Bed-Stuy's Newest Restaurant Aims for More Wine Stains, Less Filler

BED-STUY, BROOKLYN – Hart's, a new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant at 506 Franklin Ave., opened two weeks ago in a small space that the owner and manager have embraced as an extension of their philosophy to offer only quality.

“It's a small space so we want to offer good, thoughtful things,” owner and chef Nick Perkins said. “There's no filler here.”

Perkins, along with manager and beverage specialist Nialls Fallon, are lifelong restaurant industry veterans who “dorked out” over Spanish and Portuguese cuisine before opening their new spot, though they do not offer tapas or small plates. Instead, they simply encourage sharing the regular-sized portions.

“All beverages are food-friendly,” Fallon said, adding that their five-seat bar has been lively every night of the establishment's first two weeks. “It's meant for the solo diner or for socializing.”

Hart's, which has a capacity of 30, has so far seen a solid mix of neighborhood residents as it sits near the Franklin Avenue subway station at the intersection of Bed-Stuy, Clinton Hill and Crown Heights.

The restaurant itself has also been a true family affair since Perkins' brothers and father were hands-on in the design and construction process.

“We're building it to wear. We now want to wear it in,” Perkins explained. “The tables get more wine stains every day.”

Those wine stains are typically from “light, bright” varietals meant to pair well with their seafood- and vegetable-focused menu, according to Fallon.

“We're a tight, bustling, cozy restaurant, but it's not chaotic in here,” Perkins stated. “We're embracing the limits of our size.”

Hart's is open for dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Be sure to leave a wine stain on the table.

All photos by Jason Nuckolls/Patch