Category: Travel & Events

Escape From Manhattan (An On-Going Series)

By mattfriedinNY
updated about 1 month ago

Manhattan is where it's at, there is no question. Thousands of people live and work in the Big Apple and love it. But when rent started getting steep and things got a bit hectic, droves of Manhattanites relocated to the outer boroughs. After twenty years of gentrification, the 718 is still a major mystery to most New Yorkers. Knowing that, I am taking up a self-righteous cause: becoming the Borough Buddha to the Manhattan Unelightened. Ladies and gentlemen - welcome to Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Black Sheep Pub

428 Bergen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217

You can’t argue with a foosball table and a free jukebox until 8:00 p.m. every single night. Did I mention the awesome drink specials? Did I mention the chill vibe? Did I mention that The Black Sheep is the favorite Park Slope hang of all the art school girls at Pratt? Well, it is.

Applewood Restaurant

501 11th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215

One of Park Slope’s most beloved restaurants, Applewood offers a beautiful American gourmet menu. Check it out if you want to impress your girlfriend with than burgers and fries.

Music Matters

413 7th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Ever yearned for an old-fashioned record shop that will put something on special order for you? Not just send you to Best Buy? That’s how I got my grubby mitts on The Anthology of American Folk Music.

Patio Lounge

179 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217

The Patio Lounge boasts an actual patio with decks of cards and board games ready. Ever tried to flirt over Candyland? It’s kind of weird. Try the housemade sangeria to ease the awkward feel.

Brooklyn Burger Bar

444 9 St, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Grab a Brooklyn Lager, order up a Brooklyn Burger with a side of sweet potato fries. The Brooklyn Burger Bar, your one stop to artery clogging heaven.

Southpaw

125 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Southpaw, the little music club that could, and did, my friends. For the better part of the decade, Southpaw has hosted the best neighborhood concerts by indie sensations Sufjan Stevens, The Constantines,Tegan & Sara, KRS-One, and Jedi Mind Tricks, to name a few.

Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co.

372 5th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11215

Dave Eggers opened this quirky storefront with an inventory large enough to help you defeat an madman hellbent on world domination… or stealing your girlfriend. But his shop is actually a front for the 826 Program, a not-for-profit writing program for youth and adults.

Great Lakes

284 5th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11215

The dive bar chic rarely strains itself at this neighborhood favorite. Though the experience with the staff can be hit-or-miss, the drink prices are great, as is the moody atmosphere. Also, you’ve got one of the most eclectic jukeboxes in the neighborhood. Not only does it feature classics like Let It Be by The Replacements, but distinctive, sometimes elitist, mix tapes compiled by the employees, past and present.