5 Front Bistro Bar & Garden

5 Front

[UPDATE May 17, 2010: 5 Front Bistro has been replaced with Brooklyn Bridge Gardens, as mentioned here. For menu, go to their website: brooklynbridgegardens.com]

Unlike the Dumbo General Store sign controversy (or non-controversy), the new 5 Front Bistro Bar & Garden sign is fabric and Brooklyn Paper did not turn this sign into a “riveting neighborhood debate”. We’ve been to the garden patio and is an upscale atmosphere for drinks. Brunch was tasty and had the waffles, which were crispy and light. We can’t comment on dinner, since we haven’t been, but please comment with your thoughts on 5 Front.

5 Front Bistro Bar & Garden (fivefrontrestaurant.com)
Five Front Street, Brooklyn NY 11201
718-625-5559

Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 5:30 pm to 11 pm
Friday: 5:30 pm To Midnight
Saturday: 11am to Midnight
Sunday: 11 am to 11 pm
CLOSED MONDAY
(bar is open later)

5 Front

Previously: {Five Front Restaurant Review, 21Aug2006}

56 Comment

  • I like it.
    Never had a bad meal at 5 Front

  • I like it.
    Never had a bad meal at 5 Front

  • Five Front is the best restaurant in Dumbo…the staff is warm and lovely, the chef has created a menu of fresh, creative comfort food, and the atmosphere is both urban and romantic at the same time. I just love it. And the new banner encompasses all the above. Never had a bad meal or experience there.

  • Five Front is the best restaurant in Dumbo…the staff is warm and lovely, the chef has created a menu of fresh, creative comfort food, and the atmosphere is both urban and romantic at the same time. I just love it. And the new banner encompasses all the above. Never had a bad meal or experience there.

  • That banner sux ! You should have a nice hand carved wooden sign with gold leaf hanging from a stiff arm….

    McDonald’s Hangs banners ! Not that I don’t like Mickey D’s ….but… Banners/ flags are made to accent a sign .

  • That banner sux ! You should have a nice hand carved wooden sign with gold leaf hanging from a stiff arm….

    McDonald’s Hangs banners ! Not that I don’t like Mickey D’s ….but… Banners/ flags are made to accent a sign .

  • Five Front is a lovely venue and the garden is amazing but the menu is soooooooo tired and the food can be really hit and miss. They desperately need to freshen up the menu, which hasn’t changed in the six plus years I’ve been going there, and they need to improve the consistency of the food and service. I’m a loyal fan, but sometimes the food is really poorly prepared, as if the kitchen and staff are simply overwhelmed.

  • Five Front is a lovely venue and the garden is amazing but the menu is soooooooo tired and the food can be really hit and miss. They desperately need to freshen up the menu, which hasn’t changed in the six plus years I’ve been going there, and they need to improve the consistency of the food and service. I’m a loyal fan, but sometimes the food is really poorly prepared, as if the kitchen and staff are simply overwhelmed.

  • Agreed. We used to be regulars for the first several years they were open but stopped going after several so-so meals (so-so food, and so-so service).

  • Agreed. We used to be regulars for the first several years they were open but stopped going after several so-so meals (so-so food, and so-so service).

  • It was pretty good the first few years. What Bill says about the kitchen and staff are true. I’ve found that even on a warm night the HVAC is overwhelmed. The accumulated body odor is like riding the Lex Av. local at rush hour.
    The banner? Did that flagpole pre-exist Landmark status? If it did then no review by LPC would of been required. Even a precious little wooden sign would of been vetted by the clowns at LPC.

  • It was pretty good the first few years. What Bill says about the kitchen and staff are true. I’ve found that even on a warm night the HVAC is overwhelmed. The accumulated body odor is like riding the Lex Av. local at rush hour.
    The banner? Did that flagpole pre-exist Landmark status? If it did then no review by LPC would of been required. Even a precious little wooden sign would of been vetted by the clowns at LPC.

  • Five Front is your standard overpriced neighborhood-bistro fare with a hit-or-miss menu and subpar service. It does have a nice garden, but that’s about all they’ve got going for themselves.

  • Five Front is your standard overpriced neighborhood-bistro fare with a hit-or-miss menu and subpar service. It does have a nice garden, but that’s about all they’ve got going for themselves.

  • I also agree about the food, it has been very hit or miss in the past year or so..and it is pricey. Its too bad cause the beer selection, cocktails and the outdoor space are great, I think they just need a good kick in the a**!!

  • I also agree about the food, it has been very hit or miss in the past year or so..and it is pricey. Its too bad cause the beer selection, cocktails and the outdoor space are great, I think they just need a good kick in the a**!!

  • Like the banner. Service has been the issue for us. We dine with the kiddos in tow and have a hard time waiting 60 mins for food (we bring snacks).

  • Like the banner. Service has been the issue for us. We dine with the kiddos in tow and have a hard time waiting 60 mins for food (we bring snacks).

  • Up until the last time I was there in early July I had never had a bad meal there in nearly 5 years. Now I know what people mean when they say hit or miss — this last time was off by a mile.

  • Up until the last time I was there in early July I had never had a bad meal there in nearly 5 years. Now I know what people mean when they say hit or miss — this last time was off by a mile.

  • The atmosphere is nice enough, but the food is awful. Truly. Its downright awful – particularly dinner. This is a shame, as there aren’t a whole lot of places to dine in the area. And I would be a regular if the food and service were decent. Indeed, both the food and the service are appallingly bad. Though the patio is lovely, can the owners please do something about its interior smell (ie. bathroom cleaner) and get its menu and service staff trained to at least a decent level?

  • The atmosphere is nice enough, but the food is awful. Truly. Its downright awful – particularly dinner. This is a shame, as there aren’t a whole lot of places to dine in the area. And I would be a regular if the food and service were decent. Indeed, both the food and the service are appallingly bad. Though the patio is lovely, can the owners please do something about its interior smell (ie. bathroom cleaner) and get its menu and service staff trained to at least a decent level?

  • The sign makes me think of an old western brought into 2009. I love the juxto of a cleaned up brickfront bldg and the glossy retro feel of the logo. I’m gonna put my six shooter on and go get me some o’ them there mussels!! I heart 5 Front. (kewkew)

  • The sign makes me think of an old western brought into 2009. I love the juxto of a cleaned up brickfront bldg and the glossy retro feel of the logo. I’m gonna put my six shooter on and go get me some o’ them there mussels!! I heart 5 Front. (kewkew)

  • used to be a regular, food was never great, but always decent. then about 2 years ago, i had three terrible meals in a row. and the service is laughable. always got drunk waiting for food.

  • used to be a regular, food was never great, but always decent. then about 2 years ago, i had three terrible meals in a row. and the service is laughable. always got drunk waiting for food.

  • 5 Front = i love it! Fave hang in Dumbo. First stop for good food, friendly staff and great art exhibits. Recent menu changes have kept me coming back too. Something for every taste bud in an easy-to-access, fun to return to locale. Keep up the great work!

  • 5 Front = i love it! Fave hang in Dumbo. First stop for good food, friendly staff and great art exhibits. Recent menu changes have kept me coming back too. Something for every taste bud in an easy-to-access, fun to return to locale. Keep up the great work!

  • PS ~ In a neighborhood long overrun by nouveau everything, i love the sign too.

  • PS ~ In a neighborhood long overrun by nouveau everything, i love the sign too.

  • I’ve been eating here for years and can understand some of the mixed reviews but it’s been solid for quite a while now — the chef recently took over and the menu has been steadily evolving as has the staff.

    Last I was there was a Wednesday — apparently every Wednesday is a tasting menu — which, I’m happy to report left my belly smiling.

  • I’ve been eating here for years and can understand some of the mixed reviews but it’s been solid for quite a while now — the chef recently took over and the menu has been steadily evolving as has the staff.

    Last I was there was a Wednesday — apparently every Wednesday is a tasting menu — which, I’m happy to report left my belly smiling.

  • That banner sux ! You should have a nice hand carved wooden sign with gold leaf hanging from a stiff arm….

    McDonald's Hangs banners ! Not that I don't like Mickey D's ….but… Banners/ flags are made to accent a sign .

  • That banner sux ! You should have a nice hand carved wooden sign with gold leaf hanging from a stiff arm….

    McDonald's Hangs banners ! Not that I don't like Mickey D's ….but… Banners/ flags are made to accent a sign .

  • Had dinner tonight. Loved everything. The scallop dish was especially tasty.

  • Had dinner tonight. Loved everything. The scallop dish was especially tasty.

  • 5 Front will be closing, they arre turnong it into a beer garden

  • 5 Front will be closing, they arre turnong it into a beer garden

  • Actually, they are already closed…the beer garden will be opening in May

  • Actually, they are already closed…the beer garden will be opening in May

  • that's the info. its closed and re-opening as a beer garden/bar..nothing fancy, there will be food, and a great selection of beer, they have a full liquor license, and will serve burgers, etc…one of the owners is a partner at a successful manhattan sports bar..

  • that's the info. its closed and re-opening as a beer garden/bar..nothing fancy, there will be food, and a great selection of beer, they have a full liquor license, and will serve burgers, etc…one of the owners is a partner at a successful manhattan sports bar..

  • Like this idea. We have had great meals there in the past but about a month ago we went in and had terrible food. Risotto for 19 bucks that was like paste. I don't like trashing local places at all but it was pretty bad. They have a great backyard and this beer garden deal sounds perfect. Looking forward to sitting outside this summer with a cold one.

  • Like this idea. We have had great meals there in the past but about a month ago we went in and had terrible food. Risotto for 19 bucks that was like paste. I don't like trashing local places at all but it was pretty bad. They have a great backyard and this beer garden deal sounds perfect. Looking forward to sitting outside this summer with a cold one.

  • they'll be opening next month at some point..

  • they'll be opening next month at some point..

  • I am so upset they closed, they were a great eatery, we don't need another bar, we need good food options!

  • I am so upset they closed, they were a great eatery, we don't need another bar, we need good food options!

  • So go ahead and open up a restaurant. For now, any businesses in the hood is good.

  • So go ahead and open up a restaurant. For now, any businesses in the hood is good.

  • Pingback: Dumbo NYC, Brooklyn » Archive » Recent Dumbo Retail Info and Tidbits (DumboNYC.com)

  • Pingback: Dumbo NYC, Brooklyn » Archive » Recent Dumbo Retail Info and Tidbits (DumboNYC.com)

  • So go ahead and open up a restaurant. For now, any businesses in the hood is good.

  • So go ahead and open up a restaurant. For now, any businesses in the hood is good.