New Eats In Crown, Prospect Heights: Rare Mexican Sandwich, Buffet Bar

CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — A Mexican restaurant with a rare Guadalajara sandwich and a new bar-buffet hybrid are among the new eateries neighbors can try in Crown and Prospect Heights.

Both the Washington Avenue spot Cruz del Sur and Trimbago on Nostrand Avenue had liquor licenses on the agenda this week at a Community Board 8 committee meeting, though Cruz del Sur was among the agenda items pushed for another meeting.

The Mexican spot — which opened earlier this month near Pacific Street — is run by Guadalajara native Hugo Orozco, who previously owned La Slowteria in Carroll Gardens and worked at Rosies's in the East Village, according to a write-up in Eater.

It features an eclectic "Ode to Guadalajara" menu including the meat-stuffed sandwich torta ahogada, which Eater noted is hard to find in New York City. Visitors can also find daytime cafe offerings, a brunch selection and tacos or quesadillas at the restaurant, according to its menu.

The second upcoming restaurant on Community Board 8's agenda was Trimbago, a family-run spot that will open later this summer between Lincoln Place and Eastern Parkway on Nostrand Avenue.

The eatery will take over two storefronts on the block to create a unique takeout and sit-down hybrid. On one side of the restaurant, customers will find a buffet area set up for grab-and-go offerings. The other side will feature a bar and sit-down restaurant, owners told the committee.

Behind the eatery is the Trim family, who has lived near Nostrand Avenue and President Street since 1968, they told the committee. Members voted unanimously to support the liquor license for the restaurant, which will open in July or August after construction is complete.

Committee members also voted to support a liquor license at Crown Heights Pizza, which has run on Lincoln Place for five years. The eatery is planning to add wine and beer to its menu after requests from customers, they said.