T.G.I. Friday's

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This restaurant is closed!

T.G.I. Friday's

Photo: Thomas Rafael

Contact Info:

Address: 372 Fulton Street
City: Brooklyn, NY
Zip: 11201
map: View the Map
Phone: (718) 858-2104

Food Info:

Cuisine: Seafood
2nd Cuisine: Steakhouses

Cititour Review:

Ode to Gage and Tollner I never actually made it to Gage and Tollner before it closed. It was on my list, but time ran out before its doors were shut in 2004. The landmark oyster house opened in 1879, and in its heyday, was up there with Luchows and other fine New York City eating establishments. It was high society in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn and a true survivor. Its ornate gaslights beautifully restored and in working condition. Mirrored archways gave the space depth and opulence, while the kitchen was known for turning out some of the city's freshest lobsters, shrimps, clams, oysters and deviled crab.

So it was to my dismay that during a recent visit to Civil Court on Jay Street (that’s another story) that I stumbled upon what now occupies the space of Gage and Tollner. It has become a TGI Friday's. The chain, known for its blue mixed drinks and $13.25 steak dinners, had managed to consume a piece of history. Gone were the sturdy mahogany tables. In were the red-striped variety. I have nothing against TGI Friday's. In fact, we should all be thankful that the chain stepped in to save the place. After all, the ornate woodwork and gas lamps remain intact, although the gas is no longer flowing. Fluorescent bulbs with stained glass shades extinguishing the flickering flames. I couldn't help but feel sad, convinced a piece of New York history had been lost forever. Then I looked around.

And in a strange way I realized that Gage and Tollner had survived. Only, it had been returned to the people. I watched as families happily ate their shrimps and steak dinners wearing their Sunday best. A table full of young girls giggled as they feasted on tall ice cream sundaes. There was a gentleman nearby on what looked to be a hot date. It was not a highbrow crowd, yet they were in a highbrow place. A place they might not have had the chance to enjoy when it was Gage and Tollner. As my wife and I finished off a quite decadent "Brownie Obsession" I realized that I too was obsessed with the past when I should be looking at the future. So if you’re planning on dining at a TGI Friday’s, we highly recommend you pick the hottest location in town.

 

Review By: Sam S.; April 27, 2005

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