Shelton Smith
Shelton works in real estate, grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, and has lived in New York for more than a decade. She spends her free time focusing on friends and family, contemporary art and travel.
Many Manhattanites and out-of-towners are crossing the Bridge to explore and experience NYC’s most populous borough. Few realize that if Brooklyn were its own city, it would be the country’s fourth largest. From the tried and true spots to the myriad of new spots that seem to be opening every day, Brooklyn has something for everyone. Most restaurants have small, daily-changing menus with the finest ingredients from local farms—but most don’t take reservations so be early or prepared to wait. This is part of the laid back and casual vibe. Many of the stores are filled with primarily Brooklyn made goods. The culture, the food, the shops, the arts, Brooklyn is about quality, creativity, pride and being local. Be prepared; after one visit you’ll be hooked on all that Brooklyn has to offer.
BOERUM HILL
Mile End Delicatessen
Innovative, high-end Jewish deli.
97A Hoyt Street
Rucola
Cozy, Northern Italian fare with a seasonal, ever-changing menu. Try one of the house-made pasta dishes.
190 Dean Street
The Brooklyn Inn
Put something on the juke-box and play a game of pool at this old-style, famous bar.
148 Hoyt Street
The Brooklyn Circus
Super hip men’s clothing.
150 Nevins Street
Horseman Antiques
Huge antique store with great finds!
351 Atlantic Avenue
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS
Morning Tour Idea!
On a beautiful Sunday, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge down into the newly developed Brooklyn Bridge Park. Visit the famous Jane’s Carousel for a ride and then walk through the beautifully landscaped Park along the river and hit Smorgasburg, the Brooklyn Flea’s delicious, seasonal all-food market on Pier 5 (Check their website for days and times). You’ll find local eateries serving everything from duck-confit dumplings to fried chicken biscuits with artisanal pickles. Skip breakfast to save room for the many inventive, tasty options!
Henry’s End
Consistently delicious old-school neighborhood spot known for their wild game menu among other fabulous treats.
44 Henry Street
Brooklyn Bridge Park
This 85-acre beautiful park running along the East river has revitalized the post-industrial Brooklyn waterfront.
The Promenade
Stroll on the Promenade after brunch to enjoy the wow views of Manhattan.
BUSHWICK
Roberta’s
Roberta’s is all about the pizza and the fresh ingredients grown in their very own garden. Try Blanca, their upscale 12 seat tasting room if you can remember to make a reservation 30 days out!
261 Moore Street
CARROLL GARDENS
Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain
This family owned business is a traditional soda fountain with a twist. Their motto is “fresh, friendly and local” and the desserts are to die for. And, they have over ten different kinds of ice cream floats!
513 Henry Street
Buttermilk Channel
American bistro with the best buttermilk-batter fried chicken!
524 Court Street
Brooklyn Social
Old school cocktail bar.
335 Smith Street
COBBLE HILL
La Vara
You can’t go wrong with any of the daily specials at this tapas style spot. The fried artichokes are divine!
268 Clinton Street
Lucali
In my book, the best pizza in Brooklyn, period! BYOB and get there early to put your name in for the first seating at 6. Truly worth the wait!
575 Henry Street
Clover Club
Go here for well-made, classic cocktails with yummy snacks and a delicious brunch. Try the deviled eggs that come in four flavors. Voted best cocktail bar by many top publications over the years.
210 Smith Street
Henry Public
Old school pub serving classic cocktails, hamburgers and oysters.
329 Henry Street
COLUMBIA STREET/WATERFRONT DISTRICT
Alma
Consistently good mexican with great views of the Brooklyn waterfront and Manhattan skyline.
187 Columbia Street
DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN/PROSPECT HEIGHTS
BAM
The famed Brooklyn Academy of Music offers the best in theater, ballet and music.
30 Lafayette Avenue
Barclay’s Center
This groundbreaking new arena for Brooklyn is not only the home of the NBA Brooklyn Nets but offers much in the form of live music.
620 Atlantic Avenue
BRIC
An amazing cultural center at the center of culture. From it’s contemporary art exhibitions to its live music and performing arts, BRIC offers free and low-cost programming and education for all ages.
647 Fulton Street
Brooklyn Museum
Holding NYC’s second largest art collection, The Brooklyn Museum is located in a stunning Beaux-Arts building on the edge of Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.
200 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Around the corner from The Brooklyn Museum, this 52-acre botanic garden offers a venue for learning or just taking time out to think and relax in one of the many specialty gardens.
990 Washington Avenue
Prospect Park
This 585-acre Olmsted/Vaux designed park is a virtual urban oasis in the heart of Brooklyn with many different recreational activities available including a Zoo and two ice skating rinks.
DUMBO
Vinegar Hill House
This cozy spot with ingredient-focused, hearty fare, is one you’ll want to come back to. The chicken liver mousse with vinegar onions and pistachios is delish and is cleverly presented in a tiny Ball jar.
72 Hudson Avenue
St. Ann’s Warehouse
An innovative performing arts institution with many interesting offerings.
29 Jay Street
FORT GREENE
Roman’s
Classic Italian that will not disappoint. The bread is divine and for sale to take home with you!
243 Dekalb Avenue
Brooklyn Flea
Huge flea market in Williamsburg and Fort Greene. Check website for days/locations.
GOWANUS
Cool new restaurant corridor in Gowanus!
Littleneck
Traditional, American seafood spot with killer clam chowder and delicious cocktails.
288 3rd Avenue
Runner & Stone
This cozy, all-day eatery and restaurant is known for its house-baked breads and pastries.
285 3rd Avenue
Lavender Lake
Fun for an afternoon cocktail on the back patio before crossing the bridge over the Gowanus canal for dinner at one of the above restaurants.
383 Carroll Street
PARK SLOPE
Fonda
Always delicious contemporary Mexican in a casual atmosphere.
434 7th Avenue
Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store
Cleverly-edited urban general store with simply the best gifts. The store is such fun you don’t want to leave and has something for everyone and for every occasion.
232 5th Avenue
RED HOOK
The Good Fork
Delicious farm to table American fare with an Asian accent.
391 Van Brunt Street
WILLIAMSBURG
Diner
Located in an old dining car, this is hands down my favorite spot for out of this world fare in Brooklyn. With a no-reservations policy, put your name in and wander down the block for a cocktail at their sister restaurant, Marlow & Sons while you wait. With no menus, the server writes the small, daily-changing menu on the paper tablecloth. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu at this simple but perfect establishment but the burger is always to die for.
85 Broadway
St. Anselm
Best pork chop ever!
355 Metropolitan Avenue
Hotel Delmano
Most inventive and yummiest cocktails in Brooklyn! Try The Long Goodbye or Letters From Mexico.
The Richardson
Delicious cocktails in super hipster setting with a great outdoor patio.
451 Graham Avenue
Smorgasburg
The Brooklyn Flea’s fabulous seasonal food fair.
Brooklyn Flea
One of NYC’s top attractions, this flea market has it all! See website for winter location.
Moon River Chattel
Amazing antiques and home furnishings store that has it all.
62 Grand Street
Pierogi
Spend some time perusing the affordable art in this gallery’s flat files before the Whitney snaps it up for its next Biennial.
177 North 9th Street
Scosha
Handcrafted, unique jewelry made in Brooklyn. The braided wax bracelets make great gifts!
64 Grand Street
Wythe Hotel
Beautiful 70 room hotel in a converted factory on the Williamsburg waterfront with stunning Manhattan views.
80 Wythe Avenue