Taste of the City Lounge

Taste of the City Lounge is found at 903 Franklin Avenue in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Since opening in 2022, it has turned into a lively restaurant and cocktail bar that locals love. The lounge mixes American and Caribbean flavors in a unique way. It has live music, strong craft cocktails, and a fun late-night scene. Patrons can dine, dance, and socialize, all in one vibrant space.

History and Concept

Taste of the City Lounge is a “one-stop” nightlife spot. It combines a full-service restaurant, a hookah bar, and a live entertainment venue. The owners aimed to create a spot where guests can savor dinner during “golden hour.” They also offer signature craft cocktails. After dinner, visitors can stay for live bands, DJs, and unique performances. The vibe is all about warmth and energy, inspired by Miami. Since it opened in 2022, the lounge has welcomed a mix of guests. They come for the “epic time[s]” and vibrant entertainment.

Ambiance and Design

When you enter Taste of the City Lounge, you see a mix of urban loft style and tropical vibes. Dark wood panels and exposed brick create a rich backdrop. The soft amber lighting adds a cozy glow. Plush banquettes and high-top tables invite you to relax. In the rear corner, a raised DJ booth stands out. Large flat-screen TVs guarantee that sports fans won’t miss a game. Reviews point out the venue’s “old-school western bar vibes.” Then, the mood shifts to a high-energy party as the DJ takes over. The lounge has a hookah station with bright hoses and fancy bowls. It offers an exotic vibe and stands out in the center of the space.

Operating Hours

• Sunday–Thursday: 4:00 PM–2:00 AM
• Friday–Saturday: 4:00 PM–3:00 AM
• Pickup and Delivery: 5:00 PM–12:00 AM (extended to 2:00 AM on weekends) These late hours are perfect for night owls and late diners. Taste of the City Lounge stands out as one of the few Crown Heights spots open after midnight.

Menu Highlights

At Taste of the City Lounge, you can enjoy a mix of Caribbean classics and American comfort food. Patrons can order appetizers, entrees, burgers, sandwiches, sides, and a full bar. Postmates and Uber Eats list an extensive menu featuring:

• Appetizers:
  • Drunken Mussels: Mussels steamed in a garlic-wine broth
  • Salt Fish Fritters: Deep-fried “saltfish balls” seasoned with pikliz
  • Fried Calamari: Golden-fried calamari rings
• Entrees:
  • Lambi/Grilled Conch: Served with rice and peas, plantains, salad, and pikliz
  • Griot Fritay: Fried pork chunks with plantains, akra (malanga fritters), and pikliz
  • Tassot/Fried Goat: Goat meat in spicy creole sauce with rice and peas, plantains, and salad
• Burgers & Sandwiches:
  • Beef burger with cheese and fries. It’s known for its perfectly cooked patty and crispy fries.
  • Oxtail Pasta: Rich, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender oxtail
• Sides: Plantains, white rice, black rice, coleslaw, and macaroni and cheese
• Hookah: Choose from flavors for $50 per session. Each session lasts more than two hours. Some reviews highlight free coal replacements.

Signature Cocktails and Bar Service

The lounge’s bar menu offers a variety of creative cocktails. The Rum Punch is often called “delicious” and is generously spiked. Whiskey Gingers, Caribbean Rum Flights, and Tropical Margaritas are also popular among patrons. Customers often comment on the strength of the drinks. This is both a selling point and a warning for first-time visitors.

Live Entertainment and Events

A key part of the Taste of the City Lounge is its live entertainment. Local and touring DJs, live bands, and guest artists perform all week. They change the lounge from a dining spot into a lively dancefloor. The venue’s website showcases “Miami vibes.” It offers an exciting audiovisual experience. You’ll find high-energy music, vibrant lighting, and carefully chosen playlists. These range from reggae and dancehall to hip-hop and EDM.

Customer Experience

Positive Feedback

Reviewers call the lounge a “hidden neighborhood gem.” They praise its great customer service, tasty dishes, and lively atmosphere. The steam fish entrée featured oven-baked salmon topped with honey-garlic sauce and red pepper flakes. It earned praise for its great seasoning and beautiful presentation. Customers view the staff as friendly and helpful. They like that servers take time to explain the menu and give tailored suggestions.

Areas for Improvement

Taste of the City Lounge is a favorite spot, but it has some issues. People often mention slow service, particularly when it’s busy. Food delivery delays can last up to 50 minutes. This has led to negative experiences for some diners. On a few occasions, orders were incorrectly filled, leading to additional wait times. Cleanliness issues, especially in restrooms, have come up in many reviews. Some mention spills and messy facilities.

Late-Night Vibe

The lounge’s late-night hours attract a party-seeking crowd, especially on weekends. Many guests enjoy the DJ’s energy and dancing. Still, some think the volume is too loud for chatting, especially during events like NBA All-Star weekend when they want to watch games on TV.

Community Impact and Controversies

Taste of the City Lounge is a key spot in Crown Heights’ nightlife. It draws in locals and visitors from all parts of Brooklyn. However, the venue has also been at the center of serious incidents:

• **November 2024 Non-fatal Shooting:** Law enforcement arrived at the lounge after hearing gunfire. Thankfully, no one was killed.
• **August 17, 2025 Mass Shooting:** A fight in the lounge turned deadly around 3:30 AM. Three men died, and eight others were hurt. Investigators recovered at least 36 shell casings and confirmed multiple shooters were involved. The NYPD described the incident as an anomaly in an otherwise calm year for gun violence in New York City.

These incidents have led to more police in Crown Heights. The community is also calling for stricter security at late-night spots.

Comparative Analysis with Peer Venues

This table shows how Taste of the City Lounge stands out. It’s a hybrid dining and entertainment spot. It offers a wide range of food options, longer hours, and hookah service. This makes it different from typical neighborhood bars.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

1. Arrive Early or Make a Reservation: The lounge fills up quickly on weekends.
2. Try the Hookah: Priced at $50, it’s a central part of the ambiance and lasts over two hours with coil replacements.
3. Sample the Drunken Mussels: A signature appetizer steamed in a garlic wine sauce.
4. **Expect Loud Music:** If you want to chat, visit on weeknights. You can also ask for a seat away from the DJ booth.
5. Bring Cash for Hookah and Tips: Some servers may request cash payment for hookah orders.

Conclusion

Taste of the City Lounge mixes dining, hookah, and entertainment in a fun late-night vibe. The fusion menu offers a mix of American and Caribbean flavors. The bold interior design catches the eye. Also, the vibrant live music makes it a top destination in Crown Heights. The venue has strong cocktails, a friendly staff, and an immersive party vibe. These keep loyal patrons coming back. However, service speed and restroom cleanliness still need work. Recent security incidents stress the need for stronger safety measures at late-night venues all over the city. Taste of the City Lounge is a top choice in Brooklyn. Whether you want a tasty dinner, lively nightlife, or a chill hookah session, this place has it all.