Leave it to my Brooklynite sister to introduce us to FARMACY, the most amazing old-fashioned, but very hip, soda fountain in Carroll Gardens (513 Henry St., at Sackett St., Carroll Gardens; 718-522-6260). It’s total nostalgia – everything from egg creams to milkshakes and ice-cream sundaes, to the counter and leather seats where you can sit comfortably, to the girls wearing white hats, aprons and old-fashioned glasses. You feel like you’ve gone back in time, but you can’t help but remember what decade you’re in with all the hipsters in the room. They’ve put very careful attention into the decor and you really feel like you’ve gone back to the 1950s/early 1960s.
Let me tell you about some of the items on the menu. I had a coffee egg cream ($3.50). They also have chocolate and maple flavors. They have floats, sparkling sodas, sundaes, red velvet twinkies, ice-cream sandwiches. I liked the touch of free stick pretzels on the counter, which we dipped into our egg creams. They use syrup from Brooklyn’s P&H Soda and Syrup, as well as Adirondacks Creamery ice cream and Hudson Valley Fresh whole milk, and you can taste the difference.
Best of all, it’s completely kid-friendly. Kids will love the $4.50 sundae and a trip to the back of the cafe where they have old-fashioned type-writers and tons of board games. I can only imagine that this place is full during the day with moms and children. They even have “No Tellin’ it’s Vegan” cupcake, which are dairy and wheat-free and great for kid’s allergies.
I also liked the music, a real throw-back to a time long gone. Apparently, they have live music now.
Clearly, I like this place. I only wish we had a place like this where I live. The waiters behind the counter are actually called “JERKS” and they treat you like you’re a friend. My sister and I were talking about the playwright, Wendy Wasserstein, and the Jerk waiting on us joined in our conversation and started to tell us how she just finished Wasserstein’s novel. She did not hesitate to join in and the vibe in the place is such that you kind of expect her to. It’s inviting and definitely a find.
Disclosure: I was not compensated to write this review and all opinions are my own.
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Ok – I want to go NOW! I’ve heard about this place and hear they also do great birthday parties. Thanks for sharing.