Seemor
The SimpsonB+Worth Trying
673 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
· Caribbean restaurant, Bar, Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (5253 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Lively Jamaican spot near Barclays with flavorful meats and big portions, but long reservation waits and uneven service; solid value for hearty entrees, mixed experience for reliability.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
The Simpson delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality anchored by tender oxtail and well-seasoned seafood, plus reliable menu knowledge from named servers. However, inconsistent execution on jerk dishes and occasional cold plates prevents grade A territory, while persistent peak-time waits and crowding limit the experience despite convenient location near Barclays. Worth visiting for celebrations and bold Jamaican flavors, but operational inconsistencies keep it from competing with the area's premier dining destinations.
Restaurant Summary
The Simpson buzzes with lively, celebratory energy just steps from Barclays. Servers by name get shout-outs, music sets a fun pace, and plates land generously stacked. As one diner put it, "the snapper was phenomenal and portions huge." Expect crowds at peak times and a bar that can be your fast-track seat. The kitchen leans classic Jamaican comfort with some playful twists: jerk salmon, escovitch snapper, oxtail over mac, and creamy reggae pasta. The culinary approach leans elevated traditional with light fusion accents: bold seasoning, heat-forward jerk, and hearty mains over fine-dining theatrics. Fans love tender oxtail and lamb chops, though a few found jerk more fire than nuance. For families, this is kid-ready in both menu and mood. A dedicated kids menu (pizza, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks) plus pastas and mild sides make ordering easy. Noise and waits spike on weekends, so earlier seatings help. If your crew prefers mild flavors, steer from the spiciest jerk toward salmon, chicken fingers, or mac and cheese.
At a Glance
- Big portions and bold Jamaican flavors with crowd-pleasing favorites
- Fun, lively atmosphere ideal for celebrations
- Long waits even with reservations; peak-time bottlenecks
- Inconsistent execution on jerk items and oxtail meatiness
- Peak nights can challenge wheelchair access and group seating
What Sets It Apart
- arena_adjacent_convenience
- big_portions_caribbean
- birthday_energy
What People Love
- That first bite of tender oxtail or lamb chop
- Strong, well-made rum-forward cocktails
- Servers who make great recommendations
- Party-like music and celebratory energy
Points of Concern
- Reservation system and seating delays commonly exceed 45-90 minutes at peak
- Service inconsistencies: slow drink arrivals and delayed check drops
- Spice-forward jerk can read as heat without flavor depth for some diners
- Fish freshness had an isolated complaint that management corrected promptly
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$55-72 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For milder palates: Coconut Curry Salmon or 5 Cheese Baked Macaroni Pie
- For spice lovers: Jerk Salmon or Jerk Shrimp with rice and peas
- For kids: Pizza or chicken fingers from the dedicated kids menu
Perfect For
- Pre-show dinner near Barclays
- Birthday celebrations with a lively vibe
- Seafood lovers craving escovitch or steamed snapper
- Groups who value big portions over quiet ambiance
Location Insights
Area: Bustling arena-adjacent corridor attracting pre-show crowds, date nights, and group celebrations.
Safety: Generally safe, heavy foot traffic on event nights; standard urban vigilance advised.
Nearby: Steps from Barclays Center, Atlantic Terminal transit hub, shops and bars along Atlantic Ave.
Boerum HillBoerum Hill offers a trendy yet relaxed dining scene with a variety of cafes, bistros, and upscale restaurants. The area is known for its walkability, boutique shops, and a strong sense of neighborhood identity, making it popular for casual and fine dining experiences.
Atlantic Terminal AreaThis micro-neighborhood is characterized by high foot traffic due to the transit center and shopping mall, featuring a mix of quick-service eateries and sit-down restaurants catering to both daily commuters and local residents.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–23:00
Tuesday11:00–23:00
Wednesday11:00–23:00
Thursday11:00–23:00
Friday11:00–00:00
Saturday11:00–00:00
Sunday11:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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