Excerpt from Gowanus Historical Guide

Carroll Gardens, mid-1800s: Signature courtyards legislated in Brooklyn law.

Buttermilk Channel, mid-1800s: Dairy farmers cross tidal strait between Brooklyn and Governors Island to sell milk in Manhattan. Rough crossing causes milk to churn by the time it reaches shore.

Court Street, last night: Simple, spacious corner eatery named for the rocky strait opens. Communal craft table and white linens determine it to be just the place for picky, claustrophobic, volume-sensitive parents visiting this holiday weekend. (Take the kids!)

Homey duck meatloaf, buttermilk fried chicken with cheddar waffles, and Caputo’s mozzarella with anchovy dressing are well received. House-made head cheese, generous sausage selection, and all-American wine list a plus. As are perfectly dense warm cider doughnuts with nickel-size munchkins.

For tabular information on daily specials and fresh oyster selection, see: menu (in person).

Buttermilk Channel, 524 Court Street, at Huntington Street, Carroll Gardens (718-852-8490 or buttermilkchannelnyc.com).