Bar Ferdinando

- 151 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Welcome to the story of Bar Ferdinando, the exciting new concept emerging at the historic 151 Union Street address in the heart of Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. This location is steeped in over a century of New York City culinary history, having been the home of Ferdinando's Focacceria, an institution that was once the city's oldest Sicilian restaurant. While the original focacceria closed its doors in early 2025, the spirit of authentic Sicilian-American tradition is being honored and reimagined in this space under its new name, Bar Ferdinando. For New Yorkers who treasure the city’s rich gastronomic past and look forward to its vibrant future, Bar Ferdinando represents a compelling continuation of a beloved legacy.

The original Ferdinando's Focacceria, founded in 1904, was a true Brooklyn landmark. It began as a modest sandwich shop catering to the Italian-American longshoremen working at the nearby waterfront, a testament to the working-class roots of this neighborhood. Over the decades, it evolved into a cherished spot known for preserving esoteric Sicilian specialties that were becoming increasingly rare in New York. The sudden closing of the original establishment sent ripples of nostalgia and concern through the community. However, the space has been entrusted to a new owner and celebrated local chef, Sal Lamboglia, who is committed to building the new concept, Bar Ferdinando, as a tribute to its predecessor. This is not simply a new establishment, but a thoughtful revitalization intended to keep the unique spirit of Sicilian-American food and community alive on Union Street.

Bar Ferdinando is poised to become a destination for both long-time residents and a new generation of New York food lovers. It seeks to blend the old-world charm and comforting atmosphere of the original century-old space with a refreshed culinary vision. The transition from a classic 'focacceria'—a term often associated with a focus on baked goods and savory street snacks—to a 'bar' suggests an emphasis on a sophisticated beverage program alongside a diverse food menu, creating a more comprehensive dining and social experience. This reimagined concept aims to honor the historical significance of the building while moving forward with a modern approach to hospitality and cuisine.

For New Yorkers seeking out genuine neighborhood establishments with deep roots, Bar Ferdinando offers a unique appeal. The space itself maintains its historic character, featuring the cozy, old-school ambiance that patrons of Ferdinando's Focacceria loved. The new iteration promises to uphold a commitment to quality food and a warm, familial atmosphere, ensuring that the legacy of this address as a cultural and culinary treasure continues.

Location and Accessibility

Bar Ferdinando is located at 151 Union Street in the desirable Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. This area, nestled where Carroll Gardens meets the Columbia Street Waterfront District and Red Hook, is a vibrant and historic part of the borough, easily accessible from various points in NYC.

The Union Street location places it conveniently for Brooklynites, situated near the Gowanus Expressway (BQE) and a short distance from the waterfront. Public transit options allow for access from Manhattan and other boroughs, though, like many classic Brooklyn spots, it maintains a distinct neighborhood feel. Visitors should plan their trip using local subway or bus routes, and be prepared to enjoy a walk through one of Brooklyn’s most charming areas. The address is 151 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA.

Services Offered

Based on the foundational information available and the nature of the concept, Bar Ferdinando offers several convenient and essential dining services to the local New York community:

• Dine-in Service: Providing a full, immersive dining experience within its historic and charming atmosphere, Bar Ferdinando is set up for guests to sit down and enjoy a meal and drinks in-house.
• Takeout Service: For customers on the go or those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, the establishment offers convenient takeout options.
• Food Offerings: A menu featuring food items is an integral part of the Bar Ferdinando concept, with a focus on a reimagined approach to classic Sicilian and Italian-American cuisine, building on the foundation of the former focacceria.
• Alcoholic Beverage Service: As a 'Bar,' the establishment provides a selection of alcoholic drinks, likely including beer and wine, to complement the food offerings and enhance the social experience.
• Restroom Facilities: Accessible and well-maintained restroom amenities are provided for the comfort and convenience of all dine-in customers.

Features / Highlights

Bar Ferdinando's most compelling features stem from its deep historical roots and its promise to carry on a culinary tradition that is exceptionally unique to New York City.

• Historical Landmark Location: The address at 151 Union Street was the site of Ferdinando's Focacceria since 1904, making it one of the longest-standing Italian restaurants in NYC history. Dining here is an experience wrapped in Brooklyn history.
• Authentic Sicilian-American Culinary Legacy: The former establishment was celebrated for traditional, hard-to-find Sicilian street foods. The new Bar Ferdinando concept is specifically designed to honor this legacy, with its menu likely featuring elevated or modern takes on iconic dishes like panelle (chickpea fritters) and arancini (rice balls), which were hallmarks of the original location.
• Signature Specialty: The original location was famously known for its panelle (deep-fried chickpea fritters, often served as a sandwich with ricotta) and its even more esoteric vastedda (a sandwich with calf spleen, ricotta, and cheese). The spirit of these distinctive specialties is expected to be a highlight of the new bar concept.
• Old-World Charm and Ambiance: The interior of the location is known for its unpretentious, old-school feel, complete with historic photographs, a tin-stamped ceiling, and an atmosphere that transports diners to a bygone era of classic Brooklyn.
• New Culinary Leadership: The reopening under the leadership of a respected local Brooklyn chef from other popular, successful neighborhood spots suggests a high level of culinary quality and a sensitive, modernized approach to the historic menu.

Contact Information

For patrons interested in visiting or learning more about Bar Ferdinando, the current publicly available contact details are as follows:

Address: 151 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA

Phone: (917) 400-9498

Mobile Phone: +1 917-400-9498

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Bar Ferdinando is about more than simply selecting a place for a drink or a meal; it is an act of engaging with a living piece of New York’s culinary history. For those in the New York region, this spot is worth choosing for several compelling reasons, primarily centered on its heritage and the promise of a unique experience.

First and foremost, the decision by the new ownership to open Bar Ferdinando is a commitment to keeping the soul of the 151 Union Street location alive. This is an address that has served as a cultural anchor for the Sicilian-American community and the broader Carroll Gardens neighborhood for over a century. By maintaining a connection to the original name and legacy, Bar Ferdinando offers a rare chance to connect with 'Old Brooklyn'—an increasingly valuable and disappearing experience in the city.

While the exact menu details of Bar Ferdinando are part of its exciting new chapter, it is highly anticipated that the core of its appeal will remain the authentic, specialized Sicilian food that put the former establishment on the map. New Yorkers craving true Sicilian street food, those distinctive dishes like the panelle sandwich or the monumental arancina, should choose Bar Ferdinando. It is a place that promises to deliver these regional Italian specialties that are almost impossible to find with the same level of history and authenticity anywhere else in the United States.

Furthermore, the concept's evolution from a traditional focacceria to a bar indicates a modern, comprehensive hospitality experience. This means the ambiance will likely be suitable for a broader range of occasions, from a casual early evening drink to a full dinner service. The inclusion of alcohol service alongside food makes it an excellent choice for a date night, a gathering with friends, or simply a sophisticated stop-off in the neighborhood. The new approach, guided by an established local chef, suggests that while the history is honored, the quality and presentation of both the food and the beverage program will be high-caliber and relevant to today's discerning NYC palate.

The combination of a historically rich location, a menu that pays homage to a very specific and rare regional cuisine, and a cozy, convivial bar atmosphere makes Bar Ferdinando a must-visit destination. It's a place for those who appreciate tradition but are equally excited by revitalization. For a true taste of Brooklyn's heritage, married with a contemporary, high-quality bar and dining experience, Bar Ferdinando stands out as a rewarding choice in the New York food landscape. Supporting Bar Ferdinando is not just choosing a restaurant; it is choosing to participate in the continuation of a 121-year-old local institution.

Bar Ferdinando

151 Union St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA