First off the area is great because you can see the bridge just by standing outside of the restaurant and it's a great view. Once inside it looks more like a club then a restaurant but has elegantly placed tables. There was a playful and euphoric atmosphere and the dance floor was close so you didn't have to wander far from the table. The food was honestly amazing. They had little tuna tar tar cones, fish that hung on a wooden pole sideways so you needed to pick it up with clippers. Everything was original, the way the food was presented. The performers were unbelievable, singing popular Russian and English songs of our preferences. They even had a hookah menu which was also a major plus. All in all I had an awesome experience at Encore and I can't wait to go back ! read more

If there were 0 stars as an option I would have chose that. This place not only gave us the worst customer service I've ever had but also verbally and physically shoed ya out of their establishment with no hesitation. My husband and I called earlier in the day making a Saturday night reservation for 8:30 as live music starts at 9. We were very excited being new to the area and loving live music! We show up at 8:30 w no hostess, we kind of wondered around for a while not knowing what to do- ended up asking the bartender if there was a hostess, she then left and asked a man who was the manager at the time about our reservation he quickly said "NO!" And ignored us completely. We said yes we do have a reservation, can you please check again? He VERY rudely says "FINE YOU SHOW ME" and escorted us to the floor as to show us there are clearly no seats available. Then marches away from us. This man didn't speak any English and instead of telling us to hold on a moment to go and get someone to talk to us he decided to handle it himself. At one point he pushed me out of the way to get away from me. As we were leaving the owner was outside smoking a cigarette and saw we were upset- instead of being apologetic and helping us he was making excuses for why the manager was acting the way he was acting. Incredible. These people clearly do not give a flying you k ow what about their guests. I will NEVER go back and anyone who asks about this place I will forever give an awful review. read more

Came here for a party. Food was delicious. Desert really good. I would definitely come back and recommend this to anyone who wants to have a party or a nice dinner here. The entertainment was ok. On a Friday night, I didn't like the jazz band. Music was way too heavy for that kind of environment. I couldn't wait for it to be over, but that's probably because I'm not a jazz fan. Although, a few people at my table felt the same way. When you're out relaxing, you want light music not heavy jazz where it's too much to bear. Also, I wish it wasn't as cold there. The temperature was so low, I sat in the jacket the entire night. It was also low 40s outside. Because of the freezing temps I would have given 3.5 stars. But they won me over with the food. And at the end, that's THE most important. read more

I had my bbshower there. I must say I did enjoy my time there. The service was top notch. The manager was extremely receptive. They halped me with decoration and there always was a person to help us with food drinks or other needs. The food was very unique style (not russian food) and extremely tasty. We were fine but a little more food will be much better. The music was nice just please add more modern and less russian music. Overall we loved our time there. We will definitely be back. read more

Very rude and disrespectful management. Stuff seems to be embarrassed by their own manager. Food is low quality. I strongly recommend avoid this place. read more

I think many will agree that Sunday is a perfect day for brunch. Therefore, when it's Mother's Day Sunday and there is Encore in Bay Ridge, the pairing is unparalleled. What else is there to do, but take the whole family to brunch? Their omelettes are flavorful, crostini are mouthwatering and mimosas are a bubbly perfection. If you want something even more filling, there is stake and eggs and chicken schnitzel. All this can be concluded with waffles and/or Banana and Nutella stuffed Croissant French Toast, which is heavenly. Most important is that the food is fresh, the staff is friendly and the service is top notch. We're definitely going to come back. Our compliments to the chef. read more

I had a vision of the perfect surprise party for my boyfriends birthday and encore turned it into a reality. Working with Petya the owner and all of the staff at Encore restaurant was so easy and such a pleasure. I must have called him 400 times but he was always available and had answers to any question. The food was unbelievably delicious such a huge selection for a great price and the singers belong in a recording booth they are phenomenal. Thank you Encore restaurant for such an amazing unforgettable evening !!! read more

Encore is my favorite restaurant!!! Our wedding was there few days ago. And it was amazing!!!! Food was delicious, great service, best musicians!! It is the best place for wedding!!!! Everything was great!!!! Thank you, Encore!!!!! We will come back again and again for our another occasions!!! read more

Ok, so I must say I NEVER write reviews. No matter how much I like (or dislike) a place, I feel like good places usually don't need my reviews since they get their clientele by word of mouth, and bad places should always get another chance. However, there is an exception to every rule, and here is mine - I find myself unable to stand by and let unfair reviews tarnish the good name and reputation of this amazing restaurant. So here is my take on Encore. I have been frequenting this place since it opened in March of this year. First time, I came in as a guest for the wedding reception, and I must admit it was love from first sight, smell, taste and listen. Of course, I was back for more - Mother's Day, my mother's, daughter's and sister's birthdays were all celebrated here. I pop in for an occasional jazz night, and finally, I am a big fan of their most recent addition - steak and oyster nights. But enough about me, here's the skinny on the place: FOOD - the food is consistently high-quality, made of fresh ingredients, and menu changes frequently to add new items. They call it the New American cuisine, but it's basically fancy talk for good food, with interesting and creative twists on comfort food staples, as well as innovative culinary ideas. Their bread is baked on the premises, pasta and sausages are homemade. Since I come here often, I've tried both a la carte and banquet options, and both are amazing. Their award-winning chef prepares every meal personally. Very often, restaurants (especially Russian) would prepare banquet menu items (especially appetizers) days in advance, so by the time those items get to your table, they don't look or taste fresh. I have never seen or tasted anything at this place, that wasn't fresh. To those whose reviews state there wasn't enough food - I'm not sure which restaurant you are talking about, but it's not Encore. As someone who attended a wedding and 3 birthday parties here, all with banquet options (all 3 birthday parties we celebrated were $95 banquets, by the way) - I must say, there was never empty space on the table, and after every party we had to cart away trays and trays of delicious food. I've never heard any complaints from any of my friends or relatives that came to my parties, everyone loved it. MUSIC: The live band in Encore is formerly of Romanoff/Rasputin (during Romanoff/Rasputin's times of glory, lol). I'm surprised to see that someone thinks the music they play is OTB Russian music - that is simply NOT SO. The band is versatile, and they cater to the public - if there are young people in the audience, or if people request club music and newest hits - there will be club music and newest hits. My daughter is a teenager, she and her friends were dancing non-stop at her birthday party. On the other hand, for my mother's birthday (obviously) there was an older crowd, so the music was tailored to their taste. If there are both younger and older patrons, the band skillfully navigates between the two, to make sure everyone has a good time. Not to mention countless costume changes and dance numbers throughout the night. In short, this place is great, and hopefully, will continue to flourish and prosper. Needless to say, my upcoming birthday celebration will take place here. read more

My sister had her birthday here, it was super fun! The food was delicious (and kept coming), the music was great and it was just a really fun night out . Something different for Bay Ridge and totally needed! read more

Thank you very much to Encore to make my husband's birthday absolutely special. This was our first time in this restaurant and we are planning to come back soon. Encore is a wonderful place for any occasions with delicious food, professional staff, excellent live music, and free valet parking. Unlikely most russian restaurants, Encore offers a great Manhattan style a la carte menu. Thank you for a wonderful evening. read more

Had a 12 person banquet style dinner here for my bday. Extremely disappointing... FOOD: Amount of food was very limited, each dish was gone within seconds of hitting the table, because after each guest takes a piece of whatever, there's nothing left. Table looked empty most of the night, embarrassing! I've been to plenty of Russian banquet style restaurants where there's tons of food on the table and even left over to take home, not the case here (and I didn't pick the cheapest menu either, this was $95/person). To be fair, the small amounts of food that was served tasted ok. Desert and fruit platter at the end literally had a few pieces of watermelon and pineapple that again was gone in seconds, so if someone wanted 2 or 3 pieces of fruit, they're out of luck. Same for the desert. Every single dish served was for only one piece per person. Guests left hungry at the end. MUSIC: Horrible! Extremely OTB Russian music with too many slow dancing songs putting everyone to sleep. This is bay ridge, they need to play more upbeat party type songs which they played very little of. Dance floor was empty most of the night. CONCLUSION: There are way better Russian restaurants in Brooklyn with better banquets and music. This place won't stay in business long unless they improve substantially. read more

After looking at different restaurants for my mothers birthday one of my friends advised me to try Encore and I am glad I did. We really liked the food and the music was very entertaining as well. We were very pleased with the service especially when the co-owner/chef came to us and asked if we were having a good time. Some of the younger crowd stayed at the bar after the party and I was told they really enjoyed the night. I highly recommend this restaurant read more

Celebrated New Years Eve in this place. They started to serve good at around 2 am only, saying that the chef is very busy. Their promised unlimited drinks were so bad, that I could not have even a glass of wine. Food was tasteless, poor choice, and small portions. Horrible party for a lot of $$$. Never coming back, and don't recommend to anyone. In addition, when I told the owner that we are hungry and that there is barely any food, his wife started to take a picture of me "eating". WORST attitude and restaurant in Brooklyn. read more

Let me start by saying, I was previously very impressed with Encore, having had a small birthday party for myself here, then attending my friend's daughter bat-mitzvah. Also recommended this place to many people. So made reservations to celebrate my daughter sweet 16th birthday this past weekend. What a disappointing experience it was. I must say that food and music were great as on prior occasions. However, the service was terrible! One waiter for 2 tables with 20 people each. It was incredibly slow, the dirty plates never got changed, we had to constantly ask, and do it ourselves. Had to run after the waiter to ask him to bring hot food, and there was a big delay in between appetizers and main course. When it came time to bring the desert, the main course and plates weren't taken away, and desert and remains of main course as well as dirty plates were there all at the same time. There was no milk for coffee brought up, the fruit platte was put at one end of the table , and guests on the other end of the table had to fend for themselves. I understand it was not a waiter's fault, but management's, but they still charged me 18% tip. There was also another big party happening at the same time, and I don't know if that was the reason for one waiter serving both of our tables or management way of saving by not bringing enough waiters. There were minor things that were promised to us, such as closing of the bar and putting away bar chairs since our party was near the bar area ( not by our choice). But I wouldn't complain about that if the service was appropriate. I won't recommend this place to my friends anymore or on social media. But if after reading this review, you still decide to go , make sure there is no other big party going there at the same time, or you'd be screwed like me. read more

This is a wonderful place! The staff is attentive and on point. Great vibe, hot music and an all around fun place to party the night away! You'll have the best time! Definitely worth checking out!!! read more

Went there with friends. Food was very good. The dish that I ordered was much better than other places I have tried. The service was the best one I have seen so far. Entertainment was very good. I would definitely recommend this to everyone and I would surely go back there again. read more