A Brooklyn Guide for The Design Lover
Local favorites, neighborhood secrets, and insider picks from my corner of South Brooklyn
[This post is packed with recos and thus quite long, so if you’re reading on email, you’ll need to click on "View entire message".]
Welcome to my Brooklyn! Consider me your personal guide to South Brooklyn, the area just across the Brooklyn Bridge and south of that encompassing Dumbo, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, Carroll Gardens, and Red Hook (and some recos a little further afield). This area is known as the leafy, stroller-packed, grown up sibling to North Brooklyn (which includes Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Bushwick).
I’ve called this area home for about 1/4 of my time in New York City (almost 20 years and counting). I love living here for many reasons, but these are the three biggest: 1.) it’s a charming historical jewel box with beautifully preserved architecture, mostly comprised of brownstones; 2.) it’s located right on the waterfront, with hands down the best views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge; 3.) it truly feels like a neighborhood with a diverse array of independent businesses and specialty stores. So, if all of that sounds good to you, then come hang out!
This guide is for New Yorkers wanting an adventure in another neighborhood, current residents looking for new ideas, and of course out-of-town visitors — whether you’re looking to stay off-the-beaten path or explore it for the day.
Save this guide for future reference even if you’re not planning a trip right now and send along to friends who would benefit from these recos. I promise to continue updating it with new favorites that I just have to pass along.
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I love to travel and discover new places always with an eye for design, authenticity, & good food. Don’t miss my other curated travel recos:
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Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge & explore Dumbo: This activity tops most tourist guides, so I won’t belabor the point. But I will share my fav spots on this side. For a casual bite I like Dawn’s Til Dusk or Luke’s Lobster Roll (best one in the city). For pizza go to Juliana’s, not Grimaldi’s, trust me. Cecconi’s does not have the best food, but the location is unbeatable especially if you get an outdoor table (it’s where we had our anniversary party for this reason). For ice cream I prefer Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory over another certain chain. For outdoor drinks, try High Tide (open seasonally) right in front of the ferry dock or the rooftop of the 1 Hotel. Otherwise, it’s just fun to stroll around the cobblestone streets (don’t miss the money shot on Washington Street) and the waterfront around Jane’s Carousel. There’s a secret garden behind the River Cafe if you need to escape the tourist throngs which you should expect.
Brooklyn Heights Promenade: Just uphill from Dumbo is the neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights, which is where you’ll find some of the most historical and priciest real estate in Brooklyn (including the homes of many celebs). It’s best known for the Promenade, a stretch of walkway overlooking downtown Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. Grab a coffee and croissant at L’Appartement 4F, then go sit on a bench and soak up the view.
Brooklyn Bridge Park: This stretch of waterfront is like our Central Park. Former shipping piers were converted to green space and athletic courts, and there’s a bike/foot path that extends for miles. Movies with a View is definitely worth checking out in the summertime.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden: I feel so fortunate this extraordinary garden is basically in my backyard. Every time I visit I get to experience something new as the seasons unfold. The rose garden holds one of the largest collections of roses in North America. You can always check out Plants in Bloom to see what’s at peak.
Cobble Hill Park: Where I can be found most nice days with my son. This park, which feels like it could be in Europe, is so beautifully maintained with lush gardens and seating both on grass and benches. There’s also a small playground for small children.
The Secret Garden: This plot of land was bought by a gentleman and turned into public garden. Now it is run by a foundation and a team of volunteer gardeners. Only open at select times, this garden is the perfect place to come to escape the city.
A jaunt to Red Hook: Red Hook isn’t that far from where I live, but it feels like a completely different place — it reminds me of a New England coastal village. I like to go as an escape on a summer weekend. Away from the bustle of the city, it’s a bit more chill and has really good food, ranging from seafood (Crab Shack, Red Hook Lobster Pound) to BBQ (Hometown BBQ). Strong Rope is a great spot to grab a beer on a hot day looking out at the Statue of Liberty and check out Sunny’s for live music.
When so much of the city has been taken over by chains or big international brands, it’s so nice to be able to support local businesses, and what you get is a much wider selection of options and much better quality too.
My biggest piece of advice: CHECK HOURS of the stores you want to visit as you’re planning your days. A lot of these stores are not open on Mon/Tues or have odd hours. I hate hearing from people who were so excited to shop that they came on days the stores were closed.
Home & Garden Stores
Within a few blocks, you’ll find the most exciting home stores in New York City. If you can’t make it in person, you can shop my picks from my favorite local home stores.
Salter House (Cobble Hill): The focus is on craft brands and home/clothing with a romantic country feel.
Collyer’s Mansion (Cobble Hill): A great mix of colorful, unique homewares, tableware, textiles, and original art from an interior design studio.
Antik (Cobble Hill): A selection of vintage/antique furniture and decor curated by an interior designer.
Porta (Boerum Hill): Tableware and decor crafted by artisans and brands in Europe, most of which aren’t available anywhere else in the U.S..
GRDN (Boerum Hill): A lovely garden shop with seasonal cut flowers, plants, handmade pots, and select homegoods.
Humble House (Boerum Hill): A second-hand furniture and decor store where there’s always something new to discover.
Sterling Place (Boerum Hill): A mix of vintage finds and new homewares and gifts.
Books Are Magic (Brooklyn Heights / Boerum Hill): A beloved local independent book store.
The Six Bells (Cobble Hill): The cottagecore aesthetic brought to life in a store with a collection of craftmade goods, mostly from Europe.
Painted Swan (Carroll Gardens): The focus is mostly on gifts like candles and straw bags, but they also have a complete selection of Annie Sloan decorative paints (which they use to upcycle furniture).
Yesterday’s News (Carroll Gardens): The only really rummage store in the area.
Terrain (at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Prospect Heights): Stroll around the gardens then finish off with this delightfully merchandised plant and home shop.
Hudson Wilder (Dumbo): Homewares and tabletop with a clean, minimalist design.
With Love Vintage (Dumbo): Curated vintage decor including a lot of glassware.
Specialty Food Shops
Sahadi’s (Cobble Hill): Prominent family-run Middle Eastern grocer and food market with spices, nuts, and homemade dishes (there are several other Middle Eastern shops and restaurants within this 1 block radius).
Tavola Italian Market (Cobble Hill): Great selection of Italian imports and a sandwich counter in the back.
Mozzlab (Cobble Hill): Fresh mozzerella (and other cheeses) made on site, need I say more? The porchetta sandwich is one of the best I’ve ever eaten.
Fish Tales (Cobble Hill): Multi-generational fish shop that is hands down the best quality.
Dellapietra’s (Cobble Hill): My go-to butcher, run by two brothers, the store is beautiful, and the meat is top notch.
Paisano’s (Boerum Hill): Another favorite butcher, they have literally everything you could ever imagine.
Ten Ichi Mart (Boerum Hill): Shelves packed with Japanese imports, this store is so fun to explore.
Mercado Central (Boerum Hill): This small shop specializes in Spanish imports including a lot of tinned fish, ham, and other delicacies.
Pasticceria Monteleone (Carroll Gardens): As an old Italian-American neighborhood, Carroll Gardens is home to a number of bakeries. This one is my fav, the sheer number of confections and cakes is mind-boggling.
Court Street Pastry Shop (Carroll Gardens): But, go to this one for the fresh authentic (read: soft) Italian ice in the summertime. I love the custard flavor which is actually almond — tastes just like what you’d get in Italy.
Clothing Stores
Outline (Boerum Hill): Super high end designer brands like the Row and Maison Margiela with a small selection of craftmade homewares.
Toast (Boerum Hill): A UK brand with distinctively quirky clothing and some homewares (they offer a free decorative repair service for anything you buy from them).
Consignment Brooklyn (Boerum Hill): They always say to shop consignment in nice neighborhoods, well this is one of those.
Kule (Boerum Hill): The store for stripes of all, well, stripes — on bags, sweaters, T-shirts etc.
Diane T (Cobble Hill): A hip selection of contemporary designer brands.
Phoebe Jon (Cobble Hill): Come here for well tailored basics, with really good service.
The Real Real (Cobble Hills): Shop designer clothes IRL.
Rachel Comey (Boerum Hill): The indy brand with a cult following thanks its its relaxed yet refined aesthetic.
Goose Barnacle (Brooklyn Heights): The way to get men to shop for clothes is to put a secret bar in the back (the selection is also really good).
Owl Tree (Carroll Gardens): The cutest consignment shop with very well-curated kids clothes.
Front General Store (Dumbo): Retro vintage store where I once sourced an amazing shearling coat.
L’Apartment 4F (Brooklyn Heights): The baker is French, so you know the croissants are very good, especially the flavored ones (my personal fav is the cinnamon roll), and it turns into a chic little wine bar at night.
Nako (Brooklyn Heights): A newer coffee shop that became instantly popular.
Poppy’s (Cobble Hill / Brooklyn Heights): This is THE spot for local cool moms to congregate after drop off. It helps that the sandwiches and prepared foods are so good.
Laurel Bakery (Cobble Hill): A newer bakery with excellent bread and an interesting selection of baked goods and sandwiches (it has odd hours, check before you go).
Shelsky’s (Cobble Hill): A classic Jewish deli with smoked fish & bagels. A neighborhood staple.
IXV Coffee (Boerum Hill): A very local coffee shop that’s as good for people watching as the coffee itself.
Dawn Til Dusk (Dumbo): One of the more reliable casual options in this area, this spot started as a bakery and expanded its menu to include full breakfast and lunch.
Breakfast by Salt’s Cure (Carroll Gardens): This place always has a line even in winter snow. I personally have not waited, but it has to be good right?
ACQ Bread Co (Carroll Gardens): By far the best bread I’ve ever had in my life, every single time. It’s only open Thurs-Sat 4-7pm from this hidden location (and available at the Carrol Gardens Farmers Market on Sunday). My pick is the milk bread, which is an irresistible combo of sweet and savory — delicious just with butter or made into a sandwich.
Chains that are safe bets: Daily Provisions (Cobble Hill), Maman (Cobble Hill), Stumptown (Cobble Hill), Blue Bottle (Boerum Hill), Joe Coffee (Brooklyn Heights)
Bar Bête (Boerum Hill): My fav date night spot, it’s a neighborhood gem with a high culinary bar. The potatoes with aioli are a must-order. Also known for its yellow cake with chocolate frosting and a dash of Maldon.
Rucola (Boerum Hill): This is a true neighborhood spot, open all week for every meal, consistently delivering good food in a convivial atmosphere. (You might bump into Ethan Hawk who lives down the street.)
Popina (Cobble Hill): Huge backyard for summer dining. The food is great. The hot chicken milanese is my order — best I’ve ever had.
Pips (Cobble Hill): Tres cute wine bar with a simple menu — except technically it’s Italian, so also has a spritz menu and a really good focaccia.
La Vara (Cobble Hill): One of the nicer, more stylish restaurants in the area that specializes in Spanish tapas.
Saint Julivert (Cobble Hill): Sister restaurant to the above focused on seafood.
Henry Public (Cobble Hill): Total throwback bar/restaurant right down to the menu that hasn’t changed in decades and the historical setting. It’s good for kids. Probably the best burger and fries in the area, but the mac & cheese al forno is legit incredible. Live jazz music on Sunday.
Nabila’s (Cobble Hill): An elevated Lebanese restaurant.
Frankie Sputino (Carroll Gardens): The olive oil brand from fancy markets started out as a local Italian restaurant. The back garden is the best place to dine outside in the summer.
LaRina (Fort Greene): Told by an actual Italian this is where Italian chefs go after hours, so that’s a pretty strong testament.
Roman’s (Fort Greene): This whole area is beyond cool, and this restaurant is at the center of it, one of the best spots to grab a drink and enjoy a leisurely meal.
Sailor (Fort Greene): The celebrated British chef April Bloomfield (of Spotted Pig fame) opened this fine dining spot last year, and it’s still hard to get a res (the trick is to drop in for seats at the bar)
Place des Fetes (Clinton Hill): This candlelit wine bar that serves Portuguese and Spanish-inspired tapas is also a strong contender for date night.
Locanda Vini & Olii (Clinton Hill): Located in a former pharmacy which is pretty cool, this neighborhood gem serves up comforting Italian food.
Red Hook Tavern (Red Hook): Considered a contender for top burger in NYC. This spot is a great option for al fresco dining.
Red Hook Lobster Pound (Red Hook): This is where you go when you’re craving lobster and the feeling of New England summer.
Hometown BBQ (Red Hook): My husband is a BBQ connoisseur, and he considers this the best BBQ in NYC (especially the brisket). Eat outside on picnic tables in warm weather. Live music some nights.
Brooklyn Crab (Red Hook): A super fun seafood dining experience on multiple levels.
Vinegar Hill House (Vinegar Hill/Dumbo): Excellent comforting food served in the coziest atmosphere. The Guinness cake is out of this world.
Cecconi’s (Dumbo): Go for the atmosphere more than the food. Suggest brunch over dinner.
Pizza restaurant: Lucali, the favorite of Beyonce and Taylor Swift (Carroll Gardens), Juliana’s (Dumbo), Sottocasa (Boerum Hill)
Pizza slice shop: F&F, same owners as Frankie Sputino (Carroll Gardens), Baby Luc’s, same owners as Lucali (Carroll Gardens)
Ice cream: Malai (Boerum Hill), Odd Fellows (Dumbo, Brooklyn Bridge Park), Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain
Chocolate chip cookie: L’Appartement 4F (Brooklyn Heights - tahini chocolate chip)
Congress Bar (Cobble Hill): My go-to spot for excellent cocktails with zero pretension. When the weather is nice, the vibe at the outdoor tables is unbeatable.
The Long Island Bar (Cobble Hill): A preserved diner re-opened as a cocktail bar (with a food menu). They have a really good frozen piña colada, but you have to get the cheese curds.
Elsa (Cobble Hill): A very sexy, cool cocktail spot, perfect for a date.
Pilot (Cobble Hill - temporarily closed): Sister to Grand Banks in Downtown Manhattan, a 100-year old schooner that’s been converted to a bar (with seafood to go with it).
Other Half Brewing (Carroll Gardens): My husband is an IPA connoisseur, and this is hands-down his favorite in the country. It’s served at most local restaurants too.
June (Cobble Hill): A low key wine bar with a back garden.
Anaïs (Boerum Hill): Love the design of this neighborhood wine bar.
Brooklyn Inn (Boerum Hill): If you’re just looking for a normal bar, this is it; only it’s one of the oldest bars in New York and looks like a set from a movie (probably has been).
Black Mountain Wine House (Boerum Hill): One of the few bars I can think of with a working fireplace. The coziest in the winter for a glass of wine and light bite.
Sunny’s (Red Hook): One of the few remaining dive bars, this place is so special, in part because local musicians regularly perform there.
Strong Rope Brewery (Red Hook): The beer is good, but the setting is next level with a huge outdoor area overlooking a view of the Statue of Liberty (we came here to celebrate when my husband got his green card for that very reason).
This area is more residential, so it doesn’t have a lot of hotels. But, in recent years some more prominent hotels have opened here. So, if you’re looking for a quieter hotel stay away from throngs of tourists in an incredibly special area a stone’s throw from Manhattan, I’d check these out.
Ace Hotel Brooklyn (Downtown): This outpost of the well-known hip hotel group is located in downtown Brooklyn which is adjacent to the area I’m writing about, only a couple of blocks from a lot of these recos (also near a couple of express subways that are 1-2 stops from Manhattan). The hotel has a large, welcoming lobby with a bar (I will say a lot of people work from there these days) and just opened a new restaurant that looks good from what I’ve seen.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge (Dumbo): This hotel group is known for modern luxury, and this location delivers with one of the few rooftop pools in New York City (and what a place for it - overlooking the Manhattan skyline!), a rooftop bar, and sleek interiors. Although it’s located in Dumbo which is very crowded by day with tourists crossing over the Bridge, this hotel is an oasis removed from that. I love that the Brooklyn Bridge Park is right outside your door; you can quickly hop over to Manhattan by ferry or car.
I’ve put all these recommendations into a handy Google map you can use them to help plan and reference as you roam.
I’ll be sharing more design-oriented travel posts including updates from my trip to England and Portugal this summer, so be sure you’re subscribed to get alerts.
Locals, did I miss anything you typically recommend to friends? Share your favorite South Brooklyn spots in the comments. And anyone who’s visiting, feel free to ask for other recos or logistical questions — I know it can be tricky to figure out distances and allocating time. I meant it when I said I’m your personal guide!
xx Melissa
This is such a good list! We have a lot of shared favorites.
IXV, Brooklyn Consignment and Porta are personal favorites of mine!