NYCGuide
The Best Places To Eat Near Prospect Park
photo credit: Ashley Sears
We may not have great beaches. Or lakes. Or mountains. But we do have parks.
When it’s warm, Prospect Park is the default outdoor meeting spot in Brooklyn. And whether you’re there to run, to play games, to drink with friends (just kidding, that’s illegal), or to simply soak up some good clean oxygen, one thing is certain: you’re going to need to eat. This list of excellent places around Prospect Park is here to help you find the ideal restaurant no matter your pre, during, or post-park needs.
The Spots
So you had plans to meet your friends for Sunday afternoon kickball in the park, but conveniently forgot about those plans (and your dignity) when you went out the night before. You think you might be able to at least be your friends’ cheerleader - but only if you get some hangover medicine ASAP, in the form of serious diner food. Hit up Tom’s on your way to the Park for the only cure you’ll need.
Whether you ran the Prospect Park loop or just worked on your tan for a few hours, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. The kind of appetite that can only be satisfied with a burger. Get one at Dutch Boy – this is a diner-style burger done right. Take the whole experience to the next level with a spiked milkshake.
photo credit: Kate Previte
Located just a block away from the bottom of Prospect Park, Krupa Grocery is the best thing to happen to Windsor Terrace in a long time (possibly ever). It’s open all day, and whether you’re grabbing a morning coffee and pastry, looking for a light lunch pre/post park adventure, or you’re headed there for brunch or dinner – it’s always an excellent choice.
High-quality, super-affordable sushi from a very tiny, very cute restaurant. With outdoor seating. We find ourselves thinking about Silver Rice pretty much every time we find ourselves with a craving for sushi. So, a lot. And if you want to enjoy your fish on-the-go? That’s what their signature (genius) sushi cups are made for.
photo credit: Phil Yoon
It’s warm and sunny and everyone in your group chat wants to hang out but no one can make a plan. Take control, and tell everyone to meet at Chavela’s for brunch. The Mexican food is awesome, and the restaurant is a fun, lively spot for a group – plus, it’s just a short walk from a Prospect Park hangout afterwards.
This spot is Permanently Closed.
James is really just the jam. We love its quaint corner location on a quiet, brownstone-lined street. We love its slightly upscale but still laid-back space. We love pretty much everything on the classic, seasonal-driven menu. But we really, really love its burger. Bring a date, or your mom, or just yourself (post up at the bar) for brunch or dinner before or after any Prospect Park outing.
You wrangled a giant group, you bought a Frisbee, and you started your day with what you thought was enough six-packs to last a week. Wrong. And now you’re all out of beer and tired of playing Frisbee. Don’t let the rest of the day go to waste – it’s time for Greenwood Park, a giant indoor/outdoor beer garden with food, booze, and bocce.
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Something about spending a day outside just makes you want barbecue. Morgan’s is by far your best option for it around Prospect Park. And their big front porch means you don’t have to sacrifice being outdoors to indulge in the glory of the meats.
A trip to Prospect Park is a highly convenient excuse to try Brooklyn’s best sushi - it’s only a few blocks from the Garfield Place entrance of the park. Go omakase (it’s pretty reasonably priced), and enjoy it on the big outdoor patio.
Important: Tex-Mex that doesn’t suck is only a short walk from Prospect Park. All the tacos and are great, but you should know that this is one of the only places in the city where you can get real-deal breakfast tacos. We also endorse the fried avocado variety. A couple of those, a margarita in your hand, and a table outside are the makings of a pretty perfect Saturday.
An excellent stop for gourmet sandwiches, either as a quick bite pre/post park or to take to-go for a picnic. The chicken schnitzel and short rib sandwiches are both big winners.
If you find yourself on Franklin Ave with a craving for pizza, you’re in luck. Barboncino serves very solid brick-oven pizza in a cozy, comfortable space. It doesn’t belong in the Roberta’s/Paulie Gee’s/Lucali conversation – but it’s pretty damn good.
A quick and simple spot to get your Vietnamese food fix near Prospect Park. We like the banh mi as well as the vermicelli bowls, which are pretty refreshing on a super-hot day. Just know that there are only a few counter seats, so this is much more of a to-go kind of option.
