Guidebook for Brooklyn
Drinks & Nightlife
Cocktails, charcuterie, cheese! Our favorite bar in the hood and where we always start date night.
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Ramona
113 Franklin StCocktails, charcuterie, cheese! Our favorite bar in the hood and where we always start date night.
This place hasn't changed since we started going since 1999, and we mean that in the best way. Come for brunch, happy hour or for the nightlife -- it's a neighborhood institution!
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Kiki's
130 Division StreetThis place hasn't changed since we started going since 1999, and we mean that in the best way. Come for brunch, happy hour or for the nightlife -- it's a neighborhood institution!
Yes, there's a line (it's the only one for a bar we'll wait on). Stand on it and go to the roof for excellent cocktails and unbeatable views at sunset.
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The Ides Bar
80 Wythe AveYes, there's a line (it's the only one for a bar we'll wait on). Stand on it and go to the roof for excellent cocktails and unbeatable views at sunset.
Laid back cocktail spot with a backyard and drinks with a point of view.
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Beloved
Laid back cocktail spot with a backyard and drinks with a point of view.
Food Scene
Grass fed burgers, french fries, seasonal specials. It put Williamsburg dining on the spot and is definitely worth the 8 minute cab ride from our house!
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Diner
85 BroadwayGrass fed burgers, french fries, seasonal specials. It put Williamsburg dining on the spot and is definitely worth the 8 minute cab ride from our house!
Oyster and cocktails before you eat at Diner or stay for the "brick chicken" and whatever else is on special.
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Marlow & Sons
81 BroadwayOyster and cocktails before you eat at Diner or stay for the "brick chicken" and whatever else is on special.
Pick up fantastically fresh fish to cook in our kitchen or stay for table service. Think: oysters, fish n'chips, lobster rolls, whatever the catch of the day is. It doesn't get fresher than this!
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Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co.
114 Nassau AvePick up fantastically fresh fish to cook in our kitchen or stay for table service. Think: oysters, fish n'chips, lobster rolls, whatever the catch of the day is. It doesn't get fresher than this!
There are tons of tiny Polish restaurants in the area but this is hands down our favorite: simple, cheap comfort food and BYO to boot. Grab some Żywiec beer from a bodega and order the Polish platter.
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Lomzynianka Restaurant
There are tons of tiny Polish restaurants in the area but this is hands down our favorite: simple, cheap comfort food and BYO to boot. Grab some Żywiec beer from a bodega and order the Polish platter.
The unbeatable (and unbeatably beautiful) beer bar to end all beer bars. For the ultimate food and wine pairing, eat in Luksus the teens tiny restaurant in the back; reservations essential on Thu/Fri.
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Tørst
615 Manhattan AveThe unbeatable (and unbeatably beautiful) beer bar to end all beer bars. For the ultimate food and wine pairing, eat in Luksus the teens tiny restaurant in the back; reservations essential on Thu/Fri.
To clarify: the awning of this establishment says "Northside Bakery." It's our fave place to get a hearty Polish meal quickly (order at the counter) and cheaply (really, it's *absurdly* inexpensive).
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Northside Bakery
190 Nassau AveTo clarify: the awning of this establishment says "Northside Bakery." It's our fave place to get a hearty Polish meal quickly (order at the counter) and cheaply (really, it's *absurdly* inexpensive).
This hole in the wall is a throwback to old school Brooklyn; even if you're not a huge donut fan, its retro vibe will charm you. Which one to choose? Our (and Tina Fey's) favorite is the cream-filled.
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Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop
727 Manhattan AveThis hole in the wall is a throwback to old school Brooklyn; even if you're not a huge donut fan, its retro vibe will charm you. Which one to choose? Our (and Tina Fey's) favorite is the cream-filled.
Donut drama: Moe worked at Peter Pan's for many years until left shop + opened his own right nearby. So which one is better? We can't tell you; you have to try them for yourself. Hard work, we know!
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Moe's Doughs
126 Nassau AveDonut drama: Moe worked at Peter Pan's for many years until left shop + opened his own right nearby. So which one is better? We can't tell you; you have to try them for yourself. Hard work, we know!
Understated neighborhood spot with baked goods that does a brisk business with the locals. If you have a sweet tooth, don't miss the macarons.
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Cafe Riviera Greenpoint
830 Manhattan AveUnderstated neighborhood spot with baked goods that does a brisk business with the locals. If you have a sweet tooth, don't miss the macarons.
Solid Italian fare: We recommend the homemade pasta, meatballs and fried calamari. If you're pinching pennies, the $10 lunch special during the week can't be beat.
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SCALINO GP
659 Manhattan AveSolid Italian fare: We recommend the homemade pasta, meatballs and fried calamari. If you're pinching pennies, the $10 lunch special during the week can't be beat.
Some people say portions are too small and prices are too high but we beg to differ. This Oaxacan/Taiwanese influenced eatery has uniquely delicious food in a casual atmosphere + is GF friendly, too!
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Lucky Luna
167 Nassau AvenueSome people say portions are too small and prices are too high but we beg to differ. This Oaxacan/Taiwanese influenced eatery has uniquely delicious food in a casual atmosphere + is GF friendly, too!
Authentic Spanish tapas and big, strong cocktails, this small and cozy spot is perfect for a romantic date night.
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El Born
651 Manhattan AveAuthentic Spanish tapas and big, strong cocktails, this small and cozy spot is perfect for a romantic date night.
This is a super casual place (though the prices are a little high, all things considered) that has more of the atmosphere of a bar. It also has brunch. Good pizza and wine on tap.
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Adelina's
This is a super casual place (though the prices are a little high, all things considered) that has more of the atmosphere of a bar. It also has brunch. Good pizza and wine on tap.
Serves Malaysian food and inventive, Soju-based cocktails. Portions are on the smaller side and prices can be high, but diners who are adventurous and appreciate atmosphere will love this cute spot!
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Selamat Pagi
152 Driggs AveServes Malaysian food and inventive, Soju-based cocktails. Portions are on the smaller side and prices can be high, but diners who are adventurous and appreciate atmosphere will love this cute spot!
Creative cocktails. Fried. Artichoke. Appetizer. (Yum.) Solid burger, excellent pork belly.
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Esme
999 Manhattan AveCreative cocktails. Fried. Artichoke. Appetizer. (Yum.) Solid burger, excellent pork belly.
The original Cafe Grumpy, just a half block from our house. Forget the fun fact that this is where Lena Dunham's character on GIRLS got fired and grab yourself a perfectly made latte.
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Café Grumpy - Greenpoint
193 Meserole AveThe original Cafe Grumpy, just a half block from our house. Forget the fun fact that this is where Lena Dunham's character on GIRLS got fired and grab yourself a perfectly made latte.
Authentic french baked goods, sandwiches and more at a cozy little spot just a stone's throw from our home. Definitely grab a quick breakfast or lunch here at some point during your stay!
Sweet Fox Cafe
142 Nassau AvenueAuthentic french baked goods, sandwiches and more at a cozy little spot just a stone's throw from our home. Definitely grab a quick breakfast or lunch here at some point during your stay!
Delicious fare like lobster mac and cheese, and best of all, they DELIVER! When we're feeling extra lazy, we order a bunch of lobster rolls to eat on our porch. They also have a $1 oyster happy hour.
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Lobster Joint
1073 Manhattan AveDelicious fare like lobster mac and cheese, and best of all, they DELIVER! When we're feeling extra lazy, we order a bunch of lobster rolls to eat on our porch. They also have a $1 oyster happy hour.
Entertainment & Activities
Adult AND kid-friendly from noon till 3ish on the weekends; this place has a fantastic selection of beers and plenty of room for strollers. Bonus: Jenga is on hand for those looking for some fun.
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Spritzenhaus33
33 Nassau AveAdult AND kid-friendly from noon till 3ish on the weekends; this place has a fantastic selection of beers and plenty of room for strollers. Bonus: Jenga is on hand for those looking for some fun.
Sightseeing
Small but awesome Farmer's Market, Sundays, 10 to 4pm. There's also cute playground and lots of local people watching.
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Msgr. McGolrick Park
Nassau AvenueSmall but awesome Farmer's Market, Sundays, 10 to 4pm. There's also cute playground and lots of local people watching.
Right on the water with amazing views of Manhattan. Bring suits for the kids to run under the sprinklers at the soccer field bleachers. On Saturdays, hit up Smorgesberg (early -- it gets crowded!).
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East River State Park
90 Kent AveRight on the water with amazing views of Manhattan. Bring suits for the kids to run under the sprinklers at the soccer field bleachers. On Saturdays, hit up Smorgesberg (early -- it gets crowded!).
This public pool is brand new, free and awesome. Just show up with a lock, your bathing suit and a towel. Open from 11am to 3pm and 4pm to 7pm, we recommend the evening hours as they are less crowded.
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McCarren Hotel & Pool
160 N 12th StThis public pool is brand new, free and awesome. Just show up with a lock, your bathing suit and a towel. Open from 11am to 3pm and 4pm to 7pm, we recommend the evening hours as they are less crowded.
Arts & Culture
You're Brooklyn Bowl people or you're Gutter people. We're Gutter people. (It's a dive-y bowling alley.)
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The Gutter
200 N 14th StYou're Brooklyn Bowl people or you're Gutter people. We're Gutter people. (It's a dive-y bowling alley.)
Owned in part by the same people who run the Bowery, you can catch a roster of established and up and coming musicians at this historic but low key venue.
Polish National Home
261 Driggs AveOwned in part by the same people who run the Bowery, you can catch a roster of established and up and coming musicians at this historic but low key venue.
Essentials
Bearded butchers. Fancy, hard to find (and admittedly not cheap) sundries. Seriously good steak. Get one, season it and cook it up in our kitchen. Trust us.
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The Meat Hook
397 Graham AveBearded butchers. Fancy, hard to find (and admittedly not cheap) sundries. Seriously good steak. Get one, season it and cook it up in our kitchen. Trust us.
This is where a woman pronounced that her two children had "advanced palates" when asking for guidance on which cheese to choose. The people behind the counter took her seriously. You should still go.
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Bedford Cheese Shop
265 Bedford AveThis is where a woman pronounced that her two children had "advanced palates" when asking for guidance on which cheese to choose. The people behind the counter took her seriously. You should still go.
This tiny shop has all the comestibles you need for a picnic or happy hour in the backyard: cheese, charcuterie, sandwiches and baguettes from Amy's Bread. A definite neighborhood must!
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Greenpoint Cheese & Meat
192 Driggs AveThis tiny shop has all the comestibles you need for a picnic or happy hour in the backyard: cheese, charcuterie, sandwiches and baguettes from Amy's Bread. A definite neighborhood must!
Tasty sandwiches and sundries including a nice selection of beer and edible products made in Brooklyn. This would be a great place to pick up edible souvenirs to bring home!
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Eastern District
1053 Manhattan AveTasty sandwiches and sundries including a nice selection of beer and edible products made in Brooklyn. This would be a great place to pick up edible souvenirs to bring home!
Our local deli is tiny but manages to pack the staples of Polish cuisine into one place: stop by for kielbasa, frozen pierogi, imported beer, sauerkraut and butter, or just grab milk and eggs to go.
Norman Avenue
Norman AvenueOur local deli is tiny but manages to pack the staples of Polish cuisine into one place: stop by for kielbasa, frozen pierogi, imported beer, sauerkraut and butter, or just grab milk and eggs to go.
We hate to use the word hipster but for lack of a better term, this is that/one of the first "cool kid" establishments in the hood. Delicious sandwiches and healthy/organic/vegetarian friendly fare.
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Brooklyn Standard Deli
188 Nassau AveWe hate to use the word hipster but for lack of a better term, this is that/one of the first "cool kid" establishments in the hood. Delicious sandwiches and healthy/organic/vegetarian friendly fare.
Open 24 hours, this deli will be there for you with a cool can of seltzer + a cold cut sandwich at 3am when you're 5 artisanal cocktails to the wind. And despite the name, it's a judgement free zone.
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God Bless USA Deli
818 Manhattan AveOpen 24 hours, this deli will be there for you with a cool can of seltzer + a cold cut sandwich at 3am when you're 5 artisanal cocktails to the wind. And despite the name, it's a judgement free zone.
This grocery store isn't fancy but it's large, cheap, has all the basics, and is a 5 minute walk. They also deliver for free -- we recommend this service so you don't have to lug bags home!
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Key Food Supermarket
55 Fulton StThis grocery store isn't fancy but it's large, cheap, has all the basics, and is a 5 minute walk. They also deliver for free -- we recommend this service so you don't have to lug bags home!
Cute wine shop with a fantastic selection of bottles for under $20; knowledgable, friendly owners who will help you pick the perfect vintage!
Grapepoint Wines
155 Norman AveCute wine shop with a fantastic selection of bottles for under $20; knowledgable, friendly owners who will help you pick the perfect vintage!
Our favorite wine store in the immediate neighborhood -- it's super tiny but has an excellent, well curated selection of wine. The owners really know their stuff!
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Vine Box Wines
178 Nassau AveOur favorite wine store in the immediate neighborhood -- it's super tiny but has an excellent, well curated selection of wine. The owners really know their stuff!
Small neighborhood grocery shop with all the basics plus an emphasis on Polish foods: think Polish mineral water, sausages, beer, bread, etc.
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Busy Bee Food Exchange
185 Nassau AveSmall neighborhood grocery shop with all the basics plus an emphasis on Polish foods: think Polish mineral water, sausages, beer, bread, etc.
If you happen to be in the area, this wine store is worth seeking out -- it's our favorite wine store in Brooklyn! Friendly staff and wine tastings.
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Vine Wine
619 Lorimer StIf you happen to be in the area, this wine store is worth seeking out -- it's our favorite wine store in Brooklyn! Friendly staff and wine tastings.
Shopping
For fun and to meet locals, take a cooking class here -- there are tons, and there's something for everyone from knife skills to cake decorating instruction. In the same building as the Meat Hook.
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The Brooklyn Kitchen
100 Frost StFor fun and to meet locals, take a cooking class here -- there are tons, and there's something for everyone from knife skills to cake decorating instruction. In the same building as the Meat Hook.
This is thrift AND wholesale; in other words, don't come here looking for racks of neatly arranged clothing on hangers. If you're up for the hunt though you'll find endless bins of affordable vintage!
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Dusty Rose Vintage (Dusty Friends Pop Up)
595 Manhattan AveThis is thrift AND wholesale; in other words, don't come here looking for racks of neatly arranged clothing on hangers. If you're up for the hunt though you'll find endless bins of affordable vintage!
Small but extremely well curated and organized record shop. It's easy to discover an album, new or old, you never knew you wanted alongside the one you've been looking all over for.
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Captured Tracks Shop
718 Calyer StSmall but extremely well curated and organized record shop. It's easy to discover an album, new or old, you never knew you wanted alongside the one you've been looking all over for.
Make the cheapest and easiest brunch at home when you visit Acme, which is open to the public from 8am to 1pm on Fridays, to pick up lox (and other smoked fish products) at bargain prices. Cash only.
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Acme Smoked Fish Corporation
30 Gem StMake the cheapest and easiest brunch at home when you visit Acme, which is open to the public from 8am to 1pm on Fridays, to pick up lox (and other smoked fish products) at bargain prices. Cash only.