Thompson Brooke, a New England tapas RestoBar in the heart of Williamsburg, is a must-try! We love tapas, so be sure to go with a big group and try a bit of everything in the menu!
As one of the trendiest neighborhoods of Brooklyn, Williamsburg is always offering a diverse food culture in its streets. So, it’s not a surprise that Brooke Costello, well-known food expert and catering business owner chef, decided to open his new restaurant Thompson Brooke on Grand Street, in the heart of Williamsburg.
Inspired by Brooke’s grandfather name, Thompson Brooke is a cozy and lovely RestoBar that welcomes you with the perfect music, scents and a great staff ready to serve you their delicious creations.
It offers a unique variety of traditional New England dishes with a modern twist: New England Tapas. If you are not familiar with the concept of Tapas, it comes from the Spanish cuisine. It’s basically small sharable portions of any kind of food – cold or hot.
The dinner menu consist of 8 traditional dishes including Sam’s Lobster Roll, Beer Batter Fish & Chips, Smoked Clams Mac’N’Cheese or Buddy Cianci style calamari, if you are into seafood. And still, Grand St. Burger if you prefer a 5oz beef patty or Safe Harbor Dog, Shaker Squad Salad and Yankee Whaler if you prefer vegetarian/vegan alternatives.
Among the sides, you can enjoy Cumin Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots, French Fries, a cup of Vegan Chili and Yankee Queso for dipping.
Based on Brooke’s recommendation, we started our dinner with the Buddy Cianci style calamari – squid, pickled chilis, bread crumbs, spicy mayonnaise and a Yankee Whaler – baked russet potato boats with yankee queso, bacon, sour cream, scallions and pickled chile.
We then tried one of the specials of the night: fresh Oysters.
Every week they have Wednesday Oysters’ Night where you can enjoy as many oysters as you wish, for only $1.
And, if you are a book lover, don’t miss “Pour Writers”. On special days, local writers visit Thompson Brooke not only to share insights of their books and publications, but to charm you with their bartender skills and specially prepare you their best cocktails. Pretty awesome, right?
In addition, we ordered a delicious Shaker Squash Salad with butternut squash, celery root, dried cherry, toasted squash seeds, pickled mustard seeds and maple vinaigrette; and one of their top dishes, the Smoked Clams Mac’N’Cheese. If I had to describe the flavor, imagine the best New England Clam Chowder you ever had, add cheese and macaroni pasta. Perfection!
Obviously, we needed some drinks to pair with this marvelous feast. Thompson Brooke offers a variety of drinks including local beers, selected wines from Italy, France, Spain and California. And still, hard drinks and soft drinks if you prefer a non-alcoholic beverage.
We tried one of their soft drinks called Lizzie’s Shrub Bucket – plum tarragon shrub & soda, a Sixpoint Crisp Pilsner locally brewed in NYC and a Mainsheet Mule. All a 100% recommended.
To finish our meal, we tried the 3 desserts.
Hester’s Banana Cream – torched banana, vanilla wafers and heavy cream; Maple French Toast Doughnut – cinnamon glaze and roasted apples and Little Nibbler’s Chocolate Pudding – peanut bourbon fudge and candied peanuts. You should try them all, since it’s hard to recommend which one is best.
If you are more of a “Brunch Person”, during the weekends they offer a special menu of dishes and drinks.
Thompson Brooke also has the space for private events like engagement parties that can be accompanied with the food from their original menu or by Red Table Catering services, also owned by Brooke Costello. And still, contact our experts for any corporate event you’re working on!
Prices are very reasonable, especially if you come with a group of friends giving you the chance to try the entire menu.
If you enjoyed everything we said about Thompson Brooke, this New England tapas RestoBar, be sure to make your reservation!
Supporting the Local Community with a Discount for YOU!
“The Grand Street Savings Card” is a free card that aims to support small local business and gives you access to discounts and deals in stores and restaurants located in Grand Street. You can get it at Grand St. BID Office on 246 Graham Avenue, at events or request it by mail, by filling this form.
In the case of Thompson Brooke, if you have a card you get 10% off food on Wednesday and Thursday.
Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 5:30pm – 11pm
Friday & Saturday: 5:30pm – 12am
Brunch: Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 3pm
*Regular Sunday supper hours coming soon
Location: 631 Grand Street, Brooklyn
Text Credit: Written by our contributor Magdalena Concha
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Thompson Brooke
*Last Update on Feb/2020.*
