Curated City Guides by Your Favorite Designers and Tastemakers.
Brooklyn:
Tuesday Bassen
of Ghostly Ferns
Bars & Restaurants
Flatbush Farm
Flatbush Farm in Prospect Heights has a wonderful, dark atmosphere and a large back garden with lots of craft beers on tap. 76 Saint Marks Ave
Almondine
Almondine in DUMBO has amazing almond croissants, like AMAZING almond croissants--I feel like I'm having a "moment" whenever I have one. They also have tasty coffee, cookies, and any other baked good you can think of, topped off with a very calm, still atmosphere. 85 Water St
Smorgasburg
Above any restaurants, I whole-heartedly recommend going to Smorgasburg in Williamsburg on Saturdays--it's an empty lot filled with tons of food vendors. Bring a few friends and split some tasty treats! A sample of what I've had: Maple glazed bacon on a stick, a lobster roll, a blood orange donut, vanilla bean lemonade, New Orleans style iced coffee from Blue Bottle, fish tacos, kimchi, vegan pate... the list goes on! Gitcher butt to Smorgasburg!
Bubby's
If you want a good view of the East River, go to Bubby's in DUMBO. Their menu is a bit pricey, but they have a HUGE and beautiful space--grab a cup of coffee and bring your sketchbook. Plymouth St & Main St
Couleur Cafe
Coleur in Park Slope is a really sweet little French café with lots of light fare and great atmosphere. 435 7th Ave
Tom's
Tom's is a staple in diner dining in Prospect Heights/Bed Stuy with a menu that boasts lemon-ricotta pancakes, home-made beef sausage, and seriously delicious challah french toast. Line out the door? No problem--Tom's hooks you up with chairs around the block and free coffee and sausage. Nice! 782 Washington Ave
Blue Bottle
Ready to get hooked on the best coffee ever? BUST editor Lisa Butterworth warned me that their New Orleans style coffee was like crack and right she was--Blue Bottle in Williamsburg has me crawling back for more lip-licking iced coffee. 160 Berry St
Top Tibet Cafe
Top Tibet Café in Ditmas Park is cheap and cheerful! I highly recommend their dumplings or chicken noodle soup. It's tiny and hidden between the Cortelyou train station and a bodega, so look closely! 1510 Cortelyou Rd
Shops
In God We Trust
If you're looking for scrawly, hand engraved heart necklaces with phrases like "Sugar Tits" and "Finger Bang" (you know you are), look no further than In God We Trust in Williamsburg! 70 Greenpoint Ave
Brooklyn Art Library
Brooklyn Art Library in Williamsburg houses the Sketchbook Project and sells art supplies, vintage printed ephemera, and locally made letter pressed cards! A great place to get cool stuff for your friends or for yourself. 103 N 3rd St
Galleries & Art Spaces
The City Reliquary
The City Reliquary in Williamsburg houses forgotten artifacts from the greatest city in the world--New York! With goodies like "subway rail dust," the "Reliquary" is a must see! Also, make sure to check out their social events schedule--lots of fun stuff! 370 Metropolitan Ave
Morbid Anatomy Library
My favorite blog Morbid Anatomy houses their collection of odd and unusual things at the Morbid Anatomy Library in Gowanus. Email ahead of time to make an appointment! 543 Union St
ETC.
Prospect Park
Make your way to Prospect Park for a picnic in--fun fact!--the world's largest uninterrupted meadow in an urban setting. Prospect Park
Boardwalk in Brooklyn Heights
I recommend going to the Boardwalk in Brooklyn Heights for a good view of the East River and The Statue of Liberty.