New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [286]
James.
$$ | NEW AMERICAN | Occupying the ground floor of a brownstone on a leafy corner of historic residential blocks, this neighborhood find is serious about its seasonal food and dedicated service. Pressed-tin ceilings, an antique bar, leather banquettes, and a dazzling light fixture on the ceiling grace the softly lighted dining room. The food reflects old-world European techniques, with fresh herbs picked from the restaurant’s adjacent garden. | 605 Carlton Ave., Prospect Heights | 11238 | 718/942–4255 | www.jamesrestaurantny.com
Tom’s Restaurant.
¢ | AMERICAN | For friendly service and great diner fare, like fluffy pumpkin-walnut pancakes served with homemade flavored butters, head three blocks north of the Brooklyn Museum to this family-owned restaurant, which opened in 1936. On weekends lines are long, but your wait is eased by free coffee and orange slices. | 782 Washington Ave., at Sterling Pl., Prospect Heights | 11238 | 718/636–9738 | Reservations not accepted | No credit cards | No dinner | Subway: 2, 3 to Grand Army Plaza.
NIGHTLIFE IN PROSPECT PARK/PROSPECT HEIGHTS/PARK SLOPE
Barbès.
It’s not quite like stepping into the funky Parisian neighborhood of the same name, but this cozy bar does have French-accented bartenders, pressed-tin ceilings, and a red-tinted back room. Diverse events range from the energetic Slavic Soul Party performance on Tuesday to classical music concerts. | 376 9th St., at 6th Ave., Park Slope | 11215 | 347/422–0248 | www.barbesbrooklyn.com | Subway: F to 7th Ave.
Southpaw.
Folk, rock, and pop for refined tastes are on the bill at this Park Slope hangout, recognized as one of South Brooklyn’s most popular music venues. The sprawling space is packed with glam twentysomethings on any given night, but country music showcases and the occasional kid-friendly family show on weekends keep everyone in the neighborhood happy. | 125 5th Ave., between St. Johns Pl. and Sterling Pl., Park Slope | 11217 | 718/230–0236 | www.spsounds.com | Subway: R to Union St., F to 7th Ave.
Union Hall.
You’ll feel immediately comfortable at this large, airy hangout. Grab a beer up front in the classy library, or, if you’re up for a little sport, join friendly locals in a game of bocce ball. In the basement, check out some rising indie rock stars on stage. | 702 Union St., at 5th Ave., Park Slope | 11215 | 718/638–4400 | www.unionhallny.com | Subway: R to Union St.
SHOPPING IN PROSPECT PARK/PROSPECT HEIGHTS/PARK SLOPE
Seventh Avenue is Park Slope’s main shopping street, with long-established restaurants, bookstores, shops, cafés, bakeries, churches, and real-estate agents (one favorite neighborhood pastime is window-shopping for new apartments). More fun, however, are the newer restaurants and cute boutiques along 5th Avenue.
Start out with a snack from gourmet food store Bierkraft (191 5th Ave., near Union St., Park Slope | 11215 | 718/230–7600 | www.bierkraft.com). In addition to nearly 1,000 craft beers (available by the bottle), they also sell artisan cheeses, boutique chocolates, olives, and other edible goodies.
Just one of the many excellent women’s clothing stores dotting the area, Bird (316 5th Ave., between 2nd and 3rd Sts., Park Slope | 11215 | 718/768–4940 | www.shopbird.com) is one of the oldest and best. In addition to their many well-curated brands of women’s clothing, like Martin Margiela and 3.1 Phillip Lim, Bird also stocks both men’s apparel and baby clothes, and has two other Brooklyn locations (in Cobble Hill, at 220 Smith St., | 718/797–3775, and in Williamsburg, at 203 Grand St. | 718/388–1656).
At Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co. (372 5th Ave.at 7th St., Park Slope | 11215 | 718/499–9884 | www.superherosupplies.com) young superheroes can purchase capes, grappling hooks, secret identity kits, and more from staff who never drop the game of pretend.