Moving to Brooklyn? Here’s a list of
Our Favorite Brooklyn Attractions,
Hot Spots, and Restaurants
- Owl’s Head Park: A destination for all ages and seasons, here you’ll find summertime picnicking and snow day sledding. Plus, a view of that famous NYC skyline.
- Body by Brooklyn (275 Park Ave): There’s no shortage of wellness experiences in NYC – from Japanese Shiatsu massage to Roman bathhouses – but there’s nothing like your local day spa. With saunas, jacuzzis, a cold plunge, massages, and facials, Body by Brooklyn has everything you need.
- Highbury Bar (1002 Cortelyou Rd, Brooklyn): A cozy Irish pub where you can catch live English Premier League matches while enjoying European beers and meat pies.
- Summer Stroll on 3rd: This annual event draws tens of thousands of visitors to Bay Ridge, with car-free streets, avenue-wide activities, and summertime fun on consecutive Friday nights.
- Nenes Taqueria (660 Degraw St, Brooklyn): Right by Union St station, this taqueria embraces New York influence with a birria taco turned into pizza form. Nenes’ “Birria Pizza” is a crisp tortilla, generously stuffed with tender braised birria beef, guacamole, and the works; then flattened, sliced, and served.
- Colonia Verde (219 Dekalb Ave, Brooklyn): Sharing is caring at this Latin American eatery by the Cómodo team. The airy, rustic space, complete with a greenhouse-like back room, makes it the perfect spot for communal dining.
- Hometown BBQ – Authentic pit smoked barbecue with a full bar that specializes in local craft beers and a large range of American, whiskeys in an urban warehouse setting.
- De Lux Gallery – This salon, owned by self-professed oldhead Glen Ettienne, caters to healthy natural hair of all styles.
- Rusty Nail Bar (1701 Foster Ave, Brooklyn): A charming local spot with generously poured drinks and unique cocktails. It’s the kind of place that might just become your favorite neighborhood bar.
- Bedford Stuyvesant Museum of African Art – This non-profit arts organization is dedicated to providing an enriching educational experience to the Bed-Stuy community. They house artwork from more than 40 different African countries, showcasing an impressive and diverse array of art and cultures.
- Peddlers and Parchment Escape Room (1905 Avenue M, Brooklyn): More than just an escape room, it’s an immersive museum that takes you on a journey through Jewish history and culture—both educational and insightful.
- Chilos (323 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn): Chilos has two taco truck locations: the original one in Bed-Stuy and a newer spot in Greenwood Heights. Both open to an outdoor patio space and sell agave spirits and margaritas to wash it all down.
- Fort Greene Park: A rolling, tree-filled oasis with playgrounds, tennis courts, and one of Brooklyn’s best farmers markets – plus free activities all summer long.
- Blueprint: This upscale lounge offers some of the most meticulously crafted cocktails in Brooklyn. They offer upscale, sophisticated accoutrements like cheese and charcuterie, as well as full-scale New-American classics like the Blueprint Duck Club and Rabbit Pot Pie.
- Strange Delight (63 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn): This recently opened New Orleans-inspired spot is a contemporary twist on the classic oyster bar. It’s the go-to for crunchy fried shrimp, crawfish, and red cocktails.
- Freddy’s Bar: This quirky Brooklyn dive offers live performances, eclectic decor, and an all-around great vibe that you just have to experience in person to understand. The bar is well-known as a Brooklyn institution and one of NYC’s Best Dives.
- The Good Fork – The Good Fork Restaurant and bar served eclectic seasonal New American food in a warm and cozy setting. Having opened their doors in March of 2006, they have had the pleasure of serving the wonderful Red Hook, Brooklyn community and beyond for over 14 years.
- The Emerson (561 Myrtle Ave): A laid-back spot with craft beers, local art, and a garden patio for lazy summer afternoons. Named after poet Ralph Waldo Emerson who lived in the area.
- Seaborne – Classic and modern cocktails served in an exposed-brick bar.
- The Invisible Dog Art Center – Although this museum and arts center is actually located in Boerum Hill, it’s a great local gem that’s worth the half-mile walk into the bordering neighborhood. You’ll find eclectic modern industrial art with exhibitions, performances, and public events.
- Stuyvesant Heights Historic District – The district’s over 800 buildings are a diverse array of row houses, tenant buildings, residences, and institutional buildings. They range from simple wood frame houses to grand chateauesque buildings.
- C’Mon Everybody (325 Franklin Ave): A lively LGBTQ+ watering hole and live music venue that, as the name suggests, is inclusive and welcoming.
- MAMA FOX – Modern new American fare complimented by a variety of craft cocktails
- El Mate – El Mate is a candid local purveyor delivering authentic culinary endeavors with quality interpretations of classic dishes from Argentina and Brazil.
- Bogota Latin Bistro: Often called “Brooklyn’s Hottest Latin Restaurant”, Bogota Latin Bistro serves up pan-Latin favorites like Bandeja de Paisa, Empanadas, and Arroz con Pollo. Do not miss this Colombian favorite. Buen provecho!
- Cremini’s – This authentic Italian bistro is dedicated to the traditional cuisine of Le Marche Region, in the heart of Italy. They offer unique, modern takes on classic Italian dishes, complemented by the finest wines, beers, and cocktails.
- Ugly Baby – This New York staple has won over the hearts of Brooklynites for its devotion to unique regional flavors and dishes, including soups, curries, and other niche specialties.
- Bar Great Harry – Relaxed corner watering hole offering a rotating variety of craft beers on tap and in bottles.
- East Midwood Jewish Center (1625 Ocean Ave, Brooklyn): Since 1924, this egalitarian Conservative community space has been a place for worship, learning, and connection. Great place for family recreation and community events.
- Gino’s (7414 5th Ave, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn): Since 1964, this Bay Ridge institution has been serving up family-style dinners – think classic Italian red-sauce pasta and tiramisu.
- Hattie Carthan Community Farmers Market – This grassroots, people of color-led agricultural revitalization project has a vision to cultivate a healthy, holistic, and self-sufficient community that increases the neighborhood’s access to locally-grown fresh food, farm culture, and intergenerational agricultural education.
- Moes Bar and Lounge (80 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn): A beloved neighborhood hangout with stiff drinks and good music. They also host local comedians and open mic nights.
- Pescada New York (1776 Ocean Ave, Brooklyn): A sleek, white-tablecloth kosher restaurant serving up seafood delights with a takeout option. Perfect for those who love an elegant dining experience, for every meal.
- Collyer’s Mansion – Boutique home goods stores like this are hard to find. You’ll find a colorful and eclectic assortment of eco-friendly items, handmade jewelry, and original artwork to take your home decor to the next level.
- Place des Fêtes (212 Greene Ave): A trendy neighborhood wine bar with delicious small bites and natural wines, brought to you by the Michelin-starred Oxalis team.
- The Lay Out Series: A series of summer gatherings in Fort Greene Park to “center Black joy” and celebrate Juneteenth. Expect tennis workshops, mini-basketball games, and nearby after-parties.
- Fun on Fifth Festival: The goal is simple: have fun on Fifth and support local businesses and vendors.
- World Spa (1571 McDonald Ave, Brooklyn): This spa is perfect for couples or a girls’ getaway. As the name suggests, you can indulge in spa treatments inspired by traditions from around the world, including Finnish saunas or an exotic Polynesian Journey Scrub. Try the snow room that even has gentle snow flurries falling.
- Fabulous Fifth Avenue Street Fair: Held in nearby Park Slope, this bustling street fair is a must-visit. With live music and street vendors, it’s set along what Time Out New York calls one of the “the world’s coolest streets.”
- Aita (132 Greene Ave): Named one of the “Best Aperitivo Bars in NYC” by New York Magazine, Aita brings a slice of Italy to Clinton Hill. Locals love the grilled octopus and oxtail ravioli, proving you don’t need to trek to Manhattan for a fantastic dining experience.
