April is shaping up to be another big month for Brooklyn’s dining scene, with neighborhood bakeries expanding, beloved breweries opening new taverns, and a wave of kid‑friendly casual spots debuting from Park Slope to Bushwick. From a Prospect Heights beer hall by a cult‑favorite brewery to a Carroll Gardens icon getting a new life, there are plenty of new places to add to your family’s weekend rotation this spring.
Below is our April guide to restaurant openings, closings, and coming‑soon spots in and around our neighborhoods:
This month’s restaurant openings
Grabstein’s Bagels | Carroll Gardens
A new bagel shop has landed on Smith Street, and Grabstein’s is leaning all the way in on one very specific craving: pizza bagels. Expect a tight, playful menu built around the classic combo of chewy bagels, melty cheese, and rich tomato sauce, alongside a few traditional options for purists. It’s a casual, quick‑stop kind of spot that’s likely to be very popular with families on busy mornings or after‑school snack runs.
Prince Street Pizza | Carroll Gardens
The Nolita slice icon is finally debuting in Brooklyn at 271 Smith Street around April 23, bringing its cult‑favorite spicy square pies and easy grab‑and‑go slices to a kid‑tested block. Expect lines at peak times, but the payoff is a portable lunch or after‑practice treat that’s perfect for families on the move.
Bar Ferdinando | Carroll Gardens
An iconic Carroll Gardens institution that previously closed after 121 years of serving Sicilian fare is getting a new lease on life. The team from neighborhood favorite Cafe Spaghetti is reimagining the historic Ferdinando’s Focacceria space as Bar Ferdinando, a new Italian restaurant and bar with updated takes on Sicilian classics and a welcoming bar room. Early previews suggest it will work just as well for date night as for an early family dinner with pasta‑loving kids.
Pho Rainbow | Cobble Hill
Pho Rainbow brings warm bowls of pho and other Vietnamese staples to the Bergen and Dean stretch of Cobble Hill, giving families a comforting new option for casual lunches and easy weeknight dinners. Look for a familiar lineup of noodle soups, rice plates, and crispy bites in a no‑fuss setting that fits seamlessly into the neighborhood.
Met Fresh | Clinton Hill
This new neighborhood grocery at 340 Myrtle Avenue stocks everyday essentials with a focus on fresh produce and pantry staples, filling a handy gap for quick family shops near parks and schools. The store is sized for convenience, making it an easy stop for last‑minute dinner ingredients, snack restocks, or a weekend grocery run without leaving the neighborhood.
The Fresh Grocer of Brooklyn | Downtown Brooklyn
Inserra Supermarkets has opened The Fresh Grocer of Brooklyn at 523 Fulton Street, directly across from Fulton Mall. The 18,000‑square‑foot supermarket features a full‑service butcher, from‑scratch bakery, prepared meals, and a wide range of national and private‑label brands, giving local families a new one‑stop grocery option downtown.
Sud NYC | Williamsburg
At 79 Grand Street in the former Bacàn space, Sud NYC is giving Williamsburg families an easy Italian dinner option without the fuss. Think pizza, simple pasta, cocktails for the grown‑ups, and a relaxed setup that works just as well for a weeknight bite with kids as it does for a low‑key date night close to home.
Confidant | Brooklyn Heights
Seasonal restaurant Confidant has quietly reopened in the former Colonie space on Atlantic Avenue at Henry Street. Led by chefs Brendan Kelley and Daniel Grossman, the refreshed dining room now anchors a menu of vegetable‑forward small plates, house bread, and shareable dishes, making it a polished but relaxed option for parents’ nights out without leaving the neighborhood.
Two Tigers | Crown Heights
New neighborhood wine bar Two Tigers has opened at 685 Franklin Avenue, in the former Barboncino slice space. Run by the team behind ice cream shop Brix Haus, it focuses on a fun by‑the‑glass list and small plates and is best suited for parents’ date nights rather than toddlers in tow.
Wanka 11 | Bay Ridge
New Peruvian restaurant Wanka 11 has opened at Third Avenue and 68th Street, bringing bright, family‑friendly dishes like ceviche, grilled meats, and hearty rice plates to Bay Ridge. It’s an easy pick for weeknight dinners when you want something flavorful but relaxed, with plenty of options for both adventurous eaters and kids who like to stick to simple grilled chicken and fries.
Coming soon to our neighborhoods
These upcoming spots are slated to open later this spring and summer; exact opening dates may shift, so keep an eye on their social channels for updates.
Brooklyn Heights
Dinah | Opening soon
Dinah is a modern reimagining of the classic 1930s Brooklyn diner. From their hand-rolled bagels and “After School Specials” to guest chef pop-ups and neighborhood gatherings, they are building a “home away from home” where everyone—from toddlers to regulars—is treated like family.
Park Slope
Pies ’n’ Thighs | Opening Spring 2026
Williamsburg favorite Pies ’n’ Thighs is bringing its famous fried chicken, biscuit sandwiches, and pies to Park Slope this spring. The new outpost will offer counter‑service, high chairs, and plenty of shareable sides, making it an easy choice for family dinners before or after playground time on Flatbush and 7th Avenue.
Kings Co Imperial | Opening June 2026
The beloved Williamsburg Chinese‑American spot Kings Co Imperial is heading to Park Slope, taking over the former Stone Park Cafe events space next door to the restaurant on 3rd Street. Expect soy sauce on tap, wok‑fired favorites, and crowd‑pleasers like long dumplings, mock eel, Kung Pao chicken, and prawn fries—solid options for both adventurous eaters and kids who like to share.
Bushwick
Bodega Nights | Opening April 2026
Bodega Nights is a new Brazilian‑influenced restaurant and wine spot set to open at 425 Troutman Street, from the team behind Lower East Side wine bar Babysips. It’s shaping up to be a go‑to for relaxed dinners, casual summer evenings, and child‑free weekend plans for parents looking to get a sitter.
Bark Barbecue | Opening early May 2026
Dominican barbecue favorite Bark is expanding from its Time Out Market stall in Dumbo to a flagship in Bushwick with a bar program and expanded menu. Families and groups can expect smoked brisket, chicharron, longaniza, and plenty of hearty sides in a casual space that works well for bigger kids and multi‑family outings.
Carroll Gardens
Trudie’s Tavern | Opening Spring 2026
From the team behind Brooklyn favorites Gertie and Gertrude’s, Trudie’s Tavern will be a cozy pub‑style restaurant coming to Carroll Gardens this year. The spot is expected to focus on elevated comfort food and a laid‑back neighborhood vibe, giving parents another option for casual meals close to home.
Lou & Bev’s | Opening Spring 2026
Next door to Confidant on Atlantic Avenue, Lou & Bev’s will be an all‑day bakery, pizza restaurant, and wine bar from the same team. By day, families can stop in for pastries and coffee; by night, the space transitions into a pizza‑and‑wine hangout ideal for early‑evening dinners with kids or relaxed date nights when you can book a sitter.
Prospect Heights
Grimm Tavern | Opening April 2026
The team behind Grimm Artisanal Ales is opening a new all‑day tavern in the former Olmsted space in Prospect Heights this April. Families can expect a relaxed neighborhood spot with Grimm beers on tap and a comfort‑food menu—think burgers, roast chicken, and other kid‑friendly plates—just a short walk from the park.
Bushwick
Monday Diner | Bushwick | Opening later in 2026
Planned for Bushwick, Monday Diner will be an all‑day spot from pastry chef Caroline Schiff, with a menu expected to lean into creative pastries and comforting plates. It’s one to watch for families who love bakery‑adjacent brunches and all‑day breakfast‑style dishes.
Red Hook
Hōp | Red Hook | Opening Summer 2026
In Red Hook, Hōp is a Cambodian‑inspired restaurant and bar slated to open later this year, led by a team known for popular neighborhood spots. Expect bold flavors, rice and noodle dishes, and a destination that works best for date nights and dinners with older kids willing to explore new cuisines.
April restaurant closings
Alongside all the new openings, several Brooklyn spots have closed or announced their final service recently.
Carroll Gardens
Caputo’s Bake Shop | Closed April 2026
After well over a century on Court Street, beloved old‑school Italian bakery Caputo’s has announced it will be closing, marking the end of an era for many neighborhood families who have relied on its breads, cookies, and holiday treats. Parents may want to plan one more visit for lard bread, rainbow cookies, and focaccia before the doors shut for good.
Gowanus
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que to Close After 15 Years
The smoked-brisket institution at 604 Union Street announced that it will close later this spring, after its lease ends and the building — a former tool-and-die shop converted to a barbecue destination in 2011 — is slated for demolition to make way for a new apartment development. Dinosaur arrived in Gowanus early in the neighborhood’s transformation, and its closing has hit locals hard, with social media reaction running from grief to outright anger about a familiar pattern: a beloved business priced out of the neighborhood it helped put on the map. A final service date hasn’t been announced; gift cards will be honored through the last day and at remaining locations afterward.
Greenpoint
Stuart Cinema & Cafe | Closed March 2026 (moving)
Family‑friendly Stuart Cinema & Cafe, known for hosting kids’ screenings and birthday parties, is closing its current Greenpoint location and relocating to a larger space in Long Island City. The move means fewer local kids’ movie options in the short term, but the owners plan to continue family programming at the new Queens venue.
The Drift | Closed March 2026
Neighborhood bar The Drift on Greenpoint Avenue has announced its final day of service at the end of March. While not specifically a kids’ spot, it was a popular low‑key option for parents’ nights out in the neighborhood.
Red Hook
Pitt’s | Closed March 2026
Southern‑inspired neighborhood restaurant Pitt’s in Red Hook, known for its pancake soufflés and brunch‑friendly menu, has closed after just over a year in business. Chef Jeremy Salamon is now focusing on his other restaurant, Agi’s Counter, in Crown Heights, which remains a strong option for thoughtful, family‑friendly dining.
