It was April 29th, 2024, towards the end of Spring break, and I found myself wandering through the neighborhood of Park Slope, Brooklyn. The flowers were starting to bloom, painting the streets with splashes of color. The weather was especially sunny and warm, around 80 degrees. After a long day of shopping around the city with my friend Risa, we stumbled upon a restaurant that instantly piqued our attention, Gnarly Eats.
The exterior of Gnarly Eats was what initially caught my attention. It featured an eye-catching reference to the TARDIS, the iconic time-traveling machine from Doctor Who. This unique facade suggested that the restaurant itself might offer an extraordinary experience. Feeling adventurous and intrigued by the reference, I decided that we had to check it out. Little did I know, stepping into Gnarly Eats would turn out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.
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As we walked through the door, a refreshing blast of cool air from the air conditioner greeted us, a welcome respite from the heat outside. The staff’s warm and friendly greetings immediately made us feel at home. The atmosphere inside was relaxing, a stark contrast to the bustling streets of New York. The tantalizing aroma of fresh meat sizzling on the grill filled the air, evoking a sense of comfort and familiarity. I could already tell that whatever they were cooking was going to be delicious.
Gnarly Eats exudes a distinct vibe that sets it apart from other restaurants. There is a vintage charm to the place, as if you have been transported back to the 1950s. The decor is thoughtfully curated, with retro elements that added to the overall nostalgic ambiance. It feels like stepping into a different era, where the pace of life is slower, and the focus is on enjoying good food and good company.
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As soon as you step through the door, you’re greeted by music that set the tone for the quirky atmosphere. The ceiling, adorned with dangling lights, added a cozy touch, while the walls are decked out with an eclectic mix of posters. However, something that you do not see every day in a restaurant is a wall adorned with polaroids. At Gnarly Eats, the symbolism of the polaroids reveals that it is not just about enjoying your meal; it’s about making memories too. The white bricked walls have polaroids capturing moments from 2016 all the way to today, giving the place a sense of nostalgia and community.
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Unlike other burger joints I have been to, their menu goes above and beyond. It tells you exactly what each order will consist of, making the decision-making process a breeze. But here’s the kicker – the names! I mean, ‘The Beatles’ and ‘Coldplay’ for burgers? Who would have thought a burger joint would get so creative with their naming? I was there, torn between all these amazing-sounding options, each with its own unique taste. It was a tough decision, but ultimately, that is the kind of dilemma you want to have when you are dining out, right?
As for our picks, my friend and I decided to keep it simple, yet indulgent. I opted for their famous ‘Loaded Kitchen Sink Fries’ with a refreshing ‘Homemade Prickly Pear Lemonade,’ while my friend went for the lunch special – ‘The Beatles’ burger with a side of tater tots and a Thai tea.
Let me tell you, there was nothing simple about the food. The food was downright delicious, and the service was top-notch. And the best part? We didn’t have to wait long at all for our food to arrive. It was the perfect start to what turned out to be an unforgettable dining experience at Gnarly Eats!
The tater tots arrived at our table piping hot. The golden exteriors glistened under the warm glow of the restaurant’s lights. Of course, I had to take a tiny bite of my friend’s tater tots. They were spot on, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and served with a side of cold ketchup that hit the spot. But we knew they were just the warm-up act for what Gnarly Eats had in store for us next.
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The loaded fries came in a little after, a bowl overflowing with hand-cut fries, topped with melted cheese, braised pulled pork, country-fried bacon, a perfectly runny egg, pickled jalapeños, and drizzled with spicy mayo and house sauce. It was a feast for the eyes, and every bite was pure bliss. The flavors of the saltiness of the fries and the sweetness of pulled pork danced together in perfect harmony. It left my taste buds tingling with delight.
And let’s not forget about the freshly squeezed refreshing lemonade – the perfect accompaniment for the fries that had just the right amount of crispy exterior that gave way to the fluffy, potato goodness on the inside.
My friend’s order came in soon after mine. Buttermilk fried chicken marinated to perfection, nestled between a fluffy potato bun and topped with house-made pickled cabbage, coleslaw, and a generous drizzle of spicy mayo and house sauce. The chicken had just the right amount of spice – enough to tantalize the taste buds without overwhelming them. And according to my friend, “The Thai tea was the icing on the cake.” She described it as a rich, aromatic flavor complementing the meal perfectly. The price came out to be reasonable. It was about $45 for all of the food and drinks that we both ordered. It was in fact worth every penny.
It was an experience unlike any other, where every element came together perfectly.
Returning to Gnarly Eats a few weeks later was a no-brainer for me. It was May 11th, 2024, and I was eager to dive into their other delicious options. This time, I opted for the ‘Gnarly Burger,’ along with a side of their famous fries and a strawberry milkshake – because let’s be real, what’s a shake without fries?
Choosing to sit outside on that perfect day was a stroke of luck – the weather was just right, not too hot and not too cold. And true to form, my food arrived promptly within 10 to 15 minutes.
The ‘Gnarly Burger,’ also known as the ‘Grateful Dead,’ was everything that the menu description promised and more. It was a hearty six-ounce Angus beef patty topped with American cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, house-made pickled cabbage, applewood-smoked bacon, and a perfectly runny egg, all nestled between a soft, airy potato bun. The milkshake needs to be discussed, too. It was both rich and creamy, and it was perfectly complemented by the salty crunch of the fries.
I could not resist skipping dessert this time. I ordered their brownie sundae, and it was a showstopper. Fresh out of the oven, the brownie was warm and gooey, with a heavenly aroma that filled the air. Topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, it was the perfect sweet ending to my meal.
Now, I will admit, I am not usually one to finish everything on my plate in one sitting. But this time was different – I devoured every last bite in record time. Not even 15 minutes after it arrived, my plate was empty, and I was left feeling completely satisfied.
The only downside to this experience is the size of the restaurant, which is relatively small. It often gets packed, leading to a rather tight space. This can make it a bit challenging to find a seat during rush hours, but the food and experience are well worth the wait.
Needless to say, I will be coming back for a third visit, and it certainly won’t be my last. If you ever find yourself craving burgers, do yourself a favor and head to Gnarly Eats – you won’t be disappointed.
The food was downright delicious, and the service was top-notch. And the best part? We didn’t have to wait long at all for our food to arrive. It was the perfect start to what turned out to be an unforgettable dining experience at Gnarly Eats!