Lowerline

"Washington Avenue and Saint Johns Place is considered the French Quarter of Prospect Heights. Well, no it’s not, but that’s not Lowerline’s fault. This Nola-inspired spot is now delivering its fried oyster po’ boys, crawfish etouffee, and chicory panna cotta made with Cafe Du Monde coffee Tuesday-Saturday." - hannah albertine

"What It Is: A tiny restaurant in Prospect Heights with New Orleans-style creole food Perfect For: Casual Weeknight Dinner, Happy Hour, Dining Solo Maybe it was the 82 degree weather, or the fact that we were right by Prospect Park, but after we left a little Prospect Heights spot called Lowerline, we felt like we had post-vacation blues. We sat at the bar, where the owner shucked oysters in front of us and told us about growing up in New Orleans, and we discussed our shared interest in the “Voodoo” flavor of Zapps. We tried a shrimp po boy and gumbo, both of which tasted great and reminded us of meals we’ve had when visiting Louisiana. The Verdict: Whether it’s just for the Cajun food or a Prospect Park one-two punch, Lowerline is worth traveling for. We’ve added it to our Hit List." - hannah albertine, bryan kim, katherine lewin, hillary reinsberg, chris stang, matt tervooren

"There aren’t many places in NYC where you can find incredible New Orleans-style food, like seafood étouffée or a perfectly crunchy po’ boy. But Lowerline is one, and Prospect Heights is extremely lucky to have it. We like to come here for dinner at the bar featuring oysters and a half sandwich, or for a casual date night at one of their little marble tables. There are only about 12 seats inside, but the tightness only adds to the charm." - bryan kim, hannah albertine, nikko duren, willa moore

"Lowerline isn’t complicated. It’s a Prospect Heights restaurant serving New Orleans-inspired food, and it’s a great place to eat a sandwich, a bowl of gumbo, or some crawfish etouffee. Get a shrimp po’ boy or the muffaletta with parmesan and prosciutto, or go for the gumbo/po’ boy combination if you need some variety. There isn’t much space inside - just a small bar and a couple of tables - so stop by with one other person for a quick weeknight meal that’ll make you want to move across the street." - bryan kim

"Lowerline only has about 12 seats, and the one you decide to make your regular spot will depend on if you prefer being whisper-distance from Prospect Heights locals at any of the three small tables, or the owner who’s from Louisiana and shucks oysters behind the bar. The good news is you can’t go wrong, because no matter where you sit, you can take advantage of $1 oyster Happy Hour, very friendly service, and a $16 special that includes a bowl of gumbo and half of a po’ boy." - hannah albertine, bryan kim, matt tervooren