Restaurant Suggestions for Brooklyn
 

I will be attending a convention at the Marriott Hotel at the Brooklyn Bridge (which is on Adams Street) soon. Can anyone suggest restaurants that are close by (especially for breakfast and dinner) so I am not just stuck eating in the hotel during the few days I am there? Many thanks for any suggestions!

Most of what is right near the Marriott are fast food type restaurants, as it is in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn with the courts and some colleges nearby; I'm sure you can find a Dunkin Donuts or even a bagel place for your breakfasts.

However, you will be in the vicinity of the pretty brownstone neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights and the more hipster area called DUMBO, both of which have good options especially for dinner or when you have time to stroll over and back. DUMBO is one stop on the A or F trains closer to Manhattan, which is a nice amount to walk, maybe about 1/2 mile. Some of the places I like there are Superfine (market fresh food changes daily, and new artists' work on the walls, plus a full bar if you want a drink and a snack) and Rice (Asian fusion, quieter locale). If you're in the area, don't miss Jacques Torres' shop and his amazing hot chocolate (www.mrchocolate.com)! Depending on the time you have, it's an easy walk from DUMBO to the Brooklyn Bridge for a nice scenic stroll; the Manhattan side ends at City Hall and the edge of Chinatown. If you're not tired yet, it's even not that far a walk to "ground zero", and you can catch the A,C or R subway back to Brooklyn.

Henry Street in Brooklyn Heights is about the same distance from the hotel as DUMBO and has a nice tapas place, plus a yummy homestyle Italian place called (of all things) Noodle Pudding. Montague Street is the "main drag" with many restaurants and shops along it...

Check out brooklyn.citysearch.com for more suggestions and reviews. Oh, and if you get a chance, definitely check out Junior's Restaurant on Flatbush Avenue for a look at a real Brooklyn institution! (Know, though, that Flatbush is a major thoroughfare and you really don't want to walk along it, and the adjoining neighborhood is improving but still rundown; the concierge can probably help you out if you want to see Junior's - or if you just want to sample the wares and will be in Manhattan, they have an outpost in Grand Central Terminal!)

Enjoy your stay in Brooklyn!

Thanks! Those are wonderful ideas. I appreciate the time you took to give me so much advice, and can't wait to try
some of the places you suggested.

Within a short cab ride, you could go to the Williamsburg area for a meal; The Williamsburg café comes to mind but can't remember other places I liked.
It's a fun area to stroll in if the weather is nice.

I've been to Moutarde in the dumbo area, it was great.

There's a great Italian restaurant called "Queen" on Court St. in downtown Brooklyn.

http://www.queenrestaurant.com/

The one place to go in Brooklyn is Peter Luger's.

http://www.peterluger.com/

I'm always excited to share my little piece of NYC; you'll have to let us know where you end up going!

Peter Luger's is renowned for its steaks, and a friend just told me earlier this week that they actually have the best burger in NYC - all top sirloin. If you go, you should take a cab and ask the concierge the best way to get a cab or car service (cab that you call to pick you up) back, as it's in a very quiet part of Williamsburg. I've also heard that if you're even a few minutes late for your reservation, they won't seat you... I will say that as great as Williamsburg is (artsy neighborhood with great food), it's not at all easy to get to from anywhere else in Brooklyn. If you want to venture away from the hotel neighborhood, I would actually suggest going into Manhattan...

Have a great time no matter where you end up dining! :)

Peter Lugar. Enough said.

Abe you may be honest but your spelling is really, really bad.

Oh wow. Time to start the food wars. It's so easy to start a fight in Brooklyn!

With so many fantastic inventive places to eat in Brooklyn, overseen by insanely ambitious chefs, we're sending somebody to eat at Peter Luger's to be abused by the wait staff and cramed spinach?

OK OK: If you want red meat, go for it. But if you are looking for something you can't get in Kansas, check out the recommendations for Brooklyn dining in either New York Magazine or the New York Times or any number of New York-based websites.

And lose Junior's!

I was born and bred in this borough - and darn proud. Let me say this - you will be awfully close to brooklyn heights - head to Montague street for some tasty eats, but the real gem is now on Smith Street in Cobble Hill. Try the Grocery, Bar Tabac, Banania cafe - all fab.

On atlantic avenue - there is the largest yemen population outside that country. Try Sahadi for a delicious and authentic taste of the middle east.

Your hotel isnt far from Juniors - worlds best cheesecake.

Juniors might have been the best cheesecake place 50 years ago but I am not sure if it is so great anymore. But by all mens, try it if you have a cheesecake craving.

Don't forget about Park Slope! There are great restaurants on Fifth Avenue between Flatbush Ave and at least 2 Street. There are also some on Seventh Avenue, 2 blocks away.

When I have stayed at this Marriott for business - I always walk across the street and then go around the courthouse to the other side of the square. The streets immediately opposite the courthouse have lots of great places...sorry I can't remember the name of the streets but basically on the opposite side of the courthouse.