Guidebook for Brooklyn
Essentials
CTown Supermarkets
330 Graham AveLocal larger grocery
Food Scene
La Superior
295 Berry StBest Mexican in town
Local classic. Dining car and outdoor seating. Menu written out on ticker tape in front of you. Amazing food, great scene.
482 locals recommend
Diner
85 BroadwayLocal classic. Dining car and outdoor seating. Menu written out on ticker tape in front of you. Amazing food, great scene.
Higher end Sushi. Trendy and pricey but worth it. Sit at the sushi bar and ask for Chef's selection.
99 locals recommend
1 OR 8
229 Dekalb AvenueHigher end Sushi. Trendy and pricey but worth it. Sit at the sushi bar and ask for Chef's selection.
Best weekday breakfast, weekend brunch. French press coffee. All local ingredients.
251 locals recommend
Egg
109 N 3rd StBest weekday breakfast, weekend brunch. French press coffee. All local ingredients.
Great local joint with antique bar and a speakeasy feel. New American / French Cuisine. Hipster cocktails and good wine list.
169 locals recommend
Rye
247 South 1st StreetGreat local joint with antique bar and a speakeasy feel. New American / French Cuisine. Hipster cocktails and good wine list.
A must, the best meat around. Can't reserve a table by phone. Go there and ask for a table, the hostess will text you when table is ready.You can have bear or wine next door till your table is ready.
269 locals recommend
St. Anselm
355 Metropolitan AveA must, the best meat around. Can't reserve a table by phone. Go there and ask for a table, the hostess will text you when table is ready.You can have bear or wine next door till your table is ready.
Maison Premiere
298 Bedford AveOysters, Oysters, Oysters. Expect to wait for seating.
Cheap, drink specials, great pork buns. Young crowd. Retro Asian films playing in the background.
46 locals recommend
Snacky
187 Grand StCheap, drink specials, great pork buns. Young crowd. Retro Asian films playing in the background.
Outdoor flea market. Saturday food stalls and Sunday antiques and local artisans (and food)
www.smorgasburg.com
777 locals recommend
Smorgasburg
90 Kent AveOutdoor flea market. Saturday food stalls and Sunday antiques and local artisans (and food)
www.smorgasburg.com
Hipster coffee for experts. Espresso, local brewed, and slow drip. Try the New Orleans - a semi sweet iced coffee, and the shortbread.
467 locals recommend
Blue Bottle Coffee
76 N 4th StHipster coffee for experts. Espresso, local brewed, and slow drip. Try the New Orleans - a semi sweet iced coffee, and the shortbread.
Founder Toby Smith opened his first coffee bar in Sydney in 1997. And there's one thing on the food menu only an Australian could love: Vegemite on toast.
284 locals recommend
Partners Coffee
125 N 6th StFounder Toby Smith opened his first coffee bar in Sydney in 1997. And there's one thing on the food menu only an Australian could love: Vegemite on toast.
Fette Sau
354 Metropolitan AveBest BBQ in town. Outdoor picnic benches.
Old school brooklyn, ver pricey. Unique only-in-New-York experience
503 locals recommend
Peter Luger Steak House
178 BroadwayOld school brooklyn, ver pricey. Unique only-in-New-York experience
We love this place, we go there every week. True Israeli food, made by creative israeli chef.
52 locals recommend
Zizi Limona
182 8th AvenueWe love this place, we go there every week. True Israeli food, made by creative israeli chef.
one of the first artisancoffee shops in Williamsburg, strong coffee.
296 locals recommend
Gimme Coffee
495 Lorimer Stone of the first artisancoffee shops in Williamsburg, strong coffee.
have Large varied menu of food and drinks. Something for everyone, cool interior.
220 locals recommend
Samurai Mama
205 Grand Sthave Large varied menu of food and drinks. Something for everyone, cool interior.
Can't get enough of this place. Great find for FRESH seafood, fantastic ambiance.
71 locals recommend
Rosarito Fish Shack
168-170 Wythe AveCan't get enough of this place. Great find for FRESH seafood, fantastic ambiance.
Great food - great vibe. Yami Brunch as well. Beautiful place.been around for over 20 years
856 locals recommend
Cafe Mogador
133 Wythe AveGreat food - great vibe. Yami Brunch as well. Beautiful place.been around for over 20 years
amazing brick oven pizza, fresh breads and locally sourced ingredients. They recently won a Michelin star- foodies love this place. Worth the walk but expect long late times for dinner.
1621 locals recommend
Roberta's
261 Moore Stamazing brick oven pizza, fresh breads and locally sourced ingredients. They recently won a Michelin star- foodies love this place. Worth the walk but expect long late times for dinner.
One of the hottest additions to the Harlem soul food scene, Red Rooster's chef Marcus Samuelsson has created a Harlem dining destination that is both refined and popular. Reservations are essential if you want to enjoy dinner, which includes seemingly traditional options like fish and grits, jerk chicken but each features a modern twist.
1044 locals recommend
Red Rooster
310 Lenox AveOne of the hottest additions to the Harlem soul food scene, Red Rooster's chef Marcus Samuelsson has created a Harlem dining destination that is both refined and popular. Reservations are essential if you want to enjoy dinner, which includes seemingly traditional options like fish and grits, jerk chicken but each features a modern twist.
If you like food and shopping this is a great place to see. Indoor market w/ food vendors (some shopping too). Great place to grab a snack and walk the Highline. Best coffee from Ninth St Expresso. Tons of gourmet food options to take out or eat there! Grab stuff to go and walk the High Line. My fav: Friedmans Lunch (sit down casual restaurant), Seafood mkt for sushi, oysters,lobster.
1123 locals recommend
Chelsea Market
75 9th AveIf you like food and shopping this is a great place to see. Indoor market w/ food vendors (some shopping too). Great place to grab a snack and walk the Highline. Best coffee from Ninth St Expresso. Tons of gourmet food options to take out or eat there! Grab stuff to go and walk the High Line. My fav: Friedmans Lunch (sit down casual restaurant), Seafood mkt for sushi, oysters,lobster.
Arts & Culture
Williamsburg Cinemas
217 Grand StBrand new movie plex
Knitting Factory Brooklyn
361 Metropolitan AveLive Music.
Nitehawk Cinema
136 Metropolitan AveEat, drink, AND watch movies.
The Brooklyn Museum is an art museum located in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. At 560,000 square feet (52,000 m2), the museum is New York City's third largest in physical size and holds an art collection with roughly 1.5 million works.
3011 locals recommend
Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern PkwyThe Brooklyn Museum is an art museum located in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. At 560,000 square feet (52,000 m2), the museum is New York City's third largest in physical size and holds an art collection with roughly 1.5 million works.
A personal favorite. One of the finest museums in the US. "Suggested Admission" means if you buy tickets at a museum ticket counter, the amount you pay is up to you. Ticket includes same-day admission to The Met Fifth Avenue, The Met Breuer, and The Met Cloisters. Met Rooftop Bar and Garden offers sweeping views of Central Park and beyond that can be enjoyed with wine, cocktails, and light bites. It is often busy with crowds, but the scenery and the special atmosphere make it well-worth a trip. Try to go on a weekday when the crowds have thinned. Closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25, January 1, and the first Monday in May.
2653 locals recommend
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th AveA personal favorite. One of the finest museums in the US. "Suggested Admission" means if you buy tickets at a museum ticket counter, the amount you pay is up to you. Ticket includes same-day admission to The Met Fifth Avenue, The Met Breuer, and The Met Cloisters. Met Rooftop Bar and Garden offers sweeping views of Central Park and beyond that can be enjoyed with wine, cocktails, and light bites. It is often busy with crowds, but the scenery and the special atmosphere make it well-worth a trip. Try to go on a weekday when the crowds have thinned. Closed Thanksgiving Day, December 25, January 1, and the first Monday in May.
One of the largest natural history museums in the world. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, displays and exhibits, all geared to reveal secrets of the beautiful natural world. Open daily from 10 am-5:45 pm except on Thanksgiving and Christmas
Jonathan
1623 locals recommend
American Museum of Natural History
200 Central Park WestOne of the largest natural history museums in the world. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, displays and exhibits, all geared to reveal secrets of the beautiful natural world. Open daily from 10 am-5:45 pm except on Thanksgiving and Christmas
Jonathan
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (often referred to as "The Guggenheim") is a well-known art museum located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City. It is the permanent home of a renowned and continuously expanding collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, early Modern and contemporary art and also features special exhibitions throughout the year. The museum was established by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation in 1939 as the Museum of Non-Objective Painting, under the guidance of its first director, the artist Hilla von Rebay.
1126 locals recommend
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
1071 5th AveThe Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (often referred to as "The Guggenheim") is a well-known art museum located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City. It is the permanent home of a renowned and continuously expanding collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, early Modern and contemporary art and also features special exhibitions throughout the year. The museum was established by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation in 1939 as the Museum of Non-Objective Painting, under the guidance of its first director, the artist Hilla von Rebay.
Founded in 1977, the New Museum is a leading destination for new art and new ideas. It is Manhattan’s only dedicated contemporary art museum and is respected internationally for the adventurousness and global scope of its curatorial program. The New Museum, designed by Tokyo-based architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa/SANAA, is a seven-story, eight-level structure between Stanton and Rivington Streets, at the origin of Prince Street in New York City.
629 locals recommend
New Museum of Contemporary Art
235 BoweryFounded in 1977, the New Museum is a leading destination for new art and new ideas. It is Manhattan’s only dedicated contemporary art museum and is respected internationally for the adventurousness and global scope of its curatorial program. The New Museum, designed by Tokyo-based architects Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa/SANAA, is a seven-story, eight-level structure between Stanton and Rivington Streets, at the origin of Prince Street in New York City.
MoMA PS1 is one of the oldest and largest nonprofit contemporary art institutions in the United States. An exhibition space rather than a collecting institution, MoMA PS1 devotes its energy and resources to displaying the most experimental art in the world. A catalyst and an advocate for new ideas, discourses, and trends in contemporary art, MoMA PS1 actively pursues emerging artists, new genres, and adventurous new work by recognized artists in an effort to support innovation in contemporary art.
575 locals recommend
MoMA PS1
22-25 Jackson AveMoMA PS1 is one of the oldest and largest nonprofit contemporary art institutions in the United States. An exhibition space rather than a collecting institution, MoMA PS1 devotes its energy and resources to displaying the most experimental art in the world. A catalyst and an advocate for new ideas, discourses, and trends in contemporary art, MoMA PS1 actively pursues emerging artists, new genres, and adventurous new work by recognized artists in an effort to support innovation in contemporary art.
Entertainment & Activities
This much-loved Saturday market, come to shop, mingle with neighbors, and enjoy the park setting along with with picnickers, dog-walkers and joggers.
157 locals recommend
McCarren Hotel & Pool
160 N 12th StThis much-loved Saturday market, come to shop, mingle with neighbors, and enjoy the park setting along with with picnickers, dog-walkers and joggers.
DUMBO on the wonderfully refurbished Jane's Carousel.
Jane's Carousel is located on the waterfront with the perfect view of Manhattan. Come during the pretty weather and you can see wedding parties taking photos all around the area. Rent a Citibike!
118 locals recommend
Jane's Carousel
Dock StreetDUMBO on the wonderfully refurbished Jane's Carousel.
Jane's Carousel is located on the waterfront with the perfect view of Manhattan. Come during the pretty weather and you can see wedding parties taking photos all around the area. Rent a Citibike!
Williamsburg Bridge
70 Williamsburg Bridge Bicycle PathWe run and walk the bridge all the time. Beautiful view.
Bowling + Blue Kitchen food + full bar + live music venue = a fun night out! This bowling alley + live-music venue is a blast! They also have a Blue Ribbon menu known for their brisket and Old Bay–fried chicken. Not the cheapest but a good time.
825 locals recommend
Brooklyn Bowl
61 Wythe AveBowling + Blue Kitchen food + full bar + live music venue = a fun night out! This bowling alley + live-music venue is a blast! They also have a Blue Ribbon menu known for their brisket and Old Bay–fried chicken. Not the cheapest but a good time.
Indie films more for you? Then don't miss the Sunshine Cinema. It still retains the charm of a last-generation theater.
246 locals recommend
Sunshine Cinema
Indie films more for you? Then don't miss the Sunshine Cinema. It still retains the charm of a last-generation theater.
Shopping
Cute local boutique with great clothing, shoes and jewelry, and reasonable prices.
14 locals recommend
Pema
187 Bedford AveCute local boutique with great clothing, shoes and jewelry, and reasonable prices.
L.A.B Brooklyn
144 Driggs AveHigh end boutique shopping. Local jewelry. Small designer brands.
Hidden local gem. Gifts, and higher end Japanese consignment. Unexpected Vera Wang collection and great socks, tights etc.
Men and Women.
9 locals recommend
About Glamour
310 Grand StHidden local gem. Gifts, and higher end Japanese consignment. Unexpected Vera Wang collection and great socks, tights etc.
Men and Women.
If you're looking for perfect shopping destination in NYC, make sure to stroll around soho where you'll find everything from designer clothing to H&M, and bloomingdales. The main strip is between Houston and Canal on Broadway, but the various streets around there have the more exclusive boutiques.
909 locals recommend
SoHo
If you're looking for perfect shopping destination in NYC, make sure to stroll around soho where you'll find everything from designer clothing to H&M, and bloomingdales. The main strip is between Houston and Canal on Broadway, but the various streets around there have the more exclusive boutiques.
Looking for a cheap, deep tissue massage? Chinatown's the place! Mott Street and Canal Street have excellent souvenir shopping. Do you like to try new foods and flavors? Try fruits from street stands, unique ice cream flavors from Chinatown Ice Cream Factory or go to the Aji Ichiban USA candy store. Little Italy is located within Chinatown. Here you can find authentic Italian cuisine and mouthwatering bakeries.
497 locals recommend
Chinatown
Looking for a cheap, deep tissue massage? Chinatown's the place! Mott Street and Canal Street have excellent souvenir shopping. Do you like to try new foods and flavors? Try fruits from street stands, unique ice cream flavors from Chinatown Ice Cream Factory or go to the Aji Ichiban USA candy store. Little Italy is located within Chinatown. Here you can find authentic Italian cuisine and mouthwatering bakeries.
The neighborhood's leading independent bookstore. They have a wide selection of books, a very good reading series, and can order a book for you and get it in within a day or two.
Silvano
39 locals recommend
BookCourt
163 Court StreetThe neighborhood's leading independent bookstore. They have a wide selection of books, a very good reading series, and can order a book for you and get it in within a day or two.
Silvano
Fantastic bookstore! The staff is friendly and super helpful with any questions you have. A good selection of books for such a little space. Nightly events, sometimes they have a comedy night!
105 locals recommend
WORD
29 Newark AveFantastic bookstore! The staff is friendly and super helpful with any questions you have. A good selection of books for such a little space. Nightly events, sometimes they have a comedy night!
This is the best 2nd hand/vintage clothing store in NYC. Its very cheap too. Their clothing pickers are very picky, so they only take the best clothes to sell.
454 locals recommend
Beacon's Closet
74 Guernsey StThis is the best 2nd hand/vintage clothing store in NYC. Its very cheap too. Their clothing pickers are very picky, so they only take the best clothes to sell.
Urban Outfitters concept store in Williamsburg. They also have a restaurant and rooftop bar. Lots of good shopping around this street.
34 locals recommend
Space Ninety 8
98 N 6th StUrban Outfitters concept store in Williamsburg. They also have a restaurant and rooftop bar. Lots of good shopping around this street.
Parks & Nature
Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) is a botanical garden in the borough of Brooklyn in New York City. Founded in 1910, and located in the Prospect Park neighborhood, the 52-acre (21 ha) garden includes a number of specialty "gardens within the Garden", plant collections and the Steinhardt Conservatory, which houses the C. V. Starr Bonsai Museum, three climate-themed plant pavilions, a white cast-iron and glass aquatic plant house, and an art gallery. The Garden holds over 10,000 taxa of plants and each year has over 900,000 visitors.
2030 locals recommend
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
990 Washington AveBrooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) is a botanical garden in the borough of Brooklyn in New York City. Founded in 1910, and located in the Prospect Park neighborhood, the 52-acre (21 ha) garden includes a number of specialty "gardens within the Garden", plant collections and the Steinhardt Conservatory, which houses the C. V. Starr Bonsai Museum, three climate-themed plant pavilions, a white cast-iron and glass aquatic plant house, and an art gallery. The Garden holds over 10,000 taxa of plants and each year has over 900,000 visitors.
Located in Manhattan, Central Park is the nation's first major urban public space, attracting 25 million visitors every year. Covering 843 acres of land, this magnificent park was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1963. Central Park does not only impress NYC tourists, but it amazes and continues to attract loyal New Yorkers who make frequent visits. First opening in the mid-1800s, Central Park has appeared in multiple movies, television shows, and books as an important factor of many storylines. Offering Central Park photo tours, music festivals, incredible views and fun dining experiences, Central Park is a perfect stop for all NYC tourists and truly encompasses the title, "The Heart of the City."
165 locals recommend
Central Park West
Central Park WestLocated in Manhattan, Central Park is the nation's first major urban public space, attracting 25 million visitors every year. Covering 843 acres of land, this magnificent park was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1963. Central Park does not only impress NYC tourists, but it amazes and continues to attract loyal New Yorkers who make frequent visits. First opening in the mid-1800s, Central Park has appeared in multiple movies, television shows, and books as an important factor of many storylines. Offering Central Park photo tours, music festivals, incredible views and fun dining experiences, Central Park is a perfect stop for all NYC tourists and truly encompasses the title, "The Heart of the City."
Fantastic and unique urban park built on elevated railroad tracks. Arrive there via c-train (8th ave line) to 34th and walk west to 11th Ave to access. Enjoy a leisurely walk the length of the park south to Gansevoort Street; So much to see and enjoy: history, architecture, NY-in-motion, view of the Hudson River, lush gardens, fun-food, New York's old and new! It's narrow and somewhat crowded at times, but well worth the energy and time.
2323 locals recommend
The High Line Park
Fantastic and unique urban park built on elevated railroad tracks. Arrive there via c-train (8th ave line) to 34th and walk west to 11th Ave to access. Enjoy a leisurely walk the length of the park south to Gansevoort Street; So much to see and enjoy: history, architecture, NY-in-motion, view of the Hudson River, lush gardens, fun-food, New York's old and new! It's narrow and somewhat crowded at times, but well worth the energy and time.
Waterfront Park in Williamsburg. Great views of Manhattan. Also several music festivals and concerts happen here. Smorgasbord (a food market) is here on the Saturdays, serving up tasty grub.
451 locals recommend
East River State Park
90 Kent AveWaterfront Park in Williamsburg. Great views of Manhattan. Also several music festivals and concerts happen here. Smorgasbord (a food market) is here on the Saturdays, serving up tasty grub.
Sightseeing
Walk this Non-touristy bridge. Great real NYC views, close to Chinatown /Brooklyn bridge. Walk, then exit in Dumbo and explore Brooklyn! From the apt, take the D train to Grand Street and walk.
85 locals recommend
Manhattan Bridge
Manhattan BridgeWalk this Non-touristy bridge. Great real NYC views, close to Chinatown /Brooklyn bridge. Walk, then exit in Dumbo and explore Brooklyn! From the apt, take the D train to Grand Street and walk.
On a beautiful day you can see forever from the top of the One World Trade Center. I'ts an emotional experience to visit the 911 memorial and reflect on the day as well as the spectacular views fro...
616 locals recommend
4 World Trade Center
150 Greenwich StOn a beautiful day you can see forever from the top of the One World Trade Center. I'ts an emotional experience to visit the 911 memorial and reflect on the day as well as the spectacular views fro...
Great views of downtown Manhattan, beautiful parks, great food vendors (Luke's Lobster, Grimaldi's, Shake Shack, Brooklyn Ice Cream), cobblestone streets, galleries, bouldering, art installations.
422 locals recommend
Dumbo
65 Plymouth StGreat views of downtown Manhattan, beautiful parks, great food vendors (Luke's Lobster, Grimaldi's, Shake Shack, Brooklyn Ice Cream), cobblestone streets, galleries, bouldering, art installations.