Brooklyn Restaurant JR and Son Serves Reinvented Italian American Food | Eater NY

"A reborn Brooklyn haunt in Williamsburg, the space started as Italian supper club Charlie’s in the 1930s, then became the JR and Son dive bar in the 1970s, and now is a polished Italian American restaurant and bar that still keeps its worn-in character with dim lighting and dark wood walls. Chef Patricia Vega (formerly of Thai Diner) adds intriguing flavor depths to standard red sauce dishes. The chicken Parm ($35) is a star — a giant breaded chicken, its little leg bone exposed like a handle, smothered with Calabrian chile-spiced tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and ample sesame seeds. Order the bread service ($8): cheesy garlic bread flecked with chile peppers for a slight spice, and green olive-topped focaccia that’s springy and fresh. It’s an Italian restaurant, so get one of the pasta dishes — in particular, the artichoke triangoli ($26), an oval plate with three giant artichoke-stuffed triangles, with scattered basil, pine nuts, and sundried tomato pasta. Pastry chef Amanda Perdomo turns the iconic rainbow cookie into a luxurious and beautiful slice of cake ($15) made with coconut sponge cake and layers of raspberry jam and dark chocolate ganache; it’s completely vegan. Snag one of the cozy booths to study the walls crammed with old photos and vintage sports memorabilia (go Mets)." - Nadia Chaudhury