A beloved kosher smokehouse for brisket, ribs, and pulled beef with real standout meat when it’s on, but uneven execution, cramped seating, and occasional service/price frustrations keep it from being an automatic yes.
Izzy's Brooklyn Smokehouse delivers exceptional smoked meats—brisket, ribs, and pulled beef that justify its loyal following—but inconsistent execution and service variability prevent a higher grade. The cramped neighborhood setting and unpredictable service create a hit-or-miss experience that, while worthwhile for serious barbecue enthusiasts, falls short of reliable excellence.
Izzy’s Brooklyn Smokehouse feels like a compact, high-demand neighborhood barbecue joint with a loyal following and a bit of chaos baked in. When it’s humming, people rave about brisket that melts, lamb ribs with a real bark, and pulled beef that makes people plan return trips. The room, though, is no-frills and often cramped, with an overflow setup next door that some diners find quirky and others find a little odd. One review captured the mood well: the place is small, the meat is the star, and you’re here for the smoke, not the scenery. The culinary approach is classic smokehouse first, with some playful twists like Thai sticky ribs, chimichurri chicken, tacos, and a few sandwiches and bowls layered onto a barbecue backbone. That makes it a good fit for diners who want rich, meaty, satisfying food rather than delicate or highly polished cooking. The menu is also broader than a pure brisket house, but the strongest evidence still points to the smoked meats being the reason to come. Just note that the kitchen can swing from excellent to disappointing, so expectations should be high but not blindly romantic. For families, it’s more practical than polished. Kids can absolutely find familiar food here — fries, burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, tacos, and rice or bean sides are all on the menu — but there is no dedicated kids’ menu, and one reviewer explicitly noted that. If your children are happy with smoky meat, fries, or a simple burger, it works; if they need a cushy family restaurant setup, this probably isn’t it. The food is kid-accessible, but the environment can be cramped and busy, so early visits are the safest bet.
Area vibe: Residential Brooklyn neighborhood with cultural landmarks and a mix of old and new businesses.
Safety: Generally safe during day with active streets; pockets quieter at night so exercise usual NYC caution after dark.
What's nearby: Near Prospect Park, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, with subway access and local shopping corridors.