Brooklyn Cafe

When the name Brooklyn cafe pops into your head, what kind of restaurant comes to mind? As a native New Yorker, I expected a cozy Italian or traditional American restaurant, probably family owned, who would be eager to chat about life in the big apple. On the contrary, this imaginary scenario could not be farther from the truth.

It's Friday night and the restaurants on South Main are just starting to buzz with their weekend rush of JMU students freeing themselves from the stress of a long week. Unknown to most, just one block over on South Mason, the Brooklyn cafe sits empty, with the exception of an elderly couple eating gyros by a large glass window...Not exactly the ideal location to get pumped for the weekend.

Upon entering the establishment, guests are hit with the intoxicating (or is it toxic?) fumes from the Hookah bar that sits just above the restaurant. The main dining room is small but plesantly decorated with images of New York City. The outdoor patio is comfortable enough, scattered with glass tables and comfortable iron chairs. A makeshift blockade made of vines, branches and plywood seperate the eating area from the sidewalk.

Now, knowing that my idealized "Brooklyn cafe" does not exist, what's your best guess for the type of cuisine to be served? Italian? Greek? Not quite. The menu is a hodge podge of Persian, Turkish, Russian, Traditional American, Mexican and Greek. After scanning the menu, I noticed that the owners have taken the most 'Americanized" dishes from each cuisine and plopped it on their menu. Of course, they have the typical favorites such as Greek salads, quesadillas and Buffalo wings. The more daring diners are teased with the promise of the adventure of trying an authentic exotic dish. After teasting meals on both sides of the menu, I reccomend steering clear of the lackluster Persian dishes and sticking to the good ole' American favorites. The cheese steak and fajita burger are two good options.

The reason that I would go back to the Brooklyn Cafe wouldn't be to hang out with the stellar crowd, but it would be to get the hummus appetizer again. Regardless of the restaurants severely unfocued menu, they have an outstanding homemade hummus. Served with pita chips (I reccomend asking for pita bread instead) with olive oil on top, it is one dish you can't afford to miss.

My group and I were also given a great deal of attention from our waiter, who was excited to make friendly conversation (this may have something to do to the lack of influx of customers, but nonetheless he was very friendly and attentive).

The Brooklyn Cafe has a ton of untapped potential but has yet to find it's niche. It has a decent location, a Hookah Bar and once they focus on their stregnths in the menu and make it a more upbeat and lively place to go, it may even give the hotspots on South Main a run for their money.

Address: 20 South Mason Street

Cuisine: Persian, American, Russian, Mediterranean with touches of Greek and Mexican

No Website

Atmosphere/Spirit: Small yet welcoming establishment, completly dead for a Friday night

Price: $

Vegetarian Option: Entire section dedicated to vegetarian dishes

Must Get: Hummus Appetizer

Classification: Good for an average night out, Hookah Bar uptairs

Directions: From 800 South Main street make a left towards Downtown Harrisonburg. After about .7 miles turn left onto East Market Street and make the first right onto South Mason. The Brooklyn Cafe is on the left, there is parking both in front and behind the building.

Public Transportation: Bus routes 1,3 and 4 drop you at the intersection of South Mason and Water Street which are less than a block from the Brooklyn Cafe





1.5 Stars