Sailor is a neighborhood bistro at 228 DeKalb Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, with a nautical interior and carefully composed American cooking shaped by French and Italian influences. Seafood shares the menu with roast chicken, and the dishes can look understated while relying on precise details, from crisp potatoes with Parmesan to celery and anchovies with olives and cheese. Come for dinner or a weekend brunch; the French toast, burger, sea bass and profiteroles are among the dishes worth looking for. Book ahead, especially for dinner.
A nautical room in Fort Greene
Sailor sits at 228 DeKalb Avenue in Brooklyn, on a stretch of the neighborhood known for its restaurants. The room pairs exposed brick and wooden beams with a restrained maritime theme. Look for the small glass scene with a sailboat behind the bar and framed portraits of sailors. Table lamps and brass fixtures give the space a warm glow, while the overall look stays polished rather than themed like a seaside tavern.
The restaurant is a collaboration between chef April Bloomfield and restaurateur Gabriel Stulman. Its approach draws on several food traditions, including American, French, Italian and Austrian cooking. The menu is elegant in presentation, but many dishes are built around familiar ingredients and careful preparation.
Seafood, chicken and small plates
Seafood has a strong place on the menu, with dishes that have included smoked Arctic char, braised squid and cod with beans. The selection changes, so ask about anything that is not fully explained on the menu. Roast chicken is another central choice, served with crisp potatoes dusted with Parmesan.
Some of the smaller plates show the kitchen’s attention to combinations and texture. An anchovy plate brings together celery, black olives and pieces of Parmesan. Other dishes have included toast with an herb sauce and grated Parmesan, and mussels cooked in wine and served on toast with fennel aioli. Roasted fennel with goat cheese has also appeared. These are useful options if you want to share several plates rather than choose one main dish.
The menu has also included a vegan preparation of radicchio filled with rice and beans, finished with a dark wine sauce. For a meat-focused order, filet mignon has appeared alongside the roast chicken. Since the selection can shift, treat these as dishes to look for rather than a guarantee of what will be served on your visit.
Brunch and drinks
Brunch runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The French toast is a frequently recommended choice, and the burger has become another signature order: a thick patty with melted onions and cheddar on a crisp bun. Cinnamon rolls and Caesar salad have also appeared on the menu. Check what is available on the day, especially if you are visiting for a particular dish.
The drinks list includes cocktails such as a Negroni, Martini and Manhattan, as well as wine and beer. Sailor has a bar, and its cozy, softly lit setting suits a meal that stretches into drinks or dessert. Profiteroles, tarte Tatin and pudding are among the desserts associated with the menu.
Planning your visit
Sailor serves brunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with dinner service on other days as well. Reservations are recommended for both brunch and dinner, and especially useful if you have a set time in mind. Outdoor seating is available, and the restaurant also takes order-ahead requests.
The menu includes seafood, meat and vegetarian choices, with vegan options noted among the available offerings. If you have a dietary requirement, check the current menu or ask the restaurant before ordering. The restaurant is at 228 DeKalb Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205.
FAQ
Where is Sailor in Brooklyn?
Sailor is at 228 DeKalb Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.
Should I make a reservation at Sailor?
Yes. Reservations are recommended for dinner and brunch, so book ahead if you have a particular time in mind.
What should I order at Sailor?
Look for the roast chicken, sea bass, French toast or burger. The menu changes, so ask what is available that day.
Does Sailor serve brunch?
Yes. Brunch is served on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
