New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [282]
The Flea takes place in two locations every weekend from mid-March to late November. The market splits time between the parking lot of a local school on Saturday and the stunning interior of the landmark Williamsburgh Savings Bank (now an event space known as Skylight One Hanson) on Sunday. During the colder months the Flea happens at its indoor location on both Saturday and Sunday. | Mid-Mar.–late Nov., Sat.: Bishop Laughlin Memorial High School, 176 Lafayette Ave., between Clermont and Vanderbilt Ave., Fort Greene; Sun.: One Hanson Pl., Fort Greene | Winter: One Hanson Pl., Fort Greene | www.brooklynflea.com | Free | Sat. and Sun. 10–5 | Subway: A, C to Lafayette Ave. for outdoor location; 2, 3, 4, 5, B, Q to Atlantic Ave.; D, N, R to Atlantic Ave.–Pacific St. for indoor location.
WHERE TO EAT IN FORT GREENE
BAMcafé.
$$ | NEW AMERICAN | Starting two hours before opera-house performances, enjoy nouveau American fare in the dramatic Lepercq Space on the mezzanine level. On Friday and Saturday, when free concerts take place as part of BAMcafé Live (June–September), BAMcafé opens at 8 pm with a limited menu. | 30 Lafayette Ave., at Ashland Pl., Fort Greene | 11217 | 718/623–7811 | www.bam.org | D, DC, MC, V | Subway: D, M, N, R to Pacific St.; 2, 3, 4, 5, B, Q to Atlantic Ave.; C to Lafayette Ave.
The General Greene.
$ | AMERICAN | A good example of the hearty, stick-to-your-ribs fare that Brooklyn serves up these days, the General Greene is a neighborhood darling. Waiting for a table is part of the experience, especially at brunch time on weekends, as are the cocktails and the famous salted-caramel sundae. | 229 DeKalb Ave., Fort Greene | 11205 | 718/222–1510 | www.thegeneralgreene.com | MC, V | Subway: C to Lafayette Ave.; B, M, Q, R to DeKalb Ave.
Madiba.
$$$ | SOUTH AFRICAN | The borough’s only South African restaurant (and the city’s first), is styled after a traditional shebeen, a local bar known for its convivial atmosphere and lively conversation. This eatery—with its wooden benches, colorful African-theme paintings, and quirky folk art—has staple curries and stews, as well as offbeat options such as ostrich carpaccio and spicy peri-peri prawns. | 195 Dekalb Ave., Fort Greene | 11205 | 718/855–9190 | www.madibarestaurant.com | AE, D, DC, MC, V | Subway: C to Lafayette Ave.; 2, 3, 4, 5, B, Q to Atlantic Ave
No. 7.
$$ | NEW AMERICAN | Sit at the marble-top bar or on the banquettes in the back at this buzzy neighborhood bistro lighted up by Edison bulbs. The frequently changing menu takes American classics and throws them for a global spin. The result is a nouveau fusion that pulls in local diners in droves. Recent dishes have included cashew-crusted tofu with noodles, poached egg, and pickled coconut as well as bouchot mussels with quince, Chinese sausage, and spaghetti squash. | 7 Greene Ave., Fort Greene | 11238 | 718/522–6370 | www.no7restaurant.com | MC, V | No lunch weekdays; bar only Mon.| Subway: C to Lafayette Ave; 2, 3, 4, 5, B, Q to Atlantic Ave.
Smoke Joint.
$ | BARBECUE | Up the street from BAM, find in-house-smoked “real New York barbecue,” which translates to a mix of regional specialties like incredibly moist chicken, spicy dry-rubbed beef short ribs, collard greens, and meaty barbecued beans. Several kinds of sauces are served on the side, and the counter service couldn’t be friendlier at this truly local joint. | 87 S. Elliot Pl., Fort Greene | 11217 | 718/797–1011 | www.thesmokejoint.com | Reservations not accepted | AE, DC, MC, V | Subway: C to Lafayette Ave.; 2, 3, 4, 5, B, Q to Atlantic Ave.; D, M, N, R to Pacific St.
Stonehome Wine Bar & Restaurant.
$$ | NEW AMERICAN | The place to go before or after BAM if you want your food to match your wine, this dimly lighted basement hideaway serves great tasting flights—three samples for $18—and 35 wines by the glass. The cheese and charcuterie are stellar, as are the in-house-made pâtés and sausages. The small and uncomplicated menu features market-fresh new American fare, such as the all-time fave: organic air-dried chicken