Brooklyn’s Best

By Lisa Loverro

Located in Brooklyn on a beautiful tree-linked street on Atlantic Avenue, Colonie draws its inspiration from its surrounding neighborhoods always supporting local purveyors as much as possible. Since opening in February 2011, this Brooklyn Heights restaurant has not shown signs of slowing down both with their service and cuisine, and will probably continue to thrive as it was a welcomed addition to an area that was lacking in the inventive cuisine department. The menu here is a collection of American dishes with a nod to NYC's Dutch colonization, carrying over this theme into their name as well; Colonie instead of Colony and Bruijkleen instead of Brooklyn.

It's a favorite brunch spot for this gentrified neighborhood as well as the perfect date-night dinner spot. The décor of the restaurant itself is quite appealing from its wood ceiling to a very cool herb-garden wall, patrons can sip and mingle while waiting for their table, which is likely to happen on most nights.

Chef Andrew Whitcomb, who worked his way up from line cook here, has done his best to create an inventive seasonal menu using only the freshest ingredients from sustainable farmers. Some favorites are the Leek and Gruyere scramble and the Biscuit Benedict with duck hash. The burger is also a huge hit here, and why wouldn't it be with grass-fed beef topped with cheddar, bacon, and fried duck egg, finished off with their famous beet ketchup. For dessert, be sure to try their freshly baked Doughnuts and Sticky Date Cake. If you'd like a more savory dessert, there is an amazing cheese plate available.

Not as inventive as their menu, the cocktail list still delivers the goods and has something for everyone from a sparkling Lambrusco, a selection of crafted beers and tried and true cocktails with a twist.

Colonie offers a vibrant atmosphere along with a meal that is always fresh and satisfying. They accept limited reservations for dinner, however, they observe a "no reservation" policy for brunch although you'll more than enjoy the time waiting for a table sipping cocktails beneath that beautiful herb wall.

Colonie
127 Atlantic Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718.855.7500
colonienyc.com/menu