ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Best Breakfast in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Best Pet Friendly Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn
Master Critic Review
Vineapple
7.8
Vineapple is a Brooklyn Heights cafe-wine bar that layers Italian-leaning small plates and brunch dishes onto an all-day coffee and cocktail program. It’s as much a neighborhood living room as a restaurant, with a backyard garden and enough menu range to work for breakfast meetings, casual dates, and group hangs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast burrito, Shakshuka with sourdough, Polenta fries with dipping sauce
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Italian-inspired cafe plates, cocktails, and coffee served in a cozy brownstone space with a leafy backyard.
Who should go: Brooklyn Heights locals wanting an all-day cafe that turns into a wine bar.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or golden-hour evenings for garden and bar energy.
What to order: Breakfast burrito, shakshuka, polenta fries with a glass of wine.
Insider tip: Ask about backyard seating on nice days; it transforms the experience from cafe stop to lingering hangout.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited metered spots during the day and very tight after 6pm. Most guests rely on walking, Citi Bike, or rideshare.
Dress code: Casual-smart — jeans, sneakers, sundresses, and light date outfits all fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during brunch and happy hour but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak happy hour or early evening without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or 5–10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several brunch dishes, salads, polenta fries, and egg-based plates work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-forward plates and salads can be adapted, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some naturally gluten-free items are available, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s casual, relaxed, and low-pressure, with enough atmosphere from the wine bar and garden to feel thoughtful without being intense.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weekdays and earlier in the evening, but expect a short wait during weekend brunch and peak happy hour.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime hours — families with young kids come for brunch and early lunch, but evenings skew more adult and social.
Best For
Better for: All-day flexibility — it works equally well for coffee meetings, brunch, wine dates, and casual group hangs in a single relaxed setting.
Skip if: You want a formal Italian dinner, white-tablecloth service, or a meal centered on traditional pasta entrées.