In 2004, partners and chefs Frank Castronovo and Frank Falcinelli (aka “The Franks”) opened a charming Italian restaurant, Frankies 457 Spuntino, in Brooklyn’s historically Italian neighborhood, Carroll Gardens. It was a bold move for these culinary pioneers — Carroll Gardens was not well known, and Brooklyn hadn’t yet become cool — but they believed in cultivating community.

By providing delectable food, drinks, and gracious hospitality, Frankies 457 Spuntino would become the hub around which a community could grow. Indeed, it has evolved as a family and neighborhood- centric eatery, as well as a dining destination for those craving its creative takes on traditional Italian fare. Manhattanites cross the bridge for Frankies.