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Public Records

3.7 (201 reviews)
ModerateBars, Music Venues, Vegan
Closed • 6:00 pm - 4:00 am (Next day)
Updated 2 months ago

Public Records Photos

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PUBLIC RECORDS ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Hipster
Casual
Trendy
Intimate

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Recommended Reviews - Public Records

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Reviews With Photos

Smashed fingerlings
Peter D.

I am not a vegan. In fact, I have been called Meaty Petey in the past (I do love the meats), and I've been told (erroneously) that I'm hostile toward vegans (not all of them, just one in particular and it's well deserved and has nothing to do with their dietary choices). I tell you all this because Public Records has an entirely vegan menu, and even if you are not a vegan, I think you should know that you can and will enjoy dinner here immensely. The room is huge and airy and filled with plants. It doubles as a music venue, so it's up in the air what kind of music you'll be rocking with (we heard a lot of ambient lofi beats, but it also sounded like there was a rave happening outside (turned out it was a funeral). Basically, this restaurant/venue defies easy classification. But I like it. And believe me when I tell you that the food was interesting, and colorful, and DELICIOUS. Whoever is back there in the kitchen is a mad genius. The seven of us shared nearly the whole menu, and the sheer number of ingredients and components we consumed blows my mind. I can't remember everything we ate, but I know that I loved the hot agave focaccia with plenty of spice from calabrian chili), the smashed fingerlings (I guess I love kebap masala and tulsi), the cauliflower gnocchi, and the crispy rice. We washed it all down with a few bottles of wine, and it was honestly pretty affordable for dinner in 2026. Truly, I loved almost everything we ate here, and I would gladly do it again. (If you must know what I didn't love, I thought dessert was a little lacking. It's not their fault, but cheesecake is tough to do without cheese.)

Kelp XO Wonton
Jas M.

Fresh ingredients, but overall taste of food was average. The Hot Agave Focaccia was soft and had a nice spicy kick to it. If you do eat real butter, the vegan butter that comes with the Focaccia is not very flavorful and quite sweet. The Kelp Wontons were tasty but everything else around that dish was bland. The Hawaji carrots were flavorful but something was missing; it got boring after the second bite. Also would have been better with some bread on the side. Portions are small, prices are high (the wonton dish had 6-7 one-bite-kinda-small wontons and some leaves and was $32; focaccia was $11, and the carrots $21.) The interior of the place feels industrial and hip. Music is at a comfortable volume for talking. Didn't have a reservation but was able to get a table for 2 without waiting at 7 pm without any wait. But all in all, considering cost-value, don't think it's worth it.

Anne B.

Public Records went from an untouchable tier to a touchable tier for me this past weekend. I've been for dinner and every dish was amazing, but the brunch didn't stack up quite as high. To start positive, the oyster mushroom sandwich is delicious. It's battered perfectly and topped with a tangy slaw and sauce, I wouldn't change a thing (besides maybe serving the sandwich with the home fries at the price point). The tofu burrito is where things fell short, the tumeric tofu wasn't well seasoned, and the big chunks of potato made it feel more carb heavy without adding any flavor or textural element. The salsa verde it was served with also fell flat, leaving me wondering if the dish was supposed to be this bland. The hokkaido french toast also wasn't my favorite; the slices of bread were quite thin for a milk bread and the dish was very citrus-heavy. If you're a fan or orange marmalade, that's what coated the toast, which wasn't exactly clear with a menu that described it as "cardamom marmalade". The ambiance here is always beautiful and service was without any faults. I'd come back to PR, but the brunch menu could use some revamping.

Grapefruit and Spice Shrub
Makayla N.

Really liked the drinks here and would come back again. We walked in on a Friday night to the bar space upstairs at around 8:30/9 and were able to snag a standing table. Servers are really nice and I really liked the DJ who was spinning records that night. But would 100% recommend booking a reservation as it gets very busy as the night progresses.

Pricing
Taylor M.

Aesthetic Heaven, But Not a Work-Friendly Spot Public Records in Brooklyn is a dream for lovers of earthy, boho-chic spaces with a Tulum-inspired vibe. Think open, airy interiors filled with lush greenery, natural wood accents, and walls lined with vinyl records--this place is definitely designed for ambiance. I originally stopped by to grab a quick bite and get some work done, but I quickly learned that laptops aren't allowed inside, even if you're dining. There's a small café space in the front where people can work, but inside, the focus is strictly on the dining experience. While I was initially told that diners could work while eating, a server later clarified that they're shifting towards a more traditional lunch environment--likely to discourage people from camping out with just a coffee. Now, onto the food: * Furikake Home Fries - A definite win! Crispy, savory, and packed with umami flavor. * Smacked Chili Cucumber - Beautiful presentation, but a little underwhelming in flavor. It pairs well with the fries but wouldn't be my first choice again. Would I come back? For a vibe check, absolutely. I'd love to experience the summer or nighttime energy, which I imagine is amazing. But for a work-friendly lunch spot? Probably not. If you're looking for a place to plug in and grind, this isn't it--but if you want to sip, savor, and soak in the aesthetic, Public Records is worth a visit.

Terrence Y.

Went here for dinner so we didn't get to experience the late nightlife that it's also known for. Can't believe this place is vegan because the food is delicious and presentation like an upscale restaurant. It is priced that way, but so is most vegan, especially if in NYC. Although the place was packed, the service was quick and friendly. All the food choices were excellent, and we even liked the labneh toast so much we ordered another one.

Coconut + Apricot granola bowl
Sa'Rah H.

We stopped by Public Records for late breakfast and a work sesh. We order at the bar, a matcha tonic, a chai latte with oat milk and a P[R]SL which is made up of pumpkin, espresso, oat, winter spices, black pepper and rosemary. It was amazing! The perfect warm fall flavored beverage. I also had a coconut and apricot granola bowl with coconut yogurt, apricot and dark chocolate granola, berry compote, seasonal fruit, tahini and rose...it was really good though the combination of flavors took some getting used to. I felt super healthy after eating it. Apply the super high NYC price tag and this treat becomes an indulgence versus an everyday coffee shop for me. Once we received our drinks we found a table. The seating area was brightly lit with natural lighting and there were lots of tables available even though there were quite a few people there. This is obviously a go to coffee bar during the day for those who work remotely. I was also told there's a speakeasy in the back that hosts dance parties and art shows. I'll write a different review of my experience.

Scott K.

Great club with several areas to dance and mingle. Great outdoor area in warmer months. There's also a listening lounge and a vegan restaurant. It's definitely a space for audiophiles.

Plenty of space with good music and coffee.
Mauricio G.

Public Records is also an excellent space to bring your laptop during the day. The first thing worth mentioning is their music: a gentle blend of ambient and beat-driven sounds with minimal vocals - perfect to focus. Lunch here is delicious. I ordered a sourdough toast topped with cashew, persian cucumber, pickled onion, and creamy tahini. A comfortable number of people are scattered throughout at a comfortable, conversational volume. The wifi speed is good too! The venue is bathed in natural light, spacious, and free from distractions.

Upstairs
Ashley C.

This club is the housewarming party your cool vibey modern brooklyn friend is hosting. Lots of house beats, interesting variance of rooms, but a somewhat older crowd (millennials) and not many asians. Decent drinks overall. There's a cover and you have to wait in line. Lines are slow, but you can get to where you wanna go eventually.

Burger with Furikake Fries
Comfort O.

Seriously what can't public records do? The food was delicious but the vibe is why you come to this place. Unless you don't eat meat I guess bc their whole menu is vegetarian. I got the tofu scrambled egg burrito and it was yummy. It's been a few days but I think it had cabbage which I love. The potatoes weren't that flavorful in it but eh didn't displease me much. I wish I got the mushroom burger! Friend got the (I assume plant based) burger w the furikake fries and I was a little jealous. Her plate outmogged mine for sure. Really quick service and people who work here seem cool and were sweet. Outdoor and indoor seating are equally lovely but it was such a beautiful day we went outside. PR...drop the playlist for me real quick.

Oyster Mushroom Enchilado Tacos

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Ask the Community - Public Records

Any chance you can take two for dinner tonight?

If we have dinner in the dining room late, do we also have to buy tickets for the show? Or is that in a separate space? Just looking to dance and have fun with a drink!

Hi Joanna, The dining room and sound room are separate, so yes if you'd like to attend the show… 

What is the difference between "dining room" and "indoor" seatings? I'm trying to reserve a table online and those are the options.

They are the same thing. It appears to be some sort of glitch with Resy we are trying to address. We have outdoor dining in the covered garden with heat lamps, and a select number of distanced tables inside. Garden and Dining Room should be the two… 

Anyone know how they're operating right now with COVID-19? Is takeout available?

We are not currently operating outside of our online retail store, where we are selling records, clothing, original art, and more:… 

How much is admission for a Sat night party?? The website only says free before 11pm. How much is it after?

Hi Janina, There is no price for admission to the Bar Room. The price of admission to the Sound Room… 

Where can I access the dinner menu? The website is...not user-friendly.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We're working on making changes that will make the food more accessible on the website. Having such a multi-faceted venue means that we have to share a great deal of information without overwhelming… 

Do they have food during the weekend days?

Food service begins at 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. The cafe has a small selection of breakfast items, salads, toasts, and pastries available from 10am-4pm. Because we aim to be zero-waste, supplies can run low later in the day.

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Review Highlights - Public Records

“Pre-COVID, there would be some nights with cover but I think it depended on the event and what time you came.”

Mentioned in 3 reviews

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Elsa - Seating

Elsa

4.5(166 reviews)
0.7 mi•Cobble Hill
•$$

I came here on a Friday around 6PM and got their happy hour that ends at 7PM. It wasn't super…read morecrowded which was nice! I ordered the gin gimlet with light simple syrup and it was great! I tried the wine punch too and it was also really refreshing and lighter than I expected! I'd definitely come back to try some other drinks, the back patio, and the pb+J!

I've been to this cocktail bar regrettably only twice even though I live (or rather lived upcoming…read moresoon) around the corner. It's classy but not too fancy and has enough space but doesn't get too loud. They have a nice happy hour menu from Tuesday-Friday from 5 to 7 as well as all day on Sundays which has very decent prices such as an $8 old fashioned among other things (see the photo.) the bartenders I've had before have been friendly with some good recommendations. Outside of their wide selection of cocktails which run the gamut of liquors, they have a nice wine selection, a handful of craft beers, and a very small food selection. The first time I was here, I had one drink which was the excellent Star of The Ice Snow for $17 with Iwai 45 whiskey, brie-washed Carpano Antica, Fernet Branca, barrel-aged orange bitters, and sassafras bitters. It had a a bit of bitterness, some sweetness, some spice, and some light mint from the fernet and was a pleasant complex drink and was certainly worth it from the price. The second time I was here was just this evening where I had two drinks. I first went with something that I was thinking of getting the first time which is their outstanding Vivian Darkbloom for $15 with Union mezcal, lime, pineapple, charcoal, Velvet Falernum, and lime bitters. The drink has mild citrusy sweetness as well a bit of smoke from the mezcal and is probably my favorite drink I've had here though the other drink I had the first time gives it stiff competition. I asked the bartender what he recommends and after a small discussion, he said either The Bell Witch (which is a gin and chartreuse cocktail with a strong herbal flavor) or what I went with. Said drink was the Under a Cosmic Cloak for $16 with rhubarb infused rum, Trois Rivieres rum, Smith & Cross rum, yerba mate, lime, grapefruit, and whey. The bartender said that it wouldn't be overly sweet as the rum was milk washed and this was indeed the case with just a mild sweetness and some fruitiness. There was a light herbal flavor otherwise presumably from the mate as well as a light citrus note and overall, it was good though definitely the least complex of the drinks I've tried and probably my least favorite but was definitely not a bad drink. The drinks here are reasonably priced for the quality, the bartenders are friendly, and it is classy but not overbearingly so. I can see why it's popular and I wish I stopped in more.

Photos
Elsa - Vivian Darkbloom- Union mezcal, lime, pineapple, charcoal, Velvet Falernum, and lime bitters. $15. Outstanding drink. Nice balance

Vivian Darkbloom- Union mezcal, lime, pineapple, charcoal, Velvet Falernum, and lime bitters. $15. Outstanding drink. Nice balance

Elsa - Bar

Bar

Elsa - Vivian Darkbloom- Union mezcal, lime, pineapple, charcoal, Velvet Falernum, and lime bitters. $15. Outstanding drink. Nice balance

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Vivian Darkbloom- Union mezcal, lime, pineapple, charcoal, Velvet Falernum, and lime bitters. $15. Outstanding drink. Nice balance

Brooklyn Social - Bar area

Brooklyn Social

3.8(198 reviews)
0.4 mi•Gowanus
•$$

Pretty elusive and mysterious vintage bar located across from Carroll Park. It's dim-lit with…read morecandles and simple decor, which makes for a perfect date night spot. The service was also great as the bartender was quick and got us our next drinks as soon as he saw we finished our first one. During our visit, we tried the Matt's Ginger Old Fashioned, Brooklyn, Vulcano, and Palermo Fix. All cocktails were $14 each, which were all nicely made. The Brooklyn was very strong and the Old Fashioned is a nice classic with a hint of ginger flavor. The other two were lighter with twists of sour. They also offer some paninis, plus a toasted lard bread ($5) that we ordered. The lard bread is from Mazzola, which is absolutely delicious, but kind of sad that they only offer 4 pieces. Cool bar in the neighborhood with tasty drinks. It's such a simple, yet sophisticated bar. There's also a pool table in the back to enjoy.

A terrific old school social club turned bar. The space is dark and intimate with not a ton of…read moreseating. Their drink menu isn't very large but it's good especially the cocktails. The Neapolitan is my favorite. The only food items they have are a few panini's so don't come here expecting a full food menu. They have a pool table in the back and outdoor seating. The service is always quick and the bartenders know how to make a cocktail. Love coming here whenever I'm out and about in Caroll Gardens.

Photos
Brooklyn Social - Antique draft

Antique draft

Brooklyn Social - Matt's Ginger Old Fashioned.

Matt's Ginger Old Fashioned.

Brooklyn Social - Brooklyn.

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Brooklyn.

Public Records - bars - Updated October 2026

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