Rose Water isn’t just another trendy New York flash-in-the-pan. This sumptuous Park Slope spot has been loved since owner John Tucker first opened its doors in August 2000. With new chef Marcellus Coleman and his skillful passion for Seasonal American cuisine, this earthy abode serves a commitment to plating as much local, regional, organic, and sustainably raised food as possible.
Tucked between the brownstones off Union Street, Rose Water’s 34-seat sun-warmed brick dining room vibes well with its all-weather, first-come, first-served front patio lined with two-tops; you could say it’s a perfect place to double-date. (Note: Call ahead and put your name on the list, but be warned, the hold is a strict 15 minutes only.)
On any given day, menu offerings may include creamy celery root soup with Fourme D’Ambert and brioche croutons or roast chicken with fingerling potatoes, Cipollini onions, and watercress. For dessert, wrap your mouth around the divine chicory coffee pot de crème. Optional wine pairings are available for $14.
Not to be missed, there is a three-course “Fall Market Menu” available Mon-Thu for $27 and a five-course “Chef’s Tasting Menu” for $60, wine pairings for an additional $26.
How to get there: Take the M or R train to Union Street, head east on Union for two blocks, uphill towards 6th Avenue. They are on the left, look for the big red awning. (Rose Water, 787 Union Street, Brooklyn, 718.783.3800, rosewaterrestaurant.com).
Photo: Courtesy of and Arock75 and bittermitten
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
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Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram