Spotted Pig Chef Comes to Dean Street

Nate Smith, the former chef of the West Village’s Spotted Pig, is coming to Prospect Heights as to head the kitchen at Dean Street, a laid-back gastropub opening in the former Tavern on Dean building in a few weeks.

The bar/restaurant will serve up comfortable food with Smith’s trademark creativity: The opening menu includes such offerings as pumpkin hash and smoky fish cakes, curried cauliflower, gentleman’s relish, a whole roasted sea bream, smoky fish cakes, house-made charcuterie, deviled eggs (by far the best in the city) and pear and chicory salad.

Prices are reasonable with appetizers ranging from $8-$16, side dishes from $5-$6, and entrees from $16-$21.

 Owners John Longo and Rob Gelardi, friends since they were teenagers, have created a warm and inviting place to grab a beer (or three) and a good bite to eat. The space includes such details as exposed brick, wainscoting, white tile, dark columns, and a chalkboard.

 By restoring a historic building, Longo and Gelardi hope to shine a spotlight on Underhill Avenue, which is often forgotten by food lovers heading to Vanderbilt.

 The pair have clearly put their heart and soul into the project, doing an extensive renovation with unwavering attention to detail. The space has a front bar and seating area for 30 and a back dining room (with partially exposed kitchen) that seats roughly 35-40.  

In addition to offering an imaginative brunch and dinner menu, Dean Street will serve as a neighborhood cafe, opening mornings from 7-11ish for coffee (Stumptown) as well as savory turnovers, pastries, muffins, scones, and morning breads from Sophie Kamin, the highly regarded cook formerly of Four and Twenty Blackbirds (and conveniently Nate’s wife).

 Stop by for brunch (weekends from 10-3pm), grab some dinner (5pm-12am) or come to the bar for the late-night menu until 2 am.  

 Simply put, Dean Street should surpass even the loftiest expectations of Tavern on Dean loyalists. This is sure to be favorite of locals wanting a comfortable and reliable spot that checks pretentiousness at the door.

 Welcome to the neighborhood Dean Street, we greet you with open arms.