NYCReview
photo credit: Noah Devereaux
Suzume
Included In
What makes a restaurant essential? Not “Essential” in that meaningless, buzzword way. Essential in the sense that it offers something – or a combination of things – you can’t get anywhere else. And Suzume does exactly that. Holler at us if you know of any other place that serves sushi AND ramen AND tacos AND wings, because this is a revelation. Add to that its charming space, reasonable prices, and solid cocktail selection and Suzume is a true restaurant anomaly.
Despite all of those ANDs, Suzume packs a lot of good things into a surprisingly concise menu. There are a few sushi options, a few “snacks” (tacos, wings), a few bowls of ramen, and a few other items just in case you’re the hardest person in New York to please. As for prices - the most expensive thing on the menu is $11. The addition of a great drinks list also makes Suzume a place where you can have a gin-beet-carrot-apple-ginger cocktail while eating a spicy tuna roll and feel neither like you’re at a spa nor Tao. What this all boils down to is a happiness free-for-all – no matter how or what you order, it’s going to be good, and it’s going to be fun.
photo credit: Noah Devereaux
Suzume also gets major points for its atmosphere. It’s a tiny space, but it’s simultaneously cool enough for a date and comfortable enough for a weeknight solo dinner. And while we’ve encountered slight waits for a table, getting in is never a production.
Ultimately, Suzume is not a place you come because you want the best sushi or ramen in the city. It’s a place you come because it fulfills all your needs in one fell swoop, with its quirky yet accessible menu, reasonable prices, and feel-good vibes. And that, in itself, is a real rarity. Suzume may not be on everyone’s list of essential restaurants, but if you’re anywhere near this part of Brooklyn it should be on yours.