Halstead Property

Where to eat near the Barclays Center

The Barclays Center in Brooklyn has received stellar reviews from all facets, including the top of the line food vendors one will find inside the arena but if it’s a more in depth and sit-down restaurant experience you’re after, the surrounding area is burgeoning with more than enough great places to try.  We figured we would head to our Foursquare Brand Page and see what neighborhood tips are around that area that our agents came up with. Here are their top picks for a great meal before watching our Brooklyn Nets in action.

Kaz An Nou

Authentic Caribbean and French inspired food offered in an intimate BYOB restaurant on 6^th Ave. The only complaint anyone has ever had about this place is that they do not accept reservations, but the entire experience is worth any wait you might encounter. The duck confit with mango jerk sauce (pictured above) is a fan favorite with the skin nice and crispy on the outside, and the meat inside tender and full of flavor. Truth be told, any item they serve jerk style should be tried at least once.

53 6^th Avenue (Between Dean St. and Bergen St.) Brooklyn, NY 11217

The Vanderbilt

What more can you ask for than a 10% discount offered to all guests who show a ticket to an event at the Barclays Center? The ambiance and food alone will have you coming back though, aside from the discount. They offer small, medium and large plates so it’s ideal to order a few menu items and share. The brussels sprouts and shishito peppers from the small plates menu were an unexpected favorite, and they have an entire menu section dedicated to different sausage dishes.

570 Vanderbilt Ave (Between Pacific and Dean Streets) Brooklyn, NY 11238

Cornelius

Craft brews, artisan cocktails and $1 oysters have prevented this place from remaining a secret. Voted one of New York’s ‘Best Gourmet Happy Hour’ spots, you’ll definitely return to this hot spot even if you aren’t in the area for a trip to the Barclays Center. For the non oyster loving crowd, the Mac and Cheese is equally as deserving of its reputation. Anyone can make a classic mac and cheese, but when it’s done right at a restaurant, there’s no denying the deliciousness of a great comfort food staple.

565 Vanderbilt Ave at Pacific Street, Brooklyn, NY 11238 

Convivium Osteria

On the infamous stretch of Fifth Ave in Park Slope, noted for plenty high end restaurants, Convivum Osteria is one of those places that takes you back in time and to another part of the globe. You’ll find Mediterranean inspired cuisine with Spanish, Portuguese and Italian dishes and tapas like appetizers. The Carcofi alla Romana (braised artichokes with mint and garlic) came highly recommended, and it’s apparent why. Two, whole fresh artichoke hearts seasoned to a perfect science make a great appetizer.

68 5th Ave (between Bergen St & Prospect Pl) Brooklyn, NY 11217

Va Beh

You might enjoy your authentic Italian meal here more than you would your Italian Nona’s food. It’s welcoming and transparent how much heart goes into the food, the staff, and the atmosphere, and although at first glance the menu seems small- each night there are on average 10 mouth watering specials.  Proseco is on tap here, and all pasta is homemade. Try the black squid ink pasta with clams, any crostini item, and don’t skip dessert as their tiramisu is airy but savory.

446 Dean St., Brooklyn, NY 11217 

(Image Courtesy: Kaz An Nou)