This place is simply not good - been twice and both times received indifferent/curt/ if not awkward service - food is off, flavors that do not work well together - ordered a gin drink the first time and got tequila, ordered a sandwich that was supposed to have ricotta the second time and it had provolone (which changed it entirely) - give your money to anyone else on Franklin, this will be a regret
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Michael Offerman
Run, don’t walk to Winner! Amazing for dinner and brunch!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
BrightSideGuy
Every single food I tried was delicious. The bartender was very friendly and made great suggestions. Not super cheap, but the food quality justifies the price tag for sure.Just a solid place all around.
Great atmosphere but the food is unfortunately overpriced. I paid $50 for a burger and a beer (taxes and tip included). The waiter asked if I wanted fries or salad but failed to mention there was an added fee. For that price you would expect something exceptionally good but there are definitely better and cheaper options in the area. My friend and I honestly felt like we got ripped off. I may come back for a quick drink at the bar but nothing more.
Alex Martin
The best burger in the area? If it isn’t I haven’t found a better one yet.Excellent food, good prices, and good service.It’s a popular spot so getting in can be challenging but it is well worth it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger
Sarah P.
WINNER IS A WINNER. Wow guys, this place deserves more love! Only 18 reviews (?!) (at the time I'm writing this) shocking. Are the sandwiches teetering on $20? Yes. Are they worth it? 100%! Firstly, the sandwich is HUGE. I definitely could only eat half so if you want to come and split a sammy with someone that's a smart way to approach this menu. I ordered the midnight club (a somewhat different take on a cubano sandwich) fried pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mojo dojonnase and pickled jalapeños on a hoagie. I also opted to try one of their sauces, the ramp ranch as well as a hibiscus Arnold Palmer. So, let's break this sandwich down: - the hoagie itself is a beautiful, fresh piece of bread. Perfectly toasted and crispy exterior but fluffy, buttery and bouncey middle. They also throw a glaze on the top that's adds such a nice touch to the bread. - fried pork: think of a dark and deep fried mozzarella stick but without the cheese. This pork is tender and full of flavor. I absolutely love the breaded coating on this fry. It's crispy and crumbly and so so good. - love the ham & Swiss classic combo. The portions of everything it perfect for almost every bite - the dijonnase sauce on the bottom soaks into the bread just enough and really pairs well with all the other toppings - the pickled jalapeños are also a perfect addition of acidity and pop of spice The sauce is expensive at $5 but I'm so glad I got it. It was a special ranch and I'm happy that they basically provide a bowl of it for the price I also really liked my hibiscus Arnold Palmer. Extremely refreshing and a nice light lunch drink option. Just sweet enough. The space itself is gorgeous. I was not sure what to expect based on the minimal pics online but they have some bar/ counter seating at the front and a decent sized dining section in the back completel with sky lights and a shuffleboard (I think that's what it's called?) for night use I believe. I think they shift from cafe into a bar at night. As another review mentioned, you order at the front counter and the provide you with a table number and you can sit down and eat. The bartender was very helpful with me choosing my sandwich and was super friendly. One of the staff also saw that I wasn't able to finish the second half of my sandwich and came and brought me a box and I didn't even have to ask. This truly is a neighborhood gem and I will absolutely be back to try more items on their menu. 4.8/5
Christopher Nashi
Croquettes get award as the worst thing I’ve eaten in the last year
Hannah R.
Not even trying to be dramatic but I feel fundamentally changed after having the chicken katsu sandwich from Winner on Franklin. It looked good and I was excited to try it but I was not prepared for the depth of flavors involved here. What a time to be alive. You can tell they spent TIME and energy putting together this menu. Like genuinely this is less a review and more a thank you to any and everyone involved in the operation of this restaurant. My god. And that breakfast sandwich?? It has absolutely no business being only $10 but, again, thank you for blessing us with this place. Bloody Mary was also perfect. I understand like at the end of the day, yes, it's just a sandwich. But it's more than that. Like the bread? Phenomenal. The sauces? Incredible. The chicken isn't just fried it's like packed with flavor throughout. Idk all this is to say - you can tell they are thoughtful about every level of the food and it shows. I hope their egos aren't too big. If so, I apologize and please take this in stride but also just thank you for a great sandwich and brunch experience.
Rachel B.
We loved the cozy vibe at Winner on Franklin! The fish and chips were great as well as the crispy mushroom salad. Very low-key atmosphere with great food and service. Would definitely recommend!
Matteo R.
Winner is a cafe'/restaurant that serves delicious dishes at affordable prices. I've only been here for lunch/brunch, but everything I've tried was excellent: from the breakfast sandwich (egg custard, cheddar and chili crisp on brioche) to the Ham & Cheese sandwich (WINNER Butcher jambon blanc, melted Swiss cheese, whole grain mustard on baguette); from the beef stew to the bitter green salad (black sesame ginger-carrot dressing). Many of the dinner dishes sound fantastic, such as the squid à la plancha, the roasted duck breast, and the cheeseburger. One extra star for being one of the few places in the neighborhood that sells good bread. Seriously, why is it so hard to find good bread in Crown Heights?! Here, alongside a selection of pastry that includes a tantalizing sourdough croissant, you will be able to purchase a tasty traditional sourdough or a special loaf[1]; whole loaf or half. Please note that ordering is a bit different from a normal restaurant, as you have to order directly at the counter, pay, and then the food will be brought to you once ready. Basically, waitstaff will not take your order at your table, but instead you have to order at the front. This causes lines to be often long, as the person taking orders may also be responsible for preparing coffee orders. This means that if the person in front of you has ordered coffee, you'll have to wait until their coffee order is ready until you can place your order, whether your order is just for coffe or for food. -------------------------- [1] A rotating selection of Buckwheat Sourdough, Seeded Sourdough or Black Pepper-Fontina-Polenta Sourdough.
We ate our satisfying Crispy Mushroom Salad and looked around wondering why there were so many empty seats. (It was a Saturday night December). We ate our wonderful Rice and Lamb sausage dish and wondered. “Do they have a public relations problem?” This is too good. Then we ate the burger which stacks up Red Hook Tavern and Henry Public as one of the Best (we are serious about burgers) and figured it maybe it’s because they don’t have shoestring French Fries. They had potato wedges so we didn’t order them. Winner’s Food is exceptional. Service was friendly, needs polishing, but better than most since the pandemic. Atmosphere just needs bodies in the restaurant and it should all come together. Maybe it’s all about the launch of the restaurant… we never knew what it was or what it was going to be… could be that they are trying to be too many things. Butcher, Baker & Burger maker. Either way if you live in Crown Heights Go. Make them figure out service because the place is full. We need this restaurant in our neighborhood.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Lily Zhang
Most of the food and the service were great, and the space was lovely for a nice dinner. However, my cheeseburger was extremely rare, too greasy, and had shards of bone in it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
Steph Russ
First time here and it SUPER SUCKED. Dined in, service fell flat upon entry. There was no acknowledgement of our existence. Like we were ghosts. I had to check my pulse. Poor service, mediocre food, overpriced. It’s a butcher shop so I was excited for the bacon… it was just okay, super chewy. $20 for a trash breakfast burrito. The experience was a mistake that I’d like to undo. One of those immediate regrets of energy and time spent. Spare yourself. New name: Loser!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
marina lopez conde
i wanted to like it. but from the indifferent welcome to the unfriendly service, to a strange piece of chicken with little seasoning in the chicken sandwich. I left it all after two bites and no concern or question from server about it… not many reasons to go back. the pancakes were interesting and good but not enough to go back, sadly.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Pablo Valle
Very balanced restaurant, great atmosphere, reasonable prices, good wine offer and alternative taste with a combination of fresh food (charcuterie, cheese). Amazing surprise finding boquerones en vinagre (not smoked). I would recommend also the bread.
This place is simply not good - been twice and both times received indifferent/curt/ if not awkward service - food is off, flavors that do not work well together - ordered a gin drink the first time and got tequila, ordered a sandwich that was supposed to have ricotta the second time and it had provolone (which changed it entirely) - give your money to anyone else on Franklin, this will be a regret
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 1
Run, don’t walk to Winner! Amazing for dinner and brunch!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Every single food I tried was delicious. The bartender was very friendly and made great suggestions. Not super cheap, but the food quality justifies the price tag for sure.Just a solid place all around.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fried Potato Wedges, Potato Wedges, Cheeseburger
Great atmosphere but the food is unfortunately overpriced. I paid $50 for a burger and a beer (taxes and tip included). The waiter asked if I wanted fries or salad but failed to mention there was an added fee. For that price you would expect something exceptionally good but there are definitely better and cheaper options in the area. My friend and I honestly felt like we got ripped off. I may come back for a quick drink at the bar but nothing more.
The best burger in the area? If it isn’t I haven’t found a better one yet.Excellent food, good prices, and good service.It’s a popular spot so getting in can be challenging but it is well worth it!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cheeseburger
WINNER IS A WINNER. Wow guys, this place deserves more love! Only 18 reviews (?!) (at the time I'm writing this) shocking. Are the sandwiches teetering on $20? Yes. Are they worth it? 100%! Firstly, the sandwich is HUGE. I definitely could only eat half so if you want to come and split a sammy with someone that's a smart way to approach this menu. I ordered the midnight club (a somewhat different take on a cubano sandwich) fried pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mojo dojonnase and pickled jalapeños on a hoagie. I also opted to try one of their sauces, the ramp ranch as well as a hibiscus Arnold Palmer. So, let's break this sandwich down: - the hoagie itself is a beautiful, fresh piece of bread. Perfectly toasted and crispy exterior but fluffy, buttery and bouncey middle. They also throw a glaze on the top that's adds such a nice touch to the bread. - fried pork: think of a dark and deep fried mozzarella stick but without the cheese. This pork is tender and full of flavor. I absolutely love the breaded coating on this fry. It's crispy and crumbly and so so good. - love the ham & Swiss classic combo. The portions of everything it perfect for almost every bite - the dijonnase sauce on the bottom soaks into the bread just enough and really pairs well with all the other toppings - the pickled jalapeños are also a perfect addition of acidity and pop of spice The sauce is expensive at $5 but I'm so glad I got it. It was a special ranch and I'm happy that they basically provide a bowl of it for the price I also really liked my hibiscus Arnold Palmer. Extremely refreshing and a nice light lunch drink option. Just sweet enough. The space itself is gorgeous. I was not sure what to expect based on the minimal pics online but they have some bar/ counter seating at the front and a decent sized dining section in the back completel with sky lights and a shuffleboard (I think that's what it's called?) for night use I believe. I think they shift from cafe into a bar at night. As another review mentioned, you order at the front counter and the provide you with a table number and you can sit down and eat. The bartender was very helpful with me choosing my sandwich and was super friendly. One of the staff also saw that I wasn't able to finish the second half of my sandwich and came and brought me a box and I didn't even have to ask. This truly is a neighborhood gem and I will absolutely be back to try more items on their menu. 4.8/5
Croquettes get award as the worst thing I’ve eaten in the last year
Not even trying to be dramatic but I feel fundamentally changed after having the chicken katsu sandwich from Winner on Franklin. It looked good and I was excited to try it but I was not prepared for the depth of flavors involved here. What a time to be alive. You can tell they spent TIME and energy putting together this menu. Like genuinely this is less a review and more a thank you to any and everyone involved in the operation of this restaurant. My god. And that breakfast sandwich?? It has absolutely no business being only $10 but, again, thank you for blessing us with this place. Bloody Mary was also perfect. I understand like at the end of the day, yes, it's just a sandwich. But it's more than that. Like the bread? Phenomenal. The sauces? Incredible. The chicken isn't just fried it's like packed with flavor throughout. Idk all this is to say - you can tell they are thoughtful about every level of the food and it shows. I hope their egos aren't too big. If so, I apologize and please take this in stride but also just thank you for a great sandwich and brunch experience.
We loved the cozy vibe at Winner on Franklin! The fish and chips were great as well as the crispy mushroom salad. Very low-key atmosphere with great food and service. Would definitely recommend!
Winner is a cafe'/restaurant that serves delicious dishes at affordable prices. I've only been here for lunch/brunch, but everything I've tried was excellent: from the breakfast sandwich (egg custard, cheddar and chili crisp on brioche) to the Ham & Cheese sandwich (WINNER Butcher jambon blanc, melted Swiss cheese, whole grain mustard on baguette); from the beef stew to the bitter green salad (black sesame ginger-carrot dressing). Many of the dinner dishes sound fantastic, such as the squid à la plancha, the roasted duck breast, and the cheeseburger. One extra star for being one of the few places in the neighborhood that sells good bread. Seriously, why is it so hard to find good bread in Crown Heights?! Here, alongside a selection of pastry that includes a tantalizing sourdough croissant, you will be able to purchase a tasty traditional sourdough or a special loaf[1]; whole loaf or half. Please note that ordering is a bit different from a normal restaurant, as you have to order directly at the counter, pay, and then the food will be brought to you once ready. Basically, waitstaff will not take your order at your table, but instead you have to order at the front. This causes lines to be often long, as the person taking orders may also be responsible for preparing coffee orders. This means that if the person in front of you has ordered coffee, you'll have to wait until their coffee order is ready until you can place your order, whether your order is just for coffe or for food. -------------------------- [1] A rotating selection of Buckwheat Sourdough, Seeded Sourdough or Black Pepper-Fontina-Polenta Sourdough.
Restaurantji Recommends
We ate our satisfying Crispy Mushroom Salad and looked around wondering why there were so many empty seats. (It was a Saturday night December). We ate our wonderful Rice and Lamb sausage dish and wondered. “Do they have a public relations problem?” This is too good. Then we ate the burger which stacks up Red Hook Tavern and Henry Public as one of the Best (we are serious about burgers) and figured it maybe it’s because they don’t have shoestring French Fries. They had potato wedges so we didn’t order them. Winner’s Food is exceptional. Service was friendly, needs polishing, but better than most since the pandemic. Atmosphere just needs bodies in the restaurant and it should all come together. Maybe it’s all about the launch of the restaurant… we never knew what it was or what it was going to be… could be that they are trying to be too many things. Butcher, Baker & Burger maker. Either way if you live in Crown Heights Go. Make them figure out service because the place is full. We need this restaurant in our neighborhood.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Most of the food and the service were great, and the space was lovely for a nice dinner. However, my cheeseburger was extremely rare, too greasy, and had shards of bone in it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 4
First time here and it SUPER SUCKED. Dined in, service fell flat upon entry. There was no acknowledgement of our existence. Like we were ghosts. I had to check my pulse. Poor service, mediocre food, overpriced. It’s a butcher shop so I was excited for the bacon… it was just okay, super chewy. $20 for a trash breakfast burrito. The experience was a mistake that I’d like to undo. One of those immediate regrets of energy and time spent. Spare yourself. New name: Loser!
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 1
i wanted to like it. but from the indifferent welcome to the unfriendly service, to a strange piece of chicken with little seasoning in the chicken sandwich. I left it all after two bites and no concern or question from server about it… not many reasons to go back. the pancakes were interesting and good but not enough to go back, sadly.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Very balanced restaurant, great atmosphere, reasonable prices, good wine offer and alternative taste with a combination of fresh food (charcuterie, cheese). Amazing surprise finding boquerones en vinagre (not smoked). I would recommend also the bread.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4