Restaurant Review. Inga's Bar.
Inga's Bar
66 Hicks Street
Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201
Click here for an update on Inga’s June 11, 2023
Don't judge me. I had the Duck Poutine Croquettes with Aioli, not once, but two times to date. And yes, it was worth every calorie and gram of fat, without question.
It was sad for Brooklyn Heights when longtime neighborhood place Jack the Horse Tavern closed for good about a year into the pandemic. It felt like a big loss to the community--it was the quintessential corner restaurant where everyone felt welcome. The food and bar were very good. The atmosphere added to the experience. We were sorry to see them go.
Inga’s Bar at the corner of Cranberry and Hicks. Note the East River in the background… and the NYC skyline beyond that.
Happily, soon after, we saw some activity there, and much to our collective delight a new corner go-to restaurant opened in its place.
Clearly, the devil is in the details, and designer and partner Caron Callahan and James Beard award-nominated chef Sean Rembold have created a winning concept.
First off, the vibe is great. It's perfectly loud as the restaurant and bar fills up with a diverse crowd. Not so loud that you can't carry on a conversation with your dinner partner, most often about how delicious everything is, but we'll get to that; but also sufficiently loud, upbeat and fun to create a unique and welcoming ambiance. If you don't feel like talking it is great for soaking in the music and snatches of conversation overheard from others, while seriously people watching and enjoying this neighborhood Brooklyn Heights scene.
OK enough about that-- the food.
We have eaten at Inga's twice, and we are anxious to return next time we are in the 'hood. Both times we were there, we shared the Duck Poutine Croquettes. If duck poutine is not decadent, homey, bar-y enough, having it deep fried into a huge croquette that is crisp on the outside, mouth watering, hot and melty on the inside takes it over the top. It is served with an aioli, and together this dish is outstanding.
I expected the Israeli Couscous Primavera with summer vegetables and manchego to be a couscous based version of a risotto-type dish. It is not, it is light, fresh and delicious. Not cheesy and "simmered" like a risotto at all. Ingredients were combined but could be tasted individually in each bite. The vegetables were fresh and cooked to perfect doneness, and not more. This is a wonderful vegetarian dish.
A sampling. You get the idea.
The burgers are so good. Two patties, American cheese, house made pickles, chopped onions, their own mayonnaise; served with hand cut french fries. Of course you think you will eat half of both, but surprisingly not one french fry or bite of burger was left on either plate.
Fish dishes look great and those are dishes I will try on our next visit. The first time we were there a pan roasted mackerel was on the menu and looked amazing as it was carried to the table next to ours. And on our second visit, swordfish and tilefish were featured on the regularly changing menu.
We have not tried it yet, but the Celery Victor has received rave reviews, as have other appetizers and salads. The pork chop entree is also on our "bucket list."
I cannot finish up without mentioning the bar-- which is large, gracious, perfect for hanging out and/or dining. It is a scene unto itself, and seriously fun which includes creative mixology going on there as well. Cocktails are highly recommended (and taste tested!)
The Bar at Inga’s. I described it perfectly, no?
So, if you like being greeted by a charming owner, welcomed even without a reservation (but good to make one!), and seated to enjoy an excellent, yet unpretentious dining experience as noted above, this just might become one of your favorite places to dine too.
Photo credits: Inga’s Bar
