Black Oak on Fifth — Restaurant in New York

A Flavorful Night Out at Black Oak on Fifth

Nestled in the heart of Park Slope, Brooklyn, Black Oak on Fifth is a gem that blends rustic charm with bold flavors. My wife and I recently dined at this cozy American-Italian restaurant and bar located at 200 5th Ave, and the experience was nothing short of delightful.

Starters That Set the Tone We kicked off our evening with the Grilled Octopus, served over a seasonal purée, arugula, and finished with a balsamic glaze. The octopus was tender and smoky, perfectly complemented by the tangy glaze and fresh greens—a dish that truly awakened the palate.

Pasta Perfection Next came the Short-Rib Tagliatelle, a comforting bowl of handmade pasta tossed in rich short rib ragu, sprinkled with Parmigiano Reggiano and parsley. The portion was just right, and every bite was packed with deep, savory flavor.

Seafood with a Kick For our main course, we shared the Frutti di Mare, featuring pan-seared salmon nestled on sautéed spinach, all bathed in a scampi sauce with capers, lemon, and chili flakes. If you enjoy a subtle heat in your seafood, this dish is a must-try—it’s vibrant, zesty, and satisfying.

Pizza That Steals the Show From their all-day pizza menu, we ordered the Margherita Pizza, and wow—fresh basil, San Marzano tomatoes, and buffalo mozzarella came together in a wood-fired masterpiece. It was crisp, flavorful, and utterly addictive.

Sips to Savor The drinks were equally impressive—fresh, earthy, and crafted with care. Whether you're into cocktails or mocktails, the bar delivers a refreshing complement to the meal.

Ambiance & Atmosphere We chose to sit outside, soaking in the evening breeze and the vibrant energy of the neighborhood. The service was warm and attentive, and the prices were more than reasonable for the quality and creativity of the food.

Final Thoughts: Black Oak on Fifth is more than just a dinner spot—it’s a place to unwind, indulge, and connect. With its welcoming vibe, inventive menu, and dedication to flavor, it’s no wonder we’re already planning our next visit. If you’re in Brooklyn and craving a memorable meal, this place deserves a spot...

They threatened to call the cops on me because I asked them for a charger. Even after buying a drink, they couldn’t help me out when my phone was on 1%. I don’t recommend.

And their response below is a lie. I told the bartender I would pay them to use a charger. Not that I needed money to get home. The fact that they would lie about that is insulting. I’ve attached my receipt below- why would I buy something from them and ask them for money at the same time? They are lying about everything. I moved seats once. Nor was I falling asleep at the bar. I was hyper focused on trying to get home. I didn’t communicate because they threatened to call the cops and said I was scaring the staff. As a black man, I found that to be racially charged and insulting. Even in their response, they’re showing bias as they perceived me to be someone who couldn’t afford to get home b/c the color of my skin. At the very least, the bartender misheard me but given the rest of the way they handled this situation, I’m not giving that benefit of the doubt. It’s disgusting.

I didn’t move when they asked me to because I knew I did nothing wrong - especially if the cops came. I didn’t communicate with them because I would not respond to their intimidation / rude approach. If I was asked kindly and approached with respect, I would have gladly moved. When I did get the charger, I sat there and did not bother anyone. I left as soon as my phone hit 2% because of the vibes of this place. I was the one who was uncomfortable b/c the macroagressions, and their response further proves it. The gaslighting and bias is alarming. I have a receipt of buying a drink at 4 pm, so they’re just lying to protect their reputation. Again, I don’t recommend this place AT ALL.

Edit: please stop with the edits to your responses. It’s just digging yourself a bigger hole. You can’t say I was asking your bartender for money if I pull up with a bag of food (which btw I did, and it cost $100+). And you can’t call the cops on me and pray that I make it home safe in the...

On a whim, my wife and I decided to go to Park Slope for some window shopping. Feeling a little hungry we found Black Oak on Fifth. The menu looked good, so in we went.

One thing I've learned is that no matter good the food is, if the stagg with whom you interact aren't on top of their game, the overall experience suffers. Black Oak on Fifth excelled on all counts.

Greeted by Lydia, we were the first customers of the day (a Sunday). Very comfortable dining space and atmosphere, and Lydia was very charming and upbeat. My wife chose to get and egg white omeletter with mozzarella, spinach, and roasted peppers. She loved it!

I got the Eggs Benedict, something I hadn't had in years. The hollandaise sauce was not the traditional pale yellow in color, but rather a much deeper, richer yellow/ orange. I don't know what made went into it, but it was fantastic! The salad greens were "dressed" to perfection in my opinion: just enough of a vinaigrette dressing to taste it, but not overwhelm the leaves. The rosemary potatoes were also perfectly done.

Now I know that being first in, and therefore first food out of the kitchen, things might be a little better, but it really was good.

Lydia was working with a new server (Faith) and again, they were terrific. Would definitely recommend a visit for brunch, and I would think lunch/ dinner menu offerings would be...