Where to Find Good Mac and Cheese in Brooklyn

By Precious Fondren

One of the most hotly debated Thanksgiving side dishes is about to have its moment—the mac and cheese. Online, there’s plenty of conversation about what makes the perfect mac and cheese. Is it better baked? Should you use multiple cheeses? Do eggs truly belong in the recipe? 

Wherever you stand on the matter, there’s a restaurant in Brooklyn that can probably cater to your needs. From classic gooey golden-top recipes to plates with adventurous twists, you’ll find bowls of cheesy bliss of all kinds at these local spots. Here’s your guide to mac and cheese in Brooklyn.

Taza Mkt
Address: 254 36th St.

Taza is hands down the best mac and cheese on this list, mostly because it’s unlike any other you’ll find in Brooklyn. Instead of mixing the same old basic ingredients for the classic dish, they’ve reinvented the wheel by adding Indian spices that make it an unforgettable fusion. During the week, you’ll have to pull up a little early to grab a sample, as they only make one pan a day and it usually sells out by 2 p.m. Run—don’t walk.

Mighty Quinn’s BBQ Downtown Brooklyn
Address: 1 Boerum Pl.

One of the best versions of mac and cheese is barbecue mac and cheese. Somehow, it’s creamier, but not watery, and flavorful, but not salty. This is exactly what you’ll get at Mighty Quinn’s BBQ (which has a couple of Brooklyn locations) with their side dish of mac and cheese. My only complaint is that the portion size should be bigger. 

The Wheelhouse
Address: 165 Wilson Ave.

You won’t be disappointed by either the creamy mac and cheese or the buffalo chicken mac and cheese at the Wheelhouse in Bushwick. The creamy mac is perfect for those who like to keep it simple—the dish includes aged Vermont sharp cheddar, smoked provolone, and gruyere that’s topped with breadcrumbs and parmesan. If you’re a little more adventurous, grab the buffalo mac and cheese, which fuses four cheeses with grilled chicken, onions, and blue cheese. It reheats very well in case you don’t finish the large portion size.

Mac Shack
Where: 320 Malcolm X Blvd. 

There’s a true array of options at Mac Shack in Bed-Stuy, including regular mac and cheese, jerk mac and cheese, meat-lovers mac, and so much more. This isn’t to say that the standard mac is bad by any means, but the regular version should be the last thing you try. You’ll have way more fun with the seafood mac, which blends Monterey Jack and gouda cheese with lobster, shrimp, and salmon. Everything is perfectly seasoned for a filling dish that can stand on its own. 

Westville Dumbo
Where: 81 Washington St. 

The creamy blend of cheese, noodles, and a hint of nutmeg makes Westville Dumbo’s smoky mac and cheese a standout indulgence. The portion size in relation to its $13 price tag also makes it a worthwhile investment. Definitely a must-try for mac and cheese lovers. 

Peaches Hothouse
Where: 415 Tompkins Ave.

Everyone in Brooklyn has, at some point, tried one of Peaches’ locations. They’ve remained a staple in the community because of the warm vibe of the space and love poured into the Southern-inspired food. Their mac and cheese has a creamy texture and is baked to golden perfection. It’s satisfying and is a reliable side, but it doesn’t redefine the dish. Enjoyable nonetheless.

Sweet Chick Prospect Heights
Where: 341 Flatbush Ave. 

Sweet Chick has multiple locations around the city and mostly serves classic comfort food, so it’s no shock mac and cheese is on the menu. Creamy with a crispy top and breadcrumbs, it hits the comfort food notes but doesn’t steal the show. Mostly, it’s a dependable choice and pairs great with their chicken. 

Sisters
Where: 900 Fulton St. 

Sisters, a Clinton Hill spot, is aesthetically pleasing the moment you walk in and is the perfect place to work during the day. They start serving their $17 mac and cheese around 4 p.m. for dinner, and while the presentation is nice, I wished they loosened up on the cheddar and added more breadcrumbs. Overall, though, Sisters has one of the most distinct mac and cheese in Brooklyn, so it’s not a waste.

Cornbread 
Where: 409 Eastern Pkwy.

The presentation of the side of mac and cheese at Cornbread doesn’t live up to the taste of it, but it still gets the job done. The top of the small dish is gooey enough to make up for the lack of distinct flavor, and since it’s only around $5, you won’t break the bank, either. 

Mac Mac
Where: 7609 5th Ave.

I debated whether to put Mac Mac on this list. Truthfully, I will never have this mac and cheese again, but I understand for some there’s a time and place for it. If you love mac of the boxed variety, you’ll love Mac Mac’s version after a fun and drunk night out with friends.