BRENNAN and Carr was founded in 1938 at Gravesend Neck Road and Nostrand Avenue and has sold roast beef sandwiches as a staple from the very beginning. It’s famed for its heaping sandwiches au jus, served with fries and other sides. For years, its combo burger/roast beef sandwich (the Gargiulo Burger) was a secret item known only to regulars. Its hot dogs and desserts such as blueberry pie a la mode are also highly rated. Though it has a popular takeout window, it’s a sit down restaurant with white-coated waiters (as opposed to its opponent in the Sheepshead Bay Roast Beef Wars, Roll n Roaster on Emmons Avenue, which has a fast food vibe). Unlike other venerable beeferies like Peter Luger, which specializes in porterhouse steak (though its lunchtime burgers are also highly scored), you can eat heartily at B & C for $20 or less (though recent inflation may have made that moot).
To be frank, I’m not a big roast beef guy. To me roast beef is relatively bland unless it comes with bread, cheese and gravy. I found the Roll N Roaster roast beef sandwich relatively deficient. However, given the chance I’d take the Brennan & Carr Gargiulo Burger for a whirl.
Unfortunately I haven’t sampled the B&C treats since the 1980s when I had a friend who lived in the area, and I prefer to have someone along when in a sit-down restaurant. Who’s up for it? [Yelp reviews]
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2/16/23
24 comments
This is reminiscent of Phillipes in Los Angeles, a restaurant that insists that it invented the French Dip. If I get to Sheepshead Bay (I live upstate) I will check ’em out.
I live on Nostrand and Avenue P. I’m up for a taste.
I’m a regular at Brennan & Carr patronizing them about once a month. I grew up in the neighborhood and have frequented the place my entire life. I’ve been told when my Mother was released from the Hospital after child birth she went their. She knew the Owners from our Parish….I’d sit down with you Kevin…..
I live a block from them, but I totally prefer Roll n Roaster. Better roast beef and sides.
I’m there a couple of times a year. It’s still good but not as good as it was. But it’s still busy most of the time.
Best roast beef now and then
Although things change with time
Lived on Haring street right around the corner
And frequented then and still now
You couldn’t t help going there especially when those
Roast beef aromas hit the air
I would go with you! Have been a fan of FNY since the early 2000’s! The best!
I had the gargulio last night…Me and my family eat there once a month..
I’ve been eating at Brennan & Carr for over 60 years. I still look forward to eating there. It’s always great. Manhattan chowder, Beef on a roll, onion rings, blueberry pie and coffee. Can’t be beat.
I would go every chance I get, which was frequently. Roast beef and cheese, kfj (knife,fork job) style. Fries with cheese or onion rings. Family and friends, wr go together. Moved out of state, when I visit, I stop by for my roast beef sandwich.
My family have frequented Brennan and cares for decades! We come from Rockaway . The roast beef platter could feed a family! This eas a favorite spot to take the Xavier gents after football, hockey , rugby game !
Haven’t been there since the 1980s but I love it back then. I’ll be able again on day
I live nearby on R and Gerritsen and am up for it.
A true BROOKLYN institution and no one comes close, especially that place in Sheepshead Bay!
Are you “Vincent from Brooklyn”, a regular & stellar caller to WOR710’s Mark Simone Show?
Miss the best roast beef sandwiches . Haven’t one in 33years. The best in the world. Wish that they were here in Pa.
Brennan & Carr has absolutely the best Roast beef in New York if not all of America . I have been going there from the 60’s and was there a few weeks ago.
Never been there, but I’m up for the ride
We’ll bring the kiddos by soon
Moving upstate in June
Wow, the wonderful memories. Grew ip on E. 29th Street, brothers worked there when kids….long time ago!
As an eighth grader, I used to pass this place during my meandering bike rides from Kings Highway to Marine Park. I always presumed it was a “classy” restaurant — and therefore financially off-limits to both me and my hard-working parents. Sorry I never tried it.
I didn’t know it was still there. We always went there. We are going to hopefully come there soon. Great memories!
One of the best things about this place is that it gathers all of the disappearing residents of Southern Brooklyn that are still left over into one place, going there is kind of like going into a people time warp.
I live several blocks away on R and Gerritsen and am up for going there
In case Brennan & Carr is too far away for lunch I recommend a trip to the nearest Arby’s for the best brisket & most reasonably priced brisket sandwich ever:
https://www.arbys.com/menu/meals/smokehouse-brisket-medium-meal/