A few days ago, we were walking through Carroll Gardens area, in Brooklyn. I had mapped the neighborhood with cool places to visit and one of them was the Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain. If you love a dessert, you will surely like to know about this place. I do not remember exactly how I discovered it – certainly researching things to do in the neighborhood. Then I discovered that it’s a New York classic.
Well, certainly, by now, you must be wondering what dessert has to do with the name Brooklyn Farmacy? That’s where the story begins to get interesting. The Brooklyn Farmacy and Soda Fountain was a pharmacy back in the 1920s. After decades closed, the former pharmacy was transformed by Peter Freeman and his sister Gia Giasullo, with a little help from the Discovery Channel, through the reality show Construction Intervention. The old wooden ceiling and shelves were left intact thanks to a careful restoration. Even the new elements have a vintage design. As you look around, you will see even several old containers, datef from the time that the place was still an apothecary, which still occupy the shelves. In addition, there are telephone, typewriter, and other relics. Seriously: only the decor of the place is already worth it because it is like time travel.
But, let’s get down to business, the menu! As the name suggests, Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain is a place that has a Soda Fountain. Forget the traditional soft drinks: we’re talking about housemade drinks. It is one of the few places that make Cola syrup – Coca-Cola with a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, lavender and citrus peel. We try the lemon soda and it looks nothing like the conventional soft drinks. $3 each.
Now, let’s go to the sweets! Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain features a menu of Sundaes – there are more than 10 varieties, with varying ingredients and flavors – plus the giant size. The price is $12 on average. There is also Egg Cream, a New York classic drink ($4). Another highlight of the place is the Ice Cream Floats – which are nothing more than sodas served with an ice cream ball on top ($8). And there are also, of course, the milkshakes – there are six varieties priced at $10 on average. You can also order ice cream alone and ice cream sandwich. If you’re not in the mood for sweets, Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain also features a savory menu that includes sandwiches and mac & cheese. To see the complete menu, you can click here.
We ordered the Sundae of Broken Dreams, with vanilla ice cream, caramel, pretzels and whipped cream on top. We shared and it was more than enough And it was delicious! Loved our experience at Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain. One more recommended place!
Address: 513 Henry St.
Laura Peruchi is a Brazilian blogger, author, and entrepreneur. She has lived in Manhattan with her husband since 2014. Since then, she has shared on her blog varied content about the Big Apple. From travel tips, including unusual things to do, shopping tips, etiquette, restaurants, and a lot more, her blog has become a reference in Portuguese (also available in English) for anyone planning a trip to New York City.
