Gage & Tollner

The story

Gage & Tollner, New York City – A Historic Oyster and Chop House Revived

A Storied Return

For 125 years, Gage & Tollner was the most famous restaurant in Brooklyn. That run ended in 2004, but in April 2021 the doors swung open again on Fulton Street. The revival was led by three longtime friends and celebrated local restaurateurs: chef Sohui Kim, Ben Schneider, and St. John Frizell. Their vision: an oyster and chop house for the 21st century that upholds the timeless tradition of serving top-quality ingredients, simply yet perfectly prepared.

The restaurant first opened in 1879, and by 1884 it had become Gage & Tollner. It has occupied its current Neo-Grec storefront since 1892. In the 1970s, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission granted both individual and interior landmark status – making it the only standalone restaurant in NYC history to hold both designations. Walking in means stepping into a late Victorian dining room of mahogany, gaslight-era chandeliers, and a long mirrored bar that has seen generations of Brooklynites.

The Food and Spirit

Today’s menu draws inspiration from the archives, honoring classics while elevating them with meticulous sourcing and technique. As an American seafood and steakhouse, the kitchen focuses on oysters, chops, and simply prepared seafood. Among the signature offerings is a large-format coconut cake – a fluffy coconut lime cake layered with coconut pastry cream and fresh lime curd, finished with toasted coconut and cashew pink peppercorn brittle.

Upstairs, the Sunken Harbor Club offers an intimate hideaway with tropical cocktails and small plates. Downstairs, the main dining room hums with the energy of a place that has rediscovered its purpose.

A Living Landmark

In 2026, Gage & Tollner earned a Michelin Recommended distinction – a fitting recognition for a restaurant that helped define Brooklyn dining and continues to do so. Whether you come for a celebratory dinner, a weekend brunch, or a late-night oyster at the bar, the experience is grounded in history but entirely of the moment.

Gage & Tollner is open for dinner Monday through Friday, and brunch and dinner on weekends. The space also hosts private events and offers its celebrated coconut cake by pre-order. It is, once again, a cornerstone of the Brooklyn restaurant world.