Fort Greene’s Hottest Restaurants: Bacon Guac, Ricotta Pizza Dough and More

FORT GREENE, BROOKLYN — With Fort Greene chef Silvia Barban competing on Bravo's "Top Chef" cooking show this month, Patch got to thinking of all the awesome restaurants in the Fort Greene and Clinton Hill area. From tapas to seafood, here are a handful of the best reviewed restaurants on Yelp:

Mekelburg’s - 293 Grand Ave., Clinton Hill

Mekelburg's is a neighborhood favorite. The sign out front says "Business in the front, PARTY in the back," and Mekelburg's takes this slogan to heart. You'll enter through the deli portion of the joint, featuring beautiful cheese cases, gourmet jams and snacks. Then, you'll reach the restaurant and bar with a small backyard. The restaurant has a mellow and chill vibe to it, so don't be afraid to kick back and relax for a while. Make sure to check out their 16 rotating tap beers, the porchetta sandwich, and the baked potato with smoked Alaskan cod, creme fraiche, and caviar.

Hours: Monday through Thursday open 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 4 a.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 a.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Olea - 171 Lafayette Ave., Fort Greene

This Mediterranean taverna is great for any meal. Their brunch features delectable additions like sangria, chorizo and manchego 'Frico' sandwich and brioche french toast. Dinner is all about the tapas: falafel-crusted artichoke hearts, almond-stuff bacon wrapped dates, grilled sangria-marinated hanger steak and more. The restaurant is comfortable and quaint, which makes it the perfect place to meet friends for drinks and small plates.

Hours: Open every day at 10 a.m., closes at 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and midnight Friday and Saturday

Wallabout Seafood - 271 Adelphi St., Fort Greene

Wallabout Seafood is a lovely restaurant in a beautiful Fort Greene neighborhood. High ceilings and hardwood floors create a ballroom-like atmosphere where diners can enjoy simple, seasonal locally-sourced fare. Typical dishes involve daily oyster specials, seafood stew and whole fish. Highlights include the octopus and the miso salmon. There's also chicken, burger and steak options for those who don't like seafood.

Hours: Monday through Thursday open 5-11 p.m., Friday through Sunday open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

#Brunch at Wallabout Seafood in #Brooklyn was amazing today. #food #foodie #NYC #seafood #foodblogger #yummy pic.twitter.com/4S7vyTYqmK
— Brooklyn Food Blog (@bkfoodblog) March 26, 2016

Hoja Santa - 250 Dekalb Ave., Clinton Hill

This Clinton Hill Mexican restaurant has unbeatable guacamole. If you're feeling adventurous, give the bacon guacamole a try. Hoja Santa is open for lunch and dinner everyday, and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. The margaritas are strong and the tequila list is extensive. The al pastor tacos with the roasted pineapple, the plantains and the breakfast burrito are highly recommended. The staff is known for being very friendly and welcoming, and will sometimes hold a "hot sauce challenge" where diners attempt to drink a cup of their homemade hot sauce.

Hours: Open for dinner 5-11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Open for lunch 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and open for brunch 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The bar is open until midnight Sunday through Thursday and 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Lulu & Po - 154 Carlton Ave., Fort Greene

This is a tiny Fort Greene eatery that serves American food in small dishes, complimented with great wine and classic cocktails. Lulu & Po is inviting and cozy, and embraces all diners with a non-pretentious attitude. With it's small and intimate setting and open kitchen, Lulu & Po is perfect for a romantic date or a chat with an old friend. The menu is short, but everything is high quality and delicious. Favorites include the bone marrow tacos, the pizza dough with ricotta and the lamb belly.

Hours: Open Wednesday and Thursday 6-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 6-11 p.m., and Sunday 5-10 p.m.

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