illustration by julia rothman

today i am thrilled beyond belief to post a much, much needed update to the d*s brooklyn city guide. i wrote the first guide back in 2006 and have found myself buried under work and unable to update it ever since. but thankfully the talented team of juliet totten and sierra yaun of poppies & posies were kind enough to take on the take of creating an edited guide to shopping, eating, and site-seeing around my home borough. brooklyn is such an amazing city and i’m so thrilled to be posting an up-to-date look at great places around town. thank you again to sierra and juliet for updating the guide!

*stay tuned for new updated guides in the weeks to come. we’re working with locals across the country to update all guides written before 2009 so we can recommend up-to-date shops and sites. updated guides will keep the same url as the original guide, so you may notice comments from the first post date

CLICK HERE for the full (updated!) brooklyn design guide after the jump!

the brooklyn guide was created by sierra yaun, who lives in Williamsburg, and juliet totten of poppies & posies with help from their very hip, brooklyn-based friend erin osher of the lazy weekend

greenpoint

is the northernmost neighborhood in the borough. originally farmland (many of the farm owners’ family names are still the street names today),  the neighborhood has kept its polish charm while welcoming new shops & restaurants into the neighborhood.

how do i get there?

take the g train to the nassau ave (northern stop) or greenpoint ave (be advised that the g train is three cars shorter than the platform. wait in the center to make sure you don’t miss a train)

nosh:

brooklyn label- this is one of the hot spots in the neighborhood. they serve stumpton coffee, which sold me right away. it’s a cozy spot to grab a cup of coffee and even a bite.

lomzynianka-this tiny nine-table restaurant serves up authentic slavic comfort food at a very affordable price. although the décor may not strike your fancy, the food is delicious and the experience is worth it.

park luncheonette- located on the border of williamsburg and greenpoint across from mccarren park, this is one of the best brunch places around. the kachulis family has run the restaurant since 1931-first as a soda shop and later a bistro/brunch spot. the vintage décor adds an extra element of surpise.

enids- bar or brunch, take your pick, they are equally good.

lamb and jaffy-located on the northern side of greenpoint is an american nouveau bistro serving delicious dishes daily. they often display local artwork and are vegetarian friendly.

red star-is an upscale sports bar that is a good divergence from many of the other hipster bars in the area. it is also one of the only places you can watch sports games in this neighborhood.

pencil factory bar and the greenpoint coffeehouse are owned by the same people and worth checking out. the pencil factory bar was once the miltonian social club, a bar that catered to dockworkers. Now it is a good alternative to the polish social clubs that are more commonly found in greenpoint. greenpoint coffeehouse is known for having one of the best cups of coffee in neighborhood.

coco66-built in a former wood shop, old window frames now line the rugged pressed tin walls and ceiling beams are used as benches. industrial doors, a concrete floor and raised loading dock entrance were left as-is by the owner. it’s a fun and hip spot to listen to a dj and enjoy a cocktail on the weekend.

peter pan donut and pastry shop- old-fashioned cake and yeast doughnuts. If you have a sweet tooth this is the place for you. And the waitresses wear amazing outfits. Located at 727 Manhattan Ave.

van leeuwen ice cream may be best known for their old mail van that they drive around serving up delicious homemade ice cream. however, if in greenpoint, stop by their flagship store to enjoy some of that same mouthwatering ice cream.

loot:

kill devil hill is describe as a “curious general store” by the owners mark straiton and  girlfriend Mary Brockman.  there you’ll find a range of vintage goods, taxidermy, bones, antlers and teeth. a bit odd to some, but you may just find yourself hooked. also, check out their project schedule to see if you can catch something interesting going on.

the gallery 1889 a new gallery and event space transformed from a long vacant storefront to a bustling site for art, design, architecture, and unique events.

dalaga nyc locally owned by fashion designer michelle mangiliman, the store is adorable and offers affordable clothing for men and women.

old hollywood owner, tiffany porter, has a proven talent for discovering the best, new young designers. she focuses on glam and vintage-inspired accessories with about 20 handpicked lines to choose from.

alter co-owners tommy cole and roy caires started their first business in 2004 designing one-of-a-kind reconstructed vintage pieces. make sure to check out both of their locations (one carrying the men’s collection and the other the women’s) set across the street from one another.

brouwerij lane is no ordinary beer store. owner, ed raven, offers 400 craft brews for sale, ten are available by the $10 64-ounce growler, and the store is heated by a wood-burning stove.

extra:

clay space 1205-take their advice and “get your clay on!” they offer classes and workshops for children and adults of all skill levels. the space itself is airy and relaxing, making the experience an absolute pleasure. call ahead to book yourself a class or workshop.

williamsburg

hipster culture has become synonymous with this part of brooklyn and with it there has been a huge influx of young people creating a thriving art community. all you need is a sunny afternoon to enjoy the food, shops and parks on this side of town.

how do i get there?

take the l train to bedford avenue, approx. 15 minutes from union square in manhattan

nosh:

oslo for the best cup of coffee, check out this local favorite. there is a location on both the south and north side of town. their muffins are quite delicious too if you’re hungry and their outdoor bench is one of the best spots to spend a relaxed morning.

beco is a fantastic brazilian bar and eatery. if you’re lucky you’ll catch them on a night when they’re projecting a live brazilian soccer game!

fette sau (fat pig in german)- owned by kim and joe carroll, it’s well known in the neighborhood for the best bbq (and fabulous bourbon selection). they exclusively use organic/and or small family farms to source all of their meat. the outside is outfitted with picnic tables for you to sit and enjoy your meal. Make sure to visit their bar spuyten duyvilacross the street. Here they serve up a huge selection of beers and delicious meat/cheese plates.

rye chef/owner cal elliott is a 15 year resident of the area and opened his doors in the spring of 2009. his vision was to create a place where everyone could enjoy great food no matter what’s in  your pocket. he opened up in a building which was once a factory and acquired a 100 year old oak bar for his guests to enjoy. this new american bistro is most definitely worth a try.

aqua santa means “holy water” in italian. the owner moved here straight from italy and offers thin crust pizzas, delicious pasta dishes, and a variety of fish and meat entrees. they revamped their backyard dining area a little over a year ago and it has made this already great eatery even better.

relish-serves gourmet diner food in a charming 1950’s stainless steel diner car. make sure to read about the history of the car and how it came to live in williamsburg. when you visit the restaurant the homemade veggie burger is worth trying.

doc wine bar is a cozy and charming wine bar that also serves delicious bites. ask to sit outside in the warm months.

hotel delmano in the mood for a fancy cocktail while in williamsburg? look no further than this stylish bar where the bartenders reach the liquor on a ladder and the interior is out of a vintage dream. it’s definitely a bit on the pricey side, but well worth it.

vinnies for a quick bite stop by this pizzeria on the main bedford drag. the vegan slices are great even if you’re a meat eater.

huckleberry bar-is a full service upscale bar and café located in east williamsburg. the owner, andrew boggs, created this spot with the intention of providing locals with a classy experience minus the fussy.

larry lawrence is tucked away in the borderlands between the south and north ends of Williamsburg and was named after the owner’s childhood friend. the space was designed to be an open yet intimate environment surrounded by brick, wood paneling, and custom furniture. stop by for a cocktail and to soak in the atmosphere.

loot:

stella dallas home – just last month the well-known vintage purveyors opened a home goods store next to their williamsburg shop under the bqe.  from vintage military blankets to fabric, american flags, rugs and stacks of feed sacks, the shop is labeled & organized for the easiest objects-searching imaginable.

fresh kills the owners opened up shop in 2005 in a converted williamsburg warehouse loading dock with a view across the east river. their inventory focuses on milo baughman deadstock and a diverse collection of vintage & antique pieces from the 1890’s to the 1990’s.

ugly luggage this local owner carries pieces from the fifties, sixties, seventies- and even eighties. from big furniture pieces to buttons, you never know what you’ll find at this tiny, but full vintage shop.

the future perfect: dave alhadeff’s corner shop is one of the most well the future known design spots in williamsburg. it is home to some of the best up and coming designers from brooklyn and around the country. make sure to stop next door to check out his other shop, a&g merch.

artist & fleas if you’re around on a saturday or sunday pop into this market where emerging artists, designers, vintage collectors and handmade crafters set up shop. There are always some great jewelry designers present.

in god we trust the owner is also a designer and has two locations in manhattan. every time i’ve stopped in this store I find something I love. worth checking out for fun vintage finds.

junk the name pretty much sums up a lot of what this basement level store has to offer, however there are always some vintage treasures to be dug up as well.

catbird is a charming boutique carries one of a kind jewelry, women’s accessories, and some local items.

whisk-owned and run by brooklyn locals who wanted to bring their love of cooking from their homes to the heart of williamsburg.

modest designs mid century modern finds fill this storefront. the owner, david halpern, also does flawless vintage repair work.

sprout home owner, tassy zimmerman, started her first shop in chicago and opened her second location in williamsburg in 2007. the store was built around the urban gardener and the belief that every space can be made more exciting. they work with designers both locally based and abroad to bring the best line of products to their store.

extra:

the arm nyc is a letter press studio that offers classes for all levels. make sure to call ahead to book yourself in a class.  after you take the first class you can go back and use the press as much as you’d like.

the mud pit is a teaching ceramic studio located in east williamsburg. it’s the perfect place to take a pottery class or workshop. call ahead.

the gutter-enjoy bowling, beer and vintage scoring machines at this unique bowling alley – it will make you feel like you’ve been transported into the 1970’s. it gets quite busy so make sure to leave yourself plenty of time in case you have to wait for a lane.

brooklyn brewery-opened it’s doors in 1988 – the best part is happy hour on friday nights, when they open up a huge beer-hall/high school cafeteria-like space where you can drink with friends (you can even have food delivered!).  they also offer brewery tours on saturdays and sundays from noon to 6pm. tours are at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. no reservations are required.

brooklyn kitchen- this locally-owned cooking store carries vintage items and offers fantastic cooking classes for individuals and groups. make sure to call ahead of time to book a space.

one sixty glass-is a glassblowing studio that offers classes and also encourages the public to stop in and check out what they’re working on.

prospect heights/crown heights

crown heights (originally known as crow hill) and prospect heights border one another.  crown heights is best known for its west indian carnival each year. there is a large caribbean population here that defines the neighborhood in many ways. prospect heights is pretty small in comparison to other brooklyn neighborhoods and is notable for it’s cultural diversity.

how do i get there?

take the 2,3 or 4,5 to franklin Avenue.

nosh:

breukelen coffee whips up a delicious americano – while you wait you can enjoy their adorable old school house-styled seats.

james, this charming neighborhood restaurant was opened in 2008 by a husband + wife duo in an old brownstone. they use local ingredients whenever possible and harvest herbs from a rooftop garden in the summer. the dining room is cozy with dark woods, leather, vintage mirrors and a lovely amber chandelier.  make sure to try their grilled lemon pound cake with berry compote.

islands will give you the perfect insight into caribbean culture through food. oxtail may not seem like something you’d like until you try it here. other highlights include curry goat, bbq chicken and bread pudding if you have room.

franklin park, a locally owned watering hole, which has a burger joint opening up soon. the walls are adorned with large photos of the owner’s childhood friends from the neighborhood illuminated in light boxes. they also have ski ball.

lily and fig, when you stop by make sure to say hello to owner funmi and grab a delicious cookie or, my personal favorite, her red velvet cupcakes. delicious!

loot:

walter rossi-originally from italy, rossi is an architect, metal fabricator and custom furniture designer.

scarlett ribbon is a small thrift shop located on the main franklin ave drag and right next to the subway. they often have some really cool finds.

about time boutique founded by kevin philip, a trinidad-born designer, the shop opened in 2008 to sell his original line of t-shirts, polos, and hoodies.

fabrica designs- this interior design store sells unique furniture and accessories ranging from midcentury modern to vintage. they also offer interior design services

extra:

brooklyn botanical gardens- had a humble beginning as an ash dump in the 1800s. today you’d never know! highlights include gorgeous gardens that you can tour and extremely beneficial and fun monthly classes.

brooklyn museum-housed in a 560,000 square foot, beau-arts building, the museum is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the country. it is best known for its permanent collections that range from ancient egyptian masterpieces to contemporary art.
boerum hill/carroll gardens/cobble hill

this trifecta of neighborhoods shows off the best of brooklyn – quiet elegant brownstones and main streets full of cafes, restaurants and shops.  Over the past few years, atlantic avenue has become a mecca for antiques and architectural salvage shops, alongside high-end clothing and design stores. the neighborhood’s middle eastern roots are lovingly shared through some of the best middle eastern restaurants, bakeries and specialty food shops in new york. for classic new york charm, carroll gardens & cobble hill deliver with their italian roots. while walking around you may notice the virgin mary statues . the dunkin donuts patio even has an old virgin mary statue still intact. the other great part is that there are tons of italian markets, patisseries and meat shops to check out.

how do i get there?

the best way to reach these areas is by taking the 2,3 or 5,6 to borough hall. you can also take the g or the f to bergen street or carroll street.

nosh:

café pedlar, this adorable café serves up pete’s coffee and crazy good baked goods in a simple, relaxing corner spot. and, they sell the addictive & amazing frankie’s olive oil from down the street

buttermilk channel, fried chicken & cheddar waffles – need we say more? this cozy neighborhood restaurant is the perfect place to get your fix of house-cured charcuterie, cheese, seasonal entrees and more.

italian ice stand, if you’re lucky enough to be walking around on a spring or summer day make sure to make your way past the italian ice stand on court st &  carroll st.

robin du bois , this was one of the first places erin ever came in brooklyn when she visited years and years ago – and now it’s the place out-of-town visitors always ask to come back to. with beautiful boards and bowls of french classics (get the Sherwood Special) served at rustic tables below huge found objects, it’s perfect for cozy brunch or dinner.

frankie’s, well known by the locals and very busy during peak days/hours, but well worth the wait. the staff is delightful and the nosh is mouth watering. during warm months their patio is open for dining and if you’re having a special event, check out their private space in the back.  they also own prime meats a few doors down.

char no 4, is a whiskey bar and restaurant inspired by a passion for bourbon. they feature over 150 american whiskeys and serves a menu of american fare with a southern influence.  they feature modern southern classics in a contemporary new york space. the fried cheese curds and house cured pastrami are killer.

damascus bakery, ask the friendly staff at damascus, “what’s good?” and they’ll reply, “everything.” it’s no lie. this neighborhood bakery – opened on atlantic avenue in 1930 – features amazing middle eastern baked goods and international specialty foods.

bedouin tent, the ultimate neighborhood middle eastern joint – ULTIMATE – with a brick oven turning out fresh baked pita, super fresh salads, the friendliest service around – and super low prices.

the wing bar, for the guy who has been dragged to one two many boutiques, sweet relief.  killer wings – a piece of home (the midwest for erin) in the middle of brooklyn.

brooklyn social, you can’t eat, but you can drink.  and drink very well at this speakeasy-style, laidback neighborhood bar with old-school cocktails and great beer on tap.

loot:

darr, is a perfectly curated shop featuring unique salvaged goods and antiques. we lovingly envy their eye for beautiful oddities – busts, indian scissors, taxidermy.  their pieces are available for purchase or rental for shoots and styling.

layla just off atlantic avenue sits this small shop, lovingly filled by alayne patrick with textiles, bedding, jewelry and clothing made by artisans in india. the shop – and it’s towel & linen nook across the street – features dreamy bedding from both indian craftsmen and new york’s own john robshaw.

city foundry, weave your way through the narrow aisles chock full of discoveries – from mid-century modern furniture to pull down school signs and vintage metal pieces, this 20^th Century design specialist is fantastic for exploring. also, check out their annex up the street for salvaged signage, school & office furniture and more.

kea carpets and kilims, kilim rugs have made their full resurgence, but kea knew their tradition and beauty all along. the very special shop treats rugs with the love the deserve but often don’t get – hand-crafted, history-filled, investment pieces to warm your home.

grdn, one day we will have backyards and one day we will fill them with gorgeous plants, containers and garden accessories from this bright space off of atlantic avenue. the helpful staff understands the quirks of new york gardening and are there to help

sahadis, sahadis has been a brooklyn mecca for gourmet foods and middle eastern specialties for more than 60 years. take a number and get your pick of dried fruits and nuts, coffee and unique pantry staples. the house-made hummus is addictive.

eva gentry, the stark and stunning women’s clothing shop – formerly known as butter – is an atlantic avenue style pioneer, featuring impeccable, straightforward pieces from designers like dries van noten & rick owens. it’s pricey, so for more affordable options from past seasons and unique designer finds, try their consignment shop just up the block.

book court, make sure to pop into this adorable, well organized book shop to pick up a local guide or shop their impressive design section

elleven, this vintage jewelry shop has an eclectic mixture of chandeliers hanging from the ceilings. each is made from a different type of material or found object. the vintage jewelry is quite stunning as well.

brownstone hardwares, you can find anything from clothing, antiques, buttons, jewelry to old records at this cute boutique.

papel new york, when we popped into this store there was a husband/wife duo running it for the day. turns out they’re the parents of the owner and they’ve lived in new york their entire lives (love family run businesses). they carry unique stationary and popular note cards from companies such as snow & graham, but their real specialty is custom design stationary.

smith & vine wine, pop into this lovely wine shop for a great selection of wines and call ahead for tastings. check out the sister store stinky bklyn where you can find an assortment of the best cheeses around. they are now serving over 70 beers from the hard to find beers of begium and italy to great american brews.

las casita (yarn shop and café)- is spanish for “little house”. they offer a warm, friendly nook for knitters and crocheters to shop, relax, and dine.  the yarn shop portion offers a variety of beautiful yarn and the café offers cookies, brownies, pastries, and refreshments. you can also call ahead to sign up for a class.

smith & butler, this boutique sells men’s and women’s clothing & accessories. while you shop feel free to be inspired by the vintage furniture and décor that fills the store. we’re big fans of their classic brands and envy-worthy motorcycle and found objects.

bird owner, jen mankins, got her start in fashion and over the years realized her life long dream was to own a store. she is a socially conscious business owner donating to various causes – her williamsburg location often features local art work.

extra:

cobble hill cinemas, if you need a break from shopping and eating while in the neighborhood drop by the local cinema for a film. on tuesdays and thursdays it’s only $6.50 for a flick!

park slope

park slope is the brooklyn of the movies– charming brownstones on tree-lined streets, soccer games going in prospect park, local produce pouring out of the grand army plaza farmer’s market and families spilling onto the streets from cute cafes and shops. the neighborhood takes heat for its yuppie tendencies, but its indie roots remain in the new, young neighborhood businesses popping up all the time.

how do i get there? park slope is a big – and somehow ever expanding- neighborhood. for north slope, take the 2,3 to grand army plaza or bergen street or the b,q to 7^th avenue. for central and south areas, take the f to 4^th avenue, 7^thavenue or 15^th street.  the g also stops at 4^th avenue + 7^th avenue.

nosh:

colson patisserie, dense, sweet financiers. perfect, sticky morning rolls. our mouths are already watering at the thought of the lovable and addictive pastries & sandwiches in brooklyn via the owners’ native belgium & france.

café ducharme, this tiny café is nestled on a side street – a perfect and low-key break for a long walk around the neighborhood. they’ve also started serving  communal dinners that we’re excited to try.

applewood, it’s worth the wait to sit down to brunch or dinner at this local, seasonal restaurant serving up modern american comfort food in a homey, cozy space just off of 7^th avenue.

bark, we never thought we were hot dog people until bark opened on our street. now we go there – literally – almost every day for one of the local, sustainable snacks on their menu. brisket chili, gorgeous egg sandwiches for brunch, the kraut dog, milkshakes, house-made pickles, the best cheese sauce we’ve ever had – on fries! and a space that we’d be happy to live in (the tables! typography on the board! even the recycling station is cool!).

luscious food, luscious is the type of gourmet carryout + backyard café that makes you second guess your plans to cook dinner. their home-made, wish-your-mom-made-them-like this main courses and side dishes are the best comfort food around. and don’t forget the addictive homemade oreos, oatmeal cream pies and rice krispie treats.

city sub, do you like to eat? then you will like city sub. we know people who come from uptown in manhattan just to have the perfect sub – meats cut- to-order, bread toasted while you wait.

franny’s,  on the border of park slope & prospect heights, franny’s is the critically-lauded and locally-loved spot for simply & perfectly done seasonal veggies and thin brick oven pizza. and damn, we love their cocktails. the lines can be long, but its worth the wait – and weekdays are pretty chill.

sakura, japanese food goes in a whole new direction at this lovely, locally-owned restaurant. the sushi is great, but just as exciting are the special salads and sides – and warm, friendly wait staff.

al di la, the critics rave and neighbors flock to this charming italian restaurant. the food is outstanding – but we adore the low-key option of their tiny bar in the back. you can have a glass of wine and laid back dinner at the cozy bar behind the restaurant – or just relax while you wait for a table.

palo santo, tucked into the ground floor of a union street brownstone, chef jaques serves delicious dishes discovered on his travels around south america. for a special meal, sit at the tiny bar for a chef’s tasting menu.

brooklyn fish camp, having grown up in new hampshire (sierra) and spent a lot of time in maine (juliet), sometimes you need a lobster roll. Or chowder. or just fries tossed with old bay. this brooklyn extension of the manhattan favorite always delivers.

loot:

park slope flea market, the brooklyn flea gets well-deserved accolades, but we have a sweet spot in our hearts – and homes – for the park slope flea market at ps 321 on 7^th avenue. the low-key unpretentious market has a fantastic assortment of furniture, jewelry, clothing, ephemera and more – often at much more affordable prices than other nyc markets.

matter, the new york design chainlet makes a stop in park slope with a focus on emerging designers and bold modern takes on the classics. The glass wear and table top accessories are standouts.

guvnor’s vintage thrift, it’s not opened yet, but this “bigger and better” edition of the beloved money whistles & motorbikes vintage store is set to open this spring. their eclectic mix of clothing and accessories kicked off what’s become a destination area for vintage-seekers  on 5^th avenue.

odd twin trading company, just down the block from guvnor’s is ddd twin, a dream shop for vintage seekers, with it’s well curated – and organized – selection of home goods, clothing & accessories.

diana kane, on a neighborhood walk, diana kane is a locally-owned go-to stop for soft, modern women’s wear, lingerie and accessories – diana’s beautifully crafted jewelry sits along side everything you need for comfortable, stylish travel or just weekends exploring the city. head to the back for fantastic shoes, including classics like repetto flats.

cog & pearl, cog & pearl puts beautiful crafts and handmade objects on the pedestal they deserve. from hand-crafted home accessories to books, artwork and jewelry, the shop is amazing for gifts (for yourself or someone else).

brooklyn larder, park slope has no shortage of great gourmet food stores,  but brooklyn larder is a welcome newcomer to the mix. the bright, fresh space, owned by the couple behind franny’s, features housemade ice cream, pasteries and more – all mingling with the perfect selection of gourmet dry goods, cheeses and more. plus they have killer sandwiches and carryout food. We wish this was our kitchen.

bierkraft, walking takes it out of you. you need a drink. this local favorite features endless, ever-changing selections of beer to take  home or drink there, curated by a helpful + knowledgable staff. the latest edition is a café area where you can drink up and chow down on sandwiches and snacks made from their gourmet cheese + groceries.

fort greene & clinton hill

the best thing about this pair is their elegant brownstone house that line the streets. since gentrification hit this part of town a bit later, there was never a big rush to renovate the houses and turn them into multi unit dwellings, so a lot of the four and five story brownstones on south oxford, south portland, and those streets that surround fort green park and the pratt institute are still single family units. these homes alone are worth the trip to the neighborhood.

how do i get there?

take the g train to fulton street, clinton-washington avenue, or classon avenue. or take the c train to lafayette or clinton-washington avenues.

nosh:

ici, located in the ground floor of a cozy white-washed brownstone, with a picket-fenced back yard, ici is loved by neighbors – and critics – for its local, seasonal offerings.

locanda vini & olii, located in the perfectly restored 130 year-old lewis Drug store on gates avenue in clinton hill, locanda offers a modern take on classic italian cooking. and the wine is by consumption – drink as much as you want from the bottle left on the table. lovely.

le grand dakar, tucked away around the corner from the pratt institute sits le grand dakar, featuring beautiful dishes from senegal, cote d’ivoire, nigeria and throughout africa.  the shrimp & sweet potato fritters are our favorite.

habana outpost, created by artist and restaurateur sean meenan, habana outpost was created with the principles of great food, great fun, and social responsibility.  kids and adults alike ride the pedal-powered smoothie/margarita bike and lounge in their outdoor hammocks all summer.

farmer in the deli, high-end newcomer restaurants can sometimes overshadow what every new yorker relies on; a really good deli. enter farmer in the deli, our favorite go-to spot for made-to-order sandwiches. It’s the perfect spot to snag everything for a picnic in fort greene park.

tillie’s located on dekalb and vanderbilt, was named in memory of tillie asnis, who ran a dry cleaning store in the space in the 40s and 50s, and who lived with her family above the store for many years. this is a great coffee shop offering teas, coffees, pastries, and light fare. if you know who to look for, you are almost guaranteed to spot a writer whose work you’ve read.

bittersweet, well know as a go to spot in the neighborhood this coffee and ice cream parlor serves delicious menu items. mismatched tables and chairs furnish this small pale yellow space and it sits across the street from fort greene park.

no. 7’s head chef, tyler kord, has referred to his kitchen style as “casual badass”. This small upscale restaurant produces casually but amazing food that everyone should try.

loot:

brooklyn flea, new york’s now-premier flea market is housed alongside brownstones in a school-yard or in the gilded lobby of the former williamsburg fank fuilding, depending on the season. the sprawling market features innovative vendors selling everything from salvaged furniture to vintage clothing, alongside handcrafted artwork, apparel, accessories – and our favorite, food. don’t miss the brooklyn ballfields vendors with their south american specialties, killer grilled cheese and “am i in maine?” lobster roles.  oh and the chocolate. and the pickles.

saffron, owned by a local brother, sister and her boyfriend, this gem of a shop features flowers, vintage home goods and a special selection of clothing, accessories & artwork.

dossier, founders of the style and culture magazine dossier journal have created this tiny space on dekalb, featuring carefully chosen vintage clothing, books, magazines, accessories and more.

stuart & wright, housed in an old laundromat, and retaining it’s classic signage and exterior, stuart & wright features an impeccable mix of men’s and women’s clothing and accessories from modern classicists like etoile isabel marant, alexander wang and a.p.c.

green light books-the co proprietors, Jessica Stockton and Rebecca fitting both had a vision of bringing a fantastic independent bookstore to the neighborhood. Check out their fantastic event schedule for story times for all ages.

yu interiors, was established in 1999 and has been selling well designed, functional and affordable items ever since. make sure to check out their “brooklyn made” section.

extra:

urbanglass was founded in 1977 by artists richard yelle and erik erikson as the new york experimental glass workshop, it was the first artist-access glass center in the us and is now the largest.  located at 647 fulton street
dumbo/vinegar hill

an acronym for down under the manhattan bridge overpass, this neighborhood has killer views and equally killer food & design shops. the exposed belgian block streets set beneath a massive bridge structure makes dumbo a very unique part of brooklyn.

how do i get there?

take the f train to york street or the a,c train to high street

nosh:

vinegar hill house is a mom and pop shop to the fullest meaning. the owners built it, cook the food and even live in the carriage house out back. this warm and cozy spot only seats 40 people and has a wood fire oven that will be roaring if you visit during the colder months. the menu is simple and seasonal.

dumbo general store is open every day of the week for a cup of coffee, glass of wine or meal as you walk your way along the water. their communal tables make for friendly, neighborhood meals.

rebar, situated in a repurposed and renovated warehouse, this indie office building/ artist studio space/ floor level café also features this cozy bar on the 2^nd floor.

brooklyn ice cream factory, is set in a twenties fireboat house on the brooklyn waterfront, with arguably the best view of the city.  though a little touristy, their deep dark fudge made from 72 percent cacao is worth the sometimes-long wait.

almondine & jacques Torres, the french pastry chef brings his luxurious sweets to dumbo at almondine, his cozy French bakery, and the aponymous chocolate shop across the street.   there’s always a (tiny) line for the hot chocolate.

grimalidi’s is a famous pizza place; yes, there are tourists, but in the summer new yorkers have a trick – call from your cell phone and order carryout. walk in, snag your pie and take it one block down to sit on the water. enjoy a classic bite of new york with an unbelievable view of the skyline & brooklyn bridge. fulton ferry park is growing bit by bit every year, so you’re sure to find a cozy spot of your own.

loot:

prague kolektive features czech modern furniture – the only shop in the u.s. specializing in the country’s unique pre-war and midcentury modern pieces – along with fantastic lighting.

tivoli home, tucked in the back of dumbo general store is this jewel-box scandanavian design shop, featuring table wear, accessories and gifts.

zakka, japanese art, pop-culture and style come together at this artist collective. the shop features everything from rare toys to imported magazines and art books.

city joinery is a fine modern furniture studio that makes each design one piece at a time. every October, during the dumbo art show, city joinery prices its floor samples to sell.

zoe, this women’s boutique brings high style to under the bridge. they have a fantastic assortment of young and old designers, from alexander wang to givenchy.

dewey’s candy, though the neighborhood is chock full with some of the city’s best pizza, ice cream, chocolate and pastries, try to save room for dewey’s candy. the neighborhood newcomer features new and classic candies in a bright white space – with a very cool chandelier.

brooklyn heights

park slope may be the brooklyn of modern indie movies, but brooklyn heights is the classic backdrop of the cosby show and moonstruck – elegant brownstones, beautifully landscaped streets and amazing views of the manhattan from the promenade.

how do i get there?

take the a,c train to high street or the 2,3 train to clark street.

nosh:

sahadis, sahadis has been a brooklyn mecca for gourmet foods and middle eastern specialties for more than 60 years. take a number and get your pick of dried fruits and nuts, coffee and unique pantry staples. the house-made hummus is addictive.

henry public, ok technically in cobble hill, but literally steps from quaint brooklyn heights. the neighborhood newcomer has replaced a tv repair shop with a throw-back bar. classic cocktails and bar food (turkey leg sandwiches, grass-fed burgers) are given a high-end spin with the warm wood floors and painted ceiling.

noodle pudding, funny name, seriously amazing italian food. noodle pudding has some of the friendliest waiters in town, there to guide you through house-made pasta and other classic Italian specialties. it’s a warm, lively, fun space – as good for a date as a big family dinner.

teresa’s, south brooklyners don’t have to head to greenpoint for

polish food. teresa’s has all of the pierogies & blintzes you could

dream of – plus great diner food for brunch or late day cravings.

loot:

holler & squall, our new favorite antiques and found objects shop is located at the very bottom of atlantic avenue. the cozy shop features specially-chosen furniture, ephemera and objects.  my God, we’re obsessed with their chairs.

abitare, located on henry street, one of brooklyn’s most charming walks, is abiatare.  from scandanavian trays to bold, modern glassware, the home goods store has a great assortment of contemporary design pieces – and a kind staff there to help you find the right one.

haystack home, features the kind of furniture and cozy accessories you’d find at your best friend’s house – personal, livable and unique. from john derian decoupage to mitchell gold + bob williams seating –plus great gifts for kids – Haystack is a truly  neighborhoody home store.

extra:

the promenade, don’t miss amazing views of the city – and if you turn around, amazing views of gorgeous apartments and brownstones. many famous writers have called the area around the promenade home and we see why – the views are totally inspiring.

red hook

with its uninterrupted views of the statue of liberty, cobble-stone streets and industrially-dreamy architecture, its amazing that red hook’s only started attracting the masses in the past decade. luckily, the shift has been slow and the neighborhood features a mix of independent shops & restaurants alongside parks. oh, and nyc’s only ikea.

how do i get there?

red hook is accessible from manhattan by car only. Subway service in the area is sparse, with the ind culver line (f, g)running along smith street and ninth street. The b61 bus, formerly a trolley line, runs a 24-hour service from erie basin red hook through williamsburg, and greenpoint.

nosh:

red hook ball fields, the secret’s out and we love it! brooklyn’s finest food from all over south america comes together at the ball fields every weekend during the summer months. from papusas to huaraches to horchata, the finest foods are available at the most low key prices – and you get to watch great soccer. it’s our favorite nyc summer activity.

hope & anchor, there are brunch spots and then there is hope & anchor. chill, friendly – exactly the vibe you want on a lazy weekend morning. and brunch is just the start – great dinners and awesome drinks in the heart of the neighborhood

fort defiance, st. john frizell’s neighborhood café & bar has exactly what you want, no matter the time of day. from hearty brunch to authentic mufalletta sandwiches at lunch – not to mention perfectly fizzy seltzer and inspired cocktails – you really could stay all day.

steve’s authentic key lime pies, forget florida. the red hook waterfront is the place to go to find perfectly tangy, smooth key lime pie. situated at the base of a pier, grab a mini-pie (ok, or a big one) or the frozen swingle (mini pie dipped in chocolate) and take it down to the water to eat.

baked, the neighborhood go-to spot for cookies, brownies, granola.

you can buy their mixes at the store now, but it’s still a ton of fun to visit their shop!

sunny’s, there is no local bar more local than sunny’s. opened in 1890, the beloved institution has stayed in the family ever since. low key, friendly, filled with folks who truly love the place, sunny’s is brooklyn at its very best.

defonte’s, head north along the water towards cobble hill and you’ll find defonte’s on columbia Street. awesome italian heroes, with everything from meatball to potato & egg.

loot:

erie basin, the simple space houses a beautifully-curated collection of 19th and 20th century antiques, specializing in jewelry and small objects. we fall in love every time we go.

saipua, we (juliet & sierra) have adored everything saipua since the first moment we came across their floral work and soap line. the word saipua is derived from the finnish word for soap. as a small family owned business they have been making olive oil based soap since 1999 and flowers since 2004. we guarantee you will fall in love with them too!

foxy & winston – established by illustrator jane buck, the shop sells hand-printed stationary,  screen-printed t-shirts, wall art and other goods that are all created on-site in the studio space behind the shop.

chelsea garden center brooklyn, if you’re lucky enough to have a garden in brooklyn, then you’ve probably paid a visit to one of the borough’s best garden centers. the center offers a variety of plants ready to enliven a fire escape (don’t tell our landlords) or patio, plus window boxes for those with less space.

free bird books, coming out of red hook towards carroll gardens is free bird, a fantastic book store – its organized so perfectly that you’re guaranteed to find something to take home. With coffee on hand– and a backyard open in the summer – it’s a great place to spend the better chunk of an afternoon.

extra:

red hook recreation pool, one of brooklyn’s greatest public pools. there are less than you’d think and they are very necessary in our hot city summers.

above & beyond

we feel guilty only choosing a few brooklyn neighborhoods – the borough is, after all, bigger than most major cities on its own and this guide is only the tip of the iceberg for exploring.

ditmas park, features some of the most beautiful homes in brooklyn and the delicious food at the farm on adderlayand its sister shop sycamore. a flower shop and a bar. what more could I ask for! if this wasn’t already done, I think I’d want to do it.

don’t forget bay ridge, with its brownstones and beautiful views from owl’s head park.  it features some of brooklyn’s most authentic Korean food at kimchi and the brooklyn century 21 – a much, much more pleasant and fun experience than the crowded one in manhattan. and it’s middle eastern (tanoreen) and swedish (leske’s bakery) roots make it perfect for eating all day long.

coney island, bedford stuyvesant … so many more places to explore & share soon!

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