Danish Athletic Club

- 735-741 65th St, Brooklyn, NY 11220

Introduction / Overview

The Danish Athletic Club (DAC) in Brooklyn is far more than just a restaurant; it is a vital cultural landmark and a true taste of Scandinavia right here in New York City. Operating as a nexus for Danish and Nordic culture since its founding in 1892, this institution offers a dining experience steeped in over a century of heritage. Nestled near the border of Bay Ridge and Sunset Park, the club is a cherished spot where New Yorkers can immerse themselves in the concept of

hygge

The DAC provides a unique opportunity for both members and outside guests to enjoy authentic, home-style Danish and Norwegian cuisine in a setting described as a warm, welcoming blast from the past. After a period of transition, the club has re-emerged with a commitment to sharing its culture, serving robust, traditional menus that keep the heart of Scandinavian culinary tradition beating strong in a constantly evolving city. For those seeking an alternative to the typical New York dining scene—something classic, comfortable, and genuinely cultural—the Danish Athletic Club is a one-of-a-kind destination.

Visitors can expect exceptional service and skillfully prepared food that reflects fair value, as noted by enthusiastic patrons. The atmosphere often feels like stepping into a different era, offering a level of comfort that one reviewer affectionately likened to "coming to Grandma's house on a Sunday for dinner." This blend of authentic fare, friendly service, and historical ambiance is what makes the Danish Athletic Club a treasured part of Brooklyn’s culinary and cultural landscape.

Location and Accessibility

The Danish Athletic Club is located at the unique address of 735-741 65th St, Brooklyn, NY 11220, USA. This location places it strategically on the border of the Bay Ridge and Sunset Park neighborhoods, an area historically significant for its concentration of Scandinavian and Norwegian communities in Brooklyn. While the surrounding area, with its blend of commercial and residential properties, may be busy, the club itself stands as a distinct community focal point.

For all New Yorkers, accessibility is a key factor, and the Danish Athletic Club has taken steps to accommodate guests with mobility concerns, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance. This commitment ensures that the authentic experience is available to everyone in the community. As a club that has historically morphed over decades, it now actively seeks to attract and share its culture with a broader audience, including newer residents and those interested in Nordic traditions. While some older reports note the challenge of parking due to neighboring businesses, the cultural value and dining experience are considered well worth the visit for a unique dinner outing.

Services Offered

The Danish Athletic Club focuses on providing a full, traditional dining experience rooted in its social club origins.

• Dine-in: The primary service option, allowing guests to enjoy the full atmosphere of the club.
• Onsite Services: Providing a complete experience that may include cultural events, communal seating, and traditional hall ambiance, which sometimes features live music, reminiscent of a large gathering or celebration.
• Full Bar Service: Offers a wide range of beverages to complement the hearty meal, including

  Alcohol

  ,

  Beer

  ,

  Cocktails

  ,

  Hard liquor

  , and

  Wine

  .
• Coffee Service: Hot

  Coffee

  is available, often included as part of the traditional full-meal service.
• Dinner Service: The main dining option, focused on home-style Scandinavian cooking.
• Group Dining: The space is set up to comfortably accommodate

  Groups

  , making it an ideal location for a large family dinner or a gathering of friends seeking a unique venue.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets the Danish Athletic Club apart in the competitive New York City restaurant scene is its deep-rooted authenticity and commitment to cultural preservation:

• Century-Old Heritage: Founded in 1892, the club is one of Brooklyn's oldest cultural institutions, offering a real sense of history and tradition that can’t be replicated.
• Authentic Scandinavian Cuisine: The menu features genuine, traditional favorites from both Denmark and Norway, such as

  Frikadeller

  (Danish Meatballs),

  Kjottkaker

  (Norwegian Meatballs),

  Roast Pork Loin with Sauerkraut

  , and home-style desserts like fresh apple pie.
• The 'Hyggelig' Atmosphere: Customer feedback consistently praises the authentic Danish/Norwegian atmosphere, using the term

  hyggelig

  (cozy, charming) to describe the comfortable, welcoming interior—a perfect escape from the hustle of New York life.
• Cultural Hub: Beyond dining, the club acts as a lodestar of Scandinavian culture, hosting traditional events like Santa Lucia Day and the Syttende Mai parade (Norwegian Constitution Day Parade), and historically welcoming other cultural organizations.
• Community Focus: The club actively looks to "share the culture" and attract new interest, blending its traditional roots with a welcoming attitude toward non-Scandinavian patrons, thus fostering a unique community melting pot.
• Bar Onsite: Features a dedicated

  Bar onsite

  offering a wide variety of drinks, making it a great spot for a pre-dinner cocktail or a relaxing post-meal digestif.

Contact Information

To secure a reservation for dinner or to inquire about hosting a group event, please use the following contact details:

Address: 735-741 65th St, Brooklyn, NY 11220, USA

Phone: (718) 748-7844

What is worth choosing

A trip to the Danish Athletic Club should be considered an immersion into Nordic culinary comfort. For a first-time visitor from New York, the focus should be on their expertly prepared traditional dishes.

The most highly recommended choices center around the club’s traditional meatballs. New Yorkers must try the

Frikadeller

Kjottkaker

Roast Pork Loin with Sauerkraut

Kompe Frikadeller

While the full menu offers options for the "less adventurous," such as skirt steak and grilled chicken, the true essence of the experience lies in embracing the classic Scandinavian offerings. Patrons often describe the food as "amazing" and "rich, flavorful, and made with care."

Beyond the main course, be sure to ask about their homemade desserts; old-school favorites like their fresh apple pie have been noted as standout items. To complete the authentic experience, a traditional Danish or Norwegian beer or a simple cup of coffee is the perfect pairing. Choosing the Danish Athletic Club is choosing a moment of cozy, historical escape, where superior service and skillfully prepared cultural food promise a memorable and satisfying dinner.

Danish Athletic Club

735-741 65th St, Brooklyn, NY 11220, USA