Often times I get emails from people asking me where they should eat when visiting New York City. I often reply with some Manhattan favorites and then add a few Brooklyn locations as well. The typical response is, “thanks so much for the tips, I will definitely check out these places in the city…and if I have time I will check out those Brooklyn recs.”
Now I know that the Big Apple is a pretty tough place to outshine, especially when you are located in the shadows of it like Brooklyn is. But I can not stress it enough that people visiting Manhattan need to cross the Brooklyn Bridge and check out some of the country’s most delicious destinations around. I am a lifelong New York resident and still believe Brooklyn makes the best slice in the tri-state area.
Yes that includes New Jersey, Staten Island, Queens and oh yes Manhattan. Bagels? Well they were practically perfected in Brooklyn. I could ramble on and on…but instead figured I would provide people visiting New York with a few Brooklyn basics when it comes to dining out. Some are well known, while a few are hidden gems enjoyed by locals.
Joe’s of Avenue U: The next best thing to eating in Sicily. This classic Gravesend joint offers up some of the most delicious food in the borough. The marinara sauce is so damn good that I would drink it out of a bottle if it were socially acceptable. The rice ball is to die for, the meatballs are out of this world and their desserts are incredible (I highly recommend the chocolate mousse cake). Bring cash as Joe’s does not accept credit or debit and be forewarned, this rustic restaurant is a no frills establishment. The decor looks like it has not been updated since the Nixon administration. 287 Avenue U, Gravesend NY 11223.
Nathan’s Famous: Not all dogs are created equal. Want proof? Then hop a train to Coney Island and snack on an authentic Nathan’s famous hot dog. I swear it must be the lovely New York tap water mixed with the salt in the air from the ocean breeze, because I have had Nathan’s elsewhere and it always was a disappointment compared to the original location. Over 90 years and easily millions of hot dogs later, this iconic landmark is worth the trek. Grab some cheese fries and a lemonade while you are there. 1310, Surf Avenue, Coney Island NY 11224.
Al di La Trattoria: Truly authentic Italian food, located not in Little Italy, but on 5th Avenue in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn. No reservations accepted at this popular locale, so get there when the doors open or else chances are you will be waiting for a table. Rustic fare is the theme of the menu in this quaint and dimly lit room. You can’t go wrong with either the roasted duck or medium rare hanger steak in a dark balsamic reduction, with a side of arugula. If you happen to arrive to not tables, take a seat around the corner at the restaurant’s handy wine bar. They will inform you when your table is ready. 248 5th Avenue, Park Slope NY 11215.
Pizza, pizza, pizza: By now if you have read my site, you know I am a bit of a pizza fanatic. Some would go as far as to call me a pizza snob. But it is just that most pizza is good, while a few are outstanding. DiFara’s, Grimaldi’s, and L&B Spumoni Gardens should be on your list of “must eat” slices when you visit New York. How much do I love pizza? Check out this blog post from last August.
Buttermilk Channel: Fried chicken perfection! How does a fresh bird with cheddar waffles sound right about now? At Buttermilk Channel they serve up good hearty comfort food in a stylish setting. Waits can be long, so try to avoid weekends if possible. 524 Court Street, Carroll Gardens NY 11231.
Beer Table: If you are looking to skipThis Park Slope bar’s menu is heavenly…yes I said heavenly. No Coors light or Budweiser drinking here please, nothing but delicious specialty drafts, plus a dozen or so bottled beers…if you insist. The menu changes daily, which is my excuse for having to return to this cool spot over and over and over and over again. I believe they serve food here, I just never got around to sampling any of it. 427 B 7th Avenue, Park Slope NY 11215.
Villbate Pasticceria and Bakery: “Leave the gun, take the cannoli.” For the best cannoli…ever, visit this Bensonhurst bakery and expect to gain a few pounds. From cheesecake to gelato, this heavenly shop feels like a little piece of Italy landed on 18th Avenue. If you want some of these goodies but can not make it to Brooklyn, then you are in luck because Villbate now offers shipping nationwide. Once you try their cookies, cakes and other sugary concoctions, you will wonder how you went without it all this time. 7001 18th Avenue Bensonhurst NY 11204.
Coney Island Bialys and Bagel: Celebrating 90 years of supplying Brooklyn and now the country (they also deliver) with the classic New York breakfast. Grab a bag of their regular water bagels, which include no preservatives or additives. Coney Island B & B boils their dough, therefore you get to enjoy a softer and tastier bagel. 2359 Coney Island Avenue Gravesend NY 11223.
