It is an exciting time in the Brooklyn Station area on Riverside Avenue. It seems like every time we stop out there something new is opening. One of the area’s newest additions is Zoës Kitchen. Now, you may wonder (as I did at first) why Zoës Kitchen would open a location so close to their spot on Margaret Street. Welp, Zoës Kitchen in fact moved from their cave-like location on Margaret Street to a crisp, new, spacious spot in the Brooklyn Station plaza.
If you don’t know the area, Brooklyn Station sits just south of Water Street on Riverside Avenue. Just a few blocks from the courthouse and less than a mile from 5 Points, Brooklyn Station offers something that is in short supply on Margaret Street – parking.
Zoës Kitchen
Zoës Kitchen invited us out shortly after their grand opening to check out their new digs, and we were impressed. We asked the manager to tell us a little more about the new location. Seating nearly double the old location and featuring an expanded menu, the new location is simple and fresh. And that is just perfect since printed on the wall is their corporate slogan: “Simple. Tasty. Fresh!”
Zoës Kitchen – Interior
After looking at the menu, we took an approach we often do when invited out to a restaurant and asked the manager to go ahead and pick some dishes for us to try. We started with the Chicken Salad and Fruit Plate ($8.69). This is a nice light option. The menu describes it as Chicken Salad over Greens, Seasonal Fruit, and Pita Bread. The Chicky Salad is nice and creamy and really doesn’t try to do too much. When paired with fruit and greens, it’s a good option that’s not going to cause you to dive under your desk for a nap after lunch.
Zoës Kitchen – Chicken Salad and Fruit
Next was the Hummus Trio ($6.79). I’m a sucker for hummus so a trio of hummi is always welcome. It was colorful, tasty, and garnished with green pepper, cucumber, and tomatoes. I liked it. One of the popular mains on the Zoës menu are the kabobs. Chicken, Steak, Shrimp, Veggie, and Salmon are all available, 2 kabobs at a time. I had one steak kabob and one shrimp kabob ($10.99). Rice pilaf, a Greek side salad, and pita come with the kabobs. The shrimp really hit the spot, but I found the steak to be a bit chewy. But, that’s the luck of the draw at that price point really.
Zoës Kitchen – Kabob Plate
Finally, I had Quinoa Salad with a Salmon Kabob. On the Kabob Carnival, the Salmon was my favorite. At this point in the meal I was a bit distracted by the traffic in and out. Even more was I impressed by the number of customers that were greeted by first name. When customers are as excited as the staff about the new location, you’ve done something right. Anyway, I got back to my Salmon Kabob and Quinoa salad. The quinoa was nicely seasoned, and the generous portion was refreshing for a lunch option.
Zoës Kitchen – Hummus Trio
Zoës Kitchen is a chain that forgets it’s a chain. The food is of a higher quality than you might expect, but still at a great price. And the service is surprisingly friendly and welcoming. Situated in a perfect location for business diners as well as for Riverside Arts Market traffic, it’s safe to say this new location is a significant upgrade.
Zoës Kitchen – Shrimp and Veggies
Note: From time to time we’re invited out to try a restaurant or to taste new menu items. This meal is usually comped, as this one was. We’re under no obligation to write a positive review or any review at all when we’re invited out to try a place. Every review you see on our site will be an honest review of the place whether or not the restaurant provided us with the meal at their cost.