Table 87 Hits the Mark Again!

Last year I wrote about Table 87 on Atlantic Avenue and how I thought their coal oven pizza was a welcome addition to the Brooklyn pizza scene. Well, I’m pleased to share the news that Table 87 has branched out to a second location in Gowanus on 3rd Avenue and 10th Street.

My husband and I had the good fortune to eat at the new location twice in the last two weeks. The first time we went, we started with a fantastic summer salad of grilled watermelon and fennel, topped with crumbled feta, mint and a balsamic reduction. We then shared the pizza Margherita which was just as delicious and nicely charred as the pizza at the original location.

On our second outing, we went with our friends and we all shared two appetizers: a huge portion of perfectly tender, grilled octopus and a seafood salad. The real specialty of Table 87, however, is their burrata pizza which is something out of this world. If you aren’t familiar with it, burrata is fresh mozzarella with a soft, creamy center. Our table ordered two burrata pies, the Burrata Calabrese which was infused with truffle oil and topped with thinly sliced lardo and the Calabrese ‘Nduja which was topped with a spicy spreadable pork salami. We also had a tasty and substantial honey-crusted halibut over salad. We then shared a couple of desserts: tartufo and nutella pizza (can’t have enough pizza!!) which were also very good.

The new Table 87 is beautifully decorated with old cheese graters and miniature, antique oven doors hanging on the walls. There are two elegant crystal chandeliers that complement the room just right and a nice rustic fireplace that will no doubt be enjoyed in the cold-weather months. There is a comfortable, easy vibe, just like the other location, with great, old standards playing in the background but not too loudly, so we could easily converse across the table. Service was impeccable. There is more seating at the new location and also some outdoor tables. Parking seems to be easier there, too.

Last summer, my great Uncle Moe, who is 90 years young, came to Brooklyn for a visit  from Colorado and my extended family all met at the Atlantic Avenue Table 87 for a leisurely lunch. We had salads, fried calamari, hot antipasto and, naturally, pizza. The pizzaiolo that day was a young man named Marco and he came out to say hello and told my uncle that he was going to make him a really special pizza. My uncle replied that he surely knew good pizza so it had better be good (my family had a pizza restaurant, Pop’s on Van Brunt Street, before I was born). Well, my uncle was duly impressed with the burrata pie that Marco made for him.  Marco and my uncle then had a nice chat. I was recalling that day when my husband and I visited the new location and, sure enough, out walked Marco. He remembered us and asked about my Uncle Moe (he even remembered that his real name is Mario). I cannot wait for Uncle Moe to make another trip to Brooklyn so we can bring him to the new Table 87 and he can re-connect with this gifted pizzaiolo and his great pizza!

Table 87 is located in Gowanus at 473 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215 , phone 718.965.8400 and in Brooklyn Heights at 87 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11201, phone 718.797.9300