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Public Records
ZipPicks Awards
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Boerum Hill
Master Critic Review
Public Records
8.5
Public Records in Gowanus is an all-vegan restaurant, café, and music-driven venue where plant-based dishes share billing with a serious hi-fi sound system and design-forward space. The menu leans vegetable-forward and seasonal, with creative small plates and desserts that skew pricier but feel tailored to a night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spanish fried rice with seasonal vegetables, Fingerling potatoes with herb aioli, Tahini cheesecake with whipped cream
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: A fully vegan, design-heavy restaurant-bar wrapped around a serious music program.
Who should go: Plant-based diners who care as much about sound as food.
When to visit: Early evening before shows for calmer seating and smoother service.
What to order: Spanish fried rice, fingerling potatoes, tahini cheesecake.
Insider tip: Book an early table in The Atrium, then drift into the Sound Room or garden for the full hi-fi experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only in Gowanus; generally available but can be tight on weekends—arrive 10–15 minutes early to search.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning stylish; guests often dress up for the music and design-forward setting.
Noise level: Varies by room—restaurant side is moderate and conversational; Sound Room events run loud.
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly advised; walk-ins may wait 30–60 minutes during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, especially earlier in service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—entire menu is plant-based.
Vegan options: Yes—fully vegan kitchen with desserts and cocktails aligned to vegan standards.
Gluten-free options: Multiple gluten-free–friendly dishes, though not a dedicated GF kitchen; confirm with staff if strict.
Best For
Better for: High-design vegan dining with a music-driven social scene—perfect if you want dinner plus a cultural experience.
Skip if: If you want large portions, quiet conversation, or budget dining—this leans upscale, curated, and event-focused.