfast, you can choose french toast, La tartine d’Olivier, eggs norvegiene, or onion soup. Delicious entrees on the menu are moules frites, hamburger, salmon poelee, and vegan vegetable curry.
The profiteroles and creme brulee are great dessert options. You can enjoy the Poisson du jour.
You can consider Olivier Bistro, which is one of the best restaurants in Gowanus, NY, for perfect classic bistro food. Feel comfortable holding your parties at Olivier Bistro.
Olivier Bistro is open Mondays to Saturdays, 07:00 AM – 11:00 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM.
Address: 469 4th Avenue, Between 11th and 12th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11215. Phone: (718) 768-6600.
2. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
Consider visiting Dinosaur Bar-B-Que for delicious BBQ. Since 2013, people in Brooklyn have treated themselves to the enticing meals on the menu.
You can make reservations online. Dogs are also given special treatment with water bowls in the outdoor seating areas. You can comfortably host your events in the Cater Room.
Customers can choose to get their orders delivered to them, picked up, or request a complete service.
The rich menu includes fried green tomatoes, chicken wings, smokehouse nachos, cajun fried shrimp, pork belly, and Bar-B-Que pork ribs. In addition, you can choose your meats in the combo plates option. The family stylin’ BBQ is an excellent choice for family food. Other features are cajun fried catfish, jerk salmon, and burgers.
Opening hours are from 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Mondays and Tuesdays, 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12:00 – 11:00 PM, Fridays and Saturdays, and on 12:00 – 9:00 PM on Sundays. You can join in for Trivia Thursdays by 8:00 PM.
Address: 604 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11215. Phone: 347-429-7030.
3. Table 87 Coal Oven Pizza
If yyou’ve never had fresh coal oven pizza, then Table 87 should be your go-to spot. In 2012, the owner and founder, Thomas Cucco, gave customers a chance to buy single slices from coal oven pies. There are now three locations in Brooklyn, New York, where you can buy slices of fresh coal oven pizza.
Table 87 provides shipping of Brooklyn pies and slices around the United States. You can get Table 87’s hand-crafted pizza delivered to your door and enjoy the delicious taste. Ingredients of the highest standards, such as dough, meats, sauce, and cheese, go into making tasty pies.
The menu contains rich flavors and delicious pizzas such as pizza perfetta, frozen margherita pizza, mushroom with white truffle oil pizza, pepperoni pizza, and prosciutto pizza.
When you are in the mood for a classic New York slice of Pizza, head over to Table 87. It is one of the best places to eat in Gowanus, NY.
Table 87’s opening hours are 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Sundays to Thursdays and 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Address: 473 3rd Ave Brooklyn, NY 11215. Phone: (718) 965-8400.
4. Baba’s Pierogies
Baba’s Pierogies’ owners, Helena and Bob, hold the record as Brooklyn’s first handmade Pierogi restaurant. The restaurant has been featured on Thrillist, News12, and Eater for the past 6 years.
The restaurant prides itself on delivering the same deliciousness and homey comfort when fulfilling orders for frozen pierogies. The modern decor makes dining a pleasant experience.
The menu has various blends of traditional, non-traditional, and innovative fillings and dessert options. Other menu features include vegan pierogi, sauerkraut, chicken soup, and potato pancakes.
At Baba’s Pierogies, you can always be sure of getting freshly prepared pierogies for your lunch or dinner. It is one of the best Gowanus restaurants.
The opening hours are 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM on Sundays and Mondays and 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM on Tuesdays to Saturdays.
Address: 295 3rd Avenue Gowanus, Brooklyn. Phone: 718-222-0777.
5. Pig Beach
Over time, Pig Beach BBQ has grown from a single location that operated seasonally into a brand with multiple venues and year-long operations.
The application of over 80 years of experience in restaurant service has helped it win many awards and accolades.
Pig Beach is unique for its BBQ technique, use of fresh market produce, and sustainable seafood. The cooking technique has Italian, Asian, French, and American elements.
Exciting fares from the menu include charcuterie, Buffalo chicken wings, pastrami, smoked duck, all beef hot dogs, pulled port sandwiches, and Yankee red hot sausages. You can enjoy sides such as baked beans, french fries, and cornbread.
Great complements to your meal include an innovative cocktail repertoire, cocktails, and wines.
Pig Beach has opening hours from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Tuesdays to Fridays, 12:00 PM to 9:30 PM on Saturdays and 12:00 PM to 8:30 PM on Sundays. The restaurant stays closed on Mondays.
Address: 480 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11231. Phone: (917) 259-1176Phone number.
6. Four & Twenty Blackbirds
The Elsen sisters are not only known for their award-winning pies. Their pie recipe book is a best seller. Melissa Elson and Emily Elsen founded the Four & Twenty Blackbirds pie bakery in 2009 and have not looked back.
Their beloved pie shop differentiates by selling handmade pies made from fresh ingredients. The pies have won awards, including Time Out New York’s 2011 “Artisans of the Year” award. The shop has also been featured in the Food Network, the New York Times, and Good Morning America.
Convenient features of Four & Twenty Blackbirds restaurant include store pickup and same-day delivery for those in the Brooklyn area. The restaurant offers catering services as well.
Apart from the award-winning Salty Honey Pie, other popular fares from the menu include peaconut, lemon chess, chocolate chess, salted caramel apple, brown butter pumpkin, and butter apple streusel.
Do more than order freshly-made pies. You can get attractive merchandise, such as handwritten cards and gift cards.
Opening hours begin from 08:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 AM – 8:00 PM on Saturdays, and 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM on Sundays.
Address: 439 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11216. Phone: (718) 499-2917.
7. Pio Bagel
Pio Bagel is a realized dream that had been in the minds of the Espinoza family long before they founded it in 2014. They opened their own bagel store with an already established Spanish American food chain (Tio Pio).
The rich menu at Pio Bagel includes egg sandwiches, breakfast burritos, french toast deluxe, jumbo cookies, and smoked fish. You can order chicken noodles, cappuccino, cold and hot beverages, and meal platters.
Pio Bagel has opening hours from 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM on Mondays to Fridays, 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Saturdays, and 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Sundays.
Address: 136 Lawrence St, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Phone: (718) 237-2777
8. Runner & Stone
The co-founders of Runner & Stone are Head baker Peter Endriss and Chef Chris Pizzulli. They set up the restaurant in 2012. Runner & Stone offers a restaurant, bar, and bakery service combination. It is one of the top restaurants in Gowanus, NY.
An attractive thing to note is that all bread and pastries are baked in-house using local grain flour, dairy, and fruit.
The restaurant’s comfortable atmosphere makes it great for holding parties, wedding receptions, or baby showers. You may even check out the private party options. The catering service is top-notch. You may decide to use the dine-in or takeout option for meals.
Menu items that make for a great meal include various seasonal salads, croissants, soups, and sandwiches. You can enjoy the signature bread and house-prepared meats and fish. Other menu items to treat your taste buds include delicious and fresh pasta, specialty cocktails, wines, and beer.
Visit Runner & Stone for your delicious and memorable breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Opening hours extend from 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM on Mondays to Fridays and 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.
Address: 285 Third Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215. Phone: 718-576-3360.
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9. Claro
The term “Claro” can mean “clear.” It can also mean “of course.” In other words, you can be at ease at Claro. The atmosphere, dining, and service are geared toward pleasing you. In addition, it is one of the best restaurants in Gowanus, NY.
Chef T.J. Steel has been able to infuse Oaxacan food and culture into Claro’s physical structure and menu. Oaxacan artists painted murals and designed the logo.
One thing you can be sure of at Claro is the variety of the menu. This includes aguachile & tuna tostada. Other menu items are fresh mariscos, signature moles, tuetano de mole negro, and memela de maria sabina.
You can order mole verde, enfrijolada, or mole Rojo for your main course. You can choose arroz con leche, churros, or chocolate mole cake for dessert. You can choose to have frozen cocktails as well.
Opening hours at Claro are from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM on Thursdays to Saturdays.
Address: 284 Third Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215. Phone: (347) 721-3126.
10. Ghenet Brooklyn
“Where angels eat” – that is the phrase adopted by Ghenet. Incidentally, the name Ghenet means “the highest paradise or heaven.” The name inspires the restaurant to provide excellent service. This can be experienced by Ghenet’s deliciously authentic Ethiopian spiced meals as intended by Yeworkwoha Ephrem, the founder.
Ephrem set up Ghenet initially in 1998, but the Brooklyn location opened in 2007. You can be sure to get the best Ethiopian food at Ghenet. You can order pickup or delivery. Ethiopian cuisine is rich with options for vegan, vegetarian, and non-vegetarian dishes.
Ethiopian food on the menu that you could order for appetizers includes ketegna, beet salad with carrots, or Ethiopian tomato salad. Mesir kategna is a delicious soup you should not do without. Items on the menu include the popular injera, shiro, and doro wett (chicken stew). Berbere, mitmita, aletcha, key wett, and nitr kibeare other popular meals.
Ghenet is open from 4:00 PM to 10:30 PM, Tuesdays to Fridays, and from 3:00 PM to 10:30 PM on Sundays. The venue is closed on Saturdays.
Address: 348 Douglass St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA, Phone: (718) 230-4475.
11. My Cuban Spot
You no longer need to imagine an enjoyable outdoor experience of eating tasty Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, or other delicacies. You can get that at My Cuban Spot.
The Cuban American owner & chef Louie Estrada and his staff are always set to provide quality service. You can conveniently place a curbside pickup order or a delivery order.
Delightful menu items include roast pork, picadillo, egg dish on chicken flavored rice, and roast chicken. There are bowls of rice & beans, oink oink babe, and slow-cooked pork. You can also enjoy some Cuban coffee. Other delicacies include sides such as Yuca fries and sweet plantains.
You can certainly make your day more enjoyable by visiting My Cuban Spot. It is a unique establishment, which is among the excellent Gowanus restaurants.
My Cuban spot is closed on Mondays. It is open on Tuesdays to Sundays, 12 – 3:45 PM and 5–7:45 PM.
Address: 488 Carroll Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215. Phone: 718-855-1941
12. Kanan Indian Restaurant
This highlight of the top restaurants in Gowanus, NY, would be incomplete without including Kanan Indian Restaurant. The restaurant’s strong points are its delicious Indian cuisine, high-quality service, and customer-friendly staff.
The Indian restaurant uses high-standard fresh ingredients to prepare classic dishes. You have options to dine in, use takeout, or order delivery.
Appetizers on the menu include reshmi kabab, fish tikka, and chicken samosas. Settle down for mixed vegetable soup. You can have some iamb raan for the main course.
Opening hours are Mondays to Sundays, 12:00 PM – 03:00 PM, and 05:00 PM – 9:30 PM.
Address: 452 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215. Phone: (718) 369-3777.
13. Rice & Beans
Head over to Rice & Beans for your authentic Spanish food. You can either dine in or use the curbside pickup service. The delivery service option is there as well.
You can order french fries, two eggs, and coffee for breakfast. There is the option of bacon, sausage, or salami. Spanish omelette is a treat too. Other menu items are western omelette, sandwiches hero, eggs on a roll, and sandwiches hero,
Opening hours at Rice & Beans are 4:00 PM to 4:00 AM, Mondays to Thursdays, and 1:00 PM to 4:00 AM, Fridays to Sundays.
Address: 234 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215. Phone: 347 987 4306.
14. Popeyes
Alvin C. Copeland Sr. Initially opened “Chicken on the Run” restaurant and served traditional Southern-fried chicken. However, slow sales made him reopen the restaurant in 1972 as “Popeyes.” He changed the menu to spicy, New Orleans-style chicken.
The progress since then has been impressive. The southern fried chicken brand now has over 3,700 locations globally. You can order food at this restaurant and pick it up or request delivery.
Delicious meals on the menu include signature chicken, sandwiches, seafood nuggets, and shrimp. You can order fries, red rice and beans, or coleslaw as side dishes.
Opening hours are 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM, Mondays to Sundays.
Address: 552 3rd Ave Brooklyn NY, 11215. Phone: 7185763092.
15. Fancy Girl Table
If you are looking for a company that can handle the catering aspects of your event, then Fancy Girl Table is your answer. It is a full-service company that offers creative, organic catering services. These catering services include corporate events, breakfast, and cocktails.
The owner & executive chef of Fancy Girl Table is Jeanette Maier. She once owned the popular organic restaurant Herban Kitchen. As a graduate of the natural gourmet institute, she applies her experience. You can be sure of high quality, flavorful, and colorful menu on your table.
Fancy Girl Table has specialties in gourmet vegetarian and vegan meals. The company prides itself on using ingredients sourced from organic farms and seafood. The menu covers breakfast, lunch, cocktail party, and drop & go platters.
The menu features fabulous box lunches of sandwiches, salads, and desserts.
You can order grilled salmon vegetables, goat ricotta, and rosemary roasted almonds for the first course. The main course can include Hudson valley steak with smoked cashew salsa, chicken breast with rosemary lemon sauce, and Swedish potato salad.
You can savor a delicious wedding cake for your dessert.
Head on over to Fancy Girls Table for corporate and stylishly delicious food.
The opening hours at Fancy Girls Table are from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Mondays to Fridays, and 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM on Saturdays. Fancy Girls Table is closed on Sundays.
Address: 294 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215-1809. Phone: 718.216.9297.
Map of the Best Restaurants in Gowanus, NY
To get around during your trip to Gowanus, here is a map of the best restaurants in Gowanus with markers of the top places to eat in Gowanus, NY.
Are you considering more exploration of New York? Here is our list of things to do in The Hamptons, things to do in White Plains and things to do in Newburgh for a fun vacation.
Plan a Trip to Gowanus
A delicious meal can start your day on a bright and inspiring note. Dinner can be a refreshing and fulfilling meal to end your work day.
You should visit these Gowanus restaurants to get such meals and experiences.