The original Izzy’s in Crown Heights has superb brisket, ribs and other bbq. It is crowded, relatively unpleasant to order as the line queues in the small eating space (there is a larger one next door that you can take your food to) and the pricing (ie how much you’ll get and therefore pay when ordering certain cuts) is unknown until the order is placed.
Most of the appetizers are good, but it is the the cuts of meat like the dino ribs (flanken), the brisket and a few of the other items offered by the pound that are delightful.
The burger is also excellent. The pulled beef and the burnt ends are delicious. Sadly, the quality of food at the Upper West Side location is far more hit and miss, but the space is far more pleasant to eat in.
The Upper West Side location is less crowded and, perhaps as a result, some of the food like the brisket is not turned over quickly enough and can be dry. Izzy’s is not cheap and it is not a date spot nor a business meeting place. Go there with friends or your kids and, if you’re on the upper west side, stick to the burgers. If you’re in Crown Heights, get the burnt ends and brisket.
