The Chicken St. James is the way to go. Balanced. Flavorful. And Decent enough portion. All around great meal. Will definitely go back again.
Gil S.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Brooklyn, NY
Went there on a Sunday night, after checking the opening hours on Unilocal.Restaurant was closed. I actually like the food and drinks here, but this is a sure way to lose customers.
Justin R.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Montreal, Canada
Love this place. My fiancée lives right next to it and we always stop in for a drink and dessert. Their sandwiches are delish and we recently tried their brunch which blew us away! We’ve only ever had amazing times at this place and love the vibe here. Ask them for their picklebacks! Nothing hits you quite like a shot of Jameson and a chaser of pickled beet juice.
Leigh C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Brooklyn, NY
Three Letters is absolutely delicious. They have creative(and strong) cocktails and it’s obvious a lot of thought goes into curating their liquor selection. The ambience is really relaxed and the décor is charming. I am a vegan, but my date was not, so I ordered the fried tofu sandwich which was excellent and flavorful. Instead of ordering the side salad or fries, I ordered a side of sautéed kale which was nice and salty. My date ordered the hamburger which she said was also excellent. I absolutely recommend going here whether you live in the neighborhood or have to make a bit of a trek. It’s definitely worth it!
Suanne L.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Brooklyn, NY
Three Letters is a neighborhood staple of down to earth French food, charm, and a rather handsome calico cat. Perry L. and I enjoyed a sunset date night yesterday, and the staff were exceptional at making us feel at home. While it wasn’t very busy, the staff were great at timing dishes, making the five or so parties feel welcome and engaged. Based on the reviews, this appears to be a favorite for brunch more than dinner, but better for us as we didn’t have to wait! The ambiance is casual, and a little old fashioned with art deco era posters and a classic tiled floor. We ordered the duck liver mousse, cauliflower beignets, chicken St James, and the moules poutine. All of them were delicious, well crafted dishes. The duck liver was paired with toast and pickled red onions and eggs. While I’m very selective about pickles, the pairing of the gamey liver with the tart pink eggs and onions were very clever, visually stunning, and balanced. The cauliflower beignets were perfect — you get around eight or ten of fluffy doughnuts with a gazpacho purée which tasted like a remoulade type dipping sauce. Perry enjoyed the juicy chicken, even though he’s more of a dark meat guy. The sides of broccoli and potato were fantastic accompaniments to the clove au jus on the plate. I loved my moules poutine. The fries were crispy and salty, the mussels delicate, and the mushroom gravy divine. Its so not good for my waistline, but I have zero regrets. I do wish they had another vegetarian side or appetizer on the menu that didn’t involve a salad or fried vegetables, but that’s me being picky. Three Letters also has a large comfortable bar, which I think would be a lovely option for a casual date. We didn’t try the drinks, but the menu looked great!
Chey H.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Brooklyn, NY
While I only came here for drinks and fries, the service and atmosphere was so warm and friendly that I can’t wait to come back and eat a real meal. I came just one minute shy of happy hour, but the bartender gave me the happy hour price on my first glass of wine – off to a good start! It was slow for a Sunday evening, but during my time there I saw three or four groups come and go. The bar is gorgeous and can seat a good amount of people. At the end of my stay I tried a cocktail made with mezcal that was smoky and fruity at the same time. Would love to come back again for more food and drinks.
Lauren S.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Brooklyn, NY
My boyfriend and I were really disappointed. We had been meaning to come here for dinner many times because the menu we read online seemed creative, interesting and read deliciously! We were psyched about the drinks, the location is great, and the décor was kinda art-deco meets café. As soon as we walked in, the bar staff acted annoyed. They couldn’t be bothered to greet or say anything to us, turning to their few friends sitting at the bar, who were the only people in the place. It was such a red flag, that we should’ve turned and left right then. They screamed for the waiter to come out, when we had request their attention to find out whether the place was still serving or willing to seat us. They acted like we were imposing on their personal time or something… it was so nauseating and backwards… The waiter came running out of the kitchen and was pretty much ecstatic to assist us, though. So we decided to stay and give it a shot. First thing we noticed was that the menu was different than the one that enticed us online. It was severely limited. Maybe the place isn’t doing so well? Well you’d think that the few people who do come in would be welcomed readily in that case… We tried the app special which was a letdown. We ordered entrees and wine too. I had to switch my vinho verde to the pinot noir my boyfriend was drinking because it tasted watery and not cold. When our entrees came they were served on plates that suddenly made me feel like I was eating in a diner. We should’ve just gone to a diner. My chicken dish(the only one on the menu) was basicallly like a home-cooked chicken dinner you’d have at someone’s house on an average night. It would’ve been decent for diner food. Not sure why my boyfriend decided to order the steak — all steaks are not equal — but he did. He said it was poor quality, even gristly, and tasted like how he would expect an average steak and the average neighborhood corner greasy spoon to taste. And despite the image I originally had in my mind, and the high hopes I had for it, I realized that 3 Letters is actually a corner neighborhood greasy spoon with a full bar. Probably best for brunch and that’s it.
Anastasia Von B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Brooklyn, NY
It can be hard for a vegan and a meat lover to find restaurant happiness together, but Three Letters has solved our dilemma. Since French-ish restaurants are usually the worst of all options for me, I was pleasantly surprised to find several dishes here that are not only vegan but delicious as well — and there was not a sad sauteed-vegetable plate to be seen. I tried the pea soup with tofu, the seitan entrée, and the chickpea crepettes with chimichurri, and loved them all. My date was just as happy with his bacon-glazed fiddleheads and pork chop. The atmosphere was really nice, too… cute bar, friendly staff, and a cool but not snooty vibe. I’ll be back for sure.
Gus G.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Clinton Hill, NY
I lived in the ‘hood for months before setting foot in this joint and now that I have, I see the error of my ways. For dinner on a Tuesday night the place was quiet, but the décor and the few people having a drink at the bar make it feel warm and homey and not at all empty. There are some really solid vegetarian options, though much of the things that aren’t a salad are pretty well deep fried. And that’s not a complaint. The cauliflower beignets — oh. my. god — puffy little balls of heaven. The fried pickles(which came with an assortment of other veges) have such a complex and beautiful flavor that is unlike any fried pickle I’ve tried — they really have got their seasoning down to an art — and the server, noting that I had ordered meat-free, proactively suggested a few subsitutions she could make if I wanted it vegan. The battered tofu sandwich is outstanding but I could only get half of it down as by that stage my body couldn’t really handle any more deep fried deliciousness. The service is friendly, quick, and a wholly decent amount of food ran me a little over $ 15 excluding tip. I can’t wait to try the brunch.
Michelle T.
Rating des Ortes: 5 New York, NY
I rarely take the time to write a review anymore, but I feel like it would be a disservice to Unilocalers to NOT share how incredible the food is. We really go for the French toast. It’s the best I’ve ever had, and I don’t throw the«B» word around lightly. What really brings it over the top is ordering a side of pork belly with the french toast. Match made in heaven. The bartender is amazing as well. She’s very friendly and attentive. It’s worth a trip to Brooklyn from anywhere. Just go to Three Letters.
Charles Griffin G.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Brooklyn, NY
Great experience here — the ambience was very relaxing — felt like we were in a cool diner from the 70s. The food and drink selections for brunch were limited which was actually a plus because there wasn’t a million options to choose from. I got the burger with Gruyère which was fantastic. Everyone in my party enjoyed themselves. Recommended for parties of 2 – 4.
Alex S.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Brooklyn, NY
I actually live down the block from this place and kept walking by it but never going in. I was convinced it was an upscale vibe with downscale food. Boy was I wrong! I’ve been here for brunch 3 times now and each was a great experience. I’m an early riser, so I was usually there as soon as it opened and got seated right away by the attentive, friendly, and all-around nice waitstaff. I’ve had the wild boar sausage and grits, the Andre’s breakfast, and the hachis. I’d have to say the bore sausage was my favorite. It was a huge portion, which always helps, but also really good flavor. I always like when grits are on the menu as I rarely eat them. As for my other two dishes, the Andre’s was pretty good and definitely a nice choice for a less adventurous brunch while the hachis was an interesting idea, but some people may find it a little small and hard to distinguish between the different veggies. I definitely want to check this place out for dinner some time soon.
Caleb C.
Rating des Ortes: 4 New York, NY
This place was great on a rainy afternoon. They have a Unilocal check in special that’s pretty good so be sure to do that. Your choice of an app or desert. The cocktail selection is very Brooklyn. Good amount of whiskeys and local beers. I wouldn’t say it’s the best bar on this street but it’s a 4⁄5.
Jon S.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Brooklyn, NY
What are the Three Letters? A and B and C? B and K and Y? F and R and A? W and T and F. Whatever they mean, the restaurant is a relaxed take on a French bistro in a part of Clinton Hill that’s gone from culinary desert to hotspot in the space of four years. The chicken confit should be taught in culinary schools as an instructive way to take French ideas and approach and marry them with the American trend towards casual, less heavy meals. Using chicken instead of duck cuts down on the fat, while a bit of squash added texture and something to absorb the combined protein of the meat and the cream. And someone remembered that no sandwich isn’t improved with mustard, the final ingredient here. Additional options in the area means more competition, and Three Letters is so low key that it does not seem to be attracting an audience. On a Sunday night, we were the only customers for more than a hour, only joined by another couple as were making our way through an after dinner drink. A slow night in a small space is difficult for a waitstaff and Three Letters didn’t handle it particularly well. It was an awkward meal, where we could feel the stares from the bar and the two waitresses waiting for us to leave and the restaurant to be theirs alone. Too many table checks and the feeling of violating a fundamental principle of dining. Bad idea — how can a place going from empty to full without impressing the limited audience they have? Instead of going on and on about the food that exceeded expectations, here I am complaining about a general feeling of unwelcomeness. And I as I noted above, there are certainly other options.
Anna D.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Brooklyn, NY
I went to Three Letters for the first time tonight after ogling the numerous delicious-sounding vegan items on their menu for some time. While the food wasn’t all terrible, I was disappointed. I went in wanting to be blown away, and that just didn’t happen. Chickpea Creppettes: These were OK. The chimichurri sauce they were served with was bland and the crepes themselves were dry, but the filling was flavorful enough to compensate. Fried Tofu Sandwich: Meh. The batter on tofu was crispy and the tartar sauce was fine, but the bun was really lacking. As another reviewer mentioned, it reminded me of a fast food bun. The complimentary bread they served for the table was much better, so I’m not sure why they’d choose to use something so substandard for an entrée sandwich. Table bread: As I mentioned, the complimentary table bread was very nice. It was served with a delicious cold garlic spread. Very nice! Fries: Very good. Crispy, perfectly fried. Nothing remarkable, but good. Tempeh Bourguignonne: Oh dear, this was terrible. Considering bourguignonne is a wine sauce, I would have expected there to be, you know, sauce with the dish. There was absolutely no sauce. There were 8 nuggets of dry, flavorless tempeh, served with brown rice and a side of cabbage. Bland city, and certainly not a $ 20 dish. We wound up dousing the tempeh in garlic spread leftover from the table bread just to make it palatable enough to swallow. Flourless chocolate cake: This was the highlight of the meal! The slice was just a tiny sliver, but it was rich enough to share and still be satisfying. It was served with a fantastic coconut cream sauce. I should note that the service was excellent. Our server knew exactly which dishes are vegan, and was happy to make suggestions. The décor is beautiful, and the atmosphere was good despite the restaurant being nearly empty. I’ll probably go back in a few months to see if they’ve improved, but for now I cannot recommend Three Letters. I hope they pull things together, because I do admire the effort they’ve made with their vegan menu!
Nikki H.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Brooklyn, NY
I had brunch here today! Great space = bar, booths, and tables. Huge clean bathroom. Yes, this is important. The clean part that is. The food was good. I ordered French toast and scrambled eggs. The French toast came flattened which was a little weird but was still delish. I also had a Bellini. A little bitter but good. The service was great!!! I’d definitely like to check this place out for dinner.
Allison C.
Rating des Ortes: 4 New York, NY
My friend Mark was worried. He told me, «I know you Unilocal,so don’t give this place a bad review. I’m a regular here!» For quite a few reasons, I assured him that he had NOTHING to worry about. I came here for an old roommate’s birthday celebration. This was my first venture into this particular area of Brooklyn, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was just told to come and didn’t really look up details beforehand.(Bad Unilocaler?) I stepped into a gorgeous cozy French atmosphere; French-inspired posters lined the tops of the walls with a photo of Biggie’s «Ready To Die» to boot. While I didn’t partake in any food that evening, I did sling back some drinks. The bartender(with blue hair, a septum ring, looking wicked cute), masterfully created a cocktail for the evening based on the ol’ roomie’s preference for tequila: tequila, apple cider, and St. Germain. Talk about a delightfully autumnal drink! At least five of us bought it and were feeling damn fine afterwards. I absolutely want to return for some food next time, and perhaps another drink or two. I fell in love, and it’s a good excuse to further explore this area of Brooklyn at some point.
Sean C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 New York, NY
This place is amazing. The food is incredible and the staff is just awesome. What a great place to have brunch or even dinner. The food was very tasty and left me wanting more. I have been here twice now and will for sure be back.
Jane C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Manhattan, NY
What a gem in the heart of Clinton Hill. This place just opened, and I was excited to try this place out. The moment you walk in, it feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s super chill and relaxing, and the atmosphere is casual yet stylish. It’s the perfect place to come for drinks and snacks during happy hour or full on dinner in the evening. They have a great curated wine list as well as an extensive selection of beer. For food, I ordered the moules poutine and mushroom tartine. My favorite was the pouting with fries, gravy, and mussels. Very tasty and hit the spot. The service was great. The lady behind the bar was really kind and attentive and the owner even introduced himself and said hi. Definitely feels like a great local spot that people will be coming to once it’s discovered.
Maureen F.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Milwaukee, WI
Love. Three Letters was just fantastic. We had a big group for a recent dinner. Lots of wine, appetizers, entrees and desserts. I started writing this review in March right after I had been there. Unfortunately I forgot about it but didn’t want to pass up giving them some love Unilocal style.