New Brooklyn Restaurant 'Propellerhead' Will Have a Special Menu for Doggie Diners

KENSINGTON, BROOKLYN — Not everyone can make the following claim about their beef brisket in chipotle sauce: According to Ian Stickland — manager of Propellerhead, the new restaurant at Coney Island Avenue and Cortelyou Road., along the border of Kensington and Ditmas Park — the restaurant's brisket is so good that it once revived the appetite of a dog rescued from an abusive home, who had previously refused to eat.

Stickland knows this because dogs are welcome in Propellerhead's outdoor seating area, which the restaurant aims to keep open as late in the year as possible. (The husky in question was brought over by the worried dog walkers who saved it.)

The new restaurant officially opened earlier this month, Stickland told Patch, and specializes in high-quality American comfort food.

Stickland and his wife, artist Brittany Echlin, co-manage the business, which is owned by a friend. The name, he said, was given to the owner after he wore a propeller beanie hat to multiple family gatherings.

Stickland himself comes from the world of high-end retail. He credits this background for Propellerhead's strict's attention to detail. Echlin, his wife, is responsible for much of the decor, including a series of artistic tabletops.

Pictured: A table Echlin made with her friend, Bella Murray

As for the menu: The husband-wife duo said they make everything they can on-site, down to the jam (and soon, pumpkin) that fills their toaster pastries.

Pictured: Propellerhead's homemade toaster pastries

Aside from the aforementioned brisket and breakfast items (served anytime!), menu favorites include General Tso's chicken and waffles; a homemade veggie burger with pepper jack cheese; and a divine selection of mini-pies — including chicken pot pie, beef short rib and vegetarian.

Stickland and Echlin said they run a cooperative-style kitchen with chefs who work together to develop the menu.

And yes, they said — a menu designed especially for dogs is currently in the works.

Pictured: Propellerhead's outdoor seating area

The restaurant is also planning to host a variety of events in the near future.

This Tuesday, Sept. 27, will be Propellerhead's first family-friendly board game night, beginning at 7 p.m. After that, Stickland said he's booked a few lectures, and is planning an afternoon storytime session for locals with young children. (Follow Propellerhead on Twitter, at @PropellerheadBK, for the latest.)

Propellerhead is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; from 10 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday; and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

The restaurant is currently hiring a part-time dishwasher and a part-time bike delivery-person. Interested? Email your information to propellerheadbk@gmail.com and mention this article.

Pictured at top: Ian Stickland, right, and Brittany Echlin, left. Photos by John V. Santore