TLDR
Historic Brooklyn chophouse with a 'time-travel' atmosphere, featuring legendary Baked Alaska, martinis, and classic American fare.
Reddit Sentiment for GAGE & TOLLNER / SUNKEN HARBOR CLUB(based on 106 Reddit opinions)
Instagram Posts References
Gage & Tollner, a Brooklyn landmark, was originally established in 1879, beginning its journey as an oyster cart before moving into its current historic building in 1892. After a significant run, it closed its doors in 2004, briefly becoming a TGI Fridays and then an Arby's. Executive Chef and Partner Sohui Kim, along with her partners, embarked on the ambitious project of reopening the restaurant, which they successfully did on April 15, 2021. Kim emphasizes the immense behind-the-scenes effort involved in preparing dishes, polishing silverware, and setting the stage, contrasting it with what patrons might perceive. She acknowledges ongoing challenges like high food and labor costs but finds motivation in the strong sense of community and the desire to uphold Gage & Tollner's legacy, striving to ensure its continued presence for another 125 years.
Step back in time at Gage & Tollner, a beautifully revived Brooklyn institution serving classic American dishes like steaks, chops, seafood towers, and sensational fried chicken.
Time Out reviews Gage & Tollner, a historic Downtown Brooklyn steakhouse revitalized by new owners, praising its timeless decor, sharp cocktails, and standout dishes like Clams Kimisino and Edna Lewis-inspired fried chicken.
Willa Moore reviews Gage & Tollner, a historic Downtown Brooklyn steakhouse that blends old-world charm with a modern feel, highlighting its martinis, raw bar, and special occasion appeal.
Details
Located in a stunning, landmarked 19th-century building, this restaurant masterfully blends historic charm with a vibrant American chophouse experience [3]. While it is a popular destination for special occasions, diners often gravitate toward its extensive cocktail program, raw bar, and iconic desserts [1], [4]. Though the restaurant has garnered significant acclaim, experiences can be inconsistent, with some patrons finding the steak offerings to be only average despite the upscale price point [8], [9].
Food Overview
This American chophouse features a menu centered on steaks, seafood towers, and classic sides like butter-roasted hashbrowns and creamed spinach [4], [7]. While the raw bar and martinis are frequent highlights, customers also highly recommend the fried chicken and the she-crab soup [1], [6], [7], [9].
Signature recommendations include the Baked Alaska, the pork pot pie, and the fried chicken [1], [6], [7], [9]. The Parker House rolls and the butter-roasted hashbrowns are also widely noted as standout sides [4], [7], [8].
Diners largely appreciate the sophisticated ambiance and high-level service, though opinions on the food remain mixed, with some noting a decline in consistency and value [5], [9].
Most Mentioned Dishes
- 01baked alaska25 mentionsThis iconic and visually impressive dessert is highly recommended...
- 02parker house rolls14 mentionsThese rolls are frequently described as exceptional, among the be...
- 03ny strip10 mentionsThe NY strip is considered a good steak, often recommended for sh...
- 04fried chicken9 mentionsThis dish is a faithful rendition of Edna Lewis's recipe, consist...
- 05martini7 mentionsThe martinis are consistently praised as stellar, among the best ...
- 06butter roasted hash browns6 mentionsThese hash browns are frequently called incredible and the best s...
Caveats
Some visitors report that the dining room can become uncomfortably loud, and while the atmosphere is impressive, the steak consistency has been a point of contention for some critics [8], [9].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About GAGE & TOLLNER / SUNKEN HARBOR CLUB
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: I Went To Gage Tollner A Chophouse In Brooklyn
"The steak is considered average, but the martinis are praised as high-level."
NeutralFrom post: I Went To Gage Tollner A Chophouse In Brooklyn
"The seasonal tangerine pudding was one of the best desserts the commenter has ever had."
PositiveFrom post: I Went To Gage Tollner A Chophouse In Brooklyn
"The dining experience was pleasant with lovely service, and the non-steak menu items like the fried chicken were highly recommended."
PositiveFrom post: I Went To Gage Tollner A Chophouse In Brooklyn
"The fried chicken is highlighted as an excellent dish."
PositiveFrom post: I Went To Gage Tollner A Chophouse In Brooklyn
"The diner enjoyed the blackout cake and the fried hen of the woods appetizer, noting the fries were also great."
Positive