In the heart of Gerritsen Beach, you know, that little area of Brooklyn you never go to, but you know it’s there, lies The Gather Inn Again, a bar/restaurant that will make an hour and a half bus ride from Bensonhurst or a GPS-inspired journey worth it.
Behind yummy classic appetizers such as French fries, onion rings, jalapeño poppers and Buffalo wings and the absurd, yet deliciousness of Irish nachos and supple burgers, The Gather Inn Again deserves your next Friday night.
The Gather Inn’s owners, Jaime and Anthony DeNardo made a fantastic choice for Executive Chef in Tricia Norris, who isn’t exactly new to the Brooklyn dining scene. A graduate of the Institute for Culinary Education in New York City, Norris was the heart and soul of Jamie Lynn’s Kitchen in Bensonhurst two years ago [while the restaurant was solid after her departure, the menu was not the same; neither was the overall experience] and has worked at numerous other locations in the New York City area over the last decade.
The menu reflects her fun-loving attitude, as the finger foods and burgers have an extra kick to them. Irish Nachos, loaded with cheese, taste like a combination of potatoes and eggs and scalloped potatoes, that were slightly fried after they were cooked to add a level of crispness. Add in salsa, sour cream and guacamole and you got yourself a sick appetizer. Full of flavor, these “nachos†don’t even need ketchup. There’s plenty of flavor already.
If you need a reason to head to the Inn, the Irish Nachos are indeed their biggest selling point. You don’t have be as Irish as the majority of the Gerritsen population to enjoy them either; all you need is a mouth.
Second to that is the Huskies Burger, which is laced with a nice combination of onions and garlic, giving it a one of a kind smell. It’s one of those fragrances that will have the rest of the table wondering. Covered in mozzarella and resting comfortably in an English Muffin, this burger is more than a midnight snack.
The ridiculously cheap, yet solid liquor and cost-effective food won’t hurt your wallet either. A group of friends can order a few drinks each and a few appetizers and expect to spend less than $100.
Wait, great food, at 11p.m. in a Gerritsen Beach bar? You better believe it.
Norris’ work in the kitchen is so solid that even her mistakes don’t hurt your palare. Although the chicken fingers looked as if they were overcooked, appearing slightly blackened when they arrived, a bite proved that thought wrong. Moist and filling, the chicken was indeed fresh. The same thing could be said for the mozzarella sticks, which although needed a bit more cheese, were uber crunchy and went well with the nachos.
The look and feel of the place isn’t quite as impressive as the ummies, yet. Regardless, the first impression is a good one. The first room in The Gather Inn Again is retro-chic; it looks like something out of an ’80s sitcom, with a beautiful bar and cozy lighting. Think Cheers meets the Regal Beagle. When you first walk in, with a Rolling Stones or other classic rock track on the jukebox playing you in, it feels like you’re in a Cameron Crowe film. There’s also a pair of big screens that make enjoying your favorite sporting event easy. The courteous and attentive staff is easily accessible and always makes sure you’re never down to the last drop of your favorite beer or drink.
The problem aesthetically with The Gather Inn Again isn’t a primary concern, but it should be noted. The Inn is still undergoing renovations and at the time of the review, the back party room brimmed with potential, but was essentially mediocre. The room, in addition to needing a fresh coat of paint, lacked the same comfortable feeling of the main room. An unused, covered pool table and two dartboards surrounded family-style seating. While the food and establishment cater to all ages, the Inn may benefit more by making the eatery for an older crowd. The clipboard menus as well don’t resonate the same way as the food. Although it is a bar/restaurant, more attention needs to be placed on the look of the menus.
The Inn is focused on more than bar food too. They are currently serving brunch on Sunday’s, with a slightly more upscale, yet local-themed menu. Like the restaurant itself and their executive chef, the brunch menu proves these guys are more than about bar food. Considering that, it appears they are focused on feeding all of Gerritsen beach, rather than naughty night dwellers.
Behind their aesthetic potential, a warm staff and one of a kind food, The Gather Inn Again is a finger food palace that is absolutely defined by their name.
After one visit, you will indeed, wish to gather, there, again.
The Gather Inn Again is located at 2718 Gerritsen Avenue, Brooklyn, NY.
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