I recently enjoyed an early Friday night dinner with a friend at Leroy’s American Bistro. When you step inside, you immediately feel like a local. Tucked into the corner of Franklin Ave. in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, the bistro features a handsome, extended bar area inside, with about half a dozen tables seating around, in addition to outdoor seating. The spring weather enticed us to sit outside.

Leroy’s menu is predominantly American Fusion, with an emphasis on seafood and small plates, prepared with locally sourced products. The chef-owners, Chad Urban and Bobby Little, previously cooked in award-winning kitchens including Batard, Ai Fiori, and Khe-Yo, before launching in 2017 Little Urban Food & Drink, a full-service catering company. Leroy’s opened in Oct. 2021.

Leroy’s Double Derby cocktail is perfect for a spring evening. Photo: Briana Balducci

The cocktail names are as witty as they are tasty, such as the Last Week, I Was at This Other Bar And, or the Don’t Go Breaking My Tart. I thoroughly enjoyed the Double Derby, with bourbon, rye, lemon, honey, passionfruit, and gentian (a bitter.) A selection of wine and beer is also available.

Leroy’s Brussels Sprouts have the perfect mix of flavor and kick. Photo: Briana Balducci

We began our meal polishing off Fresh Market Oysters and must-have brussels sprouts with a bit of a kick, with a palm sugar vinaigrette, mint, peppers, and sesame.

Leroy’s Hangar Steak in an au poivre sauce, served with a crispy potato terrine, and creamed spinach. Photo: Linda Sheridan

For entrees, we loved The Disco Fries, made with generous portions of chipotle braised beef cheeks, pepper jack mornay, scallions and whipped sour cream, along with the Hangar Steak, served au poivre, with a crispy potato terrine, and spinach.

Leroy’s Biscuits n Gravy is just one of the many items added to their new brunch menu. Photo: Briana Balducci

With warmer temperatures and long summer days ahead, Leroy’s is now serving up a tasty weekend brunch, too, with menu items that include Steak ‘n Eggs, Biscuits and Gravy, Smoked Salmon Tartine, and The Burger, made with two Pat LaFrieda smash patties, white American cheese, special sauce, roasted onions, little gem, sesame bun, and fries, along with other selections. Brunch hours are noon-3pm. Leroy’s is open nightly until 12am. For more information, visit leroysbk.com.