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Runner Up
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Runner Up
8.0
From the team behind Winner, Runner Up is an outdoor-focused wine bar and small-plates restaurant where the food reads more chef’s counter than casual bar. Michelin’s Bib Gourmand nod and a tight, evolving menu of creative snacks and mains make it one of South Slope’s more adventurous fine-dining-adjacent experiences.
Must-Try Dishes:
Salt cod and smoked trout croquettes, Scallop crudo, Rotisserie chicken with market sides
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Bib Gourmand wine bar from the Winner team with an all-outdoor, small-plates format.
Who should go: Wine lovers and small-group diners chasing inventive, shareable plates.
When to visit: Fair-weather evenings; arrive on the early side for a table.
What to order: Salt cod croquettes, scallop crudo, rotisserie chicken.
Insider tip: Treat it like a flexible tasting menu—order a few rounds of small plates to share with the bottle.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight after 6 p.m. on weeknights and weekends. Give yourself extra time, especially in fair weather when the outdoor area fills up.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and a nice top are common, but many guests lean slightly dressy due to the wine-bar vibe.
Noise level: Moderate. Conversations are easy at smaller tables, though outdoor chatter can rise during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes depending on weather, since seating is fully outdoors and walk-in heavy.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; they do not operate a traditional weekday lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection—often 3–5 small plates lean fully vegetarian, depending on seasonal changes.
Vegan options: Limited. One or two vegetable dishes may qualify, but menus shift often and many items include dairy.
Gluten-free options: Several gluten-free-friendly plates (crudo, proteins, vegetables), but no dedicated prep area. Communicate restrictions clearly.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—romantic lighting, an open-air setting, and shareable plates make it intimate without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. It’s primarily walk-in, but arrive early in warm weather or expect to wait during peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially. The menu skews adult and the all-outdoor, wine-bar setting suits teens more than younger kids; no dedicated kid amenities.
Best For
Better for: More inventive, chef-driven small plates and a stronger wine focus than most neighborhood outdoor spots.
Skip if: You want indoor seating, a full entrée-style menu, or robust vegan options—nearby restaurants may serve those needs better.
Runner Up
8.4
Runner Up is a mostly-outdoor Bib Gourmand wine bar from the Winner team, where the menu reads like a chef’s counter but the setting is relaxed, leafy, and very Park Slope. The compact menu of seasonal plates and that now-famous chicken dinner make it one of the neighborhood’s most coveted warm-weather patios.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken dinner with chicken fat potatoes, Chicken Fat Potatoes, Chocolate & Coffee Pot de Crème
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A Bib Gourmand, mostly-outdoor wine bar where the chicken dinner and small plates overdeliver for the setting.
Who should go: Wine and food lovers chasing chef-y plates al fresco.
When to visit: Early evening before prime-time waits build up.
What to order: Chicken dinner, chicken fat potatoes, seasonal dessert like pot de crème.
Insider tip: Sit along the rail facing the street structure for the breeziest, least cramped outdoor seats.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight after 6pm on weekends, slightly easier on side streets east of 6th Ave.
Dress code: Smart casual; diners lean relaxed-but-polished, and outdoor seating favors weather-appropriate layers.
Noise level: Moderate — lively patio energy but still comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — primarily an evening operation; early weekday evenings usually minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good options — seasonal veg plates and salads usually available.
Vegan options: Limited — typically 1–2 small plates can be adapted, but not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Moderate — several dishes are naturally GF, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the outdoor setup is intimate without being formal, and the shareable plates make for easy, low-pressure dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — early evenings or later seatings are your best bet. Prime-time weekends almost always require waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — older kids or teens are fine, but the menu skews adult and seating is tight, making it less ideal for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal small plates with a wine-bar feel, plus one of the neighborhood’s most appealing casual patios.
Skip if: You need a fully vegan-friendly menu, large-group seating, or guaranteed indoor comfort during colder months.