NYC $10 Eats: Gloria's Legacy Lives On At Gee's In Crown Heights

CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN — The name on the awning may be different at Gee's than the iconic Gloria's restaurant its staff hail from, which shuttered in late 2020.

But make no mistake: classic, homestyle Caribbean food is still on the menu.

The eatery, found near Sterling Place, sits just a few blocks up Nostrand Avenue from where the neighborhood staple stood for nearly two decades. It also has the same manager, chef and several of Gloria's former employees.

Gee's opened in January, more than a year after a bizarre property battle forced Gloria's to close its doors. Staff told Patch at the time they weren't ready to stop serving up the beloved Caribbean food when Gloria's shut down, and decided, with the help of an investor, to open their own spot.

Patch visited Gee's on Wednesday as part of a new series dedicated to highlighting a New York City specialty: cheapish eats. We'll be spending about $10 on a meal and reporting back on what found and most importantly, how it tasted.

Here's what Patch found at Gee's Caribbean Restaurant:

Why we went: To try out a new eatery that had (rightfully!) received a lot of local buzz. Patch is also looking for recommendations for what restaurants to try. Have an idea? Submit it here.

What we got: Stew Chicken Roti and a Solo Pear J Sparkling Soda.

How much it cost: $11 total — $8.50 for the roti and $2.50 for the soda. Gee's menu includes a wide selection of roti, or a traditional Caribbean wrap, all for $12 or less. It also serves a selection of dinner options, soups, appetizers, sides and breakfast offerings.

How it tasted: Just like its name, the stew chicken roti really is like eating a hearty stew in a wrap. Its roasted potatoes, moist chicken pieces and flavorful marinade all make for a delicious lunch, especially when paired with the sweet tamarind or spicy pepper sauces that come on the side. One of the Caribbean-made sparkling juices in the fridge is the perfect sweet treat to wash it down. Make sure you grab extra napkins, you're gonna need them!

The atmosphere: Gee's is likely most popular for its takeout or delivery options, but there are a few tables inside where you can sit and eat — and watch one of the TVs playing on the walls. Staff are friendly, helpful and will even bag up small packets of the sauces for you after noticing how much you liked them.

Would we go back? In a heartbeat!