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Claire's Michigan Stars of Brooklyn

on 2021.11.18

Multiple locations

9 Places

Michigan Star restaurants are neighborhood spots that are solidly good, but not so great that they're hyped or hard to get into. They've got one or two menu items that they've really nailed. Maybe it took you visiting a few times to figure out what they were, but now they're your go-tos. These are the spots you can rely on when cooking feels too hard, takeout feels not exciting enough, and you didn't plan ahead. They're easy, satisfying, and familiar. The truth is that what makes something a Michigan Star is a highly personal thing, but these are some of mine. Maybe they can be yours, too.

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Ras Plant Based

Ethiopian Restaurant · Crown Heights

You're feasting on Ethiopian—specifically Ras Special Tibs and Shiro, with lots of extra injera and rice. In case it matters to you: It's all vegan.

Valentine’s Pizza

Permanently Closed

Every neighborhood needs and deserves a slice shop, and this one just happens to be excellent.

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Hanco's

Vietnamese restaurant · Cobble Hill

You're asking for a summer roll and classic bánh mì, please and thank you.

Locanda Vini & Olii

Italian restaurant · Clinton Hill

You're going slightly off-menu here, by which I mean: You're ordering off the kids' menu. You want the spaghetti al pomodoro, which is one of those so-simple-it's-perfect dishes. Get the anchovies on buttered bread as your starter to help you feel more like an adult—and an Aperol spritz too, just to drive home the point.

Bar Bolinas

Permanently Closed

Order the nachos (that somehow feel...healthy-ish? health-adjacent?) and the excellent burger, too.

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Speedy Romeo

Pizza restaurant · Clinton Hill

Most people come for the pizza, but you're here for the wings—KC BBQ style—and the charming jazz trio that hangs around on the weekends.

Gueros

Taco restaurant · Crown Heights

You're getting the queso—maybe two orders of it?—a frozen margarita, and the avocado and al pastor tacos.

AlMar

Italian restaurant · DUMBO

You're starting with the kale salad, main course-ing with the mezzi rigatoni, and dessert-ing with the tartufo. If they have the soft-shell crab on the menu, you're throwing that in the mix too.

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Pilar Cuban Eatery

Permanently Closed

You're asking for the vegetarian platter and a side of yucca fries, probably some extra plantains, too. After the meal you're swinging by the bakery next door to grab some pastries for tomorrow morning's breakfast.

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@clairemazur

Claire Mazur