Margaritas on the park?
ATP heard a rumor that sometime in September, PLG could be gaining a Mexican restaurant. And we mean restaurant.
Apparently, the coveted 51 Lincoln Rd. address was picked up by a restaurateur and he/she plans to open a complete, full-service restaurant complete with booze.
We're psyched. We think that a Mexican restaurant will be a great addition to what's currently available in PLG, and that the strip of Lincoln Rd. between Flatbush Ave. and Ocean Ave. is slowly shaping up into our own little business district.
Wow, a new restaurant and a BAR in one fell swoop. Somebody pinch me...
Posted by: Dan | June 19, 2006 at 09:44 AM
Great News!
Posted by: Laurel | June 19, 2006 at 10:46 AM
please, please, please make it a good mexican restaurant!
Posted by: dt | June 19, 2006 at 04:08 PM
If the owner is who I think it is, it should be very good. I'm trying to confirm now.
Posted by: Dan | June 19, 2006 at 04:18 PM
Just what we need...more alcohol. Isn't the huge beer place enough?
Shoot me. The world hates teetotlers like myself.
Posted by: Alexandra | June 19, 2006 at 06:34 PM
Having K-Dog on that block has already greatly changed its dynamics--Lincoln bet. Flatbush & Ocean is now a neighborhood destination rather than a corridor to walk through on the way to the park or subway. A new restaurant will intensify this change and if a good use can be found for the enormous former Bklyn. Truth Center bldg.....
Posted by: Bob Marvin | June 19, 2006 at 06:37 PM
The guy I've been told is doing it has done several other places on Smith Street. He's thinking Mexican right now b/c it speaks to a large variety of people. But he's still refining the concept.
Posted by: livin 11225 | June 19, 2006 at 08:41 PM
Alexandra - a bar isn't all about the alcohol. It is a place to get together at night. There aren't many of those around here. Handyman and Triangle seemed to close within days of my arrival in the neighborhood. Brooklyn and Slim is too close to drive and too far to motivate myself to walk when I just want one drink.
Something on Lincoln Road where I can drink, hear myself think and (a man can dream) maybe watch the game would be great.
Posted by: Charles | June 19, 2006 at 11:28 PM
this would be great. we need good mexican food! that don burrito off the newkirk ave Q stop is really good, something like that would be perfect. i mean, that fresco taco or whatever the hell its called delivery place, that is also a chineese delivery place, just does not cut it.
Posted by: m.c. | June 20, 2006 at 01:07 AM
Mexican sounds good to me! I hope it's a family-friendly place and has take-out. If Lincoln turns into a nice mini-strip that will be great. And in the next 5 to 10 years, it'll spread to Flatbush, which will be even better.
Posted by: jd | June 20, 2006 at 11:18 AM
just asking. . . am i the only one that would hope for something other than a mexican place like the million other mexican places?
Posted by: tripster | June 20, 2006 at 01:44 PM
"Something other" or not, this will be in PLG - which is "something other" than the other Mexican restaurants in Brooklyn...
Posted by: ATP | June 20, 2006 at 02:09 PM
Just wondering.
What was the Brooklyn Truth Center (i.e. what kind of store)?
And, is that now the only establishment not being used on that block?
Posted by: Chris | June 20, 2006 at 03:18 PM
I heard they decided on Mexican because (a) it's cheaper, and (b) you don't need a chef to make fancy sauces. They will be able to keep costs and prices down, and the food has broad appeal. I think it will be a great addition to the neighborhood.
Meanwhile, I would like to see a bistro open in the neighborhood, but it looks like that was deemed too risky by the guys who are opening it - and yes, I heard they have several Smith Street establishments, so we're in good hands.
Let's hope they can throw in some un-Mexican dishes, so that brunch offers more than huevos rancheros!
Posted by: C.B. | June 20, 2006 at 03:31 PM
i didn't even think of brunch! imagine that. brunch on sundays.. without having to get on a bus or subway to go into park slope or something. that would be great.
Posted by: m.c. | June 20, 2006 at 04:01 PM
i think people are hitting the nail on the head, they are struggling b/w mass appeal that something else that will make it a special place where people will keep coming back.
It will not be a Freso Taco, don't worry. Let's hope not.
Posted by: livin 11225 | June 20, 2006 at 05:49 PM
Re post:
I think people are hitting the nail on the head, they are struggling b/w mass appeal and having that something else that will make it a special place where people will keep coming back.
It will not be a Freso Taco, don't worry. Let's hope not.
Posted by: livin 11225 | June 20, 2006 at 05:50 PM
Good Mexican at fair price is a good selection. And even the teetotalers can enjoy a nice, chilled Pina Colada. Virgin of course. I can't wait.
Posted by: Nativegal | June 20, 2006 at 10:55 PM
Chris,
The Brooklyn Truth Center was a Church--I think the kind that was popular in the '80s stressing the importance of the accumulation of wealth. It also rented space to a health food store, book store, and art gallery. IIRC the first two businesses were church-related.
I believe the building was originally a bowling alley, but that was long before I moved here.
Posted by: Bob Marvin | June 21, 2006 at 08:47 AM
The La Rosa/Pacifico/Gravy complex of restaurants is better on atmosphere than on food. Colleagues of mine have seen roaches in La Rosa.
That being said, sit-down restaurant with a liquor license would be a good addition to Lincoln Road.
What I'd really like to see is a restaurant strip on Rogers between Empire and Lincoln.
Posted by: Adrian Lesher | June 21, 2006 at 09:18 AM
Mexican will be perfect! If he keeps it on the cheap side he can't fail.
Anybody ever been to Puerto Allegre in the Mission in San Francisco? Cheap mex diner atmosphere, kid-friendly, cheap and strong margaritas, televised sports. They've got a line out the door most nights.
Would be the perfect kinda thing for that spot.
La Rosa is the only one of those restaurants I haven't been too. But I've thoroughly enjoyed the others and never seen pests of any kind. I can't wait 'til my friends can come to my neighborhood for dinner.
Posted by: annonymouse | June 21, 2006 at 10:28 AM
Bob,
Thanks for the information about the Brooklyn Truth Center.
For the site to have been a bowling alley back in the day, it must be fairly large inside.
I wonder why that space has not been used in a awhile.
It's a great location.
Posted by: Chris | June 21, 2006 at 10:42 AM
That space is enourmous and the current owner is looking for 8 million to sell it. It is rotting from the inside out as well. You can smell the mold as you walk by. Must have tons of water damage
Posted by: Tom | June 21, 2006 at 11:09 AM
I live across the street from it and I can see a permanent lake on its roof, there are reeds and everything and I think birds make it a stop over in their migratory patterns :) I'm just waiting to see a big hole one day. Its a shame that the space is not being used. It would make a great gym. As long as it doesn't turn into another American Apparel I'll be happy.
Posted by: Grace | June 21, 2006 at 12:18 PM
Yeah, I can definitely see a gym with those big windows facing the street. I will be contacting the owner soon to ask him about his intentions. I think it's his responsibility to maintain the exterior at least while it's idling on the market and I will point that out. Hopefully he will agree.
Dan
Posted by: dan | June 21, 2006 at 12:57 PM