Brennan & Carr

A Symphony of Simplicity: Brennan & Carr's Timeless MagicWhen you first walk into Brennan & Carr, nestled in Brooklyn since 1938, you're not entering a restaurant - you're stepping into a living piece of New York culinary history. The wood-paneled walls and no-frills atmosphere tell you immediately: this place doesn't need glamour because it has something far more valuable - tradition.The star of the show, their legendary roast beef sandwich, is a masterclass in minimalist perfection. Served on a pillowy round roll that's been baptized in rich, savory beef broth, the meat is sliced whisper-thin and stacked generously. The beef itself achieves that ethereal balance - tender enough to yield easily, but with just enough chew to remind you you're eating something substantial. It's refreshingly simple: no fancy aiolis, no artisanal toppings, just perfectly cooked roast beef on a bun that's been blessed by that magical jus.The cheese fries here deserve their own paragraph. Golden-crisp french fries wearing a generous blanket of molten cheese sauce that cascades down the sides like a yellow waterfall. It's comfort food elevated to an art form, each fry maintaining its crunch even under that delightful dairy deluge.Their wings and mozzarella sticks show that Brennan & Carr isn't just a one-hit wonder. The wings sport a satisfyingly crunchy coating that gives way to juicy meat within, while the mozzarella sticks offer that perfect cheese pull that food photographers dream about, accompanied by a marinara sauce that hits all the right notes.What makes this place truly special isn't just the food - it's the experience. Washing down these classic comfort foods with an ice-cold mug of Bud Light in a setting that feels frozen in time creates a dining experience that's increasingly rare in our modern world. This isn't trendy food - it's timeless food, prepared the same way for generations because they got it right the first time. And the prices are beyond generous!The verdict? In a city overwhelmed with flashy food trends and Instagram-bait restaurants, Brennan & Carr stands as a testament to the power of doing simple things exceptionally well. It's not just serving food; it's preserving a piece of Brooklyn's soul, one roast beef sandwich at a time.Gov's Rating: 9.2/10 - A true New York institution that proves excellence doesn't need embellishment.Pro Tip: If you're a first-timer, order the roast beef sandwich "double-dipped" - trust me on this one.

Brennan and Carr is truly an old school and beloved Brooklyn establishment. Brennan and Carr restaurant open in 1938. Their specialty has always been their hot roast beef sandwiches. Since then, they have expanded their menu but, it is famous for those amazing roast beef sandwiches which keeps their loyal follows and newcomers, coming in the doors.I've lived in Brooklyn for the past 10 years. My parents grew up in Brooklyn. My mom had such fond memories of Brennan and Carr and very much wanted me to experience their food and be a part of those memories.I don't know why it took so long for my partner and myself to dine at Brennan & Carr. I wish my mom was still here so I could tell her that we had those roast beef sandwiches, how much we enjoyed ourselves.The classic old school vibe and ambience makes you felt like you are time traveling. I could picture my mom and dad sitting at a table eating almost the same things we ordered. Their classic roast beef sandwich served on a fresh Kaiser roll was worth the wait. Order a cup of the beef dipping broth to go with your sandwich, it just adds to the deliciousness. We had sides of hot, fresh corn fritters and the onion rings. Both sides did not disappoint, but my favorite was the corn fritters.We were definitely full put couldn't resist sharing a piece blueberry pie a la mode! The servers were very friendly, helpful and kind. We know we will be back, thanks to such a yummy experience!

There is doubt why this is a Brooklyn staple. The food is great, the place has not changed and the service is awesome. The burger with the roast beef, mind blowing good. Everything was exceptional.

Brennan & Carr, a roadside Brooklyn beefeteria Institution, has been doing its thing since 1938 and is a longtime favorite among the neighborhood's cops, firefighters and blue-collar workers. This restaurant has become more of a destination place and is famous for its Irish roast beef sandwich, served in its own juices on a sandwich or a platter in much the same style as Los Angeles' popular french dip.Brennan and Carr was founded in 1938 by George Brennan and Edward Carr. Eddy Sullivan is the current proprietor and has been since the 1970s.The restaurant is a small wooden structure is its original location and continues to press on as though time has stood still. If not for the surrounding chaos of the busy Brooklyn streets you would think you stumbled upon a cabin in the woods in some type of fairytale.To its fans, the hot beef sandwich is a local icon and I can describe it as simply.."This is Brooklyn," Waiters wear oversized white coats and the place feels a bit like Peter Luger. Bills are paid at the counter as in a diner, and no credit cards are accepted. This place is all about the roast beef sandwich. After all, there are many signs outside, both neon and wooden, that proclaim (somewhat lasciviously) "Hot Beef." Most who come here order it, many going for the "double dip," which means the sandwich is coated in so much broth that you have to carve it with a fork and knife. It's impossible to pick it up with your hands.I do wonder at anyone who does not order the roast beef here. It is easily one of the top 25 things you can eat in New York and the Zagat Guide names Brennan and Carr as one of the best sandwich shops in all of NYC. Succulent and flavorful. One of the scions of either Brennan or Carr (I don't know which) explained why this is. The restaurant has had a relationship with the same Iowa beef provider for a half century. It's a matter of trust and quality between these two. The same beef is passed through Brennan and Carr's 75-year-old meat grinders to make the hamburgers. Only two men are allowed to touch this ancient grinder.

Classic, (very) old school Brooklyn institution noted primarily for its roast beef sandwiches. The sandwiches are thick and nice--roast beef a little overcooked for my general taste, but I know that is intentional and in this case is acceptable, as you are here for the sauce. And baby, they've got sauce. In fact, I'd strongly recommend ordering an extra beef broth soup for extra dipping flavor--not to slight the sandwich, but the gravy is succulent, and truly makes the sandwich. And if ordering two soups doesn't seem weird, throw in a cup of their stellar clam chowder as well. Other offerings are hit and miss--enough solid hits, as we enjoyed the onion rings and corn fritters, but did find the fries pretty bland and undercooked. But come on, you're most likely hear for that savory, dripping with gravy roast beef. In fact, my girlfriend went off script and ordered a burger, which was ok, but then of course came creeping on me for my sandwich. This isn't the place to go off script!Service is old school New York--gruff, perhaps a bit impatient... off-putting most other places, but feels in keeping with the vintage vibe here. A classic Brooklyn "must" that is well worth going out of your way (if you're not nearby) to experience and check off your list if you have not yet.

Although it has been a few years since my last visit to Brennan and Carr, the restaurant has not changed a bit. The dipped roast beef sandwich with cheese still remains the quintessential item that does not disappoint and is a heavy hitter in it's category. Pair that with mozzarella sticks and cheese fries and you're in for the perfect combo. Always go dipped on the sandwich and enjoy the nostalgia of being in an old timey spot. It's definitely more of a casual quick bite. They do have beer if you want to enjoy that along with your meal. Be it for lunch or dinner, always a pleasure to be back!

Food was alright. You order through a window for takeout but they also have a seating area inside. Ordered two sandwiches, cheese fries, clam chowder, corn fritters, and an apple pie a la mode. Food came out pretty quick and the place is cash only.Get the roast beef and broth for dipping. Clam chowder, cheese fries, and corn fritters were also good. Avoid the cheeseburger, it wasnt bad, just not what you should come here for. Their pies are generic store bought pies so I would skip that next time too. Decent american comfort food.

Awesome roast beef roll dipped in jou original location Nostrand avenue and ave u Brooklyn

I hit up Brennan and Carr and Roll N Roaster on the same day to compare their roast beef sandwiches. I had a better dining experience here, though I do think RNR has a slightly better sandwich. Came on a Sunday afternoon and sat inside (though you can also order at the window). I tried the roast beef sandwich, onion rings and blueberry pie. The onion rings were actually the standout, but everything was honestly great. Awesome service, too. This place is like stepping into a time capsule. They've also got a parking lot!

Great French dip style food. Get sandos or platters. Home cooked roast beef is really good. Au jus is tasty