Brooklyn is the most populous Borough in New York and is growing more each day, with amazing neighborhoods to visit. Come explore 6 hip spots in Carroll Gardens through the eyes of Gisela Gueiros, a Brooklyn-based art expert!
We love absolutely everything about Brooklyn to today we will show you some of the best spots in Carroll Garden.
As we mentioned above, it’s the largest Borough in New York in terms of population – even though Queens is bigger in size.
Every day there is a new place opening, a cool event happening and new Brooklyn-based artists emerging with their talent and creativity. New Yorkers and visitor are more and more open in exploring this special part of New York.
The best part? They always go home, amazed with everything they #uncovered during the day (or night – after all, Brooklyn’s nightlife is surely intriguing).
Our Contributor, Gisela Gueiros, is herself Brooklyn-based and shared with us 6 hip spots in Carroll Gardens, for you to visit!
If you’re an art expert or aspiring to learn more about New York City’s art scene, take a look at Gisela’s next curated art exhibition that will take place this upcoming Saturday.
Where? In Brooklyn, of course!
Bar: June
“I recently went with friends to June. A charming and cozy bar located on Court Street. There are some great appetizers on the menu, wonderful wines with a never ending “happy hour” vibe. What to expect? Many stylish couples and groups of friends that just left work in Manhattan and decided to come chill, in Brooklyn.”
This natural wine bar in Carroll Gardens is the place to go if you’re a wine lover! After all, they’ve been named one of the Best Wine Bars in New York.
It’s also a great spot to have a party or a celebration. They don’t take reservations, except in these cases, so be sure to try and get there early.
Hours:
Happy Hours: Monday – Friday: 5pm – 7pm
Dinner: Sunday – Thursday: 5:30pm – 12am | Friday & Sat: 5:30pm – 1am
Brunch: Saturday & Sunday: 11am – 4pm
Location: 231 Court Street
Boutique Hotel: NU Hotel
“The most popular hotel in the area is the NU Hotel, in Downtown Brooklyn. The location is super convenient since it’s pretty close to Manhattan! A cool option for anyone who has come to NYC a lot and now wants to explore Brooklyn a bit. In addition, you’ll definitely be saving on the stay, since it’s cheaper than Manhattan. You can walk to several neighborhoods that are nearby: Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, Prospect Heights, Park Slope, Fort Greene and Carroll Gardens.”
The hotel is inspired in the bustling Brooklyn art scene and is one of Brooklyn’s top boutique hotels. Rooms are all “loft inspired”, very modern and with art works of local artists.
Amenities range from a full mini bar to L’Occitane bath products. There are some rooms with bunkbeds and even with cool hammocks to relax!
Definitely a place to consider if you’re looking for accommodation options in Brooklyn!
Location: 85 Smith Street
Bookstore: Books Are Magic
“If the weather is not good, my favorite activity is to go with my kids (7-year old twins), to a bookstore. Here in the neighborhood my favorite one is called Books Are Magic. The front part is dedicated to adult books and in the back area is exclusively for children. There are poufs for them to lay, while they read, as well as a great selection of books.”
We are huge fans of bookstores and specially if they have these kids section. In this crazy digital work, these are the spots we also love escaping to for some downtime.
Books Are Magic is an independently owned store, by the local Brooklynites Emma Straub and Michael Fusco-Straub.
The store has a fantastic book curation and they also host some of the coolest events – mostly super exclusive talks and discussions with the authors themselves!
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 10am – 9pm
Saturday: 9am – 9pm
Sunday: 9am – 7pm
Location: 225 Smith Street
Street: Court Street
“Although Smith Street is the most well-known street in Carroll Gardens, I really enjoy to stroll down Court Street!
It’s a bit more ‘low key’ and full of small shops, where we find everything from vintage décor and cinemas to salons and children’s play areas. You can spend all day exploring!”
The street spans from Brooklyn Heights, down through Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, ending in Red Hook.
Coffee Shop: East One Coffee Roasters
“To start or end your exploration day, have tea or coffee at East One Coffee Roasters. They have impeccable service! You also have the option to sit down to eat brunch, lunch or dinner in their back area, where there is a fantastic restaurant. The fresh peas risotto is to-die-for!”
This is a place where they really dedicate time to their coffee! Not only do they source it, but they also roast and brew their own coffee.
In addition, if you did love their coffee, you can also purchase their different blends and brew it at home before starting your day!
Plus, if you’re into comfort food, then this is the place for you! As said above, their food is to-die-for!
Hours:
Coffee Hours: Monday – Friday: 7am – 7pm | Saturday & Sunday: 8am – 7pm
Eatery Hours: Monday – Friday: 8am – 7pm | Saturday & Sunday: 9am – 7pm
Location: 384 Court Street
Restaurant: Bar Bruno
“I love Bar Bruno in Carroll Gardens. It’s very laid back and lively, the restaurant serves good Mexican food and a very upbeat soundtrack too. The last time I went there, the waiter sang and danced to Sizzla while serving guacamoles and margaritas. The décor is inspired in the world of soccer. Brazilians will surely feel at home.”
Bar Bruno is inspired in the 1960’s styled bars, with touches of European and Mexican cafeterias. They are a great neighborhood spot, with good food at reasonable prices, plus, great music!
So, if you’re a Mexican food lover, craving your next best taco or margarita cocktail, this is the place to go!
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 12pm – 12am
Saturday & Sunday: 10am – 12am
Location: 520 Henry Street
Lastly, Gisela is an amazing Art Expert and Curator in New York.
So, if you’re into the art scene, or want to start exploring and learning about it, you might want to start by attending her upcoming show!
On October 28th, Saturday, Gisela invites everyone to join her next curated event, Rhythm. It’s a collaboration between arts and music, with the artists Alice Quaresma and Sandra Jávera.
DJing for the night, will be the amazing Brazilian beauty, Renata do Valle.
It will take place at the record store Superior Elevation, in East Williamsburg, and it will be fantastic!
Great art, energetic music, fantastic space and most certainly the coolest, cultured crowd!
Plus, there will be some amazing posters for sale for US$60/each.
Date: Saturday, October 28th
Time: 4pm – 8pm
Location: Superior Elevation – 100 White Street
We hope you enjoy exploring the charming neighborhood of Carroll Gardens.
Stay tuned of other upcoming Bucket Lists!
And, if you need help in travel planning to put together an itinerary to explore Brooklyn, reach out to our experts. In addition, if you’re looking for assistance regarding a Corporate group or organizing activities for your team, see how our Corporate Services works!
Photo Credits: Courtesy of Gisela Gueiros, The Smoking Nun and venues
*Last Update on March/2020.*
