[Photographs: Nancy Huang]

Prospect Heights bar Cornelius has made a name for itself with its famous $1 oyster happy hour offered on weekdays until 8 PM and weekends until 6 PM. But if you can't fill up on Blue Point oysters and wine specials alone, Cornelius has a number of other dishes to satisfy after-work cravings.

The Flatbread ($14), topped with pancetta, goat cheese, wild mushrooms and pecorino romano shavings, works well on its own or as a shareable starter. A hint of truffle oil perfumes the dish, and a bountiful spread of mushrooms gives the crunchy flatbread a deep earthy flavor.

The heartiness of the flatbread contrasts well with the Summer Lamb Salad ($16), laden with seasonal greens and roasted lamb loin. Though not a typical bar dish, the combination of fresh sugar snap peas, asparagus, fava beans, English peas, and crisp lettuces at this time of the year is irresistible, particularly when tossed in a creamy hazelnut vinaigrette.

Cold Tomato Soup ($8), served with a slice of avocado, is another light option. The bright acidity of the tomato pops in this creamy dish, but overall it seems better suited as a hot dish to be paired with the decadent Mac 'n' Cheese ($10) instead.

Of course, if you can live on oysters alone, Cornelius has more than just $1 Blue Point oysters for happy hour; the bar also offers a daily selection of East and West Coast oysters for market price. A "Baker's Dozen" selection costs $29, and a 7-piece assortment runs $16. If you prefer them cooked, try the Baked Oysters ($13) with garlic herb butter and breadcrumbs, or the Oyster Po Boy ($15), a fried oyster sandwich with coleslaw, Cajun mayo, and fries.

Cornelius

565 Vanderbilt Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11238
718-398-6662
corneliusbrooklyn.com

About the author: Nancy Huang, who comes to New York by way of Los Angeles, writes The Wanderist, a food and travel blog of adventures here and abroad. She loves noodles, subway maps, and word games.