Seemor

Putnam's Pub & CookerB+Worth Trying

Name: Putnam's Pub & Cooker
Address: 419 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205, Brooklyn, United States
Rating: 4.4

419 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205 · Restaurant, American restaurant, Bar · 4.4/5 Google (1004 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Lively neighborhood gastropub with standout steaks, oysters, and community events; generally good food and vibe but service inconsistency at the bar and during brunch can frustrate.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Putnam's Pub & Cooker delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality in its signature steaks and oysters, supported by genuine regular patronage and a warm, lively atmosphere. However, inconsistent execution on secondary dishes and variable bar service prevent grade A territory. The serious allergy lapse warrants direct allergen confirmation with management, though the overall experience remains reliable for diners who order strategically.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels warm and bustling, with locals settling into booths, trivia buzzing, and a polished Guinness pour at the bar. One diner said the team "made our birthday night effortless," while another noted the bar can feel a bit inattentive during off-peak lulls. Expect a neighborhood crowd and a lively atmosphere when events are on. The cooking leans elevated pub—steak au poivre, oysters on ice, beef and Guinness stew—comforting standards with a few modern flourishes like truffle bechamel and coconut curry mussels. When it hits, it is deeply satisfying (steaks and oysters stand out); a few plates like fish and chips or mac can be inconsistent, so order where the kitchen shows its strengths and enjoy the solid cocktails. Families are welcome. There is a dedicated kid's menu with butter pasta, grilled cheese, tenders, and fish and chips, plus familiar burgers and fries. That said, anyone with severe allergies should speak directly with management; one review flagged a serious allergy lapse despite staff being informed.

At a Glance

Steaks and oysters are consistent crowd-pleasers
Friendly neighborhood vibe with trivia and events
Bar service can be inattentive, especially at off-peak or brunch
A few dishes run heavy or inconsistent (fish and chips, mac)
Serious nut allergy incident reported; confirm allergens with management

What Sets It Apart

downstairs_event_space
oyster_specials
community_trivia_nights

What People Love

That cozy pub glow and community feel
Steak au poivre that satisfies
Well-served oysters with cold beer or Guinness
Staff that make parties and events feel easy

Points of Concern

Repeated reports of slow or inattentive bar service
Inconsistency on fish and chips batter and mac texture
Isolated but serious nut allergy mishap; verify ingredients
Pricing can feel high on brunch basics despite overall fair value

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$40-60 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Lean into steak, oysters, and the stew; pair with fries or greens. Verify daily specials and any oyster promotions on-site to avoid mismatch.

Perfect For

Casual date night with steaks and cocktails
Group trivia night with shared plates
Neighborhood brunch on the patio
Birthday gatherings in the downstairs space

Location Insights

Area: Residential-boutique corridor serving Pratt/Fort Greene crowds; casual, social, and event-friendly.

Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked Myrtle Ave with evening footfall; standard urban awareness advised.

Nearby: Near Pratt Institute, brownstones, and neighborhood bars; draws trivia and event crowds.

Clinton HillClinton Hill is a vibrant, historic neighborhood with a strong artistic and academic presence due to its proximity to Pratt Institute. The dining scene is eclectic, featuring a mix of casual eateries, trendy cafes, and traditional spots, attracting a diverse crowd that values both community and creativity.

nullnull

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–02:00 Tuesday11:00–02:00 Wednesday11:00–02:00 Thursday11:00–02:00 Friday11:00–02:00 Saturday11:00–02:00 Sunday11:00–00:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

View full analysis on Seemor →