Transitioning yet still largely residential, Clinton Hill gets a spot to dine, dance, and socialize… all under a 30-foot skylight

by Amanda McCoy

With an increasing number of young professionals and families relocating to Clinton Hill, a largely residential nab nestled between Fort Greene and Bed-Study, it’s small surprise that development firms see dollar sign potential, and so luxury rentals now adjoin dilapidated warehouses and vacant gas stations. Abuzz with new folks and retail life, the transitioning hood long lacked a dining and social focal point, however, until an all-day eatery, bar, and live music venue opened in late 2014.

From the same proprietor behind the Park Slope farm-to-table favorite Flatbush Farm, Sisters, a design-centric restaurant and lounge, quickly became a culinary and social hub. A former hardware shop of the same name, the place and its new ownership had 2,000 square feet of open space to realize, so it employed brothers Evan and Oliver Haslegrave of the design firm home to put their creative chops to work. The resulting design is anchored in the space’s massive 30-foot skylight, and the brothers chose materials that would sparkle in natural light, particularly marble, wood, wicker, and tile.

A Clinton Hill local himself, owner Damon Gorton envisioned a place where people could gather to work, dine, dance, or hang. The greenhouse style main room features oodles of sun by day—an ideal setting for freelancers to set up shop over cappuccinos and light American fare. During lunch, the pristine marble and wooden bar offers biodynamic wines on tap, along with a rotating list of local and imported ales and bottles.

Once the sun sets, Sisters transitions from bistro to lounge, and welcomes local DJs and musicians nearly every day of the week to provide everything from house sets to live jazz. The tighter-proportioned back room features a vintage vinyl DJ booth, a second bar, and a paneled wooden stage.

For evening libations, the lead bartender curated an eclectic list of eight signature cocktails with poetic names like Obscene Bird of Night (Denizen Rum, fresh pineapple, crème de menthe, Campari, honey, and lime) and the crowd favorite Cool Leatherette (Old Overhol Rye, Ramazzotti, ginger, lime, and balsamic vinegar).

As far as grub is concerned, we have no frills, no gimmicks, classic dishes done right. Light snacks and shareables include a creamy dollop of burrata served with Brooklyn greens and farm fruit, plump shrimp cocktail, roasted beets, and fresh goat cheese. Heavier portions include a classic fried chicken sandwich with cheddar, seasonal pickled slaw and siracha aioli, and herb-crusted salmon alongside warm mustard potatoes and farm greens. Seasonal shortcake and cherry chocolate pot de crème await diners post-meal, along with espresso, macchiato, cortado, et al.

Gorton knows New Yorkers take brunch seriously, and so his menu would not be complete without saporous morning fare. He offers classic comfort dishes like thick-cut French toast, house grits with shrimp and chorizo, and short rib chilaquiles. The traditional mimosas, Bellini’s, and bloodies are available, certainly, along with more offbeat breakfast sidekicks like the #infinitesunset, a blend of rye, Aperol, lemon juice, and lambrusco…and for those really looking to jump start their Sunday, the Mother Have Mercy, with mezcal, Chareau, lime, ginger, and a salted rim.

Sisters
900 Fulton Street / 347.763.2537 / sistersbklyn.com