We came out last weekend and found ourselves back at Ainsworth for their brunch — an experience we were really excited about. Despite a slow, rainy start to the day here in Bushwick, Brooklyn, we didn’t let the weather stop us from checking out their brunch vibes. We arrived around 3 PM and it was wonderful to see people still gathering, enjoying their meals, and soaking in the space.
In one corner, a group of ladies were on what looked like a fun girl’s brunch outing — empowering and joyful, a perfect reminder that we deserve these moments. Right after them, a lovely couple shared sweet kisses over their meals, and it was heartwarming to see that connection, even on a rainy day. Around the space, others were hanging out, listening to music that was just the right volume — enough to enjoy but not overpower conversations.
The staff at Ainsworth really sets the tone for the space. As a Latina woman from Brooklyn, it felt amazing to walk in and see people of color running the space with joy and professionalism. They laughed, connected with one another, and made sure every guest had everything they needed. Brandon, the general manager, greeted us warmly and offered to show us around the space after our meal, including the lower level where we’ll be hosting our Halloween party this year on October 30th.
We started with their signature cocktail, the Para de Sufrir — a soft, fruity Strawberry Infused Santo Tequila Blanco, Lime, Cointreau, Agave, Clarified Milk drink that set the tone for a relaxing brunch. Kevin, the mixologist who curates the entire drinks menu, was very impressive. Young, talented, Latino, and clearly supportive of the space, he creates cocktails that make you feel good without overdoing it. We also tried the “ Nice To Matcha ” — a shot Ovo Vodka, Yuzu, Pistachio, Bergamont, Clarified Coconut Matcha Milk. Even as someone who doesn’t typically drink, I found myself enjoying it — a testament to the balance and care in the menu.
Our waitress, Whitney (yes, like Whitney Houston), was fantastic — attentive but never hovering, ensuring we had the perfect corner booth and making sure we could get the steak and eggs we wanted, even when it seemed sold out. Whitney looked like she genuinely enjoyed working there, always smiling, down-to-earth, and approachable — almost like one of the homies helping out for the day. It’s clear that the staff genuinely enjoy their roles, and that energy makes a huge difference in the experience.
Brandon, a New York City native raised in the Heights and East New York, embodies the community-driven vision of Ainsworth. He spoke passionately about building long-term connections, hosting daytime events like art shows or sip-and-paint sessions, and creating opportunities for community engagement during the holidays. It was special and inspiring to hear him describe how he wants the space to be more than a bar — a true hub for community, relationships, and meaningful experiences.
Our initial connection was with Nicole, the booking events manager who we haven’t met in person yet — our entire arrangement has been through Instagram and email — but the exchange has felt incredibly warm and authentic. From her emails, it’s clear she values building real connections with real relationships, and has a strong sense of community. That approach aligns perfectly with what we look for when partnering with spaces like Ainsworth, and it adds a layer of trust and comfort even before stepping inside.
The food itself was exceptional. The steak and eggs came with home fries and a side salad. The steak was tender, juicy, perfectly cooked medium-well with just a hint of red, and the flavor was fresh without being over-seasoned.
The fried chicken with French toast was equally impressive: crispy, buttery, and just a touch of spice. The thick, soft French toast paired with scrambled eggs and a berry sauce infused with honey created a perfect mix of flavors. Every bite was thoughtfully prepared, showcasing the freshness and care of the kitchen.
