Taste of the City Lounge was thrust into the spotlight on Sunday morning after a deadly mass shooting left three people dead and eight others wounded. The popular Crown Heights restaurant and lounge, known for its lively nightlife and Caribbean-American flavors, became the scene of chaos when gunfire erupted just before closing time.
The shooting occurred around 3:30 a.m., shaking the normally vibrant Franklin Avenue corridor. Police responding to frantic 911 calls discovered three men fatally shot and eight others suffering from gunshot wounds. Victims ranged in age from 27 to 61, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the violence.
What Happened Inside Taste of the City Lounge
According to investigators, multiple shooters may have been involved. More than 30 shell casings were recovered at the scene, signaling a barrage of gunfire that forced patrons and staff to scatter for safety. Authorities believe the attackers targeted individuals inside the lounge, though the motive remains unclear.
The three men who lost their lives include two confirmed victims aged 27 and 35, while the third has not yet been identified. The eight wounded were transported to nearby hospitals, and while some remain in critical condition, others are expected to survive. Police have not released their names as family members are being notified.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Location: Taste of the City Lounge, 903 Franklin Avenue, Crown Heights
- Time of Incident: Around 3:27–3:30 a.m., Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Fatalities: 3 men confirmed dead
- Injured: 8 people, ages 27 to 61
- Evidence: At least 36 shell casings recovered
- Status: Suspects remain at large, investigation ongoing
Community Shock and Police Response
The Crown Heights community is reeling from the sudden burst of violence in an area known for its cultural landmarks and nightlife. Taste of the City Lounge, which opened in 2022, had quickly grown into a popular late-night destination for food, drinks, and music.
NYPD leadership has described the shooting as a shocking outlier in a year when gun violence has otherwise shown historic declines across the city. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and canvassing the area for additional leads. So far, no arrests have been made.
Police have increased patrols in Crown Heights following the incident, particularly along Franklin Avenue, to reassure residents and deter further violence. Officials emphasized that tips from the public could be crucial in identifying the shooters.
A Night of Celebration Turned Tragic
For many regulars, Taste of the City Lounge represented more than just a restaurant. It was a gathering spot where Caribbean flavors met Brooklyn nightlife. From DJ sets to hookah nights, the venue was often buzzing with energy. The abrupt transition from celebration to carnage has left many shaken and mourning the loss of community members.
Local leaders have also weighed in, calling for calm while urging cooperation with law enforcement. Some have pointed to the need for increased safety measures in nightlife venues, while others stress addressing the root causes of gun violence across the city.
Looking Ahead
The NYPD’s investigation remains active, and officials have promised to keep the public updated as more details surface. Detectives continue to piece together the sequence of events and are working tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.
For now, Crown Heights residents are left grappling with the weight of a tragedy that turned a well-loved neighborhood lounge into the backdrop of one of the city’s deadliest shootings this year.
The story of Taste of the City Lounge now carries a somber note, and many in Brooklyn are hoping justice arrives swiftly for the victims and their families.