Guidebook for Brooklyn
Essentials
HUGE supermarket by NYC standards, a 5-minute walk from our house. But the lines tend to be long. If you want a less chaotic experience, try the Flatbush Food Co-op or Key Food (also listed in our Guidebook).
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Stop & Shop
1009 Flatbush AveHUGE supermarket by NYC standards, a 5-minute walk from our house. But the lines tend to be long. If you want a less chaotic experience, try the Flatbush Food Co-op or Key Food (also listed in our Guidebook).
A great wine store, expertly curated. Particularly good selection of Italian wines.
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Kings County Wines
1420 Cortelyou RdA great wine store, expertly curated. Particularly good selection of Italian wines.
A great and inexpensive gym -- a vast number of cardio and weight machines. If you aren't a member, a day pass costs $10-30.
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Planet Fitness
329 Wyckoff AveA great and inexpensive gym -- a vast number of cardio and weight machines. If you aren't a member, a day pass costs $10-30.
Gym with machines and classes. You can get a 7-day guest pass by signing up for a "trial membership." There might be other options available--call or visit.
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Retro Fitness
1623 Flatbush AveGym with machines and classes. You can get a 7-day guest pass by signing up for a "trial membership." There might be other options available--call or visit.
Flatbush Food Co-op
1415 Cortelyou RdOrganic and bulk foods. A Flatbush institution!
Natural Frontier Market
325 3rd AveOrganic grocery store.
United States Postal Service
1369 BroadwayOur local branch of the post office.
Gym with classes and machines. Day passes available: "Our Guest Workout program let’s you try our club for a fee (typically $10-$25). Call the club for exact pricing."
24 Hour Fitness
2163 Tilden AveGym with classes and machines. Day passes available: "Our Guest Workout program let’s you try our club for a fee (typically $10-$25). Call the club for exact pricing."
Closest wine and liquor store. Not the best selection of wine (go to Kings County Wines for that), but all the liquors you might want. Good prices.
Flatbush Discount Liquor
1023 Flatbush AveClosest wine and liquor store. Not the best selection of wine (go to Kings County Wines for that), but all the liquors you might want. Good prices.
This is our gym (7-minute walk from our house). It opened in April 2017. Three floors of exercise! You can get a 3-day free access pass -- ask us for details.
Crunch Fitness - Flatbush
1038 Flatbush AveThis is our gym (7-minute walk from our house). It opened in April 2017. Three floors of exercise! You can get a 3-day free access pass -- ask us for details.
A chain supermarket, smaller and less crowded/chaotic than Stop-and-Shop, though a longer walk (about 10 minutes from our house).
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Key Food Supermarkets
492 Myrtle AveA chain supermarket, smaller and less crowded/chaotic than Stop-and-Shop, though a longer walk (about 10 minutes from our house).
Our wonderful, warm, worker-owned (cooperative) yoga and wellness center. In addition to a wide range of classes, Third Root has acupuncture practitioners and massage therapists (by appointment). Prices are on a sliding scale in order to make services accessible to everyone, regardless of income. We are so grateful that Third Root is in our neighborhood.
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Third Root Community Health Center
380 Marlborough RdOur wonderful, warm, worker-owned (cooperative) yoga and wellness center. In addition to a wide range of classes, Third Root has acupuncture practitioners and massage therapists (by appointment). Prices are on a sliding scale in order to make services accessible to everyone, regardless of income. We are so grateful that Third Root is in our neighborhood.
Arts & Culture
The historic Kings Theatre (3-1/2 blocks from our house!) was painstakingly restored in recent years; the renovation cost $95 million. Past & upcoming shows include Ringo Star, Joshua Groban, Monty Alexander, and Lauryn Hill. Check the calendar on the web site for performance dates/times. They offer hour-long guided tours roughly twice a month ($11.70 at the box office, $15 online). kingstheatre.com
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Teatro Kings
1027 Flatbush AveThe historic Kings Theatre (3-1/2 blocks from our house!) was painstakingly restored in recent years; the renovation cost $95 million. Past & upcoming shows include Ringo Star, Joshua Groban, Monty Alexander, and Lauryn Hill. Check the calendar on the web site for performance dates/times. They offer hour-long guided tours roughly twice a month ($11.70 at the box office, $15 online). kingstheatre.com
Our college, which is part of the City University of New York (CUNY). It has a small but beautiful campus. Next to the library, you can enjoy a quiet moment at the Lily Pond.
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Brooklyn College
2900 Bedford AveOur college, which is part of the City University of New York (CUNY). It has a small but beautiful campus. Next to the library, you can enjoy a quiet moment at the Lily Pond.
Brooklyn's equivalent of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but hipper! Features one of the most impressive collections of Egyptian art in the world, lots of pieces by Brooklyn-based artists, and Judy Chicago's iconic feminist artwork "The Dinner Party" (1979). On the first Saturday of every month, admission is free in the evening, and there's live music, performance, and other programming. Admission is by suggested donation. www.brooklynmuseum.org
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Museo di Brooklyn
200 Eastern PkwyBrooklyn's equivalent of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but hipper! Features one of the most impressive collections of Egyptian art in the world, lots of pieces by Brooklyn-based artists, and Judy Chicago's iconic feminist artwork "The Dinner Party" (1979). On the first Saturday of every month, admission is free in the evening, and there's live music, performance, and other programming. Admission is by suggested donation. www.brooklynmuseum.org
Built by a family of Dutch settlers, this small abode now functions as an educational center. Though many of its activities are kid-focused, you can take a tour of the space on weekends to see how Brooklynites lived in the 19th century.
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Lefferts Historic House
452 Flatbush AveBuilt by a family of Dutch settlers, this small abode now functions as an educational center. Though many of its activities are kid-focused, you can take a tour of the space on weekends to see how Brooklynites lived in the 19th century.
A fabulous children's museum that has some interesting Brooklyn-oriented exhibits.
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Museo dei bambini di Brooklyn
145 Brooklyn AveA fabulous children's museum that has some interesting Brooklyn-oriented exhibits.
BAM is one of our favorite venues in NYC for arts and cultural events. It also has a beautiful cinema featuring first-run and independent films. www.bam.org
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Brooklyn Academy of Music
30 Lafayette AveBAM is one of our favorite venues in NYC for arts and cultural events. It also has a beautiful cinema featuring first-run and independent films. www.bam.org
Theatre for a New Audience specializes in productions of Shakespeare plays and other classics (old and new). Located in Fort Greene, one of the hippest neighborhoods in Brooklyn. www.tfana.org
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Theatre for a New Audience at Polonsky Shakespeare Center
262 Ashland PlTheatre for a New Audience specializes in productions of Shakespeare plays and other classics (old and new). Located in Fort Greene, one of the hippest neighborhoods in Brooklyn. www.tfana.org
Home of Mark Morris Dance Group, one of the US's most popular and universally admired modern dance companies. markmorrisdancegroup.org
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Mark Morris Dance Group
3 Lafayette AveHome of Mark Morris Dance Group, one of the US's most popular and universally admired modern dance companies. markmorrisdancegroup.org
BCBC offers theater, dance, and music concerts from all over the world. A 20-minute walk from our house; two stops away on the 2/5 subway.
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Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
2900 Avenue HBCBC offers theater, dance, and music concerts from all over the world. A 20-minute walk from our house; two stops away on the 2/5 subway.
One of the best-kept secrets in Prospect-Lefferts (the neighborhood just north of Flatbush), The Owl is an intimate, neighborhood-oriented music venue that also serves beer and wine. Shows are generally $10 cover/suggested donation and feature jazz and global music artists. The Owl is an easy 30-minute walk from our house or a quick ride in a Lyft/taxi.
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The Owl Music Parlor
497 Rogers AveOne of the best-kept secrets in Prospect-Lefferts (the neighborhood just north of Flatbush), The Owl is an intimate, neighborhood-oriented music venue that also serves beer and wine. Shows are generally $10 cover/suggested donation and feature jazz and global music artists. The Owl is an easy 30-minute walk from our house or a quick ride in a Lyft/taxi.
Shopping
This art-deco Sears was dedicated by Eleanor Roosevelt in 1932 and has been in continuous operation ever since. The building was landmarked in 2012.
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Sears
9605 Queens BlvdThis art-deco Sears was dedicated by Eleanor Roosevelt in 1932 and has been in continuous operation ever since. The building was landmarked in 2012.
Office supplies and printing services. Interestingly, they also sell scrubs -- an indication of the many people in our neighborhood who work in the medical and caregiving professions.
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Staples
1011 Flatbush AveOffice supplies and printing services. Interestingly, they also sell scrubs -- an indication of the many people in our neighborhood who work in the medical and caregiving professions.
Old Navy Outlet
1009 Flatbush AveOld Navy Factory/Outlet store.
Gap Factory
1016 Flatbush AveOutlet store.
Collyer's Mansion
307 Atlantic AveSmall, cute boutique specializing in home decor.
Boutique that sells gifts and art objects made by local artisans.
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Brooklyn ARTery
1004 Cortelyou RdBoutique that sells gifts and art objects made by local artisans.
Food Scene
Excellent farm-to-table dining. One of our favorites, and one of the first restaurants to open on now-trendy Cortelyou Road.
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The Farm on Adderley
1108 Cortelyou RdExcellent farm-to-table dining. One of our favorites, and one of the first restaurants to open on now-trendy Cortelyou Road.
Excellent wine bar that also serves small plates and cocktails.
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The Castello Plan
1213 Cortelyou RdExcellent wine bar that also serves small plates and cocktails.
Excellent Asian fusion restaurant with delicious specials.
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Purple Yam
1314 Cortelyou RdExcellent Asian fusion restaurant with delicious specials.
Some of the best Israeli/Middle Eastern food anywhere in Brooklyn. A tiny and unique place.
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Mimi's Hummus
1209 Cortelyou RdSome of the best Israeli/Middle Eastern food anywhere in Brooklyn. A tiny and unique place.
A diner-type chain restaurant, for anyone who hankers for familiar comfort food.
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IHOP
785 Flushing AveA diner-type chain restaurant, for anyone who hankers for familiar comfort food.
Decent and inexpensive Mexican food. They aren't listed on the menu, but if you'd like a margarita, ask for one -- they're pretty good.
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Cinco De Mayo
1202 Cortelyou RdDecent and inexpensive Mexican food. They aren't listed on the menu, but if you'd like a margarita, ask for one -- they're pretty good.
A Flatbush institution, open here since the 1970s. Very good ice cream parlor that offers some unusual flavors, including Guava, Rummy Nut, Coconut, Mango, Great Nut, and Guinness.
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Taste The Tropics USA
1839 Nostrand Ave.A Flatbush institution, open here since the 1970s. Very good ice cream parlor that offers some unusual flavors, including Guava, Rummy Nut, Coconut, Mango, Great Nut, and Guinness.
Wheated
905 Church AveGreatly appreciated for its creative and delicious pizzas.
Popular cafe with great coffee and great food, including breakfast.
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Cafe Madeline
1603 Cortelyou RdPopular cafe with great coffee and great food, including breakfast.
New Yorkers are finicky about their bagels, and Catskill, we think, serves some of the best bagels in the city. Our favorite: whole-wheat everything bagel, toasted, with cream cheese.
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Catskill Bagel Co.
1416 Cortelyou RdNew Yorkers are finicky about their bagels, and Catskill, we think, serves some of the best bagels in the city. Our favorite: whole-wheat everything bagel, toasted, with cream cheese.
Qathra Cafe
1112 Cortelyou RdCafe with wifi.
Gastropub -- one of our favorite places in Ditmas Park. Delicious burgers and fries. The Mexican-inflected dishes are also excellent. Nice bar, too. Worth the walk!
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The Ox Tavern
1715 Newkirk AveGastropub -- one of our favorite places in Ditmas Park. Delicious burgers and fries. The Mexican-inflected dishes are also excellent. Nice bar, too. Worth the walk!
Hipster Italian restaurant, including fancy pizzas. A little spendy, which is the main criticism it seems to get.
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Lea
1022 Cortelyou RdHipster Italian restaurant, including fancy pizzas. A little spendy, which is the main criticism it seems to get.
A snack-shack sort of place, beloved by many Flatbush residents. Smoothies, burgers, fried seafood (i.e. fish/shrimp/etc. with chips), salads.
Uncle's
1117 Rogers AveA snack-shack sort of place, beloved by many Flatbush residents. Smoothies, burgers, fried seafood (i.e. fish/shrimp/etc. with chips), salads.
Asian fusion restaurant, specializing in ramen. Great interior design, too.
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Bashi Channel
1120 Cortelyou RoadAsian fusion restaurant, specializing in ramen. Great interior design, too.
Tiny Indian restaurant with good curries, including some unusual ones. Also delivers--you can order online using Seamless.
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Gandhi
34-14 30th AveTiny Indian restaurant with good curries, including some unusual ones. Also delivers--you can order online using Seamless.
Amazing Thai food with interesting cocktails and a great atmosphere. It's a long walk from our house, but if you're feeling like Thai, in our opinion there's no better place!
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Am Thai Bistro
1003 Church AveAmazing Thai food with interesting cocktails and a great atmosphere. It's a long walk from our house, but if you're feeling like Thai, in our opinion there's no better place!
National chain selling donuts, coffee, breakfast sandwiches, etc.
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Dunkin'
182 Bedford AveNational chain selling donuts, coffee, breakfast sandwiches, etc.
Haitian bakery. Many say that their Haitian patties (meat-stuffed flaky pastries) are the best in Brooklyn! Also they have excellent cake, sold by the piece--try the carrot cake!
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La Baguette Shop
2705 Church AveHaitian bakery. Many say that their Haitian patties (meat-stuffed flaky pastries) are the best in Brooklyn! Also they have excellent cake, sold by the piece--try the carrot cake!
Jen's Roti Shop
838 Flatbush AveBest Roti in Flatbush, and possibly anywhere in Brooklyn.
Cafe with delicious baked goods (including doughnuts), featuring Stumptown coffee.
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LARK
1007 Church AveCafe with delicious baked goods (including doughnuts), featuring Stumptown coffee.
Asian fusion restaurant that also serves brunch on weekends. Nice place to eat before or after taking a stroll in Prospect Park.
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Hunger Pang
1021 Church AveAsian fusion restaurant that also serves brunch on weekends. Nice place to eat before or after taking a stroll in Prospect Park.
Hipster cafe offering gourmet coffee. A nice and easy place to get a latte on your way to Prospect Park.
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Kettle & Thread
1219 Church AveHipster cafe offering gourmet coffee. A nice and easy place to get a latte on your way to Prospect Park.
CORRECT ADDRESS IS 998 FLATBUSH AVE @ ALBEMARLE (not on Church Ave! -- this must be a Google error). This is a beloved local Guyanese restaurant (originally Sylvia's) that also serves Jamaican patties. Offers some vegetarian options, including roti and patties.
Island Express
998 Flatbush AveCORRECT ADDRESS IS 998 FLATBUSH AVE @ ALBEMARLE (not on Church Ave! -- this must be a Google error). This is a beloved local Guyanese restaurant (originally Sylvia's) that also serves Jamaican patties. Offers some vegetarian options, including roti and patties.
Manchego
1502 Cortelyou RdTapas!
Weekly artisanal food market in Prospect Park on Sundays 11am-6pm from April to October. We go as often as possible! From our front door to Smorgasburg, it's a half-hour walk (up Ocean Avenue). Gorge on delicious food, snacks, and desserts and then take a long walk in the park. A great Sunday afternoon activity.
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Smorgasburg Winter Market
625 Atlantic AveWeekly artisanal food market in Prospect Park on Sundays 11am-6pm from April to October. We go as often as possible! From our front door to Smorgasburg, it's a half-hour walk (up Ocean Avenue). Gorge on delicious food, snacks, and desserts and then take a long walk in the park. A great Sunday afternoon activity.
Drinks & Nightlife
A favorite bar in the area, especially among hipsters. Casual and friendly (it's also family friendly). Amazing garden in the back! A relaxed and chill place.
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Sycamore Bar + Flower Shop
1118 Cortelyou RdA favorite bar in the area, especially among hipsters. Casual and friendly (it's also family friendly). Amazing garden in the back! A relaxed and chill place.
Popular bar where you can enjoy live music on a regular basis. Shows usually begin at 9pm or 10pm.
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Bar Chord
1008 Cortelyou RdPopular bar where you can enjoy live music on a regular basis. Shows usually begin at 9pm or 10pm.
To be honest, Scott & I haven't been to FIB (Forever Tattoo Bar) yet! But the reviews on Yelp are great. This is the closest bar to our house, right by the Kings Theatre. Happy hour from 4-8pm featuring mixed drinks for $5-6. According to one Yelper: "Friendly bartenders, good cocktail options and a chill vibe. Small enough that we usually end up chatting with everyone else, which adds to the neighborhood feel. The owners have been running tattoo shops in Brooklyn for over a decade and fixed this place up themselves, so the décor is all tattoo-themed. Will be back!"
FIB Tattoo Bar
1051 Flatbush AveTo be honest, Scott & I haven't been to FIB (Forever Tattoo Bar) yet! But the reviews on Yelp are great. This is the closest bar to our house, right by the Kings Theatre. Happy hour from 4-8pm featuring mixed drinks for $5-6. According to one Yelper: "Friendly bartenders, good cocktail options and a chill vibe. Small enough that we usually end up chatting with everyone else, which adds to the neighborhood feel. The owners have been running tattoo shops in Brooklyn for over a decade and fixed this place up themselves, so the décor is all tattoo-themed. Will be back!"
Parks & Nature
Brooklyn’s version of Central Park (but even better!), is a 20-minute walk to the north from our house. Walk up Ocean Ave all the way there. Kids of all ages might enjoy the Zoo, the Carousel, or the Lefferts Homestead Museum, which are located near the park entrance at Empire Boulevard. If you don’t wish to walk, you can take the B41 bus (at Flatbush Ave and Cortelyou Rd) to Empire Boulevard or Park Entrance, or the Q subway to the “Prospect Park” stop. www.prospectpark.org
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Prospect Park
Brooklyn’s version of Central Park (but even better!), is a 20-minute walk to the north from our house. Walk up Ocean Ave all the way there. Kids of all ages might enjoy the Zoo, the Carousel, or the Lefferts Homestead Museum, which are located near the park entrance at Empire Boulevard. If you don’t wish to walk, you can take the B41 bus (at Flatbush Ave and Cortelyou Rd) to Empire Boulevard or Park Entrance, or the Q subway to the “Prospect Park” stop. www.prospectpark.org
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden (in Crown Heights) features a cherry tree esplanade, Japanese garden, bonsai museum, children’s garden, desert and tropical pavilions, fragrance garden, and much more. www.bbg.org
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Giardino Botanico di Brooklyn
990 Washington AveThe Brooklyn Botanic Garden (in Crown Heights) features a cherry tree esplanade, Japanese garden, bonsai museum, children’s garden, desert and tropical pavilions, fragrance garden, and much more. www.bbg.org
The closest children's playground (about a 15-minute walk from our house), located on Cortelyou Rd at Argyle Rd.
Lt. Federico Narvaez Tot Lot
Argyle RoadThe closest children's playground (about a 15-minute walk from our house), located on Cortelyou Rd at Argyle Rd.
Getting Around
Cortelyou Rd station
Cortelyou RoadCortelyou Rd. station -- Q subway stop
Beverley Rd station
Beverley RoadBeverly Rd. station -- 2 and 5 subway stop
Beverley Rd station
Beverley RoadBeverley Rd. station -- Q subway stop
The closest car-rental company. It's long walk from the house (30 minutes), or you can take the Q train from Cortelyou Rd to the Avenue H stop -- from there it's a short walk.
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Enterprise Rent-A-Car
266 McGuinness BlvdThe closest car-rental company. It's long walk from the house (30 minutes), or you can take the Q train from Cortelyou Rd to the Avenue H stop -- from there it's a short walk.