Gorging On Potatoes At Brooklynn

Posted on September 8, 2009

Because sometimes we need our comfort food with a shot of whiskey and a pint.
By Melanie Ormston

What started as a quest to try a new bar each week quickly became a repeated scheme to incorporate the same Queen West hot spot into all our plans.

Located on the northwest corner of Queen Street West and Northcote Avenue, Brooklynn boasts a large, fenced in patio right on the street, that still manages to feel secluded. Inside, the dim lights, dark wood, tall tables, and loud music welcome us from the patio when it starts to rain. The impressively stocked bar – rock-and-roll themed and surrounded by wall-mounted Jim Beam guitars – offers a wide range of cheap beers, $40 mickeys, and mixed drinks.

What is most unique about Brooklynn is that almost every item on the relatively small menu features potatoes. Whether it’s the Crack Dip (served in a potato skin and, unsurprisingly, quite addictive), Jack’d Potato, Triple Decker Poutine, or sweet potato fries tossed in cinnamon sugar and topped with whip cream, Brooklynn is a potato lover’s heaven. The menu also features classics like chicken pot pie, fajitas, burgers, tuna melts, and steak – our only complaint being that the food can be a tad bland. And while at first glance the menu may seem daunting to vegetarians or the lactose intolerant, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that they are happy to whip up new dishes to accommodate picky eaters. Even with this offer, I seem unable to resist ordering my usual: sweet potato fries and regular fries.

Besides the relaxed atmosphere, awesome music, cheap beer and good food, one other thing that keeps me and my two girlfriends going back are the owners, Zak and Ryan. These guys make everyone feel welcome, are fun to be around, and clearly enjoy what they do. I have a feeling that even if they didn’t own the place, they’d still hang out there. And it doesn’t hurt that they’re pretty easy on the eyes, too.