Gordon K. 
Moving to Brooklyn? Here’s a list of
Our Favorite Brooklyn Attractions,
Hot Spots, and Restaurants
- Afropunk Music Festival: An annual arts festival featuring music, film, fashion, and art, headlined by the likes of neo-soul legend Erykah Badu. Over the years, Afropunk has grown to become a conduit for Black activism and community action.
- Fort Greene Park Jazz Festival: The soulful sounds at the park come from a dream realized by Eric Frazier, who long envisioned a Jazz Festival in his neighborhood. Each year in July, this event brings live jazz entertainment to all New Yorkers.
- Super Power – Casual spot for tiki drinks & frozen cocktails with colorful garnishes, plus a few bar bites.
- 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.
- Miriam: This authentic Israeli restaurant serves up a seasonal menu of Mediterranean flavors from around the world. This is one of the best places for brunch in New York City.
- Fun on Fifth Festival: The goal is simple: have fun on Fifth and support local businesses and vendors.
- 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.
- Brooklyn Children’s Museum – Inspired by the energy and diversity of the borough, Brooklyn Children’s Museum creates experiences that ignite curiosity, celebrate identity and cultivate joyful learning.
- 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.
- 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.
- Biggie Mural – This Bed-Stuy landmark is a fantastic tribute to a local legend
- 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.
- Seaborne – Classic and modern cocktails served in an exposed-brick bar.
- Center for Fiction (15 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn): The home for readers and writers, this non-profit organization offers everything from a tech-free reading room to curated events like speed dating and book awards.
- MAMA FOX – Modern new American fare complimented by a variety of craft cocktails
- 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.
- Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies – Steve’s continual endeavor to improve his key lime pie in its quality stands out as one of the most authentic and uncompromising key lime pies North of the Sunshine State.
- 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.”
- 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!
- The Corner (86th St and 3rd Ave, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn): Brooklyn legend Thomas Perone, chef of the old-school Italian spot Brooklyn Roots, brings his new venture, The Corner, to Bay Ridge. Expect an ever-changing menu based on whatever Thomas feels like cooking.
- 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.
- Alpine Cinema (6817 5th Ave, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn): An old-school, no-frills theater that’s cheaper than your average chain movie theater. Perfect for a nostalgic night, and making sure your Letterbox keeps up to date.
- Friends and Lovers – Friends and Lovers is a bar, performance venue, and community space in the neighborhood offering funky music, stiff drinks, and nice people.
- 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.
- 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.
- Brooklyn Botanical Garden – Brooklyn Botanical Garden is an urban botanic garden that connects people to the world of plants, fostering delight and curiosity while inspiring an appreciation and sense of stewardship of the environment.
- Red Hook Winery – Founded in 2008 by Mark Snyder, The Red Hook Winery aims to uncover and highlight the best vineyard sites in New York state
- Miss Ada (184 Dekalb Ave): This Goop-approved Mediterranean eatery captures the essence of summer. Perfect for sharing plates, so you can sample a little bit of everything. In true Brooklyn style, natural wines are available, too.
- Sycamore Bar (1118 Cortelyou Rd, Brooklyn): A quirky drinking spot tucked behind a florist shop, bartenders double as florists, serving up bourbon and fresh bouquets.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fritz (737 Fulton St, Brooklyn): Step into 1920s Berlin at this chic cocktail bar, where martinis are crisp, cold, and served with a sidecar. It’s the place to channel your inner Gatsby.
- Milk and Honey Cafe (1119 Newkirk Ave, Brooklyn): A must-visit halal coffee shop and brunch haven with outdoor patio seating. Don’t miss the spicy lamb flatbread and the salted caramel shake.
- 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.
- Brooklyn Hero Shop (270 Vanderbilt Ave): One of the best Italian sandwich shops in Brooklyn, with all the usual suspects: roasted turkey heroes, classic tuna melts, and fried chicken sandwiches.
- Tacos El Bronco (4324 4th Ave, Brooklyn): The tacos at this Sunset Park taqueria are small enough that you’ll definitely want more than one, but with refreshingly low prices, there’s no problem there. The decor won’t win any design awards, but the horchata and meat quality make up for it.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gold Star Beer Counter – This is one of the best beer bars in Brooklyn. They offer craft brews on tap, as well as a variety of cans and bottles, plus small plates, sandwiches & cheese boards.
