Kings County Imperial: Brooklyn Chinese Dining With Garden-Fresh Flair

Kings County Imperial: A Brooklyn Chinese Classic Reinvented

Step into Kings County Imperial in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood and discover Chinese cuisine that’s both rooted in tradition and pulsing with Brooklyn’s creative energy. The restaurant, co-founded by chef Josh Grinker and partner Tracy Jane Young, takes Chinese regional cooking to new heights by weaving in local heirloom produce, hand-rolled dumplings, vibrant drinks, and a signature style that’s as welcoming as it is inventive.

Modern Chinese Cooking in Brooklyn

Kings County Imperial’s menu is a celebration of Chinese culinary traditions, updated to reflect a passion for freshness, local sourcing, and bold, modern flavors. The kitchen draws from both northern and southern Chinese regions, offering a menu where classic dishes are enlivened by farm-fresh vegetables, herbs picked straight from the garden, and sauces brewed in-house.

What sets this restaurant apart is the commitment to heirloom Chinese vegetables and house techniques—ensuring every meal feels like a special event, rich with authenticity and Brooklyn flair.

Heirloom Chinese Vegetables: Straight from the Garden

One of the most distinctive features of Kings County Imperial is its emphasis on growing and serving rare Chinese vegetable varieties right in Brooklyn. The restaurant’s on-site garden bursts with specialty greens, fragrant herbs, and vegetables rarely found outside of China or Chinatown, including:

• Chinese broccoli (gai lan)
• Garlic chives
• Yard-long beans
• Shiso, Asian basil, and chrysanthemum greens
• Mustard greens and tatsoi
• Heritage varieties of bok choy and pea shoots

These homegrown ingredients don’t just add freshness but also anchor every dish in genuine Chinese flavor profiles. The kitchen’s partnership with local farms expands this ethos, bringing more obscure produce to Brooklyn diners.

Handcrafted Sauces and Signature Soy

Kings County Imperial’s devotion to quality is especially evident in its sauces. Stepping beyond store-bought staples, the kitchen works with soy sauce brewed by third-generation soy makers—a process that can take up to 30 days. The result is a rich, deeply savory condiment that sets the stage for much of the menu.

• House-Brewed Soy Sauce: Used for dunking dumplings, flavoring stir-fries, and finishing dishes with an umami-laden complexity.
• Fermented chili oils and garlic sauces: Made in small batches to heighten the fresh, bold spirit of their regional Chinese cooking.

This attention to craft sauce-making brings depth and subtlety to every plate—whether it’s a simple stir-fry or a complex soup.

Spotlight on the Menu: Classics and Innovations

The menu at Kings County Imperial is an enticing combination of well-loved Chinese dishes and inventive originals. Built for sharing, the food is designed to experience the full spectrum of flavors—from bright, herbal starters to richly layered mains.

• Long Dumplings: Jaw-droppingly large and handmade to order, these dumplings become even more extraordinary when dunked in the house’s signature brewed soy sauce.
• Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao): Delicate, soupy, and taken up a notch by the in-house soy sauce; a must-try for any dumpling enthusiast.
• Mock Eel: Slices of mushroom, battered and glazed in traditional eel sauce, deliver umami, sweetness, and crispness in every bite—a creative vegetarian option that could deceive even a carnivore.
• Spring Rolls: Rolled by hand with farm-fresh greens and herbs, delivering crunch in every bite.
• Angry Pig Fried Rice: A hearty mound of rice tossed with pig parts and vegetables—comforting and deeply flavorful.
• Dry-Fried Longbeans: Pickled vegetables and ground pork top these wok-seared beans, showcasing Chinese techniques with local yield.
• Tea Smoked Mu Shu Duck: Aromatic tea smoke flavors the duck, paired with thin pancakes and crisp root vegetables—a modern take on a classic.
• Cold Sesame Noodles: Bright, fiery, and perfect on a hot Brooklyn day or as a shareable starter.

Vegetarian and vegan guests aren’t left behind, with inventive dishes like mushroom mock eel and hand-cut greens in savory sauces.

The Drinks: Tiki and Tradition

Alongside its lauded food, Kings County Imperial’s bar program is a major draw. Led by a creative ‘Booze Guru,’ the cocktail offerings balance Tiki inspiration (think rum and tropical flavors) with Asian spirits and aromatics.

• Pineapple Tonic: A customer favorite with subtle tropical notes.
• Pineapple Rum Cocktails: Bringing a festive, vacation-like spirit to the table.
• Classic and signature cocktails: Designed to stand up to the bold flavors of the kitchen and encourage sharing across the table.

The restaurant’s beverage program thoughtfully expands beyond tradition, perfectly suiting the convivial, adventurous mood that marks a night out at Kings County Imperial.

The Space: Old World Charm Meets Brooklyn Energy

Kings County Imperial’s physical space is as much a part of the experience as the food. Housed in a classic Williamsburg building, the design features:

• Antique wood floors
• Painted brick walls
• Old-world details
• Ambient lighting and an open layout
• Direct access to the restaurant’s own Chinese varietal garden

The welcoming atmosphere is lively yet intimate—ideal for everything from date nights to family feasts. Small touches, like vintage tableware and comfortable seating, add to the relaxed, distinctive vibe.

Family-Style Banquets and Private Dining

To bring people together, Kings County Imperial offers family-style banquets and private annex dining for up to 20 guests. Menus can be customized to highlight seasonal produce, guest preferences, and dietary needs. Whether it’s a birthday, special occasion, or just a big night out, the team knows how to make a group meal memorable.

Diversity and Hospitality: For Every Diner

Accommodating diverse eaters is a point of pride at Kings County Imperial. The kitchen can cater to a wide array of dietary restrictions—vegetarian, gluten-free, or otherwise—without sacrificing flavor or authenticity. Service is generally friendly and knowledgeable, with a staff eager to steer newcomers toward their new favorite dishes.

Critical Acclaim and Local Loyalty

Kings County Imperial is routinely ranked among Brooklyn’s top restaurants and consistently earns high marks for flavor, creativity, and hospitality. Food critics and locals alike praise the blend of tradition and innovation, the garden-fresh ingredients, and the unforgettable house specialties.

• Top rankings on food review sites
• Bib Gourmand designation from Michelin for value and quality
• Enthusiastic return visits from Brooklyn natives and foodies

Reviewers note the house-brewed soy sauce, mock eel, and vibrant cocktails as standouts, while the warm environment encourages both group gatherings and intimate weeknight dinners.

Expansion: From Brooklyn to Manhattan

Success in Williamsburg inspired Kings County Imperial to cross the East River, opening a second outpost on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. This location features many beloved Brooklyn originals—like mapo dofu and dry-fried long beans—while also offering signature drinks and dishes unique to their new neighborhood. The Manhattan space brings the same casual approachability and inventive cooking, introducing a new audience to the depth of Chinese flavors reimagined through a Brooklyn lens.

Practical Information

• Address (Brooklyn): 20 Skillman Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11211
• Open for: Lunch and dinner
• Special features: Full bar, takeout, accessibility accommodations
• Reservations: Recommended, especially for groups and busy weekend nights

Why Kings County Imperial Is a Must-Visit

• Farm-fresh heirloom vegetables underscore every dish, bringing authentic Chinese flavors to Brooklyn.
• Hand-rolled dumplings, house-made sauces, and innovative cocktails offer something new at every meal.
• Atmosphere combines Brooklyn energy and old-world charm, making for memorable dining whether with friends, family, or a date.
• Commitment to hospitality ensures all diets and tastes are welcome from the moment you walk in.

Menu At-a-Glance Table

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a reservation to dine at Kings County Imperial?

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours and for large parties, due to the restaurant’s popularity and relatively intimate space.

Are vegetarian options available?

Yes, the menu features several vegetarian dishes—including the acclaimed mock eel (mushrooms in eel sauce), cold sesame noodles, and hand-rolled spring rolls. The staff is also happy to suggest customizations for most dietary needs.

Does Kings County Imperial accommodate dietary restrictions?

Absolutely—guests with gluten-free, vegetarian, or other special diets will find staff and kitchen willing to help. Just alert your server when ordering.

What is unique about the drinks menu?

The bar program features original Tiki-inspired cocktails with house-infused rums and tropical flavors, as well as creative spins on Asian classics. There’s also a range of non-alcoholic tonics and teas.

Is Kings County Imperial kid-friendly?

Yes, the welcoming staff and family-friendly environment make it a good spot for groups of all ages. Menu options can be tailored to suit younger palates as well.

Final Thoughts

Kings County Imperial is more than a restaurant—it’s a celebration of Chinese tradition, Brooklyn ingenuity, and the joy of fresh, shared dining. Whether you visit for the extraordinary dumplings, the garden-grown vegetables, or the lively company, expect a meal that’s as memorable as it is delicious.