Picture this: You’ve been trying to snag a reservation at Brooklyn’s hottest new restaurant, refreshing the booking page every Tuesday at 9 AM like you’re buying concert tickets. That’s the reality of dining at Bong, Crown Heights’ newest culinary obsession that’s been packing just 20 seats since opening five weeks ago. But here’s the thing about hidden gems: sometimes the bump in the road (hello, impossible reservations!) leads to the most memorable experiences.
When my AMEX Global Access perk finally came through with a 5:30 PM reservation at Bong, I knew we were in for something special. Tucked away at 724 Sterling Place in Crown Heights, this family-style Cambodian restaurant is the definition of intimate dining, and I mean that literally. With handcrafted seating built by the owners’ friend Jack Sirois and a BYOB policy that keeps things refreshingly unpretentious, Bong proves that sometimes the best culinary adventures happen in the most unexpected places.
As a family of four navigating the city’s ever-evolving food scene, finding restaurants that deliver both authentic flavors and accommodate our crew (including a discerning 14-year-old and an adventurous 5-year-old) isn’t always easy. I’m happy to see Bong among the list of restaurants in Crown Heights that have become my favorite.
The Space: When “Cozy” Doesn’t Begin to Cover It
Walking up to Bong, I’ll be honest, I was momentarily confused. The doors were closed with a “Private Party” sign, and for a hot second, I thought I’d somehow messed up our confirmed 5:30 PM reservation. But then the owner’s friend and server greeted us warmly, explaining that someone would be with us shortly. That someone turned out to be Alexander “Chapi” Chaparro, Chakriya “Cha” Un’s partner (“baby daddy”), whose friendly demeanor and genuine passion for every dish immediately put us at ease.
We were seated at a four-top with patio-style seating right on the sidewalk because when you’ve got 20 seats total, every inch counts. This is the brick-and-mortar evolution of Kreung, the Cambodian pop-up that finally found its permanent home. Open Thursday through Sunday from 5 to 10 PM, Bong operates on that delicate balance of exclusivity and accessibility that makes Brooklyn dining special.
I first spotted this gem on my Instagram feed, and after seeing the food (and knowing we’d be in Brooklyn visiting my mom), I immediately checked Resy. Completely booked, obviously. Thank goodness for AMEX Global Dining Access for Platinum cardholders. I got on the waitlist. Pro tip: Set those Tuesday 9 AM alerts if you want in.
Let’s get into this BYOB situation? I was completely unaware, but understood. Five weeks old at the time of our visit, they’re still working on that liquor license, so it’s NYC tap water on tap (IYKYK) plus sodas and lemonade. My husband made a quick corner store run for a beer. Just remember the golden rule: pour it into a glass for discretion. Sometimes the best dining experiences are the ones that feel like you’re eating at a friend’s house who happens to be an incredible chef.
What We Ate: A Cambodian Feast for Four
For a party of four, they recommended at least five dishes, and trust me when I say every single one was necessary.
Appetizers/ Small Plates
Crispy Shrimp with Mango Dressing arrived first, setting the tone with layers of crispy, flavorful, tangy, and sweet. A little spicy for my youngest (she gave it a hard pass), but the rest of us couldn’t get enough of the complex flavor profile that somehow felt both familiar and completely new.
Cambo Corn was the surprise MVP of the night. Two pieces per order, and if I’d known how life-changing this elevated comfort food would be, I would have ordered two initially. Instead, I watched my kids each claim a piece, leaving my husband and me to fight over the scraps. Such is parenthood, right? We eventually surrendered and ordered a second round just for us, and I regret absolutely nothing. I could have been satisfied eating just this dish all night. (Note: I’ve been creeping other people’s Instagram posts since our visit, and their portions looked bigger—maybe we caught them on an off night, or perhaps that’s just the Brooklyn hustle.)
The Fried Calamari in Duck Egg showcased a technique that set it apart from every other calamari dish I’ve had. Double-fried and sautéed in duck egg. Please don’t quote me on the exact process; I was too busy eating to take notes. This became my 5-year-old’s personal feast after her sister decided she wasn’t feeling it. More for her, honestly.
Clams in Curry Sauce had us ordering a side of white rice because that sauce was too good to waste. The dish included Cambodian eggplant, which was a first for our entire family and delicious. The spice level was perfect for adults while still being manageable for adventurous kids.
Main Course
But the Crispy Whole Dorade Fish? That was the undisputed star of the show. Served with fresh herbs like mint, and lettuce wraps, this dish had Chapi’s voice practically singing when he described the smashed garlic and chili sauce, the fresh herb combinations, and the dorade’s flavor profile. We couldn’t stop eating it.
For dessert, we had the Sweet Corn Cake, which was fresh, light, and not too sweet. My oldest daughter, who usually side-eyes anything that isn’t chocolate, actually loved it. My youngest gave it a diplomatic “okay,” while my husband and I could have easily polished off two more orders. The only disappointment? I’d been dreaming about their coconut custard flan and sticky rice that I’d seen on their Instagram, but they only had the one dessert option that night.
What We Drank: BYOB Strategy That Actually Works
Here’s the thing about BYOB that nobody talks about: it’s a game-changer for your restaurant bill. You know what increases your check faster than anything? Those $15 cocktails. Since we were out with the kids, we shared a beer from the corner store while they enjoyed a Coke and ginger ale.
If we’d gone the wine route, I would have chosen something crisp and bright to complement the spicy, complex flavors—maybe a Riesling or Vouvray to play with both the heat and the seafood elements. But honestly, the simple pleasure of ice-cold sodas and that legendary NYC tap water felt perfectly right for the intimacy of the experience.
The Family Verdict: Real Talk from All Four of Us
My 14-year-old wasn’t thrilled about the outdoor seating. She’s at that age where ambiance matters. But as someone who usually approaches new foods like a food critic having a bad day, she surprised me. She genuinely enjoyed both the corn and the corn cake.
My 5-year-old kept repeating “The corn is so good!” and “I like the squid!” This wasn’t surprising since she’s a little foodie who will eat anything.
My husband loved everything we ordered. He immediately declared we’d be back. Our only concern? Chakriya “Cha” Un is expecting a baby in September. We hope the kitchen remains consistent while she cares for her new little one.
We’re already planning our return visit. Especially once they get their liquor license, you know those cocktails are going to be incredible.
Would We Recommend It?
Absolutely, but with caveats.
Is it worth the reservation hustle? Spoiler alert: yes. This is perfect for date nights, foodie families ready for cultural food exploration, and anyone who appreciates the intimacy that comes with 20-seat dining.
Consider skipping if you need a guaranteed dessert variety or prefer larger dining spaces where you’re not accidentally part of your neighbors’ conversation.
Practical Details for Fellow Parents:
- Thursday-Sunday, 5-10 PM dining window
- Mark your calendars for Tuesday, 9 AM, reservation drops
- Kid-friendly options include the corn, rice, and less spicy dishes, though menus rotate based on seasonal ingredients
- Brooklyn street parking (good luck)
Pro tip: We visited on a day when there was a block party at the cross street, and I had my test-drive Navigator completely stuck right in front of the restaurant. I hopped out with the kids to make our reservation on time while my husband dealt with the reversing situation. This is summer in Brooklyn; the Brooklyn I grew up in, know, and sometimes miss. My kids, on the other hand, were not amused by the authenticity.
The Beauty in the Bump
Here’s what I love about discoveries like Bong: they remind us that life’s most beautiful moments happen when we embrace unexpected detours. The “bump” of difficult reservations, sidewalk seating intimacy, even missing desserts—these imperfections create memorable dining experiences.
As moms, we often focus on planning perfect family outings. But the magic lives in unplanned moments, my 5-year-old trying clams in curry sauce for the first time. My teenager engaging with unfamiliar flavors despite her pickiness. My husband and I share knowing looks across a tiny table. That’s where real beauty lives.
Sometimes the bump isn’t an obstacle—it’s the whole point. Getting stuck in Brooklyn traffic. Sharing corner store beer from glasses. Watching your kids surprise you with adventurous palates. These stories make family dining about so much more than food.
Bong NYC
724 Sterling Place, Brooklyn, NY
Thursday-Sunday, 5-10 PM
Reservations available on Resy
BYOB | Family-Style Cambodian
Instagram: Bong.NYC