Believe it or not there is more to New York than just the island of Manhattan. When you are in town be sure to hail a taxi or hop a train ride and check out one of the outer boroughs. One in particular that any visitor to the Big Apple should check out is Brooklyn.
If you make your way to a family (and foodie) friendly neighborhood called Park Slope, you will most definitely want to take a stroll down 5th Avenue aka “Restaurant Row.” Here among the abundance of baby carriages you will find many different types of eateries like fancy restaurants to quirky cafes and everything in between.
Al di La Trattoria in Park Slope, Brooklyn
Al di la Trattoria: Husband and wife chef Anna Klinger and her husband Emiliano Coppa run a restaurant so popular with locals and visitors that they refuse to take reservations. Yes it is first come, first eat at this crazy busy corner restaurant that serves up authentic Italian cuisine. Plan on arriving when the doors open or else be ready to wait. Fortunately the couple opened a wine bar right around the corner, so you can sip on some reds and whites while you wait for your table. I highly recommend ordering the hangar steak with arugula smothered in a balsamic vinegar. This establishment only accepts cash. 248 5th Avenue.
Stone Park Cafe in Brooklyn, New York
Stone Park Cafe: This often lively eatery is truly a great place to grab a few drinks and food with friends and family. Good music plays over the sound system as waiters shuffle from table to table ensuring a great dining experience. The decor of the cafe is bright and airy with brick walls in the front area and a more traditional look in the back area. Be sure to check out their $19 prix fare menu which includes a first course, second course and dessert. They also offer a brunch special and a great collection of beers on tap. 324 5th Avenue.
The Chocolate Room on 5th Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn
The Chocolate Room: You didn’t think I would leave out a great spot for dessert did you? If you’re looking to dine at one place and then get some goodies elsewhere or you just want to skip your lunch and dinner for some serious sweet tooth snacking, then this is your place. You will be on a chocolate covered cloud nine. Some items on their menu include the brownie sundae, chocolate fondue for two, chocolate layer cake and hot chocolate float. Plus if you like beers, down a few chocolate flavored stouts! 86 5th Avenue.
All of these great restaurants and the rest of 5th Avenue’s “Restaurant Row” are all within a short bus ride or walking distance from Brooklyn’s Nu Hotel.
