Salty Pidgin

Perched at the top of a steep descent into the city proper, this simple but sophisticated Brooklyn bistro is a local to be envious of. The Salty Pidgin’s name is derived in part from another famous Brooklyn also known for its winged commuters but the similarities end there. There are no pretzels to be found at this bar, not that you’ll miss them with bar snacks like chilli olives and oysters.

As a venue the Salty Pidgin combines the relaxed atmosphere of a suburban eatery with city sophistication, all too evident from a menu that features roast quail starters, grilled beef with green apple and cauliflower, and Turkish pizza. Pide is not too dissimilar from its Italian cousin, just think of it as a pizza with its sleeves rolled up into thick, crusty borders to keep all the good stuff inside.

Head chef Amy Gillies was a furniture maker in a past life and it shows in her and husband JP Henderson’s minimalist re-fit, which still gives a nod to the building’s colonial heritage. The wide windows that run along terraced layers of seating take full advantage of the last rays of winter sun afforded by Brooklyn’s altitude, ideal for a lazy afternoon tipple, and though it doesn’t advertise its presence, the beer garden out back is a sure starter on warmer days. But no matter the season, it would be tough to beat brunch at the bar with a pot of tea and the weekend paper. If you’re lucky there might even be a band in front of the fireplace.