Alexis’s guidebook
Neighborhoods
Prospect Lefferts Gardens is a one-of-a-kind historic landmarked area just steps from Prospect Park. The neighborhood's residential blocks are lined with architecturally unique homes dating back to the late 19th century. The main commercial streets are Flatbush and Nostrand Avenues. On those streets you will a thrilling array of locally owned restaurants, bakeries, bars and cafes serving everything from Trinidadian roti to Guatemalan quichon to Roman pinsa. Friendly, dynamic, cultured and beautiful, there is no neighborhood in NYC quite like PLG.
38 locals recommend
Prospect Lefferts Gardens
Prospect Lefferts Gardens is a one-of-a-kind historic landmarked area just steps from Prospect Park. The neighborhood's residential blocks are lined with architecturally unique homes dating back to the late 19th century. The main commercial streets are Flatbush and Nostrand Avenues. On those streets you will a thrilling array of locally owned restaurants, bakeries, bars and cafes serving everything from Trinidadian roti to Guatemalan quichon to Roman pinsa. Friendly, dynamic, cultured and beautiful, there is no neighborhood in NYC quite like PLG.
When we say Park Slope we mean Fifth Avenue, not Seventh Avenue. Just across Prospect Park (or take the B44 bus down Flatbush Avenue) Fifth Avenue in Park Slope has some terrific dining options including Miriam's for mouth-watering Middle Eastern food and a slew of tasty ramen places.
222 locals recommend
Park Slope
When we say Park Slope we mean Fifth Avenue, not Seventh Avenue. Just across Prospect Park (or take the B44 bus down Flatbush Avenue) Fifth Avenue in Park Slope has some terrific dining options including Miriam's for mouth-watering Middle Eastern food and a slew of tasty ramen places.
Franklin Avenue in Prospect Heights is a quick trip up the hill. To get there, you can walk straight up Franklin Avenue until you get to Eastern Parkway. Cross the Parkway and enter a vibrant promenade filled with delicious, diverse dining options. Gladys is a favorite for West Indian-infused dinner or brunch, try Chavela's for tasty Mexican fare or grab a burger at hip, busy Dutch Boy.
52 locals recommend
Prospect Heights
Franklin Avenue in Prospect Heights is a quick trip up the hill. To get there, you can walk straight up Franklin Avenue until you get to Eastern Parkway. Cross the Parkway and enter a vibrant promenade filled with delicious, diverse dining options. Gladys is a favorite for West Indian-infused dinner or brunch, try Chavela's for tasty Mexican fare or grab a burger at hip, busy Dutch Boy.
Sightseeing
This historic park is two blocks away. Go for a walk, visit the zoo, take a tour of Lefferts house, make a day of it. Prospect Park is one of the gems of the city and happens to be our second back yard.
3418 locals recommend
Prospect Park
This historic park is two blocks away. Go for a walk, visit the zoo, take a tour of Lefferts house, make a day of it. Prospect Park is one of the gems of the city and happens to be our second back yard.
With an entrance just two blocks away, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a study in intentional beauty. Visit the gift shop at the end of your stay and hold on your wallet.
2029 locals recommend
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
990 Washington AveWith an entrance just two blocks away, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a study in intentional beauty. Visit the gift shop at the end of your stay and hold on your wallet.
Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern PkwyBrooklyn Public Library
Enjoy the scene at the farmer's market on Saturdays and check out the highly suggestive statue with the water feature in the plaza center. The Civil War memorial statue is an important piece of art.
44 locals recommend
Grand Army Plaza
Flatbush AvenueEnjoy the scene at the farmer's market on Saturdays and check out the highly suggestive statue with the water feature in the plaza center. The Civil War memorial statue is an important piece of art.
Food Scene
This spot opened in 2017 and has quickly become an absolute favorite. Chic, urban and friendly, the menu features the cuisine of Northern Italy with nods to the neighborhood's West Indian heritage (the roasted goat is out-of-this-world). Get a table and take your time, or sit at the bar and try a few of the 8 Negronis offered on the menu. The service is as delightful and honest as the cuisine.
60 locals recommend
Camillo
1146 Nostrand Ave.This spot opened in 2017 and has quickly become an absolute favorite. Chic, urban and friendly, the menu features the cuisine of Northern Italy with nods to the neighborhood's West Indian heritage (the roasted goat is out-of-this-world). Get a table and take your time, or sit at the bar and try a few of the 8 Negronis offered on the menu. The service is as delightful and honest as the cuisine.
Terrific sit down spot perfect for lunch, brunch or dinner. Casual but cute, unpretentious and delicious. A great place to eat way to much lasagna on a winter's day.
184 locals recommend
Bonafini
663 Flatbush AveTerrific sit down spot perfect for lunch, brunch or dinner. Casual but cute, unpretentious and delicious. A great place to eat way to much lasagna on a winter's day.
We love Corner Pizza. Not only is their pizza delicious, but they contribute to the life of the neighborhood in ways too various to describe. Have a slice or two and enjoy!
Corner Pizza and Wine
406 Roger's AveWe love Corner Pizza. Not only is their pizza delicious, but they contribute to the life of the neighborhood in ways too various to describe. Have a slice or two and enjoy!
This neighborhood restaurant featuring Guatemalan cuisine has gotten rave reviews from the New York Times. And they are deserved. Whether you in the mood for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Ix has something delicious to offer. With homestyle, authentic cuisine and charming service, this casual spot has earned a place in people's hearts.
37 locals recommend
Ix Restaurant Food Coffee & Cacao
43 Lincoln RdThis neighborhood restaurant featuring Guatemalan cuisine has gotten rave reviews from the New York Times. And they are deserved. Whether you in the mood for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Ix has something delicious to offer. With homestyle, authentic cuisine and charming service, this casual spot has earned a place in people's hearts.
Originally called Gladys, then Mo’s Original, now called Names or Anything…I’m not sure. Anyway, this popular ramen spot and local watering hole got many of us through the 2020 and 2021 pandemic years. To be honest, the ramen is yummy but not amazing, but the mixed drinks and the overall vibe (also the fried pickles) make it a local favorite for fun, casual evenings and even some day drinking, if you’re into that kind of thing.
29 locals recommend
Mo's Original
453 Rogers AveOriginally called Gladys, then Mo’s Original, now called Names or Anything…I’m not sure. Anyway, this popular ramen spot and local watering hole got many of us through the 2020 and 2021 pandemic years. To be honest, the ramen is yummy but not amazing, but the mixed drinks and the overall vibe (also the fried pickles) make it a local favorite for fun, casual evenings and even some day drinking, if you’re into that kind of thing.
The Bobbed Bandit
Terrific burgers in a casual setting. Good solid eats with no frills and no fuss!
This most recent addition to Rogers Avenue features a tasty menu, buttoned up service and a music room in the back with a rotating line up of local artists. It’s an easy trip to the end of the block. The chicken wings are messy but tasty. Ask for a towelette!
The Green Room PLG
This most recent addition to Rogers Avenue features a tasty menu, buttoned up service and a music room in the back with a rotating line up of local artists. It’s an easy trip to the end of the block. The chicken wings are messy but tasty. Ask for a towelette!
As California girl, I am very picky about my sushi. This take-out only sushi spot on Flatbush Avenue always gets it right. Reasonably priced with perfectly seasoned sushi rice!
Silver Rice
As California girl, I am very picky about my sushi. This take-out only sushi spot on Flatbush Avenue always gets it right. Reasonably priced with perfectly seasoned sushi rice!
Where the cool kids eat. Enjoy the African influenced menu curated by the Paris-trained chef. The music is hip, the vibe is uber cool and the bar makes a mean cocktail. Oh, and the people are very very pretty.
81 locals recommend
Risbo
701 Flatbush AveWhere the cool kids eat. Enjoy the African influenced menu curated by the Paris-trained chef. The music is hip, the vibe is uber cool and the bar makes a mean cocktail. Oh, and the people are very very pretty.
Every once in a while only a good schwarma will get the job done. When that happens, Kulushkat's got you covered. Their food is best to-go and that contraption outside is…an eyesore. But the herbed French fries are crazy good so…let me know what you think.
36 locals recommend
Kulushkat
1137 Washington AveEvery once in a while only a good schwarma will get the job done. When that happens, Kulushkat's got you covered. Their food is best to-go and that contraption outside is…an eyesore. But the herbed French fries are crazy good so…let me know what you think.
Trendy and well-designed Thai bistro in the neighborhood known for delicious food at a good value. Enjoy their Pad Thai or daily Happy Hour.
77 locals recommend
Am Thai Bistro
1003 Church AveTrendy and well-designed Thai bistro in the neighborhood known for delicious food at a good value. Enjoy their Pad Thai or daily Happy Hour.
Trinidadian roti lovers come from all over Brooklyn just to eat here. Luckily, it's up the block and around the corner. Come hungry and get on line for steaming, savory, traditional roti made Trini style. Just so so good.
51 locals recommend
De Hot Pot
1127 Washington AveTrinidadian roti lovers come from all over Brooklyn just to eat here. Luckily, it's up the block and around the corner. Come hungry and get on line for steaming, savory, traditional roti made Trini style. Just so so good.
So they changed the name to Yard Pot, but it will always be Hammonds in our hearts (and stomachs). Thing is, if you come to Flatbush and don't try the jerk chicken, have you really been to Flatbush? This mouth-watering, takeout-only joint features some of the best jerk chicken north of Kingston. The service is curt and efficient, they do not sell the secret sauce and they are closed on Sunday, so plan ahead. You'll be glad you did.
Hammonds Bakery & Jerk Center
1033 Nostrand Ave.So they changed the name to Yard Pot, but it will always be Hammonds in our hearts (and stomachs). Thing is, if you come to Flatbush and don't try the jerk chicken, have you really been to Flatbush? This mouth-watering, takeout-only joint features some of the best jerk chicken north of Kingston. The service is curt and efficient, they do not sell the secret sauce and they are closed on Sunday, so plan ahead. You'll be glad you did.
Splurge on a culinary experience at this high end, farm to table, spot. Every menu item is crafted with care and a nod to haute cuisine. Pricey but artful, this is the perfect place to go to treat yourself and someone who’s company you really enjoy.
17 locals recommend
Honey Badger
67 Fenimore StSplurge on a culinary experience at this high end, farm to table, spot. Every menu item is crafted with care and a nod to haute cuisine. Pricey but artful, this is the perfect place to go to treat yourself and someone who’s company you really enjoy.
Part diner and part bar, Edie Jo’s is casual, stylish, relaxed and convenient. Solo travelers will feel completely at ease sitting at a table or pulling up to the bar. Have a snack or meal and pair it with a beer or reasonably priced glass of wine, all served with a gracious smile.
25 locals recommend
Edie Jo’s
630 Flatbush AvePart diner and part bar, Edie Jo’s is casual, stylish, relaxed and convenient. Solo travelers will feel completely at ease sitting at a table or pulling up to the bar. Have a snack or meal and pair it with a beer or reasonably priced glass of wine, all served with a gracious smile.
Allan's is a neighborhood institution - a Brooklyn Institution for that matter. There is a literally always a line and the currant rolls are quite simply famous. Allan's has taken over the block and now has a cocktail lounge. Check it out.
28 locals recommend
Allan's Bakery
1109 Nostrand Ave.Allan's is a neighborhood institution - a Brooklyn Institution for that matter. There is a literally always a line and the currant rolls are quite simply famous. Allan's has taken over the block and now has a cocktail lounge. Check it out.
Coffee and Quick bites
Need a frothy latte and snack to keep you going? Or a place to set up your laptop while you nurse a matcha and catch up on emails? These spots are here to help!
We loved this place literally from the moment it opened - no exaggeration (at least one of us was there very first customer). The authentic Italian coffee offerings are super delicious and the baked goods are pretty much flawless. Small, cozy and right around the corner, it'a great place to start the day or kill some time while you're waiting for the bus. Andiamo!!
Bomberino
We loved this place literally from the moment it opened - no exaggeration (at least one of us was there very first customer). The authentic Italian coffee offerings are super delicious and the baked goods are pretty much flawless. Small, cozy and right around the corner, it'a great place to start the day or kill some time while you're waiting for the bus. Andiamo!!
We love this slightly posh but totally worth it coffee spot that’s just around the corner. Enjoy a macadamia nut latte in their quiet garden or pull your laptop up to the window and work on the next chapter of your screenplay. The snacks are also completely yum!
9 locals recommend
hamlet coffee company
465 Rogers AveWe love this slightly posh but totally worth it coffee spot that’s just around the corner. Enjoy a macadamia nut latte in their quiet garden or pull your laptop up to the window and work on the next chapter of your screenplay. The snacks are also completely yum!
This spot offers super fresh salads, smoothies and baked goods which you can enjoy in one of the several seats, or take with you to the park just around the corner. The owner is a true artiste whose attention to detail shines through every aspect of the space. Fresh and inviting, get a cup of deliciously brewed coffee or of course, the signature drink, hibiscus tea. One love!
10 locals recommend
Hibiscus Brew
546 Flatbush AveThis spot offers super fresh salads, smoothies and baked goods which you can enjoy in one of the several seats, or take with you to the park just around the corner. The owner is a true artiste whose attention to detail shines through every aspect of the space. Fresh and inviting, get a cup of deliciously brewed coffee or of course, the signature drink, hibiscus tea. One love!
Grab a to-go cup of coffee and a vegan (or regular) pastry before you start your day. Cinnamon girl has a great selection of (mostly) vegan pastries and artisanal grocery items including the best dairy cream money can buy (in NYC that is).
152 locals recommend
Cinnamon Girl
277 Nostrand Ave.Grab a to-go cup of coffee and a vegan (or regular) pastry before you start your day. Cinnamon girl has a great selection of (mostly) vegan pastries and artisanal grocery items including the best dairy cream money can buy (in NYC that is).
PLG Coffeehouse has been a neighborhood staple for years. It sort of looks and feels like someone’s hippy Grandma’s living room if Grandma made some of the best sandwiches in town and had a kids play area. They’re always gracious here so it’s worth a visit.
110 locals recommend
PLG Coffee House and Tavern
499 Rogers AvePLG Coffeehouse has been a neighborhood staple for years. It sort of looks and feels like someone’s hippy Grandma’s living room if Grandma made some of the best sandwiches in town and had a kids play area. They’re always gracious here so it’s worth a visit.
Grab a scoop to go or sit and watch the neighbors go by (be sure to say hello!). Having an ice cream parlor on the block just reinforces the charm of the neighborhood. We love that this place exists and have a frequent buyer card to prove it!
Brix Haus Brooklyn
Grab a scoop to go or sit and watch the neighbors go by (be sure to say hello!). Having an ice cream parlor on the block just reinforces the charm of the neighborhood. We love that this place exists and have a frequent buyer card to prove it!
Cocktails & Small Bites
If you want a terrific cocktail and something less than a meal, head to these spots!
It's a long story but...there used to be an adorable, very bespoke neighbhood bar called Erv's Bicycle shop that had a secret menu and a very "in" in crowd. Then they grew up to become ruth which is also very bespoke and a bit posh. The word is out but the kids are still cool. Go there for the extensive signature cocktail menu and plan on leaving with a new friend or two. Spread Love. It's Brooklyn.
ruth
It's a long story but...there used to be an adorable, very bespoke neighbhood bar called Erv's Bicycle shop that had a secret menu and a very "in" in crowd. Then they grew up to become ruth which is also very bespoke and a bit posh. The word is out but the kids are still cool. Go there for the extensive signature cocktail menu and plan on leaving with a new friend or two. Spread Love. It's Brooklyn.
Hands down the best margaritas and most authentic tacos north of Mexico City. We can’t believe this place exists. Check out their Happy Hour when tacos are $5 each.
Pomo BK
Hands down the best margaritas and most authentic tacos north of Mexico City. We can’t believe this place exists. Check out their Happy Hour when tacos are $5 each.
Live Music
Check out a set of live music and grab a drink while you’re there!
We are lucky to have one of Brooklyn’s coolest live music venues right in our neighborhood. Owned by a professional musician, the Owl is renown for presenting world class musicians in its perfectly curated space. Check it out and tell Oren we sent you!
27 locals recommend
The Owl Music Parlor
497 Rogers AveWe are lucky to have one of Brooklyn’s coolest live music venues right in our neighborhood. Owned by a professional musician, the Owl is renown for presenting world class musicians in its perfectly curated space. Check it out and tell Oren we sent you!
A true speakeasy that programs live jazz. Go for the first rate artists, sit in at a Wednesday night jam session and be sure to check out the flawless cocktails. The block itself feels a bit seedy, so you can decide if that enhances or detracts from the musical experience beyond the red velvet curtain!
10 locals recommend
Bar Bayeux
1066 Nostrand Ave.A true speakeasy that programs live jazz. Go for the first rate artists, sit in at a Wednesday night jam session and be sure to check out the flawless cocktails. The block itself feels a bit seedy, so you can decide if that enhances or detracts from the musical experience beyond the red velvet curtain!
Wine and Spirits
Charming wine shop with an entire wall of $12 bottles. This well-stocked and unassuming shop on Nostrand has tastings, live music, a good selection and excellent vibes. They also feature locally produced spirits. Get a bottle of Haitian clarin and consider yourself fortunate.
19 locals recommend
Little Mo Wine & Spirits
1125 Nostrand Ave.Charming wine shop with an entire wall of $12 bottles. This well-stocked and unassuming shop on Nostrand has tastings, live music, a good selection and excellent vibes. They also feature locally produced spirits. Get a bottle of Haitian clarin and consider yourself fortunate.
Don't be intimidated by the posh decor; Drink PLG has a friendly knowledgeable staff and a terrific selection? A great destination if you're looking for the special pet nat or bottle of Barolo that you're willing to splurge on. Swank and accessible is a hard combination to beat.
18 locals recommend
DRINK PLG Wine & Spirits
492 Flatbush AveDon't be intimidated by the posh decor; Drink PLG has a friendly knowledgeable staff and a terrific selection? A great destination if you're looking for the special pet nat or bottle of Barolo that you're willing to splurge on. Swank and accessible is a hard combination to beat.
It’s a bit of a stroll, but this lovely curated shop has some delicious bespoke offerings. Try their selection of wines from around the world or check out their thoughtful selection of spirits. Dr. Bird rum is a personal favorite.
12 locals recommend
D.Vino Wine & Spirits
188 Parkside AveIt’s a bit of a stroll, but this lovely curated shop has some delicious bespoke offerings. Try their selection of wines from around the world or check out their thoughtful selection of spirits. Dr. Bird rum is a personal favorite.
Buy a growler of cold, tasty suds and save the planet while you're at it. They also have a wonderful selection of international sodas that you can't find in most stores. Stock up on Ting and Jarritos!
21 locals recommend
Brooklyn Beer & Soda
507 Flatbush AveBuy a growler of cold, tasty suds and save the planet while you're at it. They also have a wonderful selection of international sodas that you can't find in most stores. Stock up on Ting and Jarritos!