Runner Up

- 367 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215

For discerning food lovers in New York City, particularly those in search of exceptional quality paired with a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere, **Runner Up** in Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhood stands out. Honored with the prestigious MICHELIN Bib Gourmand distinction, this American restaurant is far from being a mere 'runner up'—it’s a celebrated culinary gem known for its serious focus on fresh, seasonal produce and sophisticated simplicity. It is the much-loved sibling restaurant to the neighborhood’s popular Winner Bakery, allowing it to benefit from world-class breads and pastries.

Located on 7th Avenue, Runner Up operates as an intimate wine bar concept, deftly anchored by proper, well-executed food. The philosophy is to offer a dining experience that is both "fast and fabulous," eschewing the traditional stuffiness of fine dining while maintaining an incredible standard of execution. As one thrilled customer noted, the food is “outstanding—a nice meal, without being too stuffy / over fancy.” This approach has cemented its status as a local favorite among Brooklyn residents who appreciate innovative dishes and high value.

The core of the menu is dynamic, rotating to showcase the best of the season, and is often French-inspired, presented primarily as **Small plates** (tapas-style). This encourages communal dining and the delightful experience of snacking your way through the menu. Specialties frequently highlighted by reviewers include their famous **Half Rotisserie Chicken**, their signature laminated dough creation, the **Garlic & Cheddar Monkey Bread** (sourced from Winner), and decadent desserts like the **Chocolate-Hazelnut Pot de Crème**. The space itself enhances the experience, offering counter seating that allows patrons to engage directly with the culinary team—an intimacy that guests consistently praise.

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**Runner Up** is perfectly situated in the heart of Park Slope, making it easily accessible for both locals and those visiting the vibrant Brooklyn neighborhood.

The exact location is **367 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA**. The restaurant is deliberately diminutive, a characteristic that adds to its charm and exclusivity, often described as a place you might “blink and you’ll miss.” Situated next door to its parent, Winner Bakery, the restaurant benefits from natural light and the buzzing energy of this prime corner of Park Slope.

Despite its small and intimate size, the venue is committed to accessibility:

• **Wheelchair accessible entrance** ensures ease of entry for all patrons.
• **Wheelchair accessible seating** options are available, accommodating guests who require them.

The small footprint—with a limited seating capacity that centers around its bar/counter dining—creates a highly personalized and engaging dining setting. For those who prefer an al fresco experience, **Outdoor seating** (terrace) is available, allowing guests to enjoy their meal in the cozy atmosphere of the sidewalk. While the restaurant focuses on a quick, yet fully satisfying experience with aggressive turnaround times, guests are encouraged to make **Dinner reservations recommended**, especially during peak hours, to secure one of the coveted limited seats.

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Runner Up operates primarily as a sophisticated wine bar that functions as a full-service American restaurant, offering thoughtful hospitality within its small, specialized footprint.

• Full **Dinner** Service: The primary focus is the dinner experience, available for **Dine-in** at the bar/counter and tables. The small plate format is ideal for shared meals and allows patrons to explore a greater variety of the seasonal menu.
• Expert Beverage Program: The venue features a fully appointed **Bar onsite** and is renowned for its **Great wine list**, which includes an array of interesting natural wines, Champagnes, Pét-Nats, and Ciders, such as those from Eric Bordelet and Domaine De La Taille Aux Loups. The restaurant also offers excellent selections of **Beer**, **Hard liquor**, and **Great cocktails**.
• Intimate and Specialized Seating: Seating is focused on an **intimate dining environment** with just a few seats and counter dining, creating a direct connection between the guests and the chefs. This setup is perfect for **Solo dining** or small, personal gatherings.
• Reservations and Planning: Due to the small capacity (Max 16 seated), **Accepts reservations** is a vital service, with dinner reservations being strongly recommended to guarantee a table.
• Flexible Service Options: In addition to the full-service seating, **Takeout** options are available, allowing locals to enjoy the quality cuisine at home.
• Payment Convenience: The establishment accepts all modern forms of payment, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.

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Runner Up’s reputation is built on several key features that resonate strongly with the New York dining scene's desire for quality, creativity, and value.

• MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Distinction: This prestigious award signifies that Runner Up provides “good quality, good value cooking.” It assures patrons that they are experiencing top-tier culinary excellence without the exorbitant prices typically associated with Michelin recognition.
• Signature Rotisserie Chicken: The **Half Rotisserie Chicken** is a “forever menu staple” and a must-try. Sourced from pasture-raised birds, it is prepared with minimal seasoning, allowing the exceptional quality and flavor of the chicken itself to shine through, accompanied by vibrant salsa verde and rich chicken jus.
• Intimate Counter Dining Experience: The very limited seating, particularly at the bar, provides an up-close and personal experience with the kitchen, giving the meal a “chef’s table” feel. The atmosphere is consistently described as **Cozy** and **Trendy**.
• Seasonal and Inventive Menu: The menu is a dynamic showcase of **fresh, seasonal produce**, with dishes that are visually stunning and deeply flavorful. Highlights include French-inspired small plates like the **Smoked Trout and Potato Croquettes** (encased in dark rye breadcrumbs) and dishes like the **Fisherman's Pie**—a comforting, seasonal twist on a classic.
• Exemplary Beverage Pairings: The **Great wine list** is curated to perfectly complement the food, often featuring natural and interesting selections, making it an excellent destination for wine enthusiasts. The bar also delivers on **Great cocktails**.
• Pop-Up Dining Series: The venue frequently hosts guest chef pop-ups (such as the traditional Cambodian Hōp pop-up), adding a unique, evolving element that invites local diners to return often to discover new culinary delights from acclaimed chefs.

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For first-time visitors to Runner Up, the best way to experience the restaurant’s culinary philosophy is to embrace the small-plate format and sample a variety of the core and seasonal dishes.

You absolutely must begin with the **Garlic & Cheddar Monkey Bread**. This is an ode to classic New York nostalgia, expertly fashioned from the acclaimed Winner Bakery's laminated dough, and is perfect for sharing.

For a main course, the definitive choice is the **Half Rotisserie Chicken**. It is a simple concept masterfully executed, showcasing the chef’s philosophy of letting high-quality ingredients speak for themselves. Be sure to order any accompanying seasonal sides, such as the often-available chicken fat potatoes, to complete this signature dish.

To explore the creative seasonal aspects of the menu, consider one of the current salads or vegetable plates, which invariably highlight fresh produce with inventive dressings and accompaniments, such as a **sweet-tart citrus salad with aged gouda and cool-crisp fennel**. For a savory starter, the elegant **Smoked Trout and Potato Croquettes** offer a satisfying coastal flavor profile.

Finally, given that the venue shares resources with Winner, saving room for **Great dessert** is mandatory. The **Chocolate-Hazelnut Pot de Crème** is frequently cited as a luscious and memorable end to the meal. Pair any of these choices with a recommendation from the knowledgeable staff from the expansive and interesting wine list for a truly wonderful, intimate dining experience in Park Slope.

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Plan your intimate and acclaimed dining experience at this Brooklyn favorite. Reservations are strongly advised to secure your spot at the counter or one of the limited tables.

Address: 367 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA

Note: Runner Up currently does not publish a dedicated public phone number; please check their website or use reservation platforms for booking.

Runner Up

367 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, USA