The Bodega
“Food was amazing, I got the Oyster Mushroom Hash and a side of candy bacon and home fries.”
“Prices on all their drinks are phenomenal, better than any other wine bar I've been to – glasses are generously poured as well.”
“It's just a block from Northeast Kingdom and two from the Jefferson L stop.”
The Bodega
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Happy Hour: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
Rate and write a review Cancel reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Why is this place so far away from me? And I live in Brooklyn! Whining aside, I spent a lovely wine soaked evening at The Bodega with friends who live in the area and come often. The wine list has something for everyone and the prices are very friendly. I started off with a glass of Lambrusco and ended with a carafe of white wine. The carafe are such a steal–if you know what you want and plan on drinking a lot, get one.
The space is intimate but big enough for groups to have their own tables and not bother each other. There's even seating outside. I didn't eat any of the food when I visited but it smelled great. The lady behind the bar on Sunday night was super sweet and easy to chat with. The journey out here is worth it for a little wine and relaxation. Maybe The Bodega will open up an outpost in Crown Heights?
Solid spot for sunday brunch. Got v hungry waiting while seeing wonderful looking brunches arriving either side of us. Lost half a star for a long wait. And half a star because when it arrived they forgot whose food it was (it's ours! it's ours!) we were sat at the bar and somehow the destination for the food was lost. (it's ours, in case you didn't know). I told them, we got fed, it was very good.
Walked down to Bodega twice this past week while staying with my friend who lives in the area. Wine on tap and they make it easy – red or white? It's pretty awesome because you don't have to think about it. They also have great beers – stouts, IPAs, pumpkin ales (it's October) and good food, too. The only thing I ate there was the mixed green salad and it was A-OK (which is MUCH better than just OK). It's just the right size for a little Brooklyn bar, too – small and cozy. Me likey.
I recently attended Bodega's drink n draw before the holiday! I had never been to the restaurant but had it bookmarked on my yelp for awhile. It was a nice crisp winter evening. I arrived just in time to make myself comfortable. There was a great turn out of fun people. The organizer was extremely friendly. I had never even been to a drink and draw but love to draw. My brother consistently tells me to draw actual people for practice. I ordered a little beer shot special and found a corner seat. I brought my own pencils and eraser. Sketch pads and pencils were also provided. The nude model was bopping around in a robe until her debut. I loved the Xmas tree on the stage and the ornaments and lights outlining the windows.
The first round were quick poses. I ended up drawing the background behind my quick sketch. The second round was longer poses. The model was a true professional. She posed in beautiful elongated poses and contorted herself in interesting profiles. I even liked that she had a top bun. All my sketches flowed and were fun to do.
I ended up ordering a veggie grilled cheese. I loved it's melty goodness! It also came with some chips and a side pickle! You have to have a side pickle. I had a blast at the event. I would definitely return for a drink and draw or a sandwich anytime!
I also loved that the Graduate was playing in the background.
Side note: this is not the kind of bodega where you find snacks, cats and cigarettes…in case that's what you are looking for. My friend thought I was drawing at an actual bodega! Ha!
I've been here twice, once to watch the last presidential election, and the other time for a leisurely drink. I've sampled the beer, the wine, and the food, and everything has been delicious. And I've had good service every time. How could I not be a fan?
I want to start off by saying the food we got was incredible. We went here for brunch and we got Huevos Rancheros and another dish that was a Lox on Bread sort of thing (forgot what they called it). Both were absolutely amazing. BUT I think they did not think about both aesthetics and space planning at this restaurant, which are key to a great experience.
The place its self isn't set up correctly. There are only two tables that felt warm and inviting so we sat at the bar. I started with mimosa but wanted to change to another drink I saw on the menu as my second drink (I think it was a Michalada which is just beer and hot sauce basically) and the bartender, who was quite nice and friendly, was annoyed I wanted this drink bc she had "just thrown away all the ice". When she did that she lost a drink sale which I assume is a big source of revenue for the restaurant. There weren't too many seats at the bar and the host sat at the end of the bar making it un usable for someone else when they walked in. Its cool to be casual, and I understand this is Bushwick but when your running a restaurant there is certain etiquette and also just plain common (business) sense you must use, and they clearly missed the memo.
It is a VERY small place. The kitchen is exposed, so you see the chef cooking which I don't mind. But there is a way to do it and make it look very clean and pretty. There was a bunch of junk shoved in the back, they could have easily put behind a curtain or something… or had a storage closet for but instead while I was eating I had to look at it. I found it distracting. Behind the "kitchenette" area was a large video screen and a projector. This could have been cool if they had a video screen on the back wall of the resturant, and had old movies playing or something like that. Could had added to the interest and the ambiance. But someone installed a projector and a screen ($$$$$) but gave NO THOUGHT to functionality! So DUMB.
Qhen you walk in to the resturant on the left there was a small stage, which was not being used for a live band or anything, and therefore a poor use of space. I asked the host about why they had it and he let me know they occasionally do drink and draw and use it for that. I think they are loosing out on $ for that space, bc if they put a booth where that stage is they could seat 4-5 more people. When they do drink and draw they can drag in some sort of stand for the model to stand on! What matters most is how many tables they are serving daily not something that goes on maybe once a week (DUMB).
Overall: FOOD WAS AMAZING … physical space is pretty wack. Their lack of food industry professionally leads me to believe that if changes are not made, this place won't be around for long. Especially when you take a walk around the block in this area and there are a lot of sleek well run places.
I really like the Spanish language and much of the culture also. Not sure about the men, but I digress…
In any case, quite randomly, on a low-key Friday night, we found ourselves here for a drink. We had stopped into an open art exhibition not too far away and well, it was still quite early to call it night. My friend fumbles around on his mobile Yelp app and just starts reading out places.
When I heard "Bodega," I got really excited. This place was on my radar and when you are unexpectedly surprised by a place you've been wanting to go to, but on a whim decided on with no planning, it definitely lights up the pleasure center of the brain. Love this kind of spontaneity and New York really allows for it. I'd like to call it, "serendipitous spontaneity."
Nice beers on tap here, not packed at all, low-key yet sexy vibe, stocked with good alcoholic options, as in any good bar in Brooklyn. Boy, how I miss IPAs. Be very grateful that this place exists in Bushwick, and know that not all humans can have access to beers like this all the time. Yes, you are privileged.
Like many NYC based bodegas, The Bodega occupies a street corner,a strategic position where opposite lines of pedestrian traffic meet. Unlike those other mini marts of liquor, lotto tickets and convenience items, The Bodega has a brunch that I will gladly drive 20 minutes along Metropolitan Avenue to experience.
It's not that I don't inherently adore the pierogi and pizza shops along the way on Metropolitan but my mission and purpose is to partake in the reasonably priced brunch eats.
The ambiance is relaxed, with a few tables but plenty of counter and bar space to nestle into. During my experiences here I've spotted every one from chess players to out of town parents visiting their city living offspring and everyone in between.
I especially appreciate the acoustics and choice of music (at least on Sundays, I haven't been otherwise). I do want to fly into the danger zone of the Top Gun and Footloose soundtracks! It's always been a lively best of the 80's that has rekindled my interest in that decades musical hits and misses.
As for the edibles, I haven't had a single awful brunch here, the kind that leaves one filled with regret and the desire to go back to the future. (Yes, I have heard Huey Lewis here as well).
So the dilemma I always face is between egg and bread based brunches. Do I choose the 3 egg scramble, always cooked to perfection? Or the French toast served with candied bacon? Let's not forget our aquatic smoked friend, gravlax on a bagel.
Last time we ordered our respective entrees and then , for sheer gluttony alone, shared the bagel. Factor in cost for coffee (Grumpy!) and tea and the grand total was still less than other brunch peddlers who present a far inferior product. (Approximately $30 for two)
Another appreciated touch is the no questions asked presentation of a carafe of water so I can refill my own glass instead of waiting for the whims of a waiter as experienced at other eateries. We're all adults here and I can actually extend my arm to pour water into my glass from a bottle.
When the weather improves I'll have to visit in the evening for the non-brunch experience. Until then, the Bodega is a clear member of our rotating Bushwick brunch spots.