Brooklyn Proper Brings Seasonal Eats & Creative Cocktails To 16th Street

The next time you’ve spent the day in Prospect Park and you’re looking for a bite to eat, you might want to stray slightly off of Prospect Park West to a space that, for some reason, has had difficulty getting attention in the past. But now that Brooklyn Proper has moved in, neighbors — and visitors from all over — should have no trouble remembering there’s something special just around the corner.

The new restaurant is the work of (pictured from left) Julian Mohamed, whose Dear Bushwick has been serving up dishes close to his British heart since 2012; chef Caitlin Whitbeck, who has previously worked at Buvette and Chez Panisse; and Ginger Warburton, a master of cocktails who’s worked at Grand Banks, The Dutch, and Isa. And since they opened a couple weeks ago, Julian says they’ve gotten a really nice reception from the neighborhood, as well as those just visiting.

“It’s been a nice mix of people so far, and this weekend it got packed,” he tells us. “Though it doesn’t take too many people for that to happen.”

It’s true that the 450-square-foot space can fill up quickly, though Julian, who says he heard about the storefront’s availability from the owner of Brooklyn Oyster Company, which shucked up shellfish for just a few months in this space last year, admits he enjoys the challenge.

“I’m used to making things work in small spaces,” he says, referring to the perhaps equally tiny Dear Bushwick.

From the interior space to the menu, making things work seems to be the theme. With just a beer and wine license, Ginger is creating cocktails that might surprise those used to strong drinks with hard liquor.

“I’ve always been a fan of the aperitif,” she says, describing time spent abroad where there’s more of an emphasis on the drinks served before the meal that help get the appetite going. “People are missing out on a great component with just a beer and wine license if they’re not making cocktails. I’m having a really good time playing with the list,” she says, adding that it will change up a bit with seasonal elements — and that you should look out for the homemade vermouth she’ll be concocting soon.

Cocktails are $7 each, and for us, the Apricot Fuzz was a great summer evening drink, with apricot, vermouth, lemon juice, a bit of sparkling wine, and sweet stevia leaf — not overly sweet or boozy, but a refreshing glass that you might want to refill a few times.

The focus on seasonal product availability continues with the menu, which feels designed for sharing, whether you’re just sitting down for a drink at the bar and are looking for a snack — deviled eggs, roasted nuts, or pickled vegetables — or are more interested in a full meal. Though, who says a bowl of earthy beets topped with tart yogurt and pistachios ($8) can’t be a bar snack?

Chef Caitlin says the menu will change somewhat with the seasons, and that we can look forward to dishes featuring tomatoes, corn, and one particularly awesome fruit soon.

“Peaches are my favorite,” she says, explaining that she’s looking forward to incorporating them into the menu shortly.

Another thing that’s coming soon? Brunch. We’ll have some details on that next week, so check back, and in the meantime, stop by and welcome them to the neighborhood!

Brooklyn Proper is located at 471 16th Street, between 10th Ave and Prospect Park West, 347-844-9853. Currently open for dinner Sunday through Thursday 5-11pm, and Friday and Saturday 5pm-midnight. Find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.