ZipPicks Awards
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Park Slope
Best Outdoor Dining Restaurants in Park Slope
Master Critic Review
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.
Consider Alternatives If: You want indoor seating, a full entrée-style menu, or robust vegan options—nearby restaurants may serve those needs better.