Outstanding house-baked breads and creative sandwiches with a legit dinner program; great vegan options and pastries, but service speed and accessibility are weak spots.
Runner & Stone earns its A- grade through exceptional food quality—stellar breads, creative sandwiches, and inventive house-made pastas that inspire repeat visits—paired with warm, attentive service that makes diners feel genuinely welcomed. Reliable execution across most visits prevents a higher grade, while occasional lunch-hour service friction and modest spatial design keep it from grade A territory. A neighborhood gem that delivers genuine quality without pretension.
By day, this Gowanus spot feels like a sunny industrial-chic cafe humming with pastry runs and sandwich orders; by night, it flips into a relaxed dinner room with warm, welcoming service. One diner summed it up: "The meal felt like a hug," praising the house-made everything from breads to condiments. The kitchen leans modern bakery-bistro with inventive touches: squid ink calamarata, duck pastrami, and vegan dishes with cashew parmesan. Expect handmade pasta, peak-season ingredients, and imaginative sandwiches that locals rave about. Flavors skew vibrant and ingredient-forward rather than fussy. For families, this is comfortably kid-friendly: a dedicated kids grilled cheese, fries, simple pastries, and approachable sandwiches. Dinner entrees run pricier than lunch, but daytime choices and pastries offer easy wins for younger eaters without forcing adventurous palates.
Area vibe: Former industrial corridor turned artsy, with makers, venues, and a growing dining scene attracting locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic along 3rd Ave; industrial edges feel quiet late.
What's nearby: Near The Bell House and canalside studios; mix of residences, shops, and creative spaces.
Their pastries and house-made pastas are the must-orders, from the Chocolate Almond Croissant to squid ink calamarata and vegan chickpea gemelli.
Casual spot with limited street parking, accessibility constraints, and occasionally slow lunchtime service.
They offer a solid selection of vegan and gluten-free mains and sides, including a dedicated vegan/gf pasta.