As you may have noticed from my Brooklyn’s Own Little Italian Empire post, this former Brooklyn resident hasn’t forgotten about her borough or its foodie scene. The latest must try on my list? Henry Public, the recent opening from friends Matt Dawson and Jen Albano who made Brooklyn Social my go-to stop in Carroll Gardens. The tasty panini and painstakingly made cocktails also made it my preferred place to recharge after a long-haul flight.
This new venture brings comfort food dishes like grass-fed hamburgers, turkey leg sandwiches and freshly shucked oysters together with another fab-sounding drinks list–the “Public Smash” with bourbon, mint, maple syrup and aromatic bitters, “Two-cents Fancy” with pear, tarragon honey, and champagne, and “Kings County Sour” with rye whiskey, lemon, sugar, egg white and port float, all sound like they could render decision making difficult. If you are around on the weekend, you can even stop in during the day for an egg sandwich, coffee, or better yet, another cocktail. I was already sold on the concept, but as luck would have it I had dinner this week with a woman who works at Saveur magazine (so good food cred) who went in on the restaurant’s opening night. Her verdict: a solid thumb’s up for both the food and the cozy 19th century-inspired decor. So if you are in the ‘hood, head on in.
329 Henry St.; 718-852-8630