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Alchemy
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Restaurants American (Traditional) Pubs, American (Traditional) [Edit]
56 5th Ave(between Bergen St & St Marks Pl)
Brooklyn, NY 11217
Neighborhood: Park Slope
(718) 636-4385
- Nearest Transit:
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Bergen St (2, 3, 4)
Atlantic Av - Pacific St (D, N, R)
Atlantic Av (2, 3, 4, 5)
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 9 am - 11 pm
Fri 9 am - 12 am
Sat-Sun 10 am - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Sammy B. said: "Have you BEEN to their bathroom? Yes, I did just add a star solely for the bathroom. It is unisex, and it is single, but by golly, it is beautiful. The door leading up to it is painted Christmas red, comes with its own street…" read more »
208 reviews for Alchemy
Review Highlights
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"Their shells & cheese are yummy too." In 15 reviews -
"Drinks, brunch, or dinner you can't go wrong." In 56 reviews -
"i have 2 words: jalapeno grits." In 10 reviews
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208 reviews in English
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Review from merisa t.
5/20/2012
Alchemy scores super-duper points for accommodating (without notice; they don't take reservations) my group of 35+ sweaty runners on their delightful patio following the Brooklyn half-marathon. Though it was early and not yet crowded, I imagine our server was overwhelmed, but he handled the situation, and the entire group, with aplomb, quickly distributing water and taking beer orders (post-race necessities!).
Typical brunch fare, but very well-prepared - my Eggs Florentine, with fresh spinach and perfectly poached eggs, was accompanied by a salad and deliciously salty french fries (an excellent way replace sodium lost during the race!). One of us ordered the fruit salad, with nary a piece of melon or canned pineapple - instead it was full of REAL fruit, like blueberries, blackberries, banana, and strawberries. Nice. Another had the Huevos Rancheros, which is a man-sized meal. And they have jalapeno grits on the menu! I love grits! Why did I not have jalapeno grits?! Anyway.
The bloody marys are excellent, Spicy, lemony, and served in a big pint glass - a bargain at $7. Pretty good beer selection, too (7 or 8 on draft; a lot of local stuff, like Captain Lawrence, Six Point, Blue Point, Ommegang, etc.). They also have an extensive cocktail menu for those so inclined. Post-brunch, a few of us sat at the old-timey bar for a few - I enjoyed something (and that something was $9) with Tanqueray, grapefruit juice, a bit of soda, and a salt rim. Delicious! And refreshing! I like the bar.
Alchemy is cool. Cool, cool, cool. Four stars, baby. -
Review from Jamie M.
FOREST HILLS, NY
5/14/2012
I had lunch here today and ordered Alchemy's "Grass Fed Angus Burger" for $14 and a bottle of Amstel Light for $6. The burger came with fries and a small amount of salad.
The burger was very good (I removed the "shallot confit" and added ketchup) and the fries were fantastic. The fries had just the right touch of grease.
They've done a great job with this place recreating a late 19th century tavern look, with wood bar, tables and booths, brick walls, and antique-looking lights hanging down from the ceiling.
The only thing about this place I could criticize would be the prices, and I was almost going to give this place four stars for that reason. But when you consider that a burger, fries and soda at Five Guys is about $15, paying $20 for a burger, fries, small salad and imported brew, and being able to enjoy it in such a pleasant atmosphere, isn't a bad deal. -
Review from Katie C.
4/21/2012
Any place that doesn't cause me to have an existential breakdown by having to decide between fries or salad is worthy of at least an extra star in my book. Alchemy does just this, with it's solid brunch that's pretty cheap for the area. I've always gotten some variation of the usual eggs/omelettes, which are delicious, and a bloody mary, which at $7, is a steal.
I've also come for dinner a few times, and have to say they have a great burger; it's your standard pub burger, but the caramelized onion brioche bun (or whatever it is) elevates it to the next level. With a decent selection of beers, your meal is complete! -
Review from Nick F.
Brooklyn, NY
5/25/2012
I really like this place. The food is pretty good and decently priced for the area, and the back patio is awesome. I have only been there for brunch so can't speak to the dinner fare, but brunch is solid The waitresses we have had were great and attentive even though it was very busy.
My only complaint is twice I have gone there around 10:30 and both times the bartender dude said they were done serving already, even though their website says they serve til 11pm. That sucked since we went all the way there because we thought they were still serving at that hour (I work nights and don't get home til late so was psyched to find something that we thought would be open). Other than that, the place is great and we'll be back for brunch for sure, but will avoid it late at night unless we just want drinks. -
Review from Tina M.
Brooklyn, NY
5/12/2012
The mussels were delicious but the risotto was oily and the burger was greasy (and not in a good way).
Had us feeling sick when we left. -
Review from Nathan L.
5/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
The food is consistently good as ive been here many times over the past few years. I usually go here during lunch where I can do some work and use my laptop. If you need to use the internet, just ask for the code. The burger and the steak salad are amongst my favorite dishes here. I can usually come up with an excuse to eat here if im in the area.
Listed in: Good lunch spots
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Review from Alison H.
Villas, NJ
4/16/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I visited for dinner St. Patrick's Day weekend. The Shepherd's Pie was delicious and matched with a pretty decent beer selection. The bread pudding was probably the best I've ever tasted anywhere. That alone is worth a visit.
I went in for breakfast and an Irish coffee a couple days later and really enjoyed my bacon, egg and cheese on a fresh croissant.
The atmosphere was very relaxed and laid back. I hung out after breakfast for a couple hours reading and enjoying my coffees. Alchemy is the ideal neighborhood joint. -
Review from Abby S.
Brooklyn, NY
4/15/2012
I went to Alchemy yesterday and was pleasantly surprised. I give 3.5 stars but round down to 3, here's why:
It was sort of dark and hard to see as soon as you walk in. It is a pub, afterall, so I get the vibe they are going for. I almost turned around to go somewhere else until someone let me know there was a back patio. It was a beautiful day and this patio was hopping. I liked that (the extra.5 star)
I liked what I ordered, the Shells and Cheese, but I only ordered it because there just wasn't a very big selection on the brunch menu.
All in all, I liked the simplicity. The decor was simple. The food was simple. Their waitstaff was friendly. However, I can't help but feel that I caught them on a good day. If I had to sit inside and perhaps ordered something different it would have been a lesser experience. Not sure if it had enough going for it to make me come back.
I don't know, maybe for that patio. -
Review from Krissy K.
Brooklyn, NY
3/11/2012
An old high school friend and I finally got together to catch up (despite living in the same city for a year now) for brunch. we decided to just stroll along 5th Ave seeing who didn't have a crazy long wait. I think the time change was working in our favor because at 1230pm, not many people were out. We walked by, perused the menu and decided to try and we were seated right away!
The sweet Guinness pancakes were to die for! These pancakes are by far the best pancakes I have eaten in quite a long time....and well worth going back to get again. My friend ordered the ranchos huervos (I'm pretty sure I spelled it wrong) and they were delicious also The servers didn't rush us and gave my friend and I the chance to catch up on old times and the past few years since we've seen each other.
The price was more than reasonable and the wait staff, very friendly. It's a great brunch spot and even nicer neighborhood to walk around in. -
Review from PJ B.
Brooklyn, NY
3/19/2012
3.5 Stars for this place rounded up to 4.
The spare ribs with house barbecue sauce was pretty good. I really dug the barbecue sauce. For my entree, I had the Grilled Grass Fed Hanger Steak with herbed butter, mashed potatoes and spicy kale. The hanger steak was perfectly cooked at medium rare, and the mashed potatoes were pretty buttery (in a good way). The kale wasn't spicy but was delicious nonetheless
I had two drinks. The dark and stormy was forgettable. It didn't have the kick I was looking for. The sazerac was delicious though.
Would def come back to try some other things on the menu.
Solid option. -
Review from AnneMarie A.
Washington, DC
4/2/2012
It's really not hard to make a salad. Alchemy dished out the saddest serving sizes of salad I've ever seen - my friend added the lettuce from her burger to her salad and it doubled in size.
I was also kinda bummed about the Eggs Florentine during their brunch. I'm pretty sure they used frozen spinach and the sauce was lacking any flavor. Maybe, as a tourist, I just ordered the wrong thing from their menu.
Counter Culture coffee saved the day - they were quick on the refills, which was a big plus. -
Review from Alexis P.
2/27/2012
I'm tired of paying $12 for lackluster brunch. I go to the grocery store. I know how much eggs, cheese, and bread cost. Even organic. And I know brunch is a "thing" and you're paying for the privilege of eating hangover food with your buddies. Or catching up with friends.
I hearby declare* Alchemy's brunch more than worthy of your hard-earned brunch-spending dollars. The chorizo egg plate is the best brunch plate I've had in NYC. Stroll up on the weekend, wait for a table or sit at the bar, wonder why the bartender is busting his hump serving the entire bar while the waitresses ignore you as you come in. Order your big serving of eggs, chorizo and the best grits in Park Slope. Have a beer. It is a bar, you know. Better idea: have a half pint. Chat with your buddies. Talk to the dude next to you. Eat, eat, eat till you're stuffed. Roll yourself down 5th Ave completely satisfied. That, my friends, is how you brunch.
*in case anyone cares about a chick on Yelp declaring such things -
Review from Elizabeth P.
Manhattan, NY
2/23/2012
This is a nice spot for a quick bite and a few beers. Located in a pretty spot on 5th ave, there's plenty of shopping to do in the area and it's a quick walk to Prospect Park.
The chorizo eggs with jalapeno grits at brunch were excellent. My friend had the steak and eggs which was just OK.
The bar is pretty tiny and the tables are picnic-style, so you are likely to share a table and it can be tight during prime hours. I'd come back for a pint, but it's not on my must-do list. -
Review from Elisabeth P.
Charlotte, NC
4/17/2012
I nice solid place. I enjoyed the STRAWBERRY-JALAPENO MARGARITA ($11) - Jalapeño infused tequila, Patron Citronage, fresh strawberries, lime juice, sugar. It was delicious and packing some serious punch. We sat near the door to the patio and while it was cooooold outside the wait staff kept leaving the door open to our freezing displeasure. Overall- a great neighborhood place -if you are in the neighborhood already.
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Review from Kirsten S.
New York, NY
2/22/2012
Alchemy is on a cute stretch of Brooklyn, serving up plenty of local beer and $4 happy hour specials.
I came on a Friday afternoon/evening, so I'm not sure what the atmosphere is later at night, but for a pre-8:00 drink or two it's a nice place to sit and chat. -
Review from Patrick S.
Brooklyn, NY
Updated - 4/18/2012
I'm a regular at Alchemy, have been for a couple years. Stop in for breakfast during the week some time, seriously. Toad In The Hole may be the best egg dish I've ever had. My go-to is the Swiss Breakfast but my god, the tomato dill sauce on the Toad has just changed my life for the better. It's gonna be a good day.
1 Previous Review:
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4/12/2011
I live right around the corner, great entrees, great lunch menu... *giggity*
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Review from Lauren K.
2/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is indeed A-OK.
I came here for happy hour and very much enjoyed the specials-- wine at $5 a glass, and well drinks for the same price I believe. They also have a series of small plates that are at reduced prices. I got the wings and the calamari. My friends tried the soup, and the mussels as well.
That being said, the food was just OK. They were small portions, and I thought the calamari was a little too fried and the wings a little too saucy.
On top of that, once the happy hour deal ended, the drinks were fairly expensive-- I got a Doc's pear cider and it was $10. No thanks.
I like the ambiance here but given the plethora of cool bars in Park Slope, this wouldn't be my first choice. -
Review from melody m.
San Francisco, CA
2/14/2012
Great burger. Comes with a free half pint of draught.
Crispy bacon, great onion confit and the havarti cheese is a wonderful addition.
Fries are fresh cut to order.
They have breakfast all day every day and great choices. They actually boast a sweet Guiness pancake!
Helpful, friendly staff....especially Will. He would turn back flips to help a customer.
Sweet atmosphere-sort of old german pub style of decor. -
Review from Joe L.
1/3/2012
I like this place, mainly b/c they don't appear to be fronting like they're something they aren't, or feigning to offer something that they don't. It's a pub. They have a bar, and they serve food. The food is good, the vibe is mellow and the music is agreeable. I found the service to be pretty solid, given the crowded scene.
I went here for brunch on new year's day, was pleasantly satisfied with the meal, and the bloodies put a smile on my face and some pep in my step. Would certainly go back. -
Review from Rebecca D.
Brooklyn, NY
12/31/2011
I went here for brunch today. Please be warned- most of the seating is at large tables with other parties sitting thisclose to you. Honestly, if I'd have known that, I wouldn't have gone to this place. I spent my whole meal listening to a loud mouth girl and her gay best friend gossip. I couldn't focus and I was annoyed for the entirety of the meal. So, the experience was not great.
The food, however, is good. My boyfriend ordered the Huevos Rancheros with chorizo and thought it was delicious. I had the Eggs Norwegian, which were pretty great. Eggs Norwegian is my go-to brunch meal which I end up ordering everywhere. Alchemy's version is solid- not the best but far from the worst I've had in the Slope. It came with fries, which were also yummy. The bloody mary tasted like cocktail sauce, so I would not recommend that. The peach mimosa was decent but I tasted no trace of peach.
The service was attentive and the waitress was very polite. The food came out rather quickly, which I appreciated. The place is decorated nicely and there is a cozy vibe going on.
I wouldn't go here again because of the seating situation. However, if I could be guaranteed a booth (i.e. not spend the meal trying to not listen to another person's conversation happening 6 inches from me), I'd check the place out for dinner. -
Review from Kenny C.
Oh, Alchemy.
I brought a friend here after my great first experience. The second time around wasn't as good for me, but my friend really enjoyed his Angus burger and shells/cheese dish.
I ordered the NY Strip Steak cooked medium. It came medium well (if not more so). A little more rough than I'd like. The onion rings were also not very good. The batter was fried very well, but the insides were charred and stringy. Of the three onion rings that came with the dish, only one was edible. The spinach, however was very good.
Our waitress was great and friendly. And my friend had a good time. But based on my personal experience, it was a 3 star meal.
I have still not been here for brunch, which I hear they excel at, so maybe I'll update this review again in the near future!Listed in: Drink a Real Beer, #wining, Park Slope or Boerum Hill? Who…, Deal with it!, You Call Them Steamed Hams?
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/12/2011
Came here on a Saturday night with two friends. I called ahead and they said walk-ins would probably… Read more »
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Review from Lisa L.
Brooklyn, NY
3/18/2012
When I saw that they had mulled wine on the menu, visions of Beowulf were conjured in my head, with long heavy tables and metal chalices of spiced concoctions. The name of the establishment aside, the drink did not disappoint, although I must admit, I was expecting a bit more than a simple glass, which made sipping my tasty, hot spicy wine a bit difficult. The atmosphere was quite pleasant, and although the food looked tasty, I did not partake. Another time...
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Review from Dana B.
11/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
LOVE ALCHEMY! I've been passing by it for years but went in last night and had an AMAZING time.
If you go you HAVE to get the coconut-chili mussels. Curry sauce and musells served with pieces of garlic toast. SIGN ME UP!
I had the risotto, which was okay, and is the only reason I'm giving 4 stars. It was missing something. What that something is I'm not quite sure, but it definitely was. My boyfriend ordered the Duck Confit Cassoulet which was rich, savory and delicious. I tried some of my friend's fries that he got with his burger, and they were solidly great! I think you can tell a lot about a place based on their fries.
Go here. You'll enjoy yourself. -
Review from Melanie L.
Brooklyn, NY
12/4/2011
I went to this place years ago when it first opened and was pretty underwhelmed. But now I'm back in that hood all the time and gave them a second chance due to the fact that they have a truly excellent turkey burger on their menu. Its the only thing I get there and I really try to order something else, but its soooo good.
But inspired now to yelp them because now I have discovered they also do an unbelieveably good dirty martini. And the vibe and service have been fantastic the last few times I've been there. So cozy, a place you want to hang with a friend and have a drink and long conversation about nothing and everything.
Two reasons they don't get 5 starts - their menu never really changes and it could. They could do some seasonal specials and perk things up. And they are pricey! Their entrees are really kind of expensive for a pub. Probably good but still, if they take it under $20 a plate for dinner, it would make a difference. -
Review from Madeline Y.
Brooklyn, NY
10/14/2011
I just upgraded my review on the spot because of 1 thing.... instant customer service improvement. I just reviewed this restaurant complaining about the fact the service was slow since I had to nearly beg for the bartender to realize I needed refills. I don't know what it was, maybe she read my brain and sensed an unhappy review coming, offer a round on her which definitely takes care of the slow service for the day. Another star and a good review all around. I really like their food so it sucks to have to deal with bad service.
About the place:
Neighborhood eatery and it's awesome that they started opening at 9am on the weekdays for breakfast. The place doesn't pack out at that hour but there are enough work challenged folks, artist/writers or alternative shift workers who take advantage of having a good restaurant in Park Slope open early in the morning. They also extended their breakfast through the lunch hour for those shift bartenders whose morning egg cravings don't start til noon.
The food is good. I've had breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner with few complaints. Their Bloody Mary could use a lot of help - not the worst but far far from the best. Menu is nice, small and focused - American Gastropub-ish. They have a nice garden which is great in the spring and summer and the crowd is awesome.
The win my Most Improved Service Award for the bartender stepping up and correcting her earlier lackadaisical tending to customers. Bravo. I'll be back! -
Review from Jenny T.
Brooklyn, NY
2/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Corned beef hash is not from a can! +1
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Review from Jordan S.
Brooklyn, NY
10/6/2011
Brace yourself, this isn't going to be kind.
Ok, so I come here occasionally when we don't have anything to eat or drink at home and are too lazy to walk anywhere else further south. They have a decent burger. The rest of the food seems $1-$2 higher than one would expect of a pub, but hey we're in North Slope so I guess people pony up.
Beer selection: decent, if a bit sparse for what I prefer on draft.
Here's the thing: this place just doesn't have any personality. It's bland and darkish and beige inside; and it looks like someone tried, but didn't try hard enough to make the place a solid pub. My Brooklyn soul dies a little every time we have to come here. Ok, that may have been a bit harsh...
Overall, a solid Plan C. This place just has the luck of having a good location. -
Review from Callie R.
Washington, DC
12/11/2011
Pretty rad huevos rancheros.
I always forget that because the bars are open until God-only-knows-what-time here in NYC, that the brunchers really don't get out their doors until noon.
After being a solider in the brunch battle in DC for about 3 years, I have learned that brunching earlier is always better--this means quicker service, more booze during the all-you-can-drink meals, and better food that isn't being shoved out without a second glance.
Alchemy was a good example of this. We got in early, were able to enjoy our meals, and then left without feeling rushed.
FYI: At around 11:30 on a Sunday the flood gates opened and this place was slammed. -
Review from Anne C.
Chantilly, VA
4/17/2012
I had lunch here recently after walking around with m brother in-law. Service wasn't spectacular, but the shells and cheese were great. I order Mac and cheese anywhere it is on the menu, and this one was in my top 3 ever. Very creamy with peas and ham. My brother in-law thought his grilled chicken sandwich was ok.
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Review from Jonathan E.
Brooklyn, NY
9/16/2011
On 5th Ave, as you head closer to Flatbush, the area gets a bit more dreary. Not scary, but older/well worn. My guess it's an area where local gentrification ran into the wall of Atlantic Ave. redevelopment chaos and people have been hedging their investment bets.
That said, I popped into Alchemy while walking about and they definitely have gone "all in" on betting for the area's resurgence. It's a handsome place, half bar, half restaurant that is warm and woody (in decor, not the patrons - as far as I could tell).
It's neither more bar than eatery, nor eatery without a bar. In other words, it seems to have found a perfect balance of being a place where you can stop for a drink, stop for a nibble, stop for 3 drinks, or sit for a meal. And the crowd seems to be a similar mix... folks downloading after work while other groups are starting out the night.
While I've not really explored the menu, the small bites (apps) I've had were very tasty. It's clear they want to serve unique fare, rather than crappy fried cheese sticks and other standards that dominate many offerings. There's care there. I'm still not sure if it's a destination eatery or more of a cool place to hang, but I'm happy to go back and let the place help me decide. -
Review from Minh T.
9/10/2011
Cool interior space that aims to make you feel like there might actually be a philosopher's stone hidden somewhere. The back patio is nice too -- it's open but still feels private. The back wall is lush with green vines and towers over the patio. The type of space in which you'd want to lounge for a few hours. Tip: just make sure you don't pay your bill until your entire coffee needs have been met for the duration of the meal 'cause you ain't getting any after that check is signed. I guess I'm cool with that though.
I really loved the food. I split an order of the Guinness pancakes and the Eggs Benedict. Both were tasty. The pancakes had just the right touch of Guinness flavor and were perfectly fluffy. Eggs Benedict at any restaurant rarely fails to delight me, but the fries at Alchemy were noteworthy. Just the right amount of crisp on the outside, and I can't put my finger on it, but the flavor was especially good for some reason. Sorry, just take my word for it. -
Review from Shar K.
Brooklyn, NY
2/23/2012
Sometimes things just fall into place... and the atmosphere is chilled out, the girls are pretty, the beer is soothing... and the burger is freaking amazing. Awesomeness.
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Review from Eve S.
Updated - 1/9/2012
My mother visits from New England from time to time and she is very fond of the way they do a martini. Have had many dinners here and many brunches. Just brought some friends who are still newish to the area and they were all about it.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/4/2009
I have been wanting to check out Alchemy for awhile. I had heard the word gastropub in conjunction… Read more »
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Review from Brain C.
Brooklyn, NY
11/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
So I had to write a review. actually after goin to this place i had to open a yelp acct just so i could review this place. so here it goes....
So me and my girlfriends went out last week to grab a drink and some food. we yelped and found this place alchemy. We walk in and we are immediatly greeted by the batender Ryan. so we sit at the bar , its not the biggest bar but its nice well lit and cozy with a back yard and also inside dinning. Im not a big beer drinker but they have a good selcetion if thats your thing But what was really impressive is there cocktail list. Ryan was helpful with me choosing one tellin me he is very good at the game(i guess that ment helping someone choose a cocktail) i settled on the rubby and it was really good. It was also alot of fun to watch Ryan make the drink.
No the food. Holy crap the mac and cheese is crazy good. Bacon peas cheese Its creamy and amazing. I also got their chocalte crossiant bread pudding (again on Ryan advice) and they do not disappoint. I really loved the food.
But the real reason I am doing this is to talk about the service. I go out quite a bit in parkslope and its hard to find a place that is as inviting and as fun as alchemy. Other places are rude or they dont have time to help you or ask you what you like to help make ur food and drink choice better. NOT HERE. Ryan was awsome. helpped us every step of the way. He was so funny and charming too. I even had a beer and it was REALLY good. The capt lawernce brown its called.
So in closing GO TO ALCHEMY FOR THE FOOD BUT STAY FOR THE RYAN!!! -
Review from Tanya T.
8/15/2011
When I walked into this place, my first thought was "Why have I never been here before?"
Cute interior, well-decorated, laid back but pleasant staff. Nice outdoor seating area.
I was especially pleased by the drink menu, most notably the Dark & Stormy.
The food?
I got the hangar steak with mashed potatoes and kale. Mashed potatoes = super buttery. They're like a giant buttery salty pacifier. Mix the kale in, and I'm like a big ol' butter-calcium-appeased baby. As for the steak, I ordered it medium-rare, and it came bleeding, just like I was hoping for.
Yes, I will return. -
Review from Jim P.
Friendly service, quality food. Slightly high prices for even their "special" wines.
Had a nice Reisling type wine here, and shared the Ribs appetizer, and an entree of tenderly cooked talapia , spicy, but coated in Acocado /gwak spread that took the "edge" off the spiciness. (see photos)
This place is hipster heaven, and park slope "baby" friendly. Mostly communal eating tables, with a few booths. Cool "restored" turn of the century style, and looks like a cool bar to hang out at.
Very small TV hangs over the bar, which doesn't make it the best place to catch a game, but that's probably the point.
Overall, a great experience, just a little high on the prices. -
Review from Christy B.
New York, NY
Updated - 1/11/2012
After a bad experience at Alchemy in the past, I gave it another try recently after receiving a gift certificate. While it is still not at the top of my list, I did have a much more enjoyable meal this time around. I had a beet salad which was really great (I freaking love beets), and the Walnut Ravioli, which was good. My friends liked their food well enough (one had the chicken sandwich, the other fish and chips), but I don't think anyone was in love. The service was not outstanding, but at least the server was horrible and rude like the server was for my previous visit. She was also very nice, and I'm sure that if we really needed something, she would have taken care of us with a smile.
As there are better restaurants in the neighborhood, I doubt I'll be running to Alchemy next time I eat out. However, it is no longer off my list. My regular restaurants are Bogota or one of a variety of vegan restaurants. So, this is a nice option when someone wants to go out for regular pub, or American food in the area. It also has a nice atmosphere, and a fairly large patio out back when the weather is nice.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/3/2011
Really unimpressed with my experience at Alchemy.
I ordered the Sweet Guinness Pancakes for brunch.… Read more »
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Review from Naomi S.
New York, NY
1/4/2012
This place just has the luck of being in a good location. The service is terrible, the drinks are weak and their burger is bland. Just like their interior design.
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Review from Josh K.
11/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Drink review only: Meh. I haven't been to many bars in the area, but it seems like I shouldn't have to pay Manhattan prices in Brooklyn for "just OK" cocktails. Everything was $10 and above. Perhaps the food is good, but if a place has a bar counter I expect it to stand up as a bar. Taps are uninspired considering what is available nearby for cheaper. Will try some other places next time in the area to get a better sense.
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Review from Leah E.
Brooklyn, NY
2/26/2011 3 Check-ins Here
After having a less than desirable brunch experience at another locale earlier that day, I was still in need of a Weekend Bloody Mary Fix. I had never been to Alchemy for anything other than a quick drink on a date a few months back so I was going on pure instinct. So with one of my best buds in tow, we headed down 5th Avenue.
I was pleasantly surprised by the attentiveness of the bartender and his understanding of a good Bloody Mary mix. The Mary was spicy but refreshing and I did not hesitate in indulging in 2 of them.
I didn't eat there since I already had my brunch fix for the day but the menu look incredible and the plates that were being served around me looked yummy. Looking forward to the Alchemy Shells and Cheese....review coming soon!
Overall, I would totally recommend this place for a quick Mary to start your weekend adventures.
