Mermelstein Takeout

- 351 Kingston Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213

For decades, Mermelstein Takeout has stood as a beloved, quasi-landmark institution in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, offering New Yorkers an authentic taste of homemade Jewish comfort food. This is more than just a quick-service eatery; it is a cultural touchstone that embodies a 'heimish' (homey) atmosphere, often described by long-time patrons as feeling like a visit to a loving grandmother's kitchen. It has cemented its place in the neighborhood's culinary history, maintaining a traditional style despite the ever-evolving New York food scene.

Mermelstein Takeout specializes in traditional, home-cooked kosher meals, which include a wide and rotating selection of fresh meats, chicken, and salads. The food is often compared to high-quality, catered wedding-style cuisine, served in a unique deli-counter format where many items are sold by weight. This provides a customizable experience, allowing Brooklyn residents to pick and choose the perfect small plates or components for a hearty, personalized meal. Whether you are a local resident, a college student, or a tourist seeking a taste of authentic, traditional New York Jewish fare, Mermelstein Takeout provides delicious, honest, and comforting food that is prepared with care and attention to detail.

The enduring appeal of this establishment lies not only in its quality kosher offerings but also in its steadfast commitment to a welcoming, casual, and cozy ambiance. It is a spot where presentation takes a back seat to substance, focusing instead on delivering great tasting, satisfying dishes that evoke a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. This makes it a popular choice for all three major dining moments—lunch, dinner, and even solo dining—attracting a diverse and loyal crowd within the New York community.

Location and Accessibility

Mermelstein Takeout is ideally located at 351 Kingston Ave in the heart of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11213, USA. This prominent Kingston Avenue address positions it centrally within a bustling and vibrant neighborhood, making it easily accessible for a significant number of Brooklyn residents. The location’s reputation for decades of service ensures easy recognition for anyone familiar with the local area.

As a true neighborhood gem, the establishment is primarily focused on serving the local community, with flexible service options that cater to the fast-paced life of a New Yorker. Its core business model, as indicated by its name, is takeout, providing maximum convenience for grabbing a ready-made meal. While it is predominantly a takeout spot, the availability of a few tables for dine-in allows for a quick, casual meal right on the premises. The hours of operation are designed to cover nearly the full day, from morning to evening, ensuring accessibility for lunch and dinner, though New York customers should note the earlier closing time on Friday afternoons for the Sabbath observance.

Services Offered

• Takeout Service: The primary focus, allowing customers to quickly purchase freshly prepared, homemade meals to enjoy at home or on the go.
• Dine-in Option: Limited seating available for a quick, casual, and cozy meal on the premises.
• Catering Services: A long history of professional catering, suitable for events, family gatherings, and full Shabbat meal preparation.
• Lunch and Dinner: Serving a wide selection of cooked meals, salads, and deli items throughout the main meal periods.
• Deli Counter Service: Offering a wide selection of meats, chicken, and salads sold by weight, resembling a traditional deli.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts modern payment methods including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments for a seamless transaction experience.

Features / Highlights

• Authentic Homemade Kosher Cuisine: Specializing in traditional Jewish soul food, with dishes like gefilte fish, goulash, potato knishes, and a variety of homemade salads and meats.
• Heimish and Cozy Atmosphere: Patrons frequently describe the vibe as comforting and familiar, like visiting a relative’s kitchen, offering a sense of community and warmth.
• Fast Service: Known for efficient service, which is essential for New Yorkers grabbing a quick lunch or dinner.
• Crown Heights Classic: The establishment boasts a history of service dating back to the 1950s, holding a special, enduring status within the local community.
• Daily Specials: Patrons are advised to ask what is "fresh" and to visit before dinner for the best daily specials straight from the oven or pot, ensuring peak freshness.
• Catering Reputation: Mermelstein’s catering legacy includes high-profile events, a testament to the quality and consistency of their traditional kosher food.
• Good for Families: The casual atmosphere, generous portions, and good-for-kids status make it an ideal spot for family meals.

Contact Information

Address: 351 Kingston Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213, USA

Phone: (718) 778-3100

What is worth choosing

For New Yorkers seeking genuinely comforting, classic Kosher cuisine, Mermelstein Takeout is an unparalleled choice. What is truly worth choosing here is the authentic, old-school experience that is rapidly disappearing in the city. The primary draw is the extensive hot and cold deli counter, which allows customers to curate a meal from a spectacular array of home-cooked options. Instead of a single dish, the best strategy is to embrace the deli-style approach, choosing a wide selection of items to create a diverse and satisfying plate.

Patrons consistently rave about the wide selection of meats, chicken, and salads. For a traditional experience, you must try the classic Jewish soul food items. The gefilte fish and hearty hot dogs are frequently highlighted by reviewers as standout items. The larger, traditional dishes, such as goulash, potato knishes, and latkes, offer a filling and deeply traditional meal that tastes genuinely homemade. The opportunity to purchase items by weight allows for perfect portion control and the chance to sample multiple side dishes and entrees.

Mermelstein Takeout is particularly valuable for New Yorkers looking for Kosher catering, especially for Sabbath meals or larger family events. Given its long history and established reputation, including having catered high-profile events, the catering service ensures exceptional, reliable quality. The sheer convenience of walking in and selecting fresh, ready-to-eat, traditional Shabbat takeout is a massive benefit to the local community.

In a city full of fast-casual and modern eateries, Mermelstein Takeout offers a comforting, no-frills, highly efficient dining option that excels in the most important area: the food. When in Crown Heights, making a point to "experience the heimesh of heimeshe" at Mermelstein, as one local puts it, is an essential New York culinary adventure. For a quick, affordable, and incredibly satisfying meal that feels like a hug from home, Mermelstein Takeout remains the definitive local classic.

Mermelstein Takeout

351 Kingston Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213, USA