Published:
Whether you’re heading to Barclays Center to cheer on the Liberty (easy to do, in our opinion), the Nets, or for one of their many concerts, it’s important to fuel up. If you’d rather eat your dinner sitting at a table than over your own lap, we’ve got this list of options, most of which are within 15 minutes walking TTB (Time To Barclays, let us have this one) — and they’re all serving up food way beyond your average stadium fare.
FRADEI Fort Greene
Who says a night at the stadium has to be casual? Fradei makes a classy event out of any occasion (even pro wrestling, which frequently stops by Barclays) with their slightly subterranean, brick-lined space. Their menu changes almost weekly and is fiercely seasonal, so know that it may not be the best choice for diners with dietary restrictions. But otherwise? Heaven.
TTB: Seven minutes walking.
Sawa Park Slope
Photo by Francesco Sapienza, courtesy of Sawa
Sawa’s menu of exceptional Lebanese dishes is sure to please even the fussiest of eaters. Go for dips, like the hummus and muhammara, best paired with the fluffiest of pita, plus the fried meat pies and lamb ribs. Or the lovely whole fish. Who needs a beer in a plastic cup when you could have a few arak mojitos?
TTB: Four minutes walking.
Photo by Francesco Sapienza, courtesy of Sawa
Oma Grassa Fort Greene
Pizza works for pretty much every occasion, especially when it’s as good as it is at Oma Grassa. While it seems increasingly difficult to find a sit-down pizza spot in our city, the sourdough pies are delivered right to your table here. We’re partial to the mussels fra diavolo, a pizza brimming with tomato, garlic, chile, parsley, and, of course, mussels. Don’t forget to order the chocolate mousse and a few beers for the table, then cheers to Jonquel Jones.
TTB: Seven minutes walking.
Tacombi – Fort Greene Fort Greene
Order as many tacos as you can manage, plus one of their aguas frescas or frozen margaritas. We recommend this place for those of you on the Type B end of the spectrum — who may have left only half an hour for dinner before the headliner goes on. You can be in and out pretty quickly, and a meal here is always more than satisfying.
TTB: Seven minutes walking.
Bati Ethiopian Kitchen Clinton Hill/Bed-Stuy
Yes, you may have to take off your foam finger for this meal, but we can assure you that Bati is worth it. You’ll be using your hands to wield pieces of injera, by the way — no knife or fork required. We’re partial to the tastings, which allow you to sop up as many of their slow-cooked, comforting dishes, like stewed collards with beef, gomen, and misir wot, as possible.
TTB: 23 minutes walking.
Sukh Thai Fort Greene
You’re about to be in a room that’s bright, noisy, and filled with thousands of people. May as well spend your meal beforehand in a restaurant that resembles a historic train station. Sit yourself down in one of their red leather booths and order yourself some hor mok, krapow moo, and Thai coconut ice cream with sweet sticky rice and roasted peanuts, served hot-dog style in a fluffy bun. Does it get any more Barclays than that?
TTB: Seven minutes walking.
gertrude's Prospect Heights
The team behind Gertrude’s is what we call in sports an “all-star.” They also own Gertie’s (closed for now, but not for long) and know how to do Jewish New York–deli style food right. When you visit, make sure to order the relish tray, smoked salmon pate and bagel chips, and stuffed cabbage. Come with plenty of time before doors open down the road so that you don’t have to skip the warm challah bread pudding or black and white seven-layer cake for two.
TTB: Eight minutes walking.
Alta Calidad Prospect Heights
Margaritas! Chips and guacamole! Quesadillas! Alta Calidad has it all, and does it all exceedingly well. Plus, it happens to be located on prime corner real estate, ideal for people-watching on Vanderbilt Avenue if you end up having some extra time before you need to get to your seats.
TTB: Nine minutes walking.
Claw Daddy's- Brooklyn Brooklyn
A little finger food never hurt anybody, especially not at this New Orleans Creole spot. You’re here for seafood, so order accordingly. We’re thinking grilled oysters, boudin balls (a food we almost never eat in states farther north than Louisiana), and crawfish seafood boil. Plus, if you have an early event, their daily happy hour lasts until 7:30 p.m. (all day on Tuesdays), and you can grab a cocktail served in a plastic pouch, Capri Sun–style, for $3 off.
TTB: Six minutes walking.
Walter's Fort Greene
The menu here is a crowd-pleaser, with choices like fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy, oysters on the half-shell, and kale Caesar salads. Pro tip: If you want to keep the party going after your event, ask if they can save you a seat at their attached sister izakaya spot, Karasu.
TTB: 14 minutes walking.
Aita Restaurant Clinton Hill
Aita has a lot going for it. It’s an ideal neighborhood restaurant, with its aperitivo hour and menu that’s versatile enough for both a full dinner and just a few snacks. No matter how much time you’ve left before you need to get to your seats, you’ll find something here. Allow us to recommend the little gems, fried cauliflower, and bucatini with green zucchini and squash blossoms, plus a mezcal Negroni bianco for good measure.
TTB: 13 minutes walking.
Fausto Prospect Heights
If your parents or anyone you definitely want to impress happens to be in town and you’re all headed to Barclays, this is where to bring them for dinner beforehand. Fausto is a classic for good reason, with its menu of pastas like whole wheat chittara with mushrooms and orecchiette with fennel-braised pork. Plus the wine list, from owner Joe Campanale, is sure to impress even the most discerning of wine nerds.
TTB: 11 minutes walking.
Baba Cool Fort Greene Fort Greene
Relaxing in Baba Cool’s backyard patio will always be, well, cool. It’s casual enough to wear exactly what you’d wear for a game, but swank enough to not look out of place in your concert fit. Order the fries, with manchego and green onions, the rice noodles with green goddess sauce, and the olive oil chocolate mousse.
TTB: Seven minutes walking.
