Baba Cool: A hidden gem in Fort Greene
What started as a cozy café has matured into a multi-faceted space where the vibe shifts effortlessly from day to night. Whether you’re popping in for a morning cappuccino or settling in for a glass of natural wine and small plates with friends, Baba Cool in Fort Greene retains the same easygoing charm that made it a local staple. Its new, larger space—just steps from Fort Greene Park and the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)—features roomy indoor and outdoor seating, ideal for anything from brunch with a laptop to post-theater cocktails.
By day, Baba Cool is an oasis of vibrant, health-conscious fare. The café menu focuses on fresh, vegetable-forward dishes like crisp salads, hearty bowls, and nourishing brunch favorites that have become synonymous with Brooklyn’s food scene. Coffee culture is still at the heart of the experience, but the kitchen—helmed by Chef Hector Lugo—brings elevated simplicity to the table with dishes like baby kale salad with manchego and almonds, and baba fries seasoned with manchego, scallions, and cayenne mayo.
As the sun sets, Baba Cool subtly transforms. Lights dim, music hums, and the dinner menu emerges with bold, shareable dishes perfect for gathering over drinks. Small plates like shrimp toast with fennel confit and baby beets with preserved lemon yogurt are matched by satisfying mains such as crispy chicken with dijonnaise and the comforting “Drunken Gabi,” a rice noodle bowl packed with broccolini, cabbage, and green goddess dressing.
Even dessert gets its moment with a rich, sea salt–topped olive oil chocolate mousse. Whether you’re winding down after a stroll in Fort Greene Park or gathering with friends for Happy Hour, the energy is welcoming and unpretentious.
But the soul of Baba Cool really lies in its owner, Gabriella Mann. A Brooklyn resident with a background behind the bar, Gabriella brings warmth, inclusivity, and attention to detail to every aspect of her business. Baba Cool isn’t just a place to eat and drink—it’s a gathering space designed for connection, joy, and community. Gabriella’s latest venture, wine bar BABA on Withers in Williamsburg, shares the same ethos, proof of her growing legacy in New York’s hospitality scene.
Whether it’s a weekend brunch, an intimate dinner, or a casual drink with friends, Baba Cool fits the moment. With a seasonal menu, full bar, and cozy yet modern ambiance, it offers the rare kind of space where anyone—locals and newcomers alike—can feel like a regular.
Check out @babcoolbk for updates on the menu and events!
