Flatbush Farm/Barn
76 St. Mark’s Ave.
Prospect Heights
(718) 622-3276
What is it: A gastronomic tavern and wine bar for the “established palate,” with an emphasis on local, seasonal food and good beer, with homemade bread and an old-school sausage machine.
Why we love it: The rustic farmhouse vibe of the Flatbush Farm restaurant makes for great dining at brunch or dinner; the huge, tree-covered backyard at the adjacent Bar(n) provides ample space to spread out with your crew in night or day. It’s close enough to Barclays Center to pop in before or after a game, but it’s big enough that it’s not overrun with sports fans.
Who to bring: Your brunch date, your big birthday crew to hang out in the back yard and lovers of local fare.
What to order: The beer selection of 15-20 bottles and cans and 7 draft lines changes regularly, but the craft and organic international beers pair well with the bar menu, which features cast iron pot pie, bacon mac n’ cheese and amish hot wings.
Flatbush Farm fun fact: The building that houses the restaurant (Farm) and the bar (Barn) was once the home of Nkiru Books, the oldest African-American bookstore in New York City. The store moved to Washington Avenue and is now co-owned by Mos Def and Talib Kweli.—Tim Donnelly