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Arancini Bros.
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
940 Flushing Ave(between Evergreen Ave & Stanwix St)
Brooklyn, NY 11206
Neighborhood: Bushwick
(718) 418-6347
- Nearest Transit:
-
Morgan Av (L)
Myrtle Av (J, M, Z)
Flushing Av (J, M)
- Hours:
Mon-Wed, Sun 4 pm - 2 am
Thu-Sat 4 pm - 4 am
- Parking:
- Street
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
Liz D. said: "What an awesome place to have an event...! Not only is this place absolutely beautiful and super modern, the staff is seriously awesome, super welcoming and accommodating... you put down a glass, boom it's disappeared off your table…" read more »
35 reviews for Arancini Bros.
Review Highlights
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"By far one of the best rice balls I've had in NYC." In 9 reviews -
"Unique food, gluten-free." In 5 reviews -
"I LOVED the chicken fontina and spinach balls." In 3 reviews
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35 reviews in English
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Review from emmy a.
New York, NY
5/4/2012
Best rice you'll ever have
Ragu and Squid Ink FTW -
Review from Ansley W.
New York, NY
4/6/2012
Tried these golden beauties at the Taste of Brooklyn Event a few days ago.
I haven't been able to stop thinking about them. Planning to trek to Bushwick to get some this weekend. See you there. -
Review from Denise D.
Bushwick, Brooklyn, NY
3/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
These rice balls are perfectly adequate for 3am when you're inebriated, although nothing spectacular on their own. I mainly love the fact that it's a great alternative to late night deli sandwiches, which is the only thing you can really find in this neighborhood.
I've tried quite a few of the different fillings, and they're all pretty tasty but lack an oomph. I would definitely suggest venturing past the ragu, which is the most popular one but I found it a little bland. Also, the ratio between the rice and filling is off - there just isn't enough of the good stuff on the inside, so I end up asking for extra marinara sauce on the side. 3 bucks for a ball isn't much, but it's also not cheap. I love risotto but a little more filling please.
All in all, you can't complain about a place that puts an effort in their food, in Bushwick, that late at night. I'll definitely be back for more savory balls. -
Review from Paskesz K.
New York, NY
5/17/2012
Had their pesto and cheese rice ball at Madison Square Eats, worth every cent of the $4. Good quality food, a pleasure.
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Review from Darwin G.
5/15/2012
I had the Norma arancini at Madison Square Eats. $4, it's a bit pricey for an appetizer bite, but boy is it delicious. It was filled with large grains of rice, cheese, herbs, and eggplant, all surrounding by a fried bread crust. Definitely try this.
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Review from Linda W.
4/13/2012
At $3 a pop for rice balls- this place is a steal for a late night snack! Move over empanadas and tacos, the arancini balls are the new thing. I shared the following with hub- ragu, meatball parm, and nutella. The Nutella ball was a little weird though I liked that the outside was coated in cinnamon and sugar. Ragu was mainly yellow meat sauce. Mine was red sauce with mozzarella oozing out of the giant meatball. My only complaint is there' s an abundance of risotto but not enough sauce. Otherwise, it's enough to fill your appetite. We wash our meals down with a refreshing san pellegrino- blood orange. I have will take up on the staff's offer to the try the granita on my next visit. We will def be back to try the other fillings. You can def count on the Arancini Bros. as the spot to grab a bite. They're open til 4AM on most days.
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Review from Michelle T.
Brooklyn, NY
4/7/2012
Really bad experience with Arancini Brothers at DeKalb Market today. Clerk kept lying to everyone on line ( who had already waited 15 minutes just to get inside the container store to place an order) and saying it would be "three more minutes" until the balls were ready. False. "Three minutes" turned into another 15 minutes and everyone on line was pissed, but the balls still weren't ready.
It's not hard to solve this problem: Get a bigger fryer! Maybe try to cook more than 8 rice balls every 15 minutes.
Best of all, my rice ball was broken. -
Review from Rachel A.
Jackson Heights, Queens, NY
9/30/2011 3 photos
GRANITA. Why hasn't anyone mentioned the Italian shaved ice at Arancini Brothers?!
It's refreshing, dessert, and it doubles as a drink while you eat your main course... or, um, appetizer? I thought it was going to be a prepackaged frozen treat but boy was I wrong. The granita at Arancini Brothers is made fresh and scooped from the freezer. I got the honeydew and I could taste bits of honeydew in it. Not to mention, it was the most lush green color. It went well with my arancini and I was so tempted to try the lemon mint as well. I will save it for next time. I want even more reason to come back. Plus, I like prolonging my Summer.
As for the arancini balls, I can't believe I chose sushi over these babies. Forget Tomo down the street. Arancini Brothers is my new filler upper on Flushing Avenue. You can eat them at the counter at Arancini or go to the bar next door and down em with $3 beers. The atmosphere is charming. Definitely a neighborhood spot. Bushwick is lucky.
The balls come in two sizes- mini or regular (baseball sized). The mini is a good way to sample the different flavors and the regular is a good size to share between two people. I also consider the regular a meal. These arancini are packed with goodness inside. I got one Ragu and one Norma. The Ragu was like a tomato meat sauce with pork and spices. The Norma was vegetarian with eggplant and much better than the Ragu (which was pretty damn good) in my opinion. We sampled the three cheese and carbonara as well. Apparently, Arancini Brothers changes their flavors all the time. I can't wait to taste what they have next time.
The balls are piping hot so let them cool a bit before diving in. They also do not offer utensils to eat them with. The balls are sturdy and don't fall apart when you bite into them. The outside is crispy and golden. Arancini Brothers also offers a gluten free rice ball. Nice.
If you're sharing, instead of breaking the balls apart with your fingers, you can use the toothpick as a knife. Genius!
Amazeballs and shaved wonders. Hop on the L. Now. -
Review from Lauren W.
11/4/2011
Came here on a friends recommendation for my first rice ball experience. I had high hopes, and this place was really great, but not amazing. I LOVED the chicken fontina and spinach balls. They were excellent. I should have just stopped there. The ragu one was not good at all. Neither me nor the bf enjoyed it. Just not good.
Then it was on to the Nutella ball - coated in cinnamon and sugar. It was good, but the nutella/rice ratio was way off. I needed more nutella. (Though to be fair - I usually feel that way about nutella no matter the situation).
This made for a fun culinary adventure and I would definitely come back in if I was in the area. -
Review from Jen G.
Howard Beach, NY
8/7/2011
So here's the history of why I came. I was watching Millionaire Matchmaker the other day and saw the episode of a millionairess going out with her pick, who happened to be Will Levatino (co-owner of this great little place - though he didn't have it yet at the time). After the episode was done (unfortunately, he didn't get the girl but she did seem to have a good time! Poor Will!!) I switched channels and jumped on one of my fave's the Cooking Channel. They were showing 'Unique Eats' and low and behold, there is Will Levatino and Arancini Bro's. I said to myself 'wait a minute... I just saw that guy on Patti's show Millionaire Matchmaker' (Patti is a friend in my head as Wendy Williams would say so in my mind we're on a first name basis). Anyway, that did it! I told my BF that we HAD to give Arancini Bro's a try.. and it's not too far from home.
So today was the day. I used a Groupon at one Italian/Pizza spot in WillyB and we decided to pick up a ball or two on the way back to Queens! And boy did Mr. Levatino NOT disappoint. Since I had already had dinner I opted for the Nutella rice ball and it was sooooo good! Great flavor and textures! It was fabulous! My BF tried the chicken and fontina which was also excellent!
Well I've got my Frequent Baller card and will be going back for more balls.. and OH GOODNESS that Nutella! And I told Mr. Levatino my story as I have done here.. he seemed genuinely amused (though I'm not sure it's the first he's heard 'hey didn't see you before'? But maybe it IS the first time a stranger saw him on BOTH? On the same day... back to back?)... I was meant to try Arancini and I'm glad I did! -
Review from Lauren B.
New York, NY
Arancini is serving treasure chests full of surprises in the form of a fried rice ball. Don't judge a book by it's cover, these rice balls, somewhat plane Jane on the outside will surprise you with one bite! I asked for a fork even though the chick behid the counter told me to eat it like an apple. Hey! I like digging for the treasure!
Ragu was good. I was slightly disappointed in the flavor. I thought there could have been more pizzaz, but there's a good amount of stuffing in this one.
Three Cheese was fantastic. I am a cheese fiend and the flavors when you bite into this gooey crunchy concoction was a surprise, and not overly salted.
This is a great place to go to take a break from the bar hopping, putting food in your drunken friend's belly, or even stopping for a quick snack. All balls are $3. They even have mini balls for a buck each, as well as other intriguing items on their menu. A definite must try, even better during "one of those nights." -
Review from Jennifer H.
Saratoga Springs, NY
7/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I try not to curse in my reviews because 1. it wouldn't be lady like and 2. I don't want y'all to know what a trucker I really am but if I did curse in my reviews I would say these are the best f***ing rice balls I've ever had!
Strong language? Perhaps. But some things inspire passion and these rice balls do it for me.
The ragu is my nana's rice ball. OK, not really but it tastes just like my nana's rice ball and that's good enough for me.
Never again will a trip to NYC happen without a stop at Arancini Bros. They've got balls and I want them in my mouth. (Obligatory dirty ball joke) :) -
Review from Selena L.
Los Angeles, CA
6/5/2011
Full disclosure - one of the owners is an old friend of mine from the hardcore days (he played in halfman & toured with 108, if that means anything to you) - so my review may be a bit skewed. But whatever! I give credit where credit's due and their rice balls are perfectly textured, hot, crisp, well-flavored and innovative.
Again, with the balls in my mouth theme.
The carbonara version is fantastic, though I'll waddle back at some point for the cauliflower, and the wild mushroom versions. Bushwick just got fatter, and happily so.
I like balls. In my mouth.
I'm getting too old for this joke. -
Review from Jen T.
8/5/2011
Seriously, thank you to my bestest friend for bringing me here when we were preeeeety drunk after a night on the town. We were exhausted, soaked, and my show was broken.. but nothing could keep me from trying these LEGEN...wait for it.... DARY rice balls.
I got two because my eyes are bigger than my stomach.. which will soon lead to my stomach being bigger than the whole earth.... and I could barely finish them! They are so rich!
I had one that was just cheese, and another was spinach and something, I think... but whatever you get, it will be amazing. And unlike most late night food, I'm willing to bet these are just as good sober :) -
Review from Adam P.
Schroon Lake, NY
1/21/2012
Best rice balls I've had! Well worth the trip from Westchester. I had the ragu, spinach w/ chicken fontina and the nutella rice ball for dessert. The nutella rice ball was coated with cinnamon and sugar and stuffed with warm nutella inside. Friendly staff and delicious food.
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Review from Krystal B.
Brooklyn, NY
Updated - 12/1/2011 1 photo
Last time we were here, they were out of gluten free balls, and we had made a special trip to this side of the hood just for that. Extremely disappointed.. and then my husband didn't want to get any and eat them in front of me (nice guy) so we grabbed a couple of sodas and went home. :(
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/11/2011
O M G. My husband has been wanting to try this place for a while and I was resistant.. We live in… Read more »
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Review from Tommy K.
6/7/2011
Good quick snack, $3 each. The mushroom one and the ragu one were delicious. Cauliflower could have used something else like garlic (this one is vegan). Especially liked how they reheated the balls in the pan.
Crisp outside, nicely cooked rice inside with good filling. -
Review from Shilpi A.
Brooklyn, NY
1/24/2012
The vegetarian balls I've had from here were soo delicious! (Pistachio-Pesto, Spinach-Ricotta, Pear-Gorgonzola... YUM) The nutella was pretty good too, but not a home run like the others I've had.
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Review from Louise C.
Brooklyn, NY
6/16/2011
Not only does the staff put up with my overly inebriated ass telling them my Frequent Baller Card is in my wallet somewhere, JUST GIVE ME SOME TIME OKAY (hiccup,) they also serve me the most delicious rice bawlz. Winner of my unofficial Best Drunk Food Ever category aside, they are also just so delicious. I love the ragu, throw me some chicken & fontina and you know, I can even roll with the vegetarian option, which I think was spinach and some cheese (feta?)
Been there quite a few times and have never been disappointed. Yet to try the nutella, but really, who wants sweet when you can have salty salty fried meat and cheese and sticky icky rice that hits just below the sweet spot of burning your tongue on a stick? More Arancini. -
Review from Justin L.
Brooklyn, NY
2/27/2011
Good
Late night
Addition
To the hood. Rice
Balls delivery starts March. Yay Bushwick! -
Review from Dan T.
Brooklyn, NY
6/6/2011
Nutella Rice Ball.
nuff said -
Review from Nina S.
10/24/2011
The nutella rice ball was AMAZING!!! So rich and creamy, perfectly fried, and covered in cinnamon sugar. And then to top it all off, they put nutella in it! Perfection.
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Review from Sean M.
Brooklyn, NY
5/27/2011
I'm a frequent baller because these guys rock. I especially enjoy stopping in for a late night gluten-free snack on a weekday (when it's not busy) and discussing the odd behaviours of the clientele from the adjacent bar.
Unique food, gluten-free. Yum. -
Review from Lucy B.
Brooklyn, NY
7/19/2011
I agree with others that this place hits the spot when you're starving, drunk, cash-strapped, and/or biking past (and I'm usually at least one of those things). I've tried a variety of rice balls, and they serve their purpose well, though oftentimes the filling gets colder as you eat your way towards the center (could you re-heat them in the deep fry a little longer, pleeease?). Anyway, the rice filling is just the right combination of firm and gooey, peppered (and I mean that literally) with winning ingredients like bacon, fontina, and wild mushroom. Rice balls in Bushwick 4-EVA.
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Review from Jamie F.
Brooklyn, NY
7/18/2011
So happy this place opened in my neighborhood. The rice balls are insane. I'm obsessed. The staff is great. One man in particular specially packed up my food and labeled it to bring to my family. I wish it was a little further away from my apartment because I am going to get fat.
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Review from Jeremy D.
Brooklyn, NY
9/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of the things that's so great about the place is that it specializes in rice balls! I'd never even heard of a rice ball before! But let me tell you, they're good. You'll probably find something here pretty much regardless of what sort of food you like because there are many different varieties to choose from. I really like this one they've got with chicken. If you're in more of a desert mood, you might go for the Nutella one. Arancini Bros seems like it's sort of designed to be a corollary to the wreck room. It's right next door and keeps late hours. Sadly though, it doesn't open until like 4 or so. I don't know, check the biz profile on here, it shows the hours. The staff's great. Also, you can get a "Frequent Baller Card."
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Review from Jessica Q.
Brooklyn, NY
Updated - 1/25/2012
Best bets for me are the ragu, sausage+fontina+cabbage, and the seafood. But really all of them are incredible. The only thing is why was the server so sad?
1 Previous Review:
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12/15/2011
Thank you for being perfect, and thank you for being right inside the Wreck Room.
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Review from nicholas p.
Brooklyn, NY
12/12/2011 1 photo
I'd heard about this place for quite a while but hadn't gotten out to try it. Really good, had the chicken and the prosciutto. Both were excellent moist, creamy with a great crust. Chatted with Dave the owner and he gave a meatball to try. Definitely going to come back, the chicken Parmesan looked ridiculously good and the guys who were eating it raved on and on.
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Review from zoe k.
Brooklyn, NY
1/2/2012
my guilty pleasure.
all of the vegetarian and vegan balls are delicious. can't speak to the meat ones myself, but my boyfriend is into them. i love love love how late they're open. even on days i tell myself i'm going to skip the fried food i find myself lured in on the walk home from the subway.
the service has its ups and downs. there's always one person behind the counter, which seems sufficient since it's generally slow. while not the most personable staff, they're nice enough. the last two times i've gone they've gotten one of my two rice balls wrong (biting into nutella is delicious, but not satisfying when what you really want is pistachio with vegan mozzerala). so, work on that. -
Review from Matthew T.
Brooklyn, NY
6/13/2011
Wow, that was great... just had the ragu and the carbonara balls... awesome. I got them with a side of marinara, which I didn't have to do... I'm just a sucker for sauce- but you should really eat these without- great guy behind the counter- GREAT cheap food. Perfect bar food, actually! Whoever drinks at the bar next door (Wreck Room I think it's called) is pumped.
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Review from Paul R.
Brooklyn, NY
6/23/2011 2 Check-ins Here
When I first saw this place it was closed, but when I read up on it I just had to try it. What can I say, when I first bit in to the RAGU rice ball it brought a tear to my eye. It reminded me of my moms rice balls, which I rarely have due to the the fact that she lives in Sicily. By far one of the best rice balls I've had in NYC.
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Review from Jaclyn U.
Brooklyn, NY
5/19/2011
Stopped in this weekend with my neighbor on our way home from getting coffee. Got a Ragu to try, it was yummy reminds me of ones my grandma makes (not as good but come on Grandma is an old Italian woman). I definitely am going back to try all the different flavors. These seem like great treats for after drinking or just for lunch or whenever. I also like that they have different options for vegetarians, gluten free and even a dessert one! It's nice having different food options in the neighborhood.
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Review from Elizabeth A.
Brooklyn, NY
11/10/2011
Perfect food for when you're wasted and need some late night munchies. Tastes really good when you're sober too. The balls look small but one is a heavy snack and two fill me up. I wish they were more consistent about their vegan option which they may or may not have on any given night but I'm glad they offer it at all...cause they is some tasty balls. Make sure you get a frequent baller card. 10 stamps = 1 free ball. Cash only
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Review from cory b.
Brooklyn, NY
5/30/2011
fuck you all and fuck these rice balls, gimme back that soulfood spot
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Review from elie c.
Brooklyn, NY
3/12/2011
they were good not great. If I am in the nabe I will get some but they don't compare to traditional Sicilian rice balls.
