Restaurant June

The story

Restaurant June: A Brooklyn Natural Wine Bar Recognized by Schlemmer Atlas

Establishing a Neighborhood Standard

Restaurant June opened in Brooklyn during the summer of 2015 as the borough’s first natural wine bar serving European-inspired New American cuisine. Henry Rich and The Oberon Group designed the venture to feel like a local living room rather than a commercial dining room. General manager Caitie Frownfelter has guided the floor since 2024, maintaining a steady pace that favors conversation over rushed service. The space operates primarily on a walk-in basis, though Resy reservations accommodate larger parties seeking a quieter table. Director Jen Abbott selects bottles from small producers that shift weekly with the harvest.

Seasonal Kitchen Approach

Executive chef Jordan Heissenberger shapes the kitchen calendar around seasonal produce and regional farming cycles. His dinner and weekend brunch menus translate European techniques into straightforward New American cooking. The kitchen avoids heavy sauces in favor of roasted root vegetables and house-made breads. Every dish reflects a deliberate balance between familiar comfort and quiet refinement.

Compact Design and Critical Acclaim

Interior design firm hOmE Studios carved out a compact footprint where worn wood counters meet soft lighting and unpretentious seating. The layout encourages lingering over shared plates while the nearby bar highlights low-intervention wine styles. This consistent attention to detail recently earned the venue a 1.5 spoon rating from the Schlemmer Atlas guide. Critics highlighted how the predominantly plant-forward menu aligns with the broader seasonal philosophy.