Guidebook for Brooklyn

Cynthia Cavaliere
Cynthia Cavaliere
Guidebook for Brooklyn

Essentials

It's a smaller supermarket (very NY in size) and they don't stay open late, but you'll find almost everything you need here. They have a great deli and a good variety of products. They do no accept AMEX cards.
Scaturro Supermarkets
6301 11th Ave
It's a smaller supermarket (very NY in size) and they don't stay open late, but you'll find almost everything you need here. They have a great deli and a good variety of products. They do no accept AMEX cards.
This giant outdoor produce market is a mecca for budget conscious folks who want to get their fruit and veggie on! They have a very wide variety of items, including some more obscure items you wouldn't expect. In addition, they have grocery essentials like eggs, milk, butter, and even an olive table where you can go crazy picking out your favorite briny varieties. Better yet, they are open 24/7 which makes this a great spot to hit up when hunger calls after a late night out on you way home....and it's just one block away!
Three Guys from Brooklyn
6502 Fort Hamilton Pkwy
This giant outdoor produce market is a mecca for budget conscious folks who want to get their fruit and veggie on! They have a very wide variety of items, including some more obscure items you wouldn't expect. In addition, they have grocery essentials like eggs, milk, butter, and even an olive table where you can go crazy picking out your favorite briny varieties. Better yet, they are open 24/7 which makes this a great spot to hit up when hunger calls after a late night out on you way home....and it's just one block away!
This standalone store is open 24 hours a day and really helps in a pinch. They have convenience items and pharmaceutical items galore - you can pickup any type of medication you'll need. The pharmacy is not open 24/7 so if you need a prescription medication, you will have to fill it during business hours. This is great place to have around.
8 recommandé par les habitants
Rite Aid
6423 Fort Hamilton Pkwy
8 recommandé par les habitants
This standalone store is open 24 hours a day and really helps in a pinch. They have convenience items and pharmaceutical items galore - you can pickup any type of medication you'll need. The pharmacy is not open 24/7 so if you need a prescription medication, you will have to fill it during business hours. This is great place to have around.

Getting Around

This is the local car service so if you don't Uber or Lyft, this is the place to go. It is SUPER cheap - definitely use them for traveling to/from the airports. From our place to JFK or Laguardia it's only $30! To get a pickup at the airport, they charge $5 more. Go with CASH, they charge way too much extra to use your credit/debit card. Mostly the drivers only speak Chinese which can sometimes be a challenge, HOWEVER our family uses them all the time for airport trips. The booking agents speak English well though, and the savings is worth the language barrier.
NY 88 Car Service & Limo
6506 11th Avenue
This is the local car service so if you don't Uber or Lyft, this is the place to go. It is SUPER cheap - definitely use them for traveling to/from the airports. From our place to JFK or Laguardia it's only $30! To get a pickup at the airport, they charge $5 more. Go with CASH, they charge way too much extra to use your credit/debit card. Mostly the drivers only speak Chinese which can sometimes be a challenge, HOWEVER our family uses them all the time for airport trips. The booking agents speak English well though, and the savings is worth the language barrier.
This car rental location is within short walking distance of our Airbnb.
163 recommandé par les habitants
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
266 McGuinness Blvd
163 recommandé par les habitants
This car rental location is within short walking distance of our Airbnb.

Drinks & Nightlife

Great spot in Cobble Hill w/ terrific cocktails. Excellent brunch on weekends as well - NYC is a very brunch kind of town and the Clover Club does it right. Go here any night of the week! They have live music - check their information online. Don't miss this great Brooklyn Spot! We love it!
143 recommandé par les habitants
Clover Club
210 Smith St
143 recommandé par les habitants
Great spot in Cobble Hill w/ terrific cocktails. Excellent brunch on weekends as well - NYC is a very brunch kind of town and the Clover Club does it right. Go here any night of the week! They have live music - check their information online. Don't miss this great Brooklyn Spot! We love it!
This museum is truly a great hidden gem that most tourists overlook. They have very interesting rotating exhibitions, and a fabulous overall collection as well. Take the time to explore this place, you won't be sorry. Brooklyn Museum offers an event every month (except for September) called First Saturdays. It is a nighttime, adults only event that changes from month-to-month but is worth checking out. There is a happy hour and then an event following that is a great experience for guests looking for a truly New York experience. Lines form early, and you sometimes need to book tickets in advance. Check out the link: https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/visit/first_saturdays
3011 recommandé par les habitants
Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Pkwy
3011 recommandé par les habitants
This museum is truly a great hidden gem that most tourists overlook. They have very interesting rotating exhibitions, and a fabulous overall collection as well. Take the time to explore this place, you won't be sorry. Brooklyn Museum offers an event every month (except for September) called First Saturdays. It is a nighttime, adults only event that changes from month-to-month but is worth checking out. There is a happy hour and then an event following that is a great experience for guests looking for a truly New York experience. Lines form early, and you sometimes need to book tickets in advance. Check out the link: https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/visit/first_saturdays

Shopping

A quick walk around the block will bring you to this little known gem of an Italian Specialty Store. They make all their own fresh handmade pasta (buy this, cook it, sauce it, eat it!) as well as their fresh house-made mozzarella which is the best in town. You can find it warm almost every day of the week. All of their products are of the highest quality. Especially the wide variety of Italian bread you can see sitting in window when you walk up to the place. And don't forget to order a freshly made deli-sandwich - choose your bread, bring it up to my friend Sergio behind the counter, and create the sandwich of your dreams.
Pasta Fresca Ravioli
6406 11th Ave
A quick walk around the block will bring you to this little known gem of an Italian Specialty Store. They make all their own fresh handmade pasta (buy this, cook it, sauce it, eat it!) as well as their fresh house-made mozzarella which is the best in town. You can find it warm almost every day of the week. All of their products are of the highest quality. Especially the wide variety of Italian bread you can see sitting in window when you walk up to the place. And don't forget to order a freshly made deli-sandwich - choose your bread, bring it up to my friend Sergio behind the counter, and create the sandwich of your dreams.
Because this is the closest thing you'll get to Italy within walking distance and maybe even the entire borough of Brooklyn. Our family has been shopping here for years - it's the best place around for authentic Italian goodies, including chocolates, pasta, vinegar, charcuterie, cheeses, dried sausages and MORE! It's worth a walk just to check it out. We love this place - can't make a great antipasti platter without it!
D. Coluccio & Sons
1214-20 60th St
Because this is the closest thing you'll get to Italy within walking distance and maybe even the entire borough of Brooklyn. Our family has been shopping here for years - it's the best place around for authentic Italian goodies, including chocolates, pasta, vinegar, charcuterie, cheeses, dried sausages and MORE! It's worth a walk just to check it out. We love this place - can't make a great antipasti platter without it!
Who doesn't LOVE a GREAT BARGAIN!? This place is a must-visit if you're into designer labels and want the best prices around. They have everything - from kid's, women's and men's clothes, to electronics, home goods and SHOES - let's talk about the shoes! Plan to spend a ton of time here - there is a lot of ground to cover. Wear your comfy shoes and take the B16 bus just one block from our home for a 15 ride to a shopper's dream.
97 recommandé par les habitants
Century 21
472 86th St
97 recommandé par les habitants
Who doesn't LOVE a GREAT BARGAIN!? This place is a must-visit if you're into designer labels and want the best prices around. They have everything - from kid's, women's and men's clothes, to electronics, home goods and SHOES - let's talk about the shoes! Plan to spend a ton of time here - there is a lot of ground to cover. Wear your comfy shoes and take the B16 bus just one block from our home for a 15 ride to a shopper's dream.

Food Scene

So if you feel like ordering in a pizza and you want something a little less traditional, order the VODKA PIE from this place! It's a must-try here in Brooklyn. It's not cheap as far as pizza goes, but it's so worth it. It has a sesame seed crust, vodka sauce, and is topped with fresh mozzarella. Even better, ask for extra vodka sauce on the side - it's so good you can eat it with a spoon! They accept credit cards (yay!) and it's easier to order by phone. Call them and order! (718) 745-9618
Krispy Pizza
7112 13th Avenue
So if you feel like ordering in a pizza and you want something a little less traditional, order the VODKA PIE from this place! It's a must-try here in Brooklyn. It's not cheap as far as pizza goes, but it's so worth it. It has a sesame seed crust, vodka sauce, and is topped with fresh mozzarella. Even better, ask for extra vodka sauce on the side - it's so good you can eat it with a spoon! They accept credit cards (yay!) and it's easier to order by phone. Call them and order! (718) 745-9618
This place is quintessential Brooklyn Italian American fare. You can eat inside, but in great weather, don't. People watch outside and hang out with us locals. Go for the Sicilian pizza and spumoni. There are 2 walk-up windows - one for pizza, one for Italian ices. Don't make the mistake of ordering the regular round pie - this place is known for the Sicilian "square" so get it. Never had spumoni? It's a combination of cremolata, chocolate and pistacio - get that too. It's not called "Spumoni Gardens" for nothin'.
46 recommandé par les habitants
L&B Spumoni Gardens
2725 86th St
46 recommandé par les habitants
This place is quintessential Brooklyn Italian American fare. You can eat inside, but in great weather, don't. People watch outside and hang out with us locals. Go for the Sicilian pizza and spumoni. There are 2 walk-up windows - one for pizza, one for Italian ices. Don't make the mistake of ordering the regular round pie - this place is known for the Sicilian "square" so get it. Never had spumoni? It's a combination of cremolata, chocolate and pistacio - get that too. It's not called "Spumoni Gardens" for nothin'.
If you're looking for good Italian food that does not break the bank, go here. The food and prices are great! This restaurant is owned by famed chef, Lidia Bastianich, and offers what they call the SINFONIA DI PASTE everyday. This is a 2-course menu ($19.95 for Lunch/$24.95 for Dinner) where they offer you a delicious Caesar Salad or Antipasto Misto, AND unlimited table side service of 3 daily pasta preparations (all homemade pasta). And you can't go wrong with their lengthy $29 a bottle wine list. I can't say enough about this place - great if you're going to the theater, near Hell's Kitchen, or just want solid food at a great price. You get your money's worth here! MAKE RESERVATIONS!
43 recommandé par les habitants
Becco
355 West 46th Street
43 recommandé par les habitants
If you're looking for good Italian food that does not break the bank, go here. The food and prices are great! This restaurant is owned by famed chef, Lidia Bastianich, and offers what they call the SINFONIA DI PASTE everyday. This is a 2-course menu ($19.95 for Lunch/$24.95 for Dinner) where they offer you a delicious Caesar Salad or Antipasto Misto, AND unlimited table side service of 3 daily pasta preparations (all homemade pasta). And you can't go wrong with their lengthy $29 a bottle wine list. I can't say enough about this place - great if you're going to the theater, near Hell's Kitchen, or just want solid food at a great price. You get your money's worth here! MAKE RESERVATIONS!
I harbor undying love for this place. Go here. For Dinner or Brunch - or both. The food has been consistently good since they opened and I have never had one thing that wasn't delicious. If you're into dessert and like nuts, get the pecan pie sundae. You will not be sorry. They have a great beer & wine selection as well as a full bar. The ambiance is great - for a dinner with friends or a romantic night out.
159 recommandé par les habitants
Buttermilk Channel
524 Court St
159 recommandé par les habitants
I harbor undying love for this place. Go here. For Dinner or Brunch - or both. The food has been consistently good since they opened and I have never had one thing that wasn't delicious. If you're into dessert and like nuts, get the pecan pie sundae. You will not be sorry. They have a great beer & wine selection as well as a full bar. The ambiance is great - for a dinner with friends or a romantic night out.
This spot is rated one of the best dim sum spots in NYC - and for good reason. The food is always fresh, hot and delicious. It opens early (9AM) and they start cranking out those steamer carts as soon as they're open. It is a bustling place and not for the faint of heart - it's not quiet or romantic BUT it is amazing. If you love dumplings, authentic Chinese and a unique atmosphere, take a walk over and try it out. Did I also mention that it's supremely inexpensive?
East Harbor Seafood Palace
714 65th St
This spot is rated one of the best dim sum spots in NYC - and for good reason. The food is always fresh, hot and delicious. It opens early (9AM) and they start cranking out those steamer carts as soon as they're open. It is a bustling place and not for the faint of heart - it's not quiet or romantic BUT it is amazing. If you love dumplings, authentic Chinese and a unique atmosphere, take a walk over and try it out. Did I also mention that it's supremely inexpensive?
For sushi nearby at a great price, this is the place to go. Just a short walk from our place, they offer all-you-can-eat sushi and Japanese fare at a very reasonable price ($21.95pp) which includes a fountain drink. Lunch is available too for around $12.95. You order from paper menus and can have as many rounds as you like. The fish has always been fresh and the food is quite tasty. They have a variety of options for non-sushi diners as well.
Shogun BBQ
6201 11th Avenue
For sushi nearby at a great price, this is the place to go. Just a short walk from our place, they offer all-you-can-eat sushi and Japanese fare at a very reasonable price ($21.95pp) which includes a fountain drink. Lunch is available too for around $12.95. You order from paper menus and can have as many rounds as you like. The fish has always been fresh and the food is quite tasty. They have a variety of options for non-sushi diners as well.
This little Chinese bakery has a ton of small items that pack a huge flavor punch. The pastries are all mini and you can choose any combination you want of 3 items for $2 or less. You will not find traditional breakfast here - what you will find are delicious savory and sweet items that will surprise you. Definitely pick something up and when you do, make sure to get a cup of the yummy, strong coffee. So good.
Lucky II Bakery
6322 11th Ave
This little Chinese bakery has a ton of small items that pack a huge flavor punch. The pastries are all mini and you can choose any combination you want of 3 items for $2 or less. You will not find traditional breakfast here - what you will find are delicious savory and sweet items that will surprise you. Definitely pick something up and when you do, make sure to get a cup of the yummy, strong coffee. So good.
This East Village sushi spot is one of the top 5 inexpensive sushi restaurants in NYC as per the NY Times. The $39 special sushi is a "don't miss" and changes weekly based on what's great at the time.
26 recommandé par les habitants
Kanoyama
175 2nd Ave
26 recommandé par les habitants
This East Village sushi spot is one of the top 5 inexpensive sushi restaurants in NYC as per the NY Times. The $39 special sushi is a "don't miss" and changes weekly based on what's great at the time.
This Japanese place in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is done in all white resembles a high-end nail salon in a sci-fi movie but the sushi counter is a treasure. Omakase starts at $60 for 10 pieces and is impeccable.
99 recommandé par les habitants
1 OR 8
229 Dekalb Avenue
99 recommandé par les habitants
This Japanese place in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is done in all white resembles a high-end nail salon in a sci-fi movie but the sushi counter is a treasure. Omakase starts at $60 for 10 pieces and is impeccable.
This place may not look like much, but the sushi speaks for itself. The food is continually fresh and delicious and is a great spot if you're in this area of Brooklyn. Highly recommend.
31 recommandé par les habitants
Sushi Katsuei
210 7th Ave
31 recommandé par les habitants
This place may not look like much, but the sushi speaks for itself. The food is continually fresh and delicious and is a great spot if you're in this area of Brooklyn. Highly recommend.
The term sandwich shop does not even do this place justice. They have over 150 types of sandwiches all named after prominent Italian celebrities (Sofia Loren, Tony Bennett, Robert Deniro, etc.) and the thing is, I've never had one that wasn't delicious. Their proscuitto balls are heavenly and an additional bonus is they DELIVER which is good because it's not really the kind of place you want to hang out and eat. That said, you'll get one of the best sandwiches you've had so EAT HERE.
6 recommandé par les habitants
Lioni Italian Heroes
7803 15th Ave
6 recommandé par les habitants
The term sandwich shop does not even do this place justice. They have over 150 types of sandwiches all named after prominent Italian celebrities (Sofia Loren, Tony Bennett, Robert Deniro, etc.) and the thing is, I've never had one that wasn't delicious. Their proscuitto balls are heavenly and an additional bonus is they DELIVER which is good because it's not really the kind of place you want to hang out and eat. That said, you'll get one of the best sandwiches you've had so EAT HERE.

Parks & Nature

Our family lives here on the weekends during the summer, and even days in September when summer just won't quit. We love to spend our days here just relaxing under umbrellas and enjoying the breezy weather. That's what I love about NY beaches, there's never a shortage of a gentle breeze which makes being in the sun on a hot day so tolerable....along with a bit of sunscreen of course. There are food trucks during the summer and easily accessible bathrooms.
68 recommandé par les habitants
Jacob Riis Park
157 Rockaway Beach Blvd
68 recommandé par les habitants
Our family lives here on the weekends during the summer, and even days in September when summer just won't quit. We love to spend our days here just relaxing under umbrellas and enjoying the breezy weather. That's what I love about NY beaches, there's never a shortage of a gentle breeze which makes being in the sun on a hot day so tolerable....along with a bit of sunscreen of course. There are food trucks during the summer and easily accessible bathrooms.
The most incredible park in Brooklyn and a must-see place if you're in the borough. There's a zoo, a carousel, several lakes, roller skating the warm weather, ice skating in the cold weather, biking trails, hiking trails, walking trails, dog runs, many playgrounds, and many many many more things to list. It's a HUGE park with so many areas. If you'e into horseback riding, head over to Kensington Stables and take a trail ride through the park too!
3418 recommandé par les habitants
Prospect Park
3418 recommandé par les habitants
The most incredible park in Brooklyn and a must-see place if you're in the borough. There's a zoo, a carousel, several lakes, roller skating the warm weather, ice skating in the cold weather, biking trails, hiking trails, walking trails, dog runs, many playgrounds, and many many many more things to list. It's a HUGE park with so many areas. If you'e into horseback riding, head over to Kensington Stables and take a trail ride through the park too!
This park is only a few short blocks from our Airbnb and spans several long blocks along 66th street. Here you will find a great place for walking, a newly renovated playground for kids, and even tennis courts! If you stop by early in the day you will even see the many locals doing their morning Tai Chi routines - perhaps you can ask for some pointers. Quite something to see!
Leif Ericson Park
66th Street
This park is only a few short blocks from our Airbnb and spans several long blocks along 66th street. Here you will find a great place for walking, a newly renovated playground for kids, and even tennis courts! If you stop by early in the day you will even see the many locals doing their morning Tai Chi routines - perhaps you can ask for some pointers. Quite something to see!
This is beautiful spot for taking in some beautiful landscapes in the city. Don't miss the Cherry Blossom Festival in the Spring! It's a must-see for adults and kids alike. There is a Chili Pepper Festival in the Fall as well as a Ghouls and Gourds Festival during the Halloween season. Be sure to check out their listing page for interesting and fun things to do outdoors right here in Brooklyn.
2030 recommandé par les habitants
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
990 Washington Ave
2030 recommandé par les habitants
This is beautiful spot for taking in some beautiful landscapes in the city. Don't miss the Cherry Blossom Festival in the Spring! It's a must-see for adults and kids alike. There is a Chili Pepper Festival in the Fall as well as a Ghouls and Gourds Festival during the Halloween season. Be sure to check out their listing page for interesting and fun things to do outdoors right here in Brooklyn.

Entertainment & Activities

This might seem like an out of the way kind of activity (it is) but if you have kids and are in Brooklyn for a bit, GO HERE! It is an old-school slot car racing spot that has been around since 1965. Your kids (and big kids) will love the experience of racing cars around the color-coded tracks. It's an awesome way to spend some time - they even have old-school video games in the back. We loved it so much we're considering having our son's birthday party here! Be sure to check it out.
Buzz-A-Rama
69 Church Ave
This might seem like an out of the way kind of activity (it is) but if you have kids and are in Brooklyn for a bit, GO HERE! It is an old-school slot car racing spot that has been around since 1965. Your kids (and big kids) will love the experience of racing cars around the color-coded tracks. It's an awesome way to spend some time - they even have old-school video games in the back. We loved it so much we're considering having our son's birthday party here! Be sure to check it out.
This iconic bowling alley is the last of its kind in Brooklyn. It's very "old-school" and a fun place to go with kids, or even a relaxed night out for us grown-ups. It's an inexpensive outing and while you're there don't miss the Tacos El Bronco truck on the corner of 5th Avenue - so very delicious!
24 recommandé par les habitants
Melody Lanes NY
461 37th St
24 recommandé par les habitants
This iconic bowling alley is the last of its kind in Brooklyn. It's very "old-school" and a fun place to go with kids, or even a relaxed night out for us grown-ups. It's an inexpensive outing and while you're there don't miss the Tacos El Bronco truck on the corner of 5th Avenue - so very delicious!
Great little "old-school" theater with a wide variety of shows in an old-time atmosphere. We love it here.
145 recommandé par les habitants
Cobble Hill Cinemas
265 Court St
145 recommandé par les habitants
Great little "old-school" theater with a wide variety of shows in an old-time atmosphere. We love it here.
This is the closest movie theater to our home and we see movies here with our kids or on our own. It's a short bus ride away.
22 recommandé par les habitants
Alpine Theatre
112 North Main Street
22 recommandé par les habitants
This is the closest movie theater to our home and we see movies here with our kids or on our own. It's a short bus ride away.