The sun is setting on that Brooklyn stroll, but your evening is just beginning. You’ve savored the last bite, but the conversation—and frankly, the wine—shouldn’t stop here. Skip the frantic search for a spot that understands both a serious glass and a proper plate. We’ve mapped the perfect pairings where the ambiance is as curated as the list.
Le Crocodile
$$$ | (718) 460-8004 | WEBSITE
There’s a lot of French in Brooklyn, but really only one not-terrible spot that feels authentically Parisian. That restaurant is called Le Crocodile, and it’s inside the Wythe Hotel. Unfortunately, that’s not a secret, so there will definitely be a crowd here on a weekend evening. After a glass of wine at the bar though, all those people are much less likely to bother you.
Order the Jonah Crab with Avocado and Yuzu Kosho and you won’t have to worry about the menu, plus you’ll have a prime taste of what makes this place special. The staff is warm and accommodating, going above and beyond to make you feel welcome in the cozy, quintessentially French atmosphere. Whether you’re here for the expertly crafted cocktails or the heavenly Profiteroles, Le Crocodile consistently impresses with its fantastic food and exceptional service.
June
$$$ | (917) 909-0434 | WEBSITE
June is a five-minute stroll from the Bedford Avenue station, and is a lovely way to extend a relaxed evening. It’s one of few spots in Brooklyn where you don’t have to navigate crowds, $18 glasses of wine, or servers who rush you because they’re turning tables. The selection of bottles here will delight any enthusiast, but if you simply know you enjoy Syrah, the staff will gladly steer you right. There’s also well-made sparkling wine, some orange wine options, and a fantastic patio out front.
Cozy Royale
$$ | (718) 734-2792 | WEBSITE
If you’ve ever wanted the warmth of a cottage getaway without leaving Brooklyn, then your next evening out should be at Cozy Royale. There are regulars at the front bar sipping martinis and enjoying the nostalgic tavern atmosphere, and a general feeling that everyone’s here to savor excellent orange wines while keeping things comfortably cozy. Order the spicy vodka pasta, along with the happy hour burger, and enjoy them in one of Brooklyn’s most welcoming neighborhood spots.
Ops
$$ | (718) 386-4009 | WEBSITE
Ops is just a short stroll from the subway, and after a long day in Brooklyn, that’s about as far as you’ll want to venture for a satisfying meal. This pizza spot has a fantastic sourdough crust, a straightforward menu, and plenty of warmth for a casual dinner with friends, especially if those friends appreciate wood-fired pies and good conversation.
Prima Brooklyn
$ | (718) 789-7890 | WEBSITE
Prima Brooklyn serves fantastic, slightly elevated versions of coffee shop classics, so it’s a great option when you’re in the mood for something different, and by different you mean you want Jamaican food with your espresso. Grab a seat at the long alleyway, order a cappuccino, and chat with the friendly staff about the best and worst coffee beans of all time.
Lovebirds Wine Bar + Bistro
$$ | (347) 599-0176 | WEBSITE
Your partner just texted that they’re running late for your date night, and you’re annoyed, but you promised yourself you wouldn’t skip your weekly wine outing (again), and Lovebirds has that mushroom pasta you’ve been craving along with their signature espresso martini, which should be enough to get you out the door. It doesn’t hurt that you’ll also feel like you’re in your possibly fictional sophisticated aunt’s cozy Parisian apartment in Brooklyn.
After a few glasses of wine and some shrimp ceviche, you’ll hardly remember the wait.
Locanda Vini & Olii
$$$ | (718) 622-9202 | WEBSITE
Savoring perfectly executed pasta dishes in a clean, uncluttered space isn’t something you crave every evening, but every once in a while, it’s wonderful to indulge in something special. The team at Locanda Vini & Olii understands this, and they also understand that you’re going to want exceptional gelato after enjoying that AL CONIGLIO pasta.
The restaurant is a must-visit spot in Brooklyn, and has a nice atmosphere with good energy in case you needed some sort of delightful excuse to spend the evening appreciating excellent ingredients and getting a little transported by Italian cuisine.
Convivium Osteria
$$$ | (718) 857-1833 | WEBSITE
Head to Convivium Osteria’s beautiful patio after a stroll through North Slope to sit in the cozy atmosphere and sip reasonably priced wine with heavy pours while surrounded by couples on romantic evenings and families gathering in the wine cellar. It’s easy to lose track of time here, but if it gets to dinner and everyone is hungry, do what all the recent guests around you do: order the addictive steak with cheese sauce, fresh gnudi, and tricolore salad topped with olives and capers.
Ammazzacaffè
$$$ | (929) 250-2875 | WEBSITE
When you’re at Ammazzacaffè, you’ll realize why people love Brooklyn’s Italian spots: it’s warm, intimate, and feels like you’re not in New York anymore. Head straight to the patio and you can pretend you’re actually sitting in a cozy Italian courtyard, but without the hassle of traveling overseas. Have some handmade Agnolotti pasta and a spritz or two.
Place des Fêtes
$$$ | (718) 857-0101 | WEBSITE
Place des Fêtes is one of the best wine bars in Brooklyn – it’s hard to beat their unbeatable Spanish-focused wine selection – and it’s also a fantastic spot for a surprisingly intimate dinner. You can sit in the cozy, friendly atmosphere while you share small plates like the maitake mushrooms or crispy lamb and order from the wine list full of treasures.
With Others
$$$ | (929) 389-0807 | WEBSITE
You usually associate spacious patios with suburban barbecues or corporate picnics, not wine bars in Brooklyn. But With Others’ $35, two-hour all-you-can-sip deal includes their excellent wine selection and is a perfect way to spend a Saturday evening. People are clearly here to enjoy the atmosphere, but With Others manages to stay relaxed and inviting, so there’s no one here so overwhelmed that they’ll try to host their engagement party without a reservation.