BABA on Withers

"Like Banter and Little Ruby’s, Baba Cool falls into the ever-useful category of Cute Places Where You Can Eat A Grain Bowl Or Sandwich For Less Than $20. And that’s great, because that’s exactly what this guide is all about. They’ve got locations in Fort Greene and Williamsburg, and we prefer the latter for its backyard and because it’s full of all the succulents we wish we could fit in our apartment. Their salmon, poached in a sweet coconut broth and served with a snap pea and mint salad, will do good work offsetting the margarita you’re probably going to drink." - hannah albertine, bryan kim, will hartman, neha talreja, willa moore, sonal shah

"Don’t want to deal with the wait at Reunion? Baba Cool is on the same block, and it covers all your casual brunch bases. Backyard? Full bar? Check and check. Avocado toast? Yes, of course. What is this, not Williamsburg? In addition to all of that toast, the restaurant serves sandwiches, bowls, and soft scrambled eggs that taste like they’re 50% butter. Book a table under a shelf of potted plants in the luncheonette-like space, or just swing by and put your name in." - bryan kim, carina finn koeppicus, will hartman, sonal shah

"Like Banter and Little Ruby’s, Baba Cool falls into the ever-useful category of Cute Places Where You Can Eat A Grain Bowl Or Sandwich For Less Than $20. The narrow, succulent-accented Williamsburg restaurant is open all day, and it’s perfect for a quick bite with a friend or journalist who wants to know how you got your Greenpoint-based ceramics business off the ground. Swing by in the afternoon, grab a table in the backyard, and eat a breakfast sandwich stuffed with the neighborhood’s fluffiest scrambled eggs. Baba Cool, which has another location in Fort Greene, is also open for dinner, with just a few options like steak frites and salmon. There’s a full bar as well, in case you need a margarita at 11am. photo credit: Giada Paoloni photo credit: Giada Paoloni photo credit: Giada Paoloni" - Bryan Kim

"Baba Cool makes for peak coffee shop working: There are plenty of seats in the dining room — which has mirrors for ceilings, by the way — and a spacious backyard that’s outfitted with rain coverings and a disco ball. Wherever you sit, you can count on free Wi-Fi, pastries, and a coffee menu with a couple of fun flavored lattes. Reward yourself with a happy hour that runs from 5 to 7 p.m. daily, offering $2 off beers and oysters." - Erika Adams, Eater Staff