BROOKLYN

Where Brooklyn at?! Where Brooklyn at?!
I’m biased on Brooklyn-I’ll admit that upfront. Thankfully, I had the opportunity to live there for 4 years immediately after graduating from college. It is in Brooklyn that I met life long friends, my husband proposed and we were married, so it has a special place in my heart.

One of the 5 boroughs, Brooklyn has a little something for everyone. From the famous Coney Island boardwalk to the waterfront with amazing views of Manhattan from DUMBO to Williamsburg it’s the interior neighborhoods that to me represent the true Brooklyn.

STAY
Hotel Indigo, Downtown Brooklyn
A very affordable spot located close to the Jay St/Metrotech subway stop. The views from the rooms overlook Flatbush Avenue where you can see One Hanson and Barclays Center in the near distance.
Metro: Jay St-Metrotech, Hoyt St

Aloft Brooklyn, Downtown Brooklyn
Another nice affordable option when staying in Brooklyn. The lobby has a pool table and bar where you can have some downtime before heading out for the night or as a final stop before you head to bed.
Metro: Jay St-Metrotech, Hoyt St

EAT
Roberta’s, Bushwick
Nom nom for pizza. There is a wood burning pizza oven turning out delicious pies, a bar and garden out back which is truly a “beer garden”
Metro: Morgan Av

Shake Shack, Downtown Brooklyn
The location in Downtown Brooklyn is one of few where you won’t have to wait in a ridiculous line. In my opinion, skip the food and go straight to dessert. The black and white is classic NY and my personal favorite, although I’ll admit I haven’t tried the others…
Metro: Jay St Metrotech, Borough Hall

Habana Outpost, Fort Greene
Located in the heart of Park Slope, this is the Outpost of its sister restaurant Café Habana located in Soho/Lower East Side. The outdoor space is only open on a seasonal basis, so make sure to visit when the weather is warm. The usual faves are served up here along with frozen cocktails.
Metro: Lafayette Av, Fulton St

Brooklyn Bowl, Williamsburg
Blue Ribbon is serving up some of the best soul food-Fried Chicken, Greens, Mac & Cheese etc. Yes, unlikely place for me to make this claim, but I promise, the restaurant inside is legit. Not your standard bowling alley/bar/concert venue food. Be prepared to pay a cover if there are any bands scheduled for the night. Go on a Thursday night to rock out to Quest Love’s weekly parties “Bowl Train”
Metro: Bedford Av, Nassau Av

Junior’s, Downtown Brooklyn
Yes, this is a given, it’s an institution that you must include on the list. Classic, strawberry, whatever your heart desires, they serve it up. I have fond memories of stopping through during the Holidays to pickup cakes along with what seemed like everyone else in Brooklyn. Their strawberry shortcake is also a good alternative to the classic.
Metro: Dekalb

DRINK
Ideya, Prospect Heights
New location is now open in Brooklyn. Grab a drink at the bar (mojito, coco mojo and caipirinhas are recommended) munch on plantain chips and their signature mango salsa.
Metro: Grand Army Plaza, 7Av

Der Schwarze Kolner, Fort Greene
German beer house with indoor/outdoor seating. Cash Only, but there is an ATM located in side. Order a pretzel with mustard to help soak up the brews.
Metro: Lafayette Av

Moe’s, Fort Greene
A bit of an institution in Park Slope, although it is definitely debatable since there appears to have been an ownership change, but I still find this place to still maintain the local neighborhood bar where you can walk in and find the same friends hanging out.
Metro: Fulton St, Lafayette Av

Brooklyn Tap House, Clinton Hill
Outdoor games and lots of beers on tap and bottled from all other the world. Perfect spot to watch a sporting event-the walls are lined with televisions to make sure you don’t miss the big play.
Metro: Classon Av

Berry Park, Williamsburg
Rooftop beer garden with also a downstairs beer hall for the colder months. Awesome views of Manhattan. Thanks to our friend Mr. Hairston for introducing us to this spot on the 4th of July where we were able to catch fireworks across NYC.
Metro: Nassau Av

Union Hall, Park Slope
Bar with 2 full bocce ball courts located in Park Slope.
Metro: Union St

EXPLORE
Brooklyn Flea, Fort Greene
Check their website at http://www.brooklynflea.com to confirm where the flea is located. Locations change throughout the year depending on the weather. Sometimes indoors, sometimes outdoors, always full of treasures and great food stands. Must try the Red Hook Lobster Pound lobster roll.

Brooklyn Botanical, Prospect Heights
Best time to visit is during cherry blossom season when the garden comes alive.
Metro: Botanic Garden, Franklin Av, Brooklyn Museum

Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Heights
Anytime is a great time to visit a museum, but if you are around for the first Saturday of the month, check out the scene which includes additional entertainment, food, drinks and socializing until well past sunset.
Metro: Brooklyn Museum, Botanic Garden, Franklin Av

Barclays Center, Fort Greene/Prospect Heights
Catch a concert or game at this brand new arena in the heart of Brooklyn.
Metro: Barclays-Atlantic Av

Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO
If in Brooklyn, you must take a walk across the Bridge-it is beautiful and one of those Bucket List items. If you time it right, Sunset is the perfect time to take the trek. I had the luxury to do my first walk across during the blackout of 2003 walking all the way from midtown Manhattan to Crown Heights. Luckily, I took the trek again, 10 years later this past Summer and it was much more enjoyable since I was prepared for the walk this time around.
Metro: High Street, York St

DUMBO
District Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass-stroll, eat, and kill time in the area.
Metro: High Street, York St

Williamsburg
The Portlandia of Brooklyn. At one point I considered this to be the Disneyland of Brooklyn. Definitely visit the waterfront along with Brooklyn Bowl and Berry Park.
Metro: Bedford Av, Nassau Av

Coney Island
I’m embarrassed to say that I have actually never been to Coney Island. Yes, after all the time I spent in Brooklyn, I never made the trek. Last time when I was in town, I had all intentions of visiting, but due to a late flight, I couldn’t squeeze it in. Since Hurricane Sandy, the area is back and open for business. Go and have a Nathan’s hotdog and stroll the boardwalk. This will remain on my bucket list.
Metro: Coney Island-Stillwell