TLDR
Upscale Oaxacan & Mexican in Brooklyn. Known for ingredient-driven dishes, mole rojo & a great backyard patio w/ frozen mezcal.
Details
A highly recommended Oaxacan restaurant in Brooklyn, Claro is celebrated for its ingredient-driven Mexican cuisine and formerly held a Michelin star [1]. Reviewers frequently praise its prefixe menu and standout dishes like the mole rojo [1]. The spacious backyard with an outdoor bar, known for frozen mezcal and house-made tortillas, is a major draw, especially during warmer months [2].
Food Overview
Claro offers ingredient-driven Oaxacan and Mexican cuisine, with a focus on dishes prepared on the comal, reminiscent of traditional Mexican cooking [1]. The mole rojo is particularly recommended, and the restaurant is noted for sourcing consciously and seasonally, accommodating dietary needs [1]. The outdoor bar is popular for its frozen mezcal and house-made tortillas.
Highlights / Recommended
"The mole rojo is a standout dish at Claro [1]. The frozen mezcal served at the outdoor bar is also highly recommended, especially while watching tortillas being made."
Customer Sentiment
Customers highly recommend Claro, praising its Oaxacan cuisine and overall dining experience, though a few have noted a slight decline in service over time [1]. The Gowanus location and its engaging bar staff are also frequently highlighted as positive aspects.
Caveats
While the food at Claro is consistently praised, one user noted that the service has declined slightly over the years [1]. The restaurant is also noted as being located in Brooklyn, which might be a consideration for some diners [1].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About CLARO
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Whats One Fine Dining Restaurant That
"Claro is recommended as an excellent intro to elevated, accessible dining, suggesting it as a top choice for a first fine dining experience."
PositiveFrom post: Most Authentic Mexican Restaurants In Nyc
"Claro in Gowanus is recommended as a great place, though the commenter is unsure about its authenticity."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For A Farmtotable Gluten Dairyfree
"Claro is mentioned as a restaurant that sources consciously and seasonally, and can accommodate dietary needs, though it's noted as being in Brooklyn."
PositiveFrom post: Anyone Know Of Any Mexican Restaurants That Have
"The original poster reminisced about enjoying Claro a few years ago, noting a familiarity with its dishes that aligns with their recent experiences in Oaxaca. They inquired about current pricing after noticing the removal of the prix fixe menu."
PositiveFrom post: Anyone Know Of Any Mexican Restaurants That Have
"The original poster found Claro's comal-based dishes similar to those they experienced in Oaxaca, Mexico. They plan to revisit the restaurant based on this user's suggestion."
PositiveFrom post: Anyone Know Of Any Mexican Restaurants That Have
"This user recommended Claro as a good option for comal-style Mexican food, noting that while the food is fantastic, the service has declined slightly over the years."
PositiveFrom post: Anyone Know Of Any Mexican Restaurants That Have
"This user suggested Claro as a Mexican restaurant that might have a comal, fitting the original poster's request."
NeutralFrom post: Go To Repeat Restaurant
"This restaurant is recommended for its mole rojo."
PositiveFrom post: Perhaps A Ignorant Question But Can Anyone
"This commenter recommends Claro."
PositiveFrom post: Perhaps A Ignorant Question But Can Anyone
"This commenter recommended Claro in Gowanus for its prefixe Mexican menu, stating it is done very well."
PositiveFrom post: 40 Year Nyc Resident Here Are My Brooklyn
"This establishment is described as fancy and ingredient-driven Mexican, formerly holding a Michelin star."
PositiveFrom post: Where In The City Would You Go If Your Work
"Claro is a highly recommended restaurant, especially if you are open to traveling to Brooklyn."
Positive