Profile

This cheery, tranquil Picket Fence could hardly find a more fitting location than Ditmas Park, Brooklyn's uncharacteristically bucolic 'burb. But despite the June Cleaver-esque milieu inside—real picket fences trim the walls; a basket of toys strategically placed within a child's reach—this self-proclaimed home of "comfortable food" offers some disarmingly daring dishes. Starters (beyond the bucket of popcorn served in lieu of bread) can surprise via some oven-fresh potato chips. Among the ample entrees, try the buttermilk-fried chicken, with its thin and peppery skin. Beaver never had it so good.

Since you're bound to overindulge at Picket Fence, plan a post-meal stroll down one of Ditmas Park's residential streets. The rows of stately Victorian houses and soaring trees will make you think you've crossed outside the borough's boundaries.