Guidebook for Brooklyn
My Favorite Restaurants
Little Skip's is SO GOOD. Great coffee, great atmosphere and crowd, locally made donuts and other goodies, incredible avocado toast (with lox or egg on top optional).
89 locals recommend
Little Skips East
1643 BroadwayLittle Skip's is SO GOOD. Great coffee, great atmosphere and crowd, locally made donuts and other goodies, incredible avocado toast (with lox or egg on top optional).
Manny's is good for eating in or takeout. Lots of options for breakfast and lunch, from coffee and muffins to hot prepared foods, salads, etc. Nice patio out back!
249 locals recommend
Manny's
212 Patchen AveManny's is good for eating in or takeout. Lots of options for breakfast and lunch, from coffee and muffins to hot prepared foods, salads, etc. Nice patio out back!
Sumner Cafe & Wine Bar
144 Decatur StreetAuthentically low-key shabby chic Brooklyn, pizza and beyond. Great bar -- moody and earthy-- and gorgeous patio out back. The bill can add up kinda fast here though. (it's worth it imho)
1260 locals recommend
Saraghina
350 Lewis AveAuthentically low-key shabby chic Brooklyn, pizza and beyond. Great bar -- moody and earthy-- and gorgeous patio out back. The bill can add up kinda fast here though. (it's worth it imho)
Saraghina Bakery
433 Halsey StAmazing homemade bread, cookies, sweet things, homemade pasta.
best chicken sandwich I've ever had. Nice Brooklyn vibe here. Portions kinda small, but good!
218 locals recommend
Eugene & Company
397 Tompkins Avebest chicken sandwich I've ever had. Nice Brooklyn vibe here. Portions kinda small, but good!
Chez Oskar
310 Malcolm X BlvdMa-n-Pop
349 Lewis AveMy husband's fave local bacon n eggs spot. Old school Brooklyn.
Roman's
243 Dekalb AveAita
132 Greene Ave
Speedy Romeo
376 Classon AveAn old wood-paneled Pharmacy which was barely touched to transform into a retro soda fountain and breakfast diner with swivel stools at the counter. A really really cool place and the food is great!! The waitresses here dress in 1940s style.
62 locals recommend
Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain
513 Henry StAn old wood-paneled Pharmacy which was barely touched to transform into a retro soda fountain and breakfast diner with swivel stools at the counter. A really really cool place and the food is great!! The waitresses here dress in 1940s style.
Song
295 5th AveExcellent Thai
Muse
689 Washington AvenueThis is our fave Thai restaurant! Food is amazing and prices are great.
Japanese. Simple menu. Amazingly fresh. Takeout only unless it's summer when you can sit at tables on the sidewalk.
171 locals recommend
Silver Rice
638 Park PlJapanese. Simple menu. Amazingly fresh. Takeout only unless it's summer when you can sit at tables on the sidewalk.
Really really amazing Mexican food -- a lot of people think so bc it's always crowded. It's on a good strip of Franklin Ave with lots of bars, restaurants etc.
566 locals recommend
Chavela's
736 Franklin AveReally really amazing Mexican food -- a lot of people think so bc it's always crowded. It's on a good strip of Franklin Ave with lots of bars, restaurants etc.
Ample Hills Creamery
623 Vanderbilt AveICE CREAM. THE BEST.
Sit & Wonder
688 Washington AveBest cappuccino in NYC imho. Sandwiches, salads, muffins, wifi.
Lincoln Station
409 Lincoln PlShake Shack
Madison AvenueZaytoons
594 Vanderbilt AveCheap and good middle eastern food
Terrace Bagels
222A Prospect Park WestBEST BAGELS IN NYC
Snack Taverna
63 Bedford StCheap and good. Greek.
Hampton Chutney Co.
143 Grand StMy fave lunch in town, under $10!
The City Bakery
3 W 18th StJust. So. Good.
The Chocolate Room
No words.
Moustache Pitza
29 Bedford StQuartino Bottega Organica
11 Bleecker StHanco's
134 Smith St great sandwiches and bubble tea, if you're into that
This is a new indoor mall sort of thing with food from lots of Bkln specialty eateries, and long communal tables to eat at.
262 locals recommend
BERG'N
899 Bergen StThis is a new indoor mall sort of thing with food from lots of Bkln specialty eateries, and long communal tables to eat at.
Le Colonial
149 E 57th StYummy Asian, cool colonial atmosphere
Hale and Hearty
655 6th AveOne of my favorite cheap meals in the city. Lots of locations.
My fave fancy steakhouse in NYC. It is old school NYC, famous, kinda dim and cozy, framed pics all over the walls; amazing service. Not budget friendly.
61 locals recommend
Keens Steakhouse
72 W 36th StMy fave fancy steakhouse in NYC. It is old school NYC, famous, kinda dim and cozy, framed pics all over the walls; amazing service. Not budget friendly.
This is a real, old school Brooklyn DINER with bacon and eggs, big donuts, plain old coffee, and table service with waitresses. If you are not from the US, you might love this place for the American feel. If you are from the US and are looking for a normal, cheap diner, you also might love this place.
20 locals recommend
7th Ave Donuts & Diner
324 7th AveThis is a real, old school Brooklyn DINER with bacon and eggs, big donuts, plain old coffee, and table service with waitresses. If you are not from the US, you might love this place for the American feel. If you are from the US and are looking for a normal, cheap diner, you also might love this place.
This is a bar/restaurant, super cool, young place and cool location in Bushwick. Food is good, they do weekend brunch, too. Outdoor patio is nice!
172 locals recommend
Montana's Trail House
445 Troutman StreetThis is a bar/restaurant, super cool, young place and cool location in Bushwick. Food is good, they do weekend brunch, too. Outdoor patio is nice!
I haven't been here yet; it's new. But great reviews on Yelp. I've gone by at night and it's packed. I thought it was a nightclub but looks to be bar/restaurant.
94 locals recommend
MAMA FOX
327 Stuyvesant AveI haven't been here yet; it's new. But great reviews on Yelp. I've gone by at night and it's packed. I thought it was a nightclub but looks to be bar/restaurant.
Union Pizza Works
423 Troutman Stgreat pizza
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
700 W 125th StBBQ! I've never been but hear it's great.
Ample Hills Creamery
623 Vanderbilt AveThis is in Brooklyn's Chinatown... it is a seriously wild experience. The place is huge and packed and any time I have gone (it is great to go with a lot of people), there has been a wedding reception going on behind us, with rituals that are unfamiliar to those of us who are westerners. Wacky good memorable fun.
12 locals recommend
Pacificana
813 55th StThis is in Brooklyn's Chinatown... it is a seriously wild experience. The place is huge and packed and any time I have gone (it is great to go with a lot of people), there has been a wedding reception going on behind us, with rituals that are unfamiliar to those of us who are westerners. Wacky good memorable fun.
This is a non-trendy place, rather kind of plush and lovely in a Pottery Barn kind of way. Took my dad and brothers there on father's day -- it was perfect. Afterwards, walk to the Promenade (overtop route 278) to take photos with Manhattan in the background.
10 locals recommend
Friend of a Farmer
76 Montague StreetThis is a non-trendy place, rather kind of plush and lovely in a Pottery Barn kind of way. Took my dad and brothers there on father's day -- it was perfect. Afterwards, walk to the Promenade (overtop route 278) to take photos with Manhattan in the background.
Never eaten here but it's a very cute/Euro looking bar and gets great reviews online. I'm copying and pasting this from online: Hip hangout for cocktails, Italian small plates & live music nightly, from gypsy jazz to neo-folk.
394 locals recommend
LunÀtico
486 Halsey StNever eaten here but it's a very cute/Euro looking bar and gets great reviews online. I'm copying and pasting this from online: Hip hangout for cocktails, Italian small plates & live music nightly, from gypsy jazz to neo-folk.
Georges-Andre Vintage Cafe
558 Halsey Stsmall cafe with vintage decor
Great place in Central Park to celebrate a special occasion (or not) - indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant.
66 locals recommend
Tavern On the Green
West 67th StreetGreat place in Central Park to celebrate a special occasion (or not) - indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant.
il Buco
47 Bond StAmazing tapas for a special night. Not a budget-friendly place.
Bed Stuy Fish Fry
801 Halsey StFish n chips.
Smallish Mexican restaurant which opens into a surprisingly large, cozy, atmospheric, lively bar/restaurant downstairs that feels like a find. A cool place, and unforgettable experience.
263 locals recommend
La Esquina - SoHo
114 Kenmare StSmallish Mexican restaurant which opens into a surprisingly large, cozy, atmospheric, lively bar/restaurant downstairs that feels like a find. A cool place, and unforgettable experience.
METTĀ
197 Adelphi StBrand new coffee and tea cafe in our neighborhood serving sweet and savory small bites.
10 locals recommend
Domicile
185 Howard AveBrand new coffee and tea cafe in our neighborhood serving sweet and savory small bites.
This is a swanky and upscale Italian food emporium, with a few separate restaurants, a gelato bar, coffee counter; in between are shelves stocked with every and all imaginable Italian cheeses, sweets, etc.
592 locals recommend
Eataly NYC Flatiron
200 5th AveThis is a swanky and upscale Italian food emporium, with a few separate restaurants, a gelato bar, coffee counter; in between are shelves stocked with every and all imaginable Italian cheeses, sweets, etc.
Rice To Riches
37 Spring StThis place sells only rice pudding! In dozens of flavors.
Lombardi's
32 Spring StPIZZA.
Otway
930 Fulton StCool little neighborhood ice cream stand. Lady Moo Moo supplies ice cream to high end restaurants in Manhattan... We're lucky to have them so close by here in Bkln. Check their hours, they may only be open Thurs thru Sunday.
57 locals recommend
Lady Moo Moo
365 Chauncey StCool little neighborhood ice cream stand. Lady Moo Moo supplies ice cream to high end restaurants in Manhattan... We're lucky to have them so close by here in Bkln. Check their hours, they may only be open Thurs thru Sunday.
Santa Panza
1079 BroadwayGreat Italian. (And I'm Italian.)
Great pizza - the restaurant and bar is a lovely atmosphere and has a large back deck
33 locals recommend
Ogliastro Pizza Bar
784 Washington AveGreat pizza - the restaurant and bar is a lovely atmosphere and has a large back deck
The food is great here - so are the cocktails. Homey/modern atmosphere. We never leave here disappointed.
56 locals recommend
Sunshine Co.
780 Washington AveThe food is great here - so are the cocktails. Homey/modern atmosphere. We never leave here disappointed.
Drinks & Nightlife
The Way Station
683 Washington Avebar and excellent live music.
I am actually recommending the restaurant here on the 9th floor, called Robert (it didn't come up in search). GREAT VIEWS of central park and Columbus Circle, even if you just order drinks. Very cool, very mod space and great for photo ops.
75 locals recommend
Museum of Arts and Design
2 Columbus CirI am actually recommending the restaurant here on the 9th floor, called Robert (it didn't come up in search). GREAT VIEWS of central park and Columbus Circle, even if you just order drinks. Very cool, very mod space and great for photo ops.
GREAT young bar with nibbles. Interesting cocktails, lovely atmosphere. Especially lively (aka crowded) on weekends.
109 locals recommend
Donna
7 BroadwayGREAT young bar with nibbles. Interesting cocktails, lovely atmosphere. Especially lively (aka crowded) on weekends.
Bearded Lady
686A Washington AveCool, mod bar. Beer, mixed drinks etc.
LOVE this place. Cozy and NOT budget friendly, but amazing wine and food. Gets too crowded on weekends.
37 locals recommend
Have & Meyer
103 Havemeyer StLOVE this place. Cozy and NOT budget friendly, but amazing wine and food. Gets too crowded on weekends.
The Standard Biergarten
848 Washington StRooftop bar. Absolutely amazing views.
Tooker Alley
793 Washington AveCool, dim little cocktail bar
NYC doesn't have many alleys. But at the end of this one is a fabulous secret spot -- a cozy, edgy and sophisticated tavern / restaurant with craft cocktails, and an uber hip crowd. You will never forget this place.
199 locals recommend
Freemans
Freeman AlleyNYC doesn't have many alleys. But at the end of this one is a fabulous secret spot -- a cozy, edgy and sophisticated tavern / restaurant with craft cocktails, and an uber hip crowd. You will never forget this place.
Marco's
1071 BroadwayThis is an old school, honkytonk All-American bar.
I'm not a beer person, but I've heard this place is amazing -- tons of craft beers. It's a 13-min walk from the apartment.
135 locals recommend
The Wilky
108 Patchen AveI'm not a beer person, but I've heard this place is amazing -- tons of craft beers. It's a 13-min walk from the apartment.
Shopping
Beacon's Closet Park Slope
92 5th AveVintage clothing, amazing finds
Industry City is a fun place to spend the day... lots of food options, ping pong table rental, and recently they had these huge heated outdoor tents filled with lounge furniture... not sure if they are still there?
110 locals recommend
Brooklyn Flea
51 N 6th StIndustry City is a fun place to spend the day... lots of food options, ping pong table rental, and recently they had these huge heated outdoor tents filled with lounge furniture... not sure if they are still there?
Industry City
220 36th StCheap little gifts -- it is a cross between Ikea (no furniture tho) and a 99 cent store.
10 locals recommend
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
920 BroadwayCheap little gifts -- it is a cross between Ikea (no furniture tho) and a 99 cent store.
Artist & Craftsman Supply Bushwick
1449 BroadwayAwesome art supply store
Stories Bookshop + Storytelling Lab
458 Bergen StChildren's bookstore emporium. They also host storytime.
THE COOLEST toy store, almost like a museum of artfully curated items. The toys and baby gear are unique and "indie"-- ie not plastic (unless it was upcycled). There is a cool playspace out back in summer (pay to enter).
Norman & Jules
68 3rd StreetTHE COOLEST toy store, almost like a museum of artfully curated items. The toys and baby gear are unique and "indie"-- ie not plastic (unless it was upcycled). There is a cool playspace out back in summer (pay to enter).
My favorite store in NYC. It is actually a collection of a few shops, in a row. Home decor.
11 locals recommend
John Derian
6 E 2nd StMy favorite store in NYC. It is actually a collection of a few shops, in a row. Home decor.
Excellent new grocery store, very comprehensive. Lots of fresh organic produce, cheeses, meats, beer, and everything in between.
84 locals recommend
Halsey Traders Market
587 Halsey StExcellent new grocery store, very comprehensive. Lots of fresh organic produce, cheeses, meats, beer, and everything in between.
This 99-cent store is great! Tons of cheap housewares, toys, beauty products, paper plates, candy, notebooks, sandals, hats, diapers, tote bags, etc. Prices are excellent.
LF Discount
1621 BroadwayThis 99-cent store is great! Tons of cheap housewares, toys, beauty products, paper plates, candy, notebooks, sandals, hats, diapers, tote bags, etc. Prices are excellent.
CLOGS! And unique fashion and accessories. One of my favorite womens boutiques in NYC.
6 locals recommend
No.6
8 Centre Market PlCLOGS! And unique fashion and accessories. One of my favorite womens boutiques in NYC.
The Strand Bookstore
828 BroadwayIndie bookstore. Home to 18 miles of books.
A very fun store to browse for unique, modern, and well-designed housewares, bags, books, jewelry, tech items, etc.
39 locals recommend
MoMA Design Store
81 Spring StA very fun store to browse for unique, modern, and well-designed housewares, bags, books, jewelry, tech items, etc.
This was NYC's original Sephora, with an emphasis on hair products, brushes, hair dryers, irons etc.
25 locals recommend
Ricky's NYC
44 E 8th StThis was NYC's original Sephora, with an emphasis on hair products, brushes, hair dryers, irons etc.
Sightseeing
The High Line Park
Really pretty promenade you can walk along, look at the gorgeous $12M townhouses, people watch, and take photos with Manhattan in the background.
407 locals recommend
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Pierrepont PlaceReally pretty promenade you can walk along, look at the gorgeous $12M townhouses, people watch, and take photos with Manhattan in the background.
Take amaaaazing photos here with Manhattan in the background. Then stop in Shake Shack for burgers, Grimaldi's for pizza (beware tho... scary long lines in summer), Jacques Torres for chocolate, Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory on the pier, or my fave since it's quiet, Almondine bakery -- great cheap-ish sandwiches and eclairs.
6 locals recommend
Pebble Beach
65 Plymouth StTake amaaaazing photos here with Manhattan in the background. Then stop in Shake Shack for burgers, Grimaldi's for pizza (beware tho... scary long lines in summer), Jacques Torres for chocolate, Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory on the pier, or my fave since it's quiet, Almondine bakery -- great cheap-ish sandwiches and eclairs.
Arts & Culture
The David Bowie show is on and it is incredible!!! My teenage son agreed, and he likes nothing that I like (except apparently, now, David Bowie)
3011 locals recommend
Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern PkwyThe David Bowie show is on and it is incredible!!! My teenage son agreed, and he likes nothing that I like (except apparently, now, David Bowie)
This is a small "museum" for kids with modern art exhibits they - and parents - will enjoy and relate to; as well as art and play activities, and play areas.
34 locals recommend
Children's Museum of the Arts
103 Charlton StThis is a small "museum" for kids with modern art exhibits they - and parents - will enjoy and relate to; as well as art and play activities, and play areas.
Parks & Nature
You can rent bikes near Lakeside (March thru Oct -- check online -- Lakeside Brooklyn)
3418 locals recommend
Prospect Park
You can rent bikes near Lakeside (March thru Oct -- check online -- Lakeside Brooklyn)
Our little local park. Old growth trees, flowers in the spring, and a little bit of tranquility in the city. The path in the park seen on the map is a good jogging loop.
40 locals recommend
Saratoga Park
112 Howard AveOur little local park. Old growth trees, flowers in the spring, and a little bit of tranquility in the city. The path in the park seen on the map is a good jogging loop.
Entertainment & Activities
Roller skating rink in summer/ ice skating in winter. You can also rent bikes here to ride around the park, and there are paddleboats on the pond. Look out for aggressive swans ; )
194 locals recommend
LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park Brooklyn
171 East DrRoller skating rink in summer/ ice skating in winter. You can also rent bikes here to ride around the park, and there are paddleboats on the pond. Look out for aggressive swans ; )
Brooklyn Academy of Music
30 Lafayette Avegreat theater, lots of indie films
This is a parkour gym -- it's kind of like jumping around. They have trampolines and bars you swing on. Check their website for classes.
22 locals recommend
Brooklyn Zoo NY
230 Bogart StThis is a parkour gym -- it's kind of like jumping around. They have trampolines and bars you swing on. Check their website for classes.
Bowling alley plus food and bar and sometimes live music events. Family bowl (with kids) on weekends only.
825 locals recommend
Brooklyn Bowl
61 Wythe AveBowling alley plus food and bar and sometimes live music events. Family bowl (with kids) on weekends only.
Melody Lanes NY
461 37th StFun for families! A really old school place.
Twinkle Playspace
144 Frost StIncredible indoor playspace for small kids.
This antique carousel was restored and housed in a modern glass cube on the waterfront. You'll see it from the Manhattan Bridge.
118 locals recommend
Jane's Carousel
Dock StreetThis antique carousel was restored and housed in a modern glass cube on the waterfront. You'll see it from the Manhattan Bridge.