American Comfort Food From the Latest Spot on the Block: Brooklyn Bar & Grill

Cool cocktails and “mama mia” sized portions

If you’re looking for a new place to get your hands on some comfort food, it’s worth tucking the littles into bed, and checking out the latest spot on the block: Brooklyn Bar and Grill…

As the name suggests, this joint serves all those favourite American dishes, in a cozy, low-key setting. With classic old-school tunes playing in the background and customers in every corner, this urban gastropub definitely knows how to keep up with the energy and hype of Hong Kong. Located right in the middle of Soho, the warm atmosphere was a welcomed addition to the buzzing Tuesday night vibe. If being packed on a Tuesday isn’t a success story, I don’t know what is!

Like most places in our overflowing city, the space was on the petite side, but all we needed was a starter to discover that the portion sizes were more than enough compensation…

We were lucky enough to have Owner/Director (and Mixologist!) Eddy Bundro, making our cocktails. Gin, cucumber, fresh orange and homemade syrup had me picking the Aviator, an upgrade to my go-to G&T option. If you’re looking for something a little more out of the ordinary, I’d recommend the Bourbon Tea. With a lemon tang and calming camomile, it’s the ideal spiked cuppa to unwind after a workday. The drinks menu also featured a watermelon ginger punch, and a blueberry lemonade (with organic vodka!), but I suppose those’ll have to wait till next Tuesday…

We started off with the Bacon Truffled Mac & Cheese, an absolute must-try. Served in a piping hot dish, the pasta comes submerged beneath layers of gooey cheese, crunchy smoked bacon, and fresh rocket (got to get those greens in somehow, right?). As if that wasn’t enough to make you stop what you’re doing and head to Soho, the entire steaming dish is doused in truffle oil. And yes, it tasted every bit as good as it sounds. The cherry on the top (or the cheese on the cheese, in this case) is that, as a starter, this delightful fare costs $98, and could quite easily be a full meal for one. Better yet, do what we did, and have it between two, followed by a shared main and dessert.

For our main, we went for something a bit lighter, and opted to share the Grilled BBQ Miso Salmon. With a Japanese twist, the fillet has a miso flavour that adds a spicy kick to the smoked marinade. Served with chilli mash and plenty of veg, it offered more than enough for the two of us. Leaning towards another main? Their decked burgers take the “mama mia” portion sizes to a whole new level. And If you’re looking for veggie options, we hear Chef Ayin can make quick amendments to the menu and even whip up vegetarian burger patties on request.

You know the saying dessert is a separate compartment? It’s a saying for a reason. We had no problem polishing off the last of the creamy American cheesecake, which appeared to be the only thing on the menu that came as a normal sized portion. Safe to say, we were slightly relieved.

With cool alternative cocktails, MASSIVE portions, and a friendly, laid-back vibe, Brooklyn Bar & Grill left us completely satisfied. I’ve already had delirious daydreams about the mac & cheese, and will definitely be back to try the other drinks. Whether you’re looking for a new date night spot with the husband, or a chilled start to your girls night, this little urban pub won’t let you leave hungry.

Brooklyn Bar & Grill, 29 Staunton Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong