The Lights of Baku

- 2707 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11214

Welcome to The Lights of Baku, a vibrant culinary destination nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, offering a distinct and rich Middle Eastern dining experience. While categorized broadly as 'Middle Eastern,' The Lights of Baku specializes in authentic Azerbaijani cuisine, transporting the flavors of the 'Land of Fire' right to New York City. This unique culinary focus sets the restaurant apart, providing New Yorkers with a taste of a celebrated and historically rich food culture from the Caucasus region—a cuisine known for its delicate use of meat, fresh herbs, and savory slow-cooked dishes.

For Brooklyn locals and visitors alike, The Lights of Baku is more than just a place to eat; it is an experience designed to be both memorable and immersive. It blends an appealing, upscale atmosphere with hearty, comforting food, making it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions, from a romantic dinner to a lively family gathering. The restaurant's dedication to authentic preparations and providing a full cultural experience, including live music and traditional dishes like Dolma and various exquisite kebabs, ensures a dining adventure that satisfies both the appetite and the desire for something truly unique in the New York dining landscape.

The cuisine of Azerbaijan is a flavorful fusion, drawing influences from Turkic, Iranian, and Eastern European culinary traditions due to its unique geographical position. Dishes often feature tender lamb and beef, various pilafs (Plov is the national dish, though not explicitly listed on the provided menu, its influence is central to the cuisine), and a variety of dumplings and savory pastries. The Lights of Baku captures this spirit, presenting a menu that is both extensive and deeply rooted in tradition.

The Lights of Baku is conveniently located in the Gravesend neighborhood of Brooklyn, making it a accessible destination for residents across the borough and beyond. The physical address is 2707 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11214, USA.

This location places the restaurant within reach of various local transportation options, catering to both local commuters and those arriving from other parts of the city. The neighborhood is known for its diverse community and array of local businesses, adding to the overall charm and convenience of visiting the restaurant.

Accessibility is a clear priority at The Lights of Baku, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons. The establishment features:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible seating

These features ensure that guests with mobility considerations can enjoy the full dining experience with ease and comfort.

The Lights of Baku offers a comprehensive range of services designed for maximum guest convenience and comfort, catering to modern dining needs and preferences.

• Dining Options: Available for lunch, dinner, and dessert, with comfortable seating and dedicated table service.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, with dinner reservations specifically recommended to secure a table, particularly on busy evenings.
• Takeout & Delivery: Full service is offered, including traditional delivery and a no-contact delivery option for safety and convenience.
• Event & Group Dining: Catering services are available, and the space is noted to be popular for groups, making it suitable for family celebrations and special events.
• Amenities: Patrons have access to a clean and well-maintained restroom.
• Payment: Accepts various modern payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Family-Friendly: The venue is considered good for kids and provides high chairs, ensuring a pleasant experience for families dining out.

The Lights of Baku stands out in the Brooklyn dining scene due to several unique features that elevate the overall guest experience, focusing on cuisine, atmosphere, and entertainment.

• Live Music: A key attraction that enhances the dining ambiance, providing entertainment that can transform a meal into a lively, cultural experience. While one review noted dissatisfaction, the feature itself is a stated highlight, indicating the restaurant aims for a vibrant atmosphere.
• Authentic Azerbaijani & Middle Eastern Cuisine: The restaurant serves a unique local specialty, primarily authentic Azerbaijani dishes. This offers New Yorkers a chance to explore a less common, yet rich, culinary tradition.
• Great Tea Selection: The attention to traditional beverage service is a notable highlight, often a cornerstone of Eurasian and Middle Eastern hospitality, providing a relaxing end to the meal.
• Diverse Menu Offerings: The menu skillfully balances classic 'Comfort food' with 'Healthy options' and 'Small plates', catering to a wide array of dietary preferences and appetites.
• Appealing Atmosphere: The ambiance is described using multiple positive terms: Casual, Cozy, Romantic, Trendy, and Upscale. This versatile setting is designed to appeal to a broad crowd, from couples on a date to larger tourist groups.
• Late-Night Food: Offers a selection of food items late into the evening, providing a convenient option for late diners in the area.

For reservations, questions, or to place a takeout order, you can contact The Lights of Baku using the details below:

Address: 2707 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11214, USA

Phone: (718) 266-9191

The menu at The Lights of Baku is a journey through the hearty and flavorful world of Azerbaijani and broader Eurasian cuisine, featuring an exciting mix of kebabs, specialty soups, and appetizers. For first-time visitors or those seeking an authentic taste, here are some highlights that are absolutely worth exploring:

Start your meal with a signature soup. The menu offers two prominent regional specialties:

• Khartcho ($9.00 - $16.00): This is typically a rich, hearty, and tangy soup, often made with beef, rice, and a sour plum base, which is a staple of Caucasian cuisine and is an excellent choice for a warming, flavorful start.
• Dushpara ($10.00 - $16.00): These are traditional Azerbaijani miniature dumplings, served in a clear, savory broth. The delicate, small size of the dumplings is a mark of culinary skill, and it’s a must-try for an authentic experience.
• Dolma ($15.00 - $18.00): Stuffed grape leaves, a classic preparation across the Middle East and Caucasus, filled with savory mince and herbs. A perfect 'small plate' to share.
• Lulia Kebab ($18.00): A traditional kebab made from finely minced meat (typically lamb or beef) that is seasoned and grilled on a skewer. It’s a favorite for its juicy, flavorful taste.

The 'Meat Course' and 'Main Course' sections are where the kitchen truly shines with a focus on expertly prepared meats and grilled options.

• Lamb Shish Kebab ($20.00) or Lamb Ribs Shish Kebab ($20.00): The lamb offerings are central to the cuisine, and the shish kebabs are ideal for experiencing the perfectly charred and seasoned meat the region is famous for.
• Sturgeon Shish Kebab ($28.00): The sturgeon is a highly prized fish from the Caspian Sea, a delicacy in Azerbaijani cuisine. Having it prepared as a kebab provides a luxurious and authentic seafood option from the 'Fisherman Corner'.
• Chicken Tabaka ($18.00): A flattened, pan-fried, or oven-roasted chicken dish, often served whole or halved, seasoned with garlic and herbs. It is a popular and savory choice.
• Veal Liver Kebab ($20.00): For the adventurous diner, this unique kebab preparation offers a rich, tender, and intensely flavored option.

The menu also includes items that reflect the regional proximity to and historical influence of other Eurasian cultures:

• Borsch Russian Style ($9.00): The classic beet soup, providing a familiar yet high-quality comfort option.
• Siberian Style Dumpling ($12.00): A type of small meat-filled dumpling, likely similar to Pelmeni, which is excellent comfort food.
• Beef Wellington ($30.00) or Prime Rib Steak ($46.00): These more Western-style dishes demonstrate the restaurant's ability to offer upscale dining choices alongside their traditional repertoire, appealing to a wider New York audience looking for both specialty and familiar luxury.

With its combination of an inviting atmosphere, professional service (as praised in a positive customer review), and a menu rich with authentic and flavorful Azerbaijani specialties, The Lights of Baku is a standout choice for those in New York seeking a genuine and memorable Middle Eastern dining experience in Brooklyn.

The Lights of Baku

2707 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11214, USA