Marlow & Sons

Marlow and Sons was a pioneer in the kind of rustic design and farm-to-table cooking that has become the knee-jerk norm in Kings County before there was a destination restaurant on every Brooklyn corner. The restaurant, which first opened in 2004, has aged beautifully, serving as a charming neighborhood coffee shop in the afternoon and a quietly ambitious bistro at night. A bartender churns out powerful drinks while an oyster shucker splits open the catch of the day in the back room. Settle in with a round of iced bivalves and something to share from the menu's fiercely seasonal (and frequently changing) offerings, such as brick-flattened chicken or a pot of liver pate.

With a farm to plate attitude, the menu varies daily and incorporates locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Aside from oysters and brick-flattened roasted chicken, you never know what'll be served. It all depends on what produce is in season at the time, as well as what the chefs and cooks want to prepare. Duck liver pate, tortilla espaola, wild-leek-and-goat-cheese dessert, and black tahini beef shoulder are just a few examples. There's an exceptional wine list with a major emphasis on French, Spanish, and Italian wines, largely local craft beers with a few international selections thrown in for good measure, and a modest but great cocktail list.

Location: 81 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Website: www.marlowandsons.com