Inside the neighborhood - our favorites
Notable restaurants in the neighborhood
There are so many more restaurants all around you but here are some of our favorites. Most of them have outdoor seating now too. PLEASE check online before you go because places can and do close down. Sometimes it's better to book in advance but many places you can just walk in and still get a table. I use Open Table to book online. And I use Seamless to order for delivery. Most restaurants will be listed on these apps although not all, some take direct bookings. It's also fun just to wander around the neighborhoods and find your own favorite places. There are great restaurants, bars and cafes on Atlantic Avenue, Smith St, Court St, Union St and up and down the side streets too. Great neighborhoods for dining is Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, Park Slope, Red Hook and other parts of Brooklyn too (like Williamsburg, Bushwick etc)
Delicious rustic Northern Italian food. Very Brooklyn as it's in converted Brownstone house.
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Rucola
190 Dean StDelicious rustic Northern Italian food. Very Brooklyn as it's in converted Brownstone house.
Mooburger
240 Court StGreat for burgers, fries etc.
Bareburger
33-21 31st AveAnother great burger (healthy & tasty) and fries place
Our all time favorite to pick up a really good slice or more (several great choices). Great garlic knots too. Also does pizza delivery. Like most places these days, has outdoor seating now too.
Brooklyn Pizza Market
267 Smith StOur all time favorite to pick up a really good slice or more (several great choices). Great garlic knots too. Also does pizza delivery. Like most places these days, has outdoor seating now too.
Bar Tabac
128 Smith StFrench bistro. This place has been around for ages.
French Louie
320 Atlantic AveFrench-American restaurant. Very popular too.
Hibino
333 Henry StDelicious Japanese food, very popular.
KI SUSHI
122 Smith StAnother Japanese restaurant to try out.
Kor Tor Mor
204 Smith StThai restaurant.
I love to order Thai delivery from here although you can go eat there too, bit noisy in the restaurant but good energy. Super reasonably priced.
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Joya
215 Court StI love to order Thai delivery from here although you can go eat there too, bit noisy in the restaurant but good energy. Super reasonably priced.
Indian Table
234 Court StIndian food.
La Vara
268 Clinton StSouthern Spanish.
Lavender Lake Bar
53 Carroll StSaint Julivert
264 Clinton StSeafood. Lovely & pricey.
Ssam Korean Bistro
170 Smith StGreat Korean restaurant.
Cubana Café
272 Smith StCuban food. I haven't tried this one yet.
Awash
242 Court StEthiopian.
Thaism
278 Smith StThai food that seems to get good reviews. I haven't eaten here yet myself.
Has a large outdoor backyard. German restaurant and bar with German draft beers and decent food. Good place to watch sports too on their big screen.
Black Forest
181 Smith StHas a large outdoor backyard. German restaurant and bar with German draft beers and decent food. Good place to watch sports too on their big screen.
If you're craving a lobster roll and outdoor seating also. Maine-themed restaurant. Happy hour 5 - 7pm
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Kittery
305 Smith StIf you're craving a lobster roll and outdoor seating also. Maine-themed restaurant. Happy hour 5 - 7pm
Avlee
349 Smith StIf you're craving Greek food.
LuAnne's Wild Ginger
380 Broome StAsian vegan restaurant
Emma's Torch
345 Smith StDelicious food. Trains refugees to be chefs.
Top notch Italian Tuscan food. Restaurant with a stellar reputation.
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Frankies 457 Spuntino
457 Court StTop notch Italian Tuscan food. Restaurant with a stellar reputation.
This is fast becoming a popular new place in the neighborhood. It used to be a food truck and is not an eat-in or pick up to go place. Just a few tables so not for special dining night out. More casual.
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East Wind Snack Shop
417 16th StThis is fast becoming a popular new place in the neighborhood. It used to be a food truck and is not an eat-in or pick up to go place. Just a few tables so not for special dining night out. More casual.
Newish in the neighborhood, French-Canadian and one of the best restaurants near by. If I was treating myself, I would go here.
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Bar Bête
263 Smith StNewish in the neighborhood, French-Canadian and one of the best restaurants near by. If I was treating myself, I would go here.
Delicious Filipino food although not so great perhaps for vegetarians.
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FOB
271 Smith StDelicious Filipino food although not so great perhaps for vegetarians.
Pizza by the slice by the same owners as Franks, so they know what they're doing. Just opened.
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F&F Pizzeria
459 Court StPizza by the slice by the same owners as Franks, so they know what they're doing. Just opened.
Mexican restaurant, recently opened, I haven't tried it yet but getting good reviews.
Purépecha Mexican Restaurant
213 Smith StMexican restaurant, recently opened, I haven't tried it yet but getting good reviews.
Ramen diner. Lovely garden and seating at the front. My son's favorite Ramen! Opened in 2020.
Karazishi Botan
255 Smith StRamen diner. Lovely garden and seating at the front. My son's favorite Ramen! Opened in 2020.
Barbalu Brooklyn
68 Bergen StreetNew and popular Italian/pizzeria
Very small and incredible Thai with more original dishes than your average Thai restaurant.
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Ugly Baby
407 Smith StVery small and incredible Thai with more original dishes than your average Thai restaurant.
If I was treating myself this would be one of my top 3 choices in our neighborhood.
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Buttermilk Channel
524 Court StIf I was treating myself this would be one of my top 3 choices in our neighborhood.
Levant on Smith
223 Smith StreetBrand new French place opened October 2021, including frogs legs!
This is a small place, has a few casual tables, not so much a restaurant to go out to but we love to order Mexican food for delivery from here.
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Calexico
645 Manhattan AveThis is a small place, has a few casual tables, not so much a restaurant to go out to but we love to order Mexican food for delivery from here.
Outdoor pizza, very casual, roofdeck, amazing views and then you get to walk along the water to Dumbo.
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Fornino At Pier 6
Bridge Park DriveOutdoor pizza, very casual, roofdeck, amazing views and then you get to walk along the water to Dumbo.
People swear by this pizzeria but long lines! Friends of mine went recently and said Jay Z and Beyonce walked in. I've never been.
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Lucali
575 Henry StPeople swear by this pizzeria but long lines! Friends of mine went recently and said Jay Z and Beyonce walked in. I've never been.
Great cafe, been around for ages. Takes cash only. Opens at 9am, great for breakfast and wonderful pancakes. There can be a wait for brunch if you get there later.
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Cafe Luluc
214 Smith StGreat cafe, been around for ages. Takes cash only. Opens at 9am, great for breakfast and wonderful pancakes. There can be a wait for brunch if you get there later.
If you're craving BBQ since my previous favorite place Pig Beach closed, this is where I would go if you want near by.
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que
If you're craving BBQ since my previous favorite place Pig Beach closed, this is where I would go if you want near by.
Insa
328 Douglass StGreat Korean BBQ and you can have a BBQ at your table.
Leyenda
221 Smith StPan-Latin Cocktail Bar and Restaurant
Cafe Spaghetti
New and very popular Italian restaurant
Cotra
New Japanese Izakaya (tapas) restaurant in Gowanus. I'm looking forward to trying this one.
Notable bars in the neighborhood
There are so many more bars and pubs in the neighborhood but here are a few favorites. Many of them have outdoor seating now too. Check before you go always as places do close down.
Lovely bar and food. Fireplace, live music on Wednesday nights etc
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Clover Club
210 Smith StLovely bar and food. Fireplace, live music on Wednesday nights etc
This place has been around forever and for good reason! Now they have great outdoor seating too.
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Brooklyn Inn
148 Hoyt StThis place has been around forever and for good reason! Now they have great outdoor seating too.
Brooklyn Social
335 Smith St61 Local
61 Bergen StThe Long Island Bar
110 Atlantic AveLeyenda
221 Smith StPan-Latin Cocktail Bar and Restaurant
Barely Disfigured
257 Smith StBlack Mountain Wine House
Wine bar with cheese and light food.
Bar San Miguel
307 Smith StTequila & Mezcal bar. You can eat here too.
June
231 Court StWine bar with tapas/outdoor patio space.
Evalyn's Tap House
New European tap house in Gowanus near the apartment.
Tipsy Grape
New wine bar in the neighborhood, extensive list of wines etc.
Looks like a great new addition to the neighborhood and is close to the apartment with a good food menu too.
Evalyn's Tap House
Looks like a great new addition to the neighborhood and is close to the apartment with a good food menu too.
Notable shopping in the neighborhood
Walk along Smith Street, Court Street and Atlantic Avenue for all kinds of lovely boutiques, restaurants, stores etc. On Atlantic Avenue you will also find a lot of antique stores. Here are some of our favorites.
Books Are Magic
225 Smith St Neighborhood bookstore.
Wonderful gift store with a little bit of everything.
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Exit9 Gift Emporium Brooklyn
127 Smith StWonderful gift store with a little bit of everything.
The Dr. Martens Store
103 Smith StIf you're into Dr. Martens, there you have it!
Paper Source
211 W BroadwayStationery and gifts.
GRDN
103 Hoyt StFlowers and plants.
Opalia Flowers
377 Atlantic AvenueFlowers and plants.
If you're looking for the closest Apple store.
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Apple Downtown Brooklyn
123 Flatbush AveIf you're looking for the closest Apple store.
Pizzazzz Toyz
281 Court StTwo big toy stores next to each other.
If you're looking for a shopping mall with H&M, Old Navy, Uniclo, Target etc .... Downtown Brooklyn on Fulton Street has many of these stores too and is even closer for walking.
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Atlantic Terminal station
If you're looking for a shopping mall with H&M, Old Navy, Uniclo, Target etc .... Downtown Brooklyn on Fulton Street has many of these stores too and is even closer for walking.
Barnes & Noble
New Barnes & Noble, beautifully lit and laid out
Every Sunday from around 8am - 2pm (earlier the better), buy fresh produce from local farmers, amazing breads, flowers, milk, meat, honey and more. Small but full of great stuff. Pricey but worth it and you're buying local!
Carroll Gardens Greenmarket
337 Smith StEvery Sunday from around 8am - 2pm (earlier the better), buy fresh produce from local farmers, amazing breads, flowers, milk, meat, honey and more. Small but full of great stuff. Pricey but worth it and you're buying local!
Activities with kids
Here are some things to do with kids nearby. Of course NY is abound with possibilities but I have listed activities that are close by. Check before you go always as places do close down. And for more inspiration: https://mommypoppins.com/cobble-hill-kids/best-of-lists/cobble-hill-carroll-gardens-boerum-hill-things-to-do-kids
Paint your own ceramics. Note they are not available to take home immediately.
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The Painted Pot
229 Smith StreetPaint your own ceramics. Note they are not available to take home immediately.
There is so much to do from Pier 6, all the way along to Dumbo. By Pier 6, you have climbing park, sand village, water village, all kinds of sports along the water (netball, basketball, pop up swimming pool, soccer, roller skating, outdoor gym equipment etc). There is Kayaking, boats to Governor's island and gorgeous views to name a few. Don't miss the delicious Ample Hills Creamery for ice cream along the way.
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Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6 / Atlantic Avenue station
There is so much to do from Pier 6, all the way along to Dumbo. By Pier 6, you have climbing park, sand village, water village, all kinds of sports along the water (netball, basketball, pop up swimming pool, soccer, roller skating, outdoor gym equipment etc). There is Kayaking, boats to Governor's island and gorgeous views to name a few. Don't miss the delicious Ample Hills Creamery for ice cream along the way.
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge BoulevardIt's wonderful to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.
Karousel Jane
Dock StreetGorgeous carousel on the water in Dumbo.
So much to do in this park. Free concerts in the summer, boating, cycling, picnics on the lawn, ice skating, roller skating etc.
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Taman Prospect
So much to do in this park. Free concerts in the summer, boating, cycling, picnics on the lawn, ice skating, roller skating etc.
So fun! For adults too. Take the boat from Pier 6 (check schedule). It only takes a few minutes to get there. You can rent bikes, walk around the island (incredible views) and there are lots of activities and special theme days.
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Governors Island
So fun! For adults too. Take the boat from Pier 6 (check schedule). It only takes a few minutes to get there. You can rent bikes, walk around the island (incredible views) and there are lots of activities and special theme days.
New York Transit Museum
89 E 42nd StGood for younger kids.
Nearby local playground with swings, climbing area, basketball etc.
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Taman Carroll
President StreetNearby local playground with swings, climbing area, basketball etc.
Arts & Culture
Here are some recommendations for things nearby.
One of my favorite NY theaters, located in Dumbo.
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St. Ann's Warehouse
45 Water StOne of my favorite NY theaters, located in Dumbo.
Live music, theatre, film, dance etc. Wonderfully curated.
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Brooklyn Academy of Music
30 Lafayette AveLive music, theatre, film, dance etc. Wonderfully curated.
BAM Harvey Theater
651 Fulton StPart of BAM. Theater.
Great cinema where you can eat and drink inside the cinema. Huge food court in the building downstairs with about 50 foodstands and a Trader Joe's.
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Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Downtown Brooklyn
445 Albee Square WGreat cinema where you can eat and drink inside the cinema. Huge food court in the building downstairs with about 50 foodstands and a Trader Joe's.
Cobble Hill Cinemas
265 Court StSmall local cinema.
Muzium Brooklyn
200 Eastern PkwyGreat exhibits.
Theatre for a New Audience at Polonsky Shakespeare Center
262 Ashland PlFor concert goers and sports fans, the Barclays Center is a short 20 minutes walk or a 10-15 minutes drive away.
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Pusat Barclays
620 Atlantic AveFor concert goers and sports fans, the Barclays Center is a short 20 minutes walk or a 10-15 minutes drive away.
Great arts & music venue in the neighborhood
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The Invisible Dog Art Center
51 Bergen StGreat arts & music venue in the neighborhood
Delicious ice cream near you
So many great ice cream places near the apartment.
There are a few different ones around now (Gowanus, Dumbo, Prospect Park etc) but I love this one in Gowanus with roof deck and it's not far. Don't miss the Salted Crack Caramel!
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Ample Hills Creamery
623 Vanderbilt AveThere are a few different ones around now (Gowanus, Dumbo, Prospect Park etc) but I love this one in Gowanus with roof deck and it's not far. Don't miss the Salted Crack Caramel!
Malai Ice Cream
268 Smith StIndian inspired flavors, delicious!
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
620 Manhattan AveDelicious! And amazing vegan options too.
This is a fabulous place for ice cream sundaes, egg creams, comfort food etc. Housed in a former pharmacy, this is an old school soda shop. Great place to take kids and adults alike.
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Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain
513 Henry StThis is a fabulous place for ice cream sundaes, egg creams, comfort food etc. Housed in a former pharmacy, this is an old school soda shop. Great place to take kids and adults alike.
Supermarkets, grocery and speciality food stores near by
There are so many but here are some of our favorites.
Upscale. This is a block away with lots of prepared food but also everything you want in a supermarket. Lovely breads and pastries too.
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Union Market
240 E Houston StUpscale. This is a block away with lots of prepared food but also everything you want in a supermarket. Lovely breads and pastries too.
More affordable supermarket. Lots of great prices and delicious food.
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Trader Joe's
130 Court StMore affordable supermarket. Lots of great prices and delicious food.
Great fruit and vegetable store very close by.
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K & Y Fruit & Veggie Inc
291 Court StGreat fruit and vegetable store very close by.
This place is amazing. Specializes in Middle Eastern food but has large selection of cheeses, olives, coffee, candy, prepared foods and regular supermarket fare. My favorite!
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Sahadi's
187 Atlantic AveThis place is amazing. Specializes in Middle Eastern food but has large selection of cheeses, olives, coffee, candy, prepared foods and regular supermarket fare. My favorite!
Brooklyn Wine Exchange
138 Court StFor wine and alcohol.
Smith & Vine
317 Smith StLovely boutique wine store.
Bien Cuit
120 Smith StLovely bakery. Expensive but delicious breads.
Amazing deserts/bakery. Eat in or take out. A feast for the eyes. Great place for speciality birthday cakes too.
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Mia's Brooklyn Bakery
139 Smith StAmazing deserts/bakery. Eat in or take out. A feast for the eyes. Great place for speciality birthday cakes too.
Un Posto Italiano
206 Garfield PlFresh pasta etc.
Fish Tales
191A Court StFresh fish.
Paisanos Butcher Shop
162 Smith StButchers.
Staubitz Market
222 Court StButchers.
This is a huge Wholefoods near by with an upstairs bar/restaurant and outdoor roof deck. Upscale healthy supermarket.
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Whole Foods Market
214 3rd StThis is a huge Wholefoods near by with an upstairs bar/restaurant and outdoor roof deck. Upscale healthy supermarket.
A few doors down from Sahadi's. Fabulous Syrian bakery with great sweets, dips, flatbreads and prepared foods.
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Damascus Bread & Pastry Shop
195 Atlantic AveA few doors down from Sahadi's. Fabulous Syrian bakery with great sweets, dips, flatbreads and prepared foods.
One of our favorite places in the neighborhood. Small deli specializing in everything French - delicious baguette, croissants, macarons, cheeses, olives, sandwiches, coffee and much more. Closed Mondays.
Le French Tart Deli
306 Court StOne of our favorite places in the neighborhood. Small deli specializing in everything French - delicious baguette, croissants, macarons, cheeses, olives, sandwiches, coffee and much more. Closed Mondays.
Very popular Jewish delicatessen. Known for bagels, bagel sandwiches, lox and smoked fish. They also have a selection of British chocolate.
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Shelsky's of Brooklyn: Appetizing & Delicatessen
141 Court StVery popular Jewish delicatessen. Known for bagels, bagel sandwiches, lox and smoked fish. They also have a selection of British chocolate.
Dumbo Market
205 Smith StreetBrand new supermarket near our apartment.
Cheese Plate Carroll Gardens
Amazing new cheese store so close to the apartment.