Culpeppers

- 1082 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225

Culpeppers stands out as one of the essential destinations for authentic Caribbean flavors in New York City, particularly for those seeking the unique and vibrant tastes of Barbadian (Bajan) cuisine. Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn's Prospect-Lefferts Gardens neighborhood, this long-standing establishment is celebrated for offering a genuine taste of the island, a culinary experience that is distinct from other West Indian food found across the city.

Since opening its doors, Culpeppers has cultivated a loyal following by focusing on traditional Bajan specialties, rather than just general Caribbean fare. The restaurant's storefront, often noted for its bright blue and yellow colors inspired by the Barbadian flag, signals the genuine island experience that awaits inside. Visitors are welcomed into a casual and cozy atmosphere, a perfect setting for enjoying hearty, home-style cooking. Whether you’re a lifelong Brooklyn resident or a tourist exploring the city's diverse food scene, Culpeppers provides a friendly and authentic taste of Barbados, keeping the rich culinary heritage of the island alive in New York.

It is widely recognized as the city’s foremost Bajan restaurant, a place where locals and those from the Barbadian diaspora come to enjoy traditional dishes that are often hard to find elsewhere. The consistent quality and dedication to authenticity have earned it a strong reputation for offering a true cultural and culinary experience. From its extensive bakery section filled with traditional sweets to the savory, complex meat and fish dinners, Culpeppers offers a comprehensive menu that caters to every meal of the day. The welcoming staff and warm environment further enhance the feeling of being transported to a sunny Caribbean corner, even on a busy Brooklyn street.

Location and Accessibility

Culpeppers is conveniently located in the vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood of Prospect-Lefferts Gardens in Brooklyn, New York.

The full address is: 1082 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA.

Positioned on Nostrand Avenue, the restaurant is easily accessible for locals and visitors utilizing public transportation, being situated in a well-trafficked area of the borough. For those driving, free street parking is available, though it may require searching, typical of a bustling NYC neighborhood. The atmosphere within is described as casual and cozy, an inviting space that is popular with both local groups and tourists seeking authentic Caribbean fare. While the restaurant maintains a warm atmosphere, potential patrons should be aware that the popularity of the food may sometimes result in a wait time, a common sign of a beloved local establishment. Accepted payment methods include credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for convenience.

Services Offered

Culpeppers provides a range of flexible services to accommodate diners’ needs, covering everything from a quick morning bite to a full dinner service:

• Dining Options: The restaurant is popular for a variety of dining options throughout the day, including Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner.
• Service Styles: Customers can choose from several convenient service options, including Delivery, Takeout, and Dine-in.
• Catering: The restaurant offers catering services, making it an excellent choice for private events, parties, or large gatherings that require authentic Bajan cuisine.
• Payments: Accepts major forms of payment, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments.
• Parking: Free street parking is available in the vicinity.
• Amenities: A restroom is available for dine-in customers.

Features / Highlights

Culpeppers is best known for its dedication to authentic Barbadian cuisine, featuring several distinct highlights that draw a dedicated crowd:

• Authentic Bajan Cuisine: It is one of the few places in New York City that explicitly specializes in and is praised for genuine Barbadian (Bajan) cooking, providing a distinct cultural and culinary experience.
• The National Dish: Cou-Cou and Flying Fish: A primary highlight and local specialty. The Cou-Cou is a smooth, cornmeal and okra mash, often served with Flying Fish in a savory, brightly colored stew.
• Popular Baked Goods: The bakery section is a major draw, featuring traditional Caribbean sweets and breads like Jam Puffs, Coconut Bread, Rock Cakes, Cassava Pone, and Turnovers.
• Saturday Specialty: Pudding and Souse: This is a popular weekend dish, a traditional Bajan meal consisting of steamed sweet potato pudding and pickled pork (souse).
• Extensive Menu Variety: Beyond the Bajan specialties, the menu includes popular Caribbean dishes like Roti (Beef, Goat, Chicken, Oxtail), various Fish Dinners (Red Snapper, King Fish, Dolphin), and 'Meat Lovers' meals like Oxtail, Curry Goat, and Stew Beef.
• Specialty Beverages: Offers a selection of unique, traditional Caribbean thirst quenchers such as Mauby (a polarizing but traditional bitter-sweet drink), Sorrel, Homemade Peanut Punch, and Homemade Sea Moss.
• Comfort Food and Healthy Options: The menu successfully balances hearty comfort foods with healthier choices, including a selection of vegetarian options and fresh-made porridges for a fortifying start to the day.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, order takeout, or inquire about catering, you can contact Culpeppers directly using the information below:

Address: 1082 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA

Phone Number: (718) 940-4122

What is Worth Choosing

For any New Yorker or visitor interested in experiencing the authentic taste of Barbados, there are several menu items at Culpeppers that are highly recommended. Your first choice, and the definitive reason to visit, should be the national dish: Corn Meal Cou-Cou with Flying Fish. This dish perfectly encapsulates Bajan flavor and culinary tradition. The Cou-Cou is a savory, cornmeal and okra mixture with a creamy texture, an authentic West African-influenced staple, beautifully paired with a flavorful, rich gravy and fried Flying Fish. You can also find Cou-Cou served with other proteins like Red Herring, a delicacy a past customer specifically called out as "so delicious" and a rare find, or Oxtail and Snapper.

Another unmissable choice is the Fish Cake. These small, fluffy fried codfish appetizers are ordered constantly, perfect as a starter or a quick, savory snack. For those visiting on a Saturday, the Pudding & Souse is a must-try weekend special. Beyond the main courses, explore the Cutters, which are traditional Bajan sandwiches made with salt bread, often featuring meats or fish like Flying Fish Cutter or King Fish Cutter.

The extensive bakery selection is another major highlight. Be sure to pick up a few items like a Jam Puff, Coconut Bread, or Turnover. To complete the authentic experience, pair your meal with a traditional Bajan beverage like the sweet and spiced Sorrel or the highly unique, somewhat polarizing but essential Bajan drink, Mauby. As one customer noted, the friendly staff, delicious food, and authentic offerings make this a top-class service experience worth returning to again and again. For a truly authentic Caribbean meal in Brooklyn, Culpeppers is the clear choice.

Culpeppers

1082 Nostrand Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA