FALAFEL REVIEW: Heights Falafel

My search for the best falafel in New York continues….

Poor Brooklyn Heights. I don’t think it gets nearly enough credit for its food. Everybody thinks of the neighborhood for historic architecture and incredible views, but very few people travel here for a meal.

And for the most part I concur. Aside from the exciting strip along Atlantic Avenue, I don’t feel like the neighborhood has many destination eateries. But that doesn’t mean there’s not good food here.

Case in point is Heights Falafel. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked by here (coincidentally just steps away from another under appreciated food spot, Fascati) and never even noticed it.

It wasn’t until we started a brand new food tour of the Brooklyn Heights and Dumbo neighborhood that I finally stopped by to try the falafel at this neighborhood stop. And I must say I was rather surprised at what has been right under my nose this whole time.

I stopped by on my way to the ferry to try out their namesake. A sandwich ($4.60) is incredibly cheap, especially for this neighborhood, but since this was a more scientific visit than a stomach filling one, I order my usual side of falafel.

They didn’t list falafel under the sides, but the guy gave me four orbs wrapped in wax paper for $3.25. Along with some tahini in a container on the side.

Despite not being hot, they had a very nice crunch with loads of seeds and crunchy spices throughout the exterior. I also found an intact chickpea suspended into the fried shell. Perhaps the work of shoddy grinding, but I quite liked it and found it an interesting added texture.

Flavorwise, there were strong herbs and a nice hint of citrus. The flavors lingered in the chewy interior juxtaposed with that crunchy outside.

It was a very good specimen. If it was hot, it would have garnered even more points. But as is, this is a Brooklyn Heights institution that is worth seeking out. I wonder what other treats are hiding in plain sight in this historic neighborhood?

Is Heights Falafel the best falafel in NY? Probably not, but it is a worthy destination and one of the better options in this neighborhood. I give it a 7 out of 10 and if it was served hotter, it might have been a higher score.