One of the best things about dining out in Brooklyn is the eclectic mix of restaurants in every neighborhood. Because Brooklyn (and really all of NYC) is such a melting pot, us foodies can have our pick; from fine dining to ordering at a counter, from pan Asian to Mexican, Italian, or French.

Stone Park Café has been able to retain a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Park Slope. It somehow combines the casual trend of Brooklyn with the upscale dining a patron sets out to find. Set in a prime location on the corner of 3rd Street and 5th Avenue, Stone Park provides a relaxed, gourmet dining experience few would not love.

Brunch is the meal Stone Park is best known for, as the crowded restaurant front on any Sunday or Saturday will tell you. And after indulging in brunch myself, I could easily see (and taste) why. My own choice was seared bluefish cakes, topped with poached eggs and a tart caper hollandaise sauce, served with a caper slaw and a choice of home fried potatoes or salad. Not only was it ridiculously delicious, it was almost a shame to eat it- the presentation was perfect. But of course, somehow I made peace with destroying the presentation and digging right in!

I also glanced around at other entrees as they streamed out of the kitchen. The brunch menu is one of the best around, including the traditional fare of omelets and egg dishes, smoked salmon, and fruit with yogurt. But you can also find some lunch brunch items, such as a Cobb salad, a BLT with garlic aioli, or an oyster Po’Boy sandwich.

Now what brunch would be complete without the proper accompanying cocktails? Stone Park offers more than the usual Mimosa and Bloody Mary; they also serve Bellinis, raspberry or passion fruit champagne cocktail, and a great wine and beer selection.

Although a popular spot no matter the season, Stone Park is especially a neighborhood treasure in the warm weather. Because of its great corner location, they have a decently large outdoor seating section, mostly shaded. In the warmest months you can peak at the farmer’s market that sets up across the street in front of the JJ Byrne playground.

But don’t get so enamored of brunch that you forget Stone Park’s lunch and dinner menus. Lunch offers some of their favorite egg dishes, as well as an array of gourmet salads, sandwiches, and pasta entrees. Dinner offers most of the same salads, with incredible steak, seafood, and poultry entrees as well.
The servers and bartender were all very friendly and efficient. I can’t say it was the most incredible service I’ve ever had, but it was sufficient and adequate—all in all, a highly enjoyable dining experience.

The menu does change with the seasons and all three menus are available for viewing on their website; where you can also find their dessert and wine menu. There is no kid’s menu, but the staff is very accommodating to the little ones.

Stone Park Café
324 Fifth Avenue, corner of 3rd Street, Park Slope | Dinner: Sun-Thurs, 5:30-10pm | Lunch: Tues-Fri, 11:30am-2:30pm | Brunch: Sat-Sun, 10am-3:30pm