The Botanist's new pop-up will bring out the Brooklyn in anyone

City Work's favourite haunt have nailed their new all-American pop-up.

To quote the late, great Biggie Smalls, the next time you're wondering "where Brooklyn at?" rest assured, you'll find a taste at The Botanist – for the next wee while, anyway.

This inner-city Auckland cafe, florist, bar and eatery has a brand new all-American pop-up that'll bring out the "New Yawk" in just about anyone, ourselves included. A fitting follow up to ‘Thai by Night’, The Botanist's Jacob Mathews and Anthony Brown are back, this time with an ode to all things stateside.

Boasting an all-star line-up of classic East Coast fare – think bodega-ready Reuben sandwiches, mac n' cheese, fried chicken and juicy beef burgers – this is one pop-up we hope plans on sticking around.

The menu, expertly curated by chefs Ryan Pearce and Hedley Simpson, will have your mouth watering upon arrival. During our visit, we sample a hearty line-up of essentials. The Williamsburg – jam-packed with generous lashings of smoky pastrami, sauerkraut, pickles, Swiss cheese and mustard-spiked aioli, will have the purists positively humming. For one, this actually is a Reuben sandwich.

If you're calling in for a post-work beverage and looking for something flavoursome to share, consider the fried chicken with spicy, chipotle-laced mayo – a scrumptious side plate that's best enjoyed by the table.

For the burger fiend, there's the Bushwick Bird (southern fried chicken, jalapeños, bacon chipotle mayo and cabbage slaw) but the real drawcard? Brooklyn Smokestack. A quarter pounder beef pattie, smoked tomato ketchup, cheddar, caramelised onions, sautéed mushrooms, pickles and a hefty dollop of barbecue sauce.

While it's too soon to tell if Brooklyn by Night is going to be here come daybreak, one thing is for sure – The Botanist know how to deliver one seriously salivating menu.

Our suggestion? Go big, or go home – and wash it all down with an ice cold beer.

'Brooklyn by Night' at The Botanist,
City Works Depot,
13/90 Wellesley Street West,
Auckland, 1010
Opening hours: 
Monday – Friday: 5pm until late.