My Greenpoint Go-Tos
As a resident of Greenpoint since I first set foot in New York City (except a few odd months of crashing on friends’ couches and subletting), I’ve come to know and love this neighborhood for all it has to offer. Below are the places I frequent and recommend checking out if ever in the area.
Where to have dinner
Achilles Heel: Recently voted one of “New York’s Most Romantic Restaurants” by Grub Street, Achilles Heel isn’t just where you should take your date. Its menu is constantly changing and never ceases to surprise with unique combinations of flavors and ingredients. Typically, I edge toward simplicity, but Achilles Heel masters this while remaining original.
Paulie Gee’s: My all-time favorite place to get pizza in New York City, and I’m not referring to their recently opened slice shop. The original Paulie Gee’s is worth the ridiculous wait, and definitely worth the Hellboy (which I get every.single.time.). Since they don’t offer takeout or delivery, try going on a weeknight or early to avoid crowds. To discover more about pizza in Brooklyn, read here.
Le Fanfare: Le Fanfare makes the list because it’s one of the best (albeit few) best places where you can get good pasta in Greenpoint. It ties with Naked Dog for quality of food, which I only made it to once but impressed me with a delicious rabbit ragu. Le Fanfare has a slightly better vibe, with live jazz music on weekends and a $10 pasta special Monday-Wednesday. I can’t say it’s better than its sister restaurant in the city, Epistrophy, or that you should come out of your way to eat here, but it’s a nice spot when all you need is a warm bowl of decent pasta.
Di and Di: I call this place “hipster Vietnamese,” because they serve up some fancy bowls of pho that don’t quite taste like what you’ll get at your average restaurant. They’re better. The decor of the restaurant is lovely, filled with so many plants you might even feel as if you’re outside. Like all good New York City restaurants, they come with a wait. Make a reservation, and don’t forget to get the crispy spring rolls.
21 Greenpoint: This is where I go when I don’t feel like waiting for Paulie Gee’s and don’t really know what I’m craving. Since I’m always craving pizza, this works out in my favor. 21 Greenpoint’s pizza is pretty good, although very different from the aforementioned. I tend to get it via delivery since they’re super quick, but if you’re dining out, it’s a reliable place, usually not crowded, and has friendly service as well as a few options on the menu that aren’t pizza. Apparently, Bill Murray’s son opened this place, so you might just see him there (although I never have… or have I?)
Anella: A very great option for brunch, especially when the weather is nice enough to sit outside. Personally, I opt for their steak and eggs, and this is one of the few places I’ll have a cocktail before noon - I suggest the Lillet Spritz. For dinner, I highly recommend the octopus as an appetizer (it’s wonderful), as well as the mussels. They’re some of the best I’ve found in the neighborhood, and fortunately, come with divine dill-sprinkled fries.
Honorable mention: Oxomoco. It’s on my list, and from what the reviews tell me, it’s worth checking out.
Where to bruncH
Esme: So, I’ll be honest, I didn’t like Esme at first. I had a benedict that I hated, and mussels that were bland. But as they say, third time’s a charm, so I gave Esme one last shot and can say that their fried chicken sandwich is one of the best you can find in Greenpoint, and maybe in NYC. The burger is also a great option if that’s what you’re looking for, although the grass-fed beef is a bit on the dry side. End with the pancakes, they’ll do the trick.
Brooklyn Label: This place isn’t to die for, but its brunch is solid. You’ll find all the classics you need, a decent burger, and usually no wait. It’s a good place to go with a larger group.
Bakeri: Bakeri is one of my favorite places in Greenpoint. I go there at least once a week to buy a fresh loaf of sourdough bread and a croissant. If you’re looking for a chill brunch with a great vibe, you can also sit down and enjoy watching the staff behind the counter bake rows of wonderful cinnamon rolls and other baked delicacies. The grilled cheese here is a personal favorite of mine, as is the avocado toast with its touches of cumin and lemon. The biscuits aren’t bad (coming from a girl raised in the south) and if you like baked eggs, give the eggs provencal a try. They’re worth the 20 minute wait.
Five Leaves: I almost forgot to put Five Leaves on my list, as I never go there anymore because I don’t have the patience to wait two hours to have brunch. But if you find yourself lucky enough to snag a seat, especially outside on their terrace, get the ricotta pancakes. They’re amazing, and probably some of the best I’ve ever had at a restaurant. I can also recommend their curry mussels and the burger.
When you a need a cocktail
Ramona: I’m more of a beer gal, but if cocktails are your thing, this is the place to be.
Milk & Roses: I can’t recommend their food, but they have an adorable backyard and a very cute and cozy space inside. Go here with a date.
Broken Land: Come for the pina coladas, stay for the dancing. Broken Land is one of my favorite bars in Greenpoint. It has a really nice backyard, and there’s always someone dancing to an ABBA or Madonna hit. Bonus: it’s open late.
When you need a beer
Threes at Franklin + Kent: Great brewery (Threes Brewery), great beer. Their snacks aren’t bad either! I think you could actually bring your laptop here to hang out if you wanted to work, it’s that sort of relaxed vibe.
Brouwerij Lane: I can never spell the name of this place, but it’s where I go when in need of a drink before dinner. Their beer selection is always promising, and its chill vibe is unbeatable. You can even bring your dog inside, that’s how chill it is.
Pencil Factory: A great local pub vibe. Go here when you want to catch up with a friend and keep things low-key.
Spritzenhaus33: I like Radegast in Williamsburg more for a night out, but Spritzenhaus is fantastic for a big group and especially cozy in the winter when the fireplace is running (and no, I’m not referring to the Netflix version). There’s a great selection of beer, Jenga, and a variety of German sausages to choose from. What more does a person need?
Where to get a burger
The Brew Inn: The best spot for a burger in the neighborhood. It’s greasy, huge, and amazing.
When you want to see the sunset
Transmitter Park: It’s free, and not a bad place to have a picnic or walk your dog. McCarren is much larger, but this is on the water.
Brooklyn Barge: It’s only open during the summer, but this is my favorite bar in Greenpoint. Nothing tops having a drink and some old bay fries on the water. I especially love coming here during the week, when you’ll find all the Greenpoint locals as opposed to the day-drinkers.
Where to work out
There’s not as much in terms of fitness in Greenpoint as there is in Williamsburg, aside from a Crunch gym, a New York Sports Club, and a YMCA with a pool so small I wouldn’t recommend it. Of course, there’s a CrossFit, but I’ve never dared to step foot in there. Mostly, there are random studios scattered about for yoga and pilates.
New Love City: I didn’t like yoga until I found this studio, located in a wonderful loft that smells of burning sage and makes you feel zen upon walking in. The instructors are all so welcoming, each with their own teaching style, and I’ve always appreciated that most will come around to fix your form.
McCarren Park Pool: Ok I’m not sure whether this is Greenpoint or Williamsburg, but it’s close enough. The pool is massive, and I used to go all the time in the summer. In the evenings they have an adult swim, so you’re able to do laps without a five-year-old accidentally jumping on your head.
When you’re hosting a wine and cheese night
Dandelion Wine: This is THE neighborhood spot for wine. Don’t miss their weekly wine tasting, usually Thursdays from 6-8, where you can samples wines from various producers along with some bread and cheese. Bonus: They deliver. Warning: If you’re looking for wines that are a little cheaper and a little more traditional, head elsewhere.
Eastern District: Say cheese, and get some while you’re here! It doesn’t beat Murray’s, but it’ll do the job.
Where to get your nails done
I no longer have a go-to nail salon. I used to be loyal to Dashing Diva until they raised their prices so much that I rather go to another spot in Long Island City: Kawaii Salon & Spa.
I’ve been to Nassau Nails only once, and they’re OK but not the nicest place in the world. At the very least, the prices are cheap.
Where you can have your cake and eat it too
Ovenly: Brooklyn blackout. All you need are those two words, and perhaps, please.
Where to get Polish food
Greenpoint is well known for its Polish community. Being Polish, I made it my personal mission to explore most of what the neighborhood had to offer in terms of Polish food.
Pierozek: Newly opened Pierozek is fantastic. They serve the best pierogis you’ll find in town, and unlike some Polish restaurants, it’s both modern and hip. By that I mean they offer bloody marys and craft beer.
Polka Dot: I always referred to this as the hipster Polish place, because the prices are what hipsters will pay for Polish food. It’s not a classic sit-down restaurant, more of a grab-and-go with the option of eating at their tables and taking home some deli meat. Their pierogi used to be my favorite, but now I’m a little bit torn. In any case, their cooking is fresh and homemade.
Karczma and Krolewskie Jadlo are two sit-down Polish restaurants in the neighborhood that you’ll hear about, but to be honest I’ve been very disappointed by both for their quality of food.
Where to work in a cafe
Sweetleaf: It’s not better than what Budin once was, but it still has a nice vibe for working and writing. Their coffee is too bitter for me, however, so I usually opt for tea.
When you wanna play pinball
Sunshine Laundromat: A funky little speakeasy behind an actual laundromat, where people will actually be doing their laundry. This place is great for a rainy Sunday afternoon. You’ll find tons of pinball machines, great beer, board games, and I’m pretty sure you can order a slice of pizza.