Thursday, March 10, 2011

Lunch at Van Horn

****UPDATE - Van Horn has Closed. 6/3/15****


There's been a ton of press covering the opening of Van Horn, (231 Court St., between Baltic and Warren Streets, 718-596-9707) the new much-needed sandwich shop in Cobble Hill. I went recently, excited to try the much talked about Fried Chicken Sandwich and check the place out. I don't know what other people have been eating, but my lunch companion and I were disappointed.

The Fried Chicken Sandwich does look impressive, and comes with a large dollop of zesty slaw, however the meat was on the dry side and fairly tasteless as well. My friend had to get extra sauce on the side to juice it up, and at $12, it's quite a steep price for a mediocre chicken sandwich.



We also got a side of Mac 'n Cheese. This, too, was disappointing. It was more like a wedge of pasta casserole, and had the powdery taste of a mix rather than real cheese. For my lunch, I chose the BLT, which was good. The bun was toasted with garlic aioli, and while the fillings were minimal, they were tasty.



All in all I found Van Horn underwhelming. The space is nice, simple and clean, with a number of tables plus a bar with seating. I will go back to try some of the other items on the menu (Pulled Pork perhaps), but I'm not racing back anytime soon. Oh well.

8 comments:

FN said...

I concur about the chicken sandwich, but the pulled pork was excellent as are the hushpuppies. It's kinda hit or miss.

Eat It Brooklyn said...

Hey FN! How've you been!? Good to know about the pork. Will go back for a 2nd try.

FN said...

@EIB - I've been great, thanks. Glad to see you're back and posting regularly again. Pork was very good, chicken not so much. Throw in some hushpuppies or potato salad - those are good.

bigmissfrenchie said...

I also found the chicken sandwich a little meh, but really liked the catfish sandwich. Also the hush puppies were excellent. Nice place, nice staff, but they really need to expound on the descriptions of the food on the menu. How many times throughout the course of a meal can you listen to the poor waitress explain what everything is and what it comes with/on. There was one guy there asking so many questions, she was at his table for at least 20 minutes just explaining the menu. I mean, I get the humor, "chicken" "fish", but sometimes practicality wins out.

Anonymous said...

I thought the hush puppies were really good. I had to ask for mustard for the chicken sandwich cause it was so dry! Also, had the special of the day - chicken and dumplings - that was really good

Eat It Brooklyn said...

@FN - I'll do my best! I'll post an explanation for my intermittent posting soon!

I feel so validated about that chicken! Everything I've read says it's amazing. But I'll go back for some Pulled Pork & Hushpuppies (and maybe Catfish)! Thanks everyone!

Le Brown Belly said...

Aw man, how can you go wrong with mac 'n cheese. This is on my list, still going to check it out. Sorry for the disappointment!

Eat It Brooklyn said...

Le Brown Belly - thanks for your comment! Hey, I still ate most of the Mac & Cheese, it just wasn't very creamy. It needs some work. I'll go back too, gotta see about that pork sandwich! Let me know how your visit goes!