Achilles Heel, Andrew Tarlow's Greenpoint Bar and Cafe, Has Closed After 13 Years

The indie neighborhood spot served its final night on Sunday

Feb. 9, 2026 at 11:55am

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Achilles Heel, the casual Greenpoint bar from Andrew Tarlow, has closed after 13 years. The restaurateur behind the wildly popular Borgo in Manhattan who established a new Brooklyn aesthetic for dining with Diner and Roman's, announced the shutter on Instagram, stating that the 'business has faced a protracted period of financial hardship, and we've reached a point where it is no longer viable to continue operating'.

Why it matters

Achilles Heel was known for its community-oriented programming, hosting pop-ups, residencies, and events over the years, and was part of Tarlow's larger influence on the dining scene in Brooklyn. Its closure is a sign of the ongoing challenges facing independent restaurants in the area.

The details

Located at 180 West Street, near Green Street, Achilles Heel opened in 2013 as a neighborhood gathering spot with a straightforward menu of sandwiches, salads, and snacks alongside coffee, wine, and beer. The restaurant became known for its community-oriented programming, hosting pop-ups, residencies, and events over the years. Lee Desrosiers, a former meat cutter at Tarlow's butcher shop, Marlow & Daughters, helmed the kitchen when it opened and earned the restaurant a one-star review from former New York Times critic Pete Wells.

  • Achilles Heel opened in 2013.
  • Sunday, February 8, 2026 was the restaurant's last day of service.

The players

Andrew Tarlow

The restaurateur behind the wildly popular Borgo in Manhattan who established a new Brooklyn aesthetic for dining with Diner and Roman's.

Lee Desrosiers

A former meat cutter at Tarlow's butcher shop, Marlow & Daughters, who helmed the kitchen at Achilles Heel when it opened and earned the restaurant a one-star review from former New York Times critic Pete Wells.

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What they’re saying

“The business has faced a protracted period of financial hardship, and we've reached a point where it is no longer viable to continue operating.”

— Andrew Tarlow

The takeaway

The closure of Achilles Heel, a beloved community-oriented restaurant in Greenpoint, is a sign of the ongoing challenges facing independent restaurants in the area. It highlights the importance of supporting local businesses and the impact that financial hardship can have on even well-established establishments.