Greenpoint Neighborhood Guide

Welcome-to-Greenpoint-MuralComing to see Beardo this February? We encourage you to come to Greenpoint early and stay late. This Brooklyn neighborhood is full of a wide breadth of restaurants, bars, and activities. From historic neighborhood institutions, to trendy new spots, there’s something in Greenpoint for everyone to explore. Check out the list we’ve put together, curated by publicist and NYC local excursion expert, Morgan Dubin.

OLD-SCHOOL GREENPOINT

PAULIE GEE’S (Best for…Pizza)
Some of the absolute best pizza in NYC, with a perfect combination of quality and creativity. There is always a long wait on weekends, so it’s best to come early or late. You’ll probably meet Paulie himself, and he’ll ask you which pie was your favorite. I recommend coming at 5:30pm or after the show, and getting the Ricky Ricotta, Sake Mountain Way, Cherry Jones or really any of the pizzas. Share with the table!

KROLEWSKIE JADLO (Best for… Dinner)
Pierogi, kielbasa & other hearty Polish staples are served in a medieval-themed setting. Go Polish-crazy with Borscht, Goulash, Pheasant, and so much more.

CAPRI SOCIAL CLUB (Best for… Drinking)
The Capri Social Club (also called Irene’s) is a time warp that’s hidden away on a residential street. This is a former members-only club with a wooden phone booth and a jukebox. Not so much old-school as super local. I recommend enjoying the atmosphere and ordering a $6-strong-mixed-drink.

PETER PAN DONUT & PASTRY SHOP (Best for… Donuts)
Peter Pan has been around since the 1950’s, and looks like it hasn’t been updated since. Order from the counter for charming service and incredible donuts. Grab a stool if they are empty! I recommend Maple Glazed Cake, Old-Fashioned Plain, or Boston Creme. They do sell out of donuts!

NEW + TRENDY GREENPOINT

FIVE LEAVES (Best for… Dinner)
New American plus oysters with a focus on sourcing local produce, sustainable seafood, free-range meat and poultry. I recommended the homemade ricotta, Five Leaves burger, baked lemon curd, and all the cocktails.

MILK & ROSES (Best for… Cocktails + Happy Hour)
Cozy Italian-focused cocktail bar with full menu, grand piano, old books, and backyard. Romantic and quiet. I recommended coming early to read or chat with a pre-show cocktail.

ACHILLES HEEL (Best for… Beer + Wine + Happy Hour)
Gastropub-style small plates, house cocktails & brews in a quaint corner tavern with a tin ceiling. Plus, a fireplace! I recommend grabbing those seats by the fire and having a glass of wine or excellent draft beer.

VAN LEEUWEN ARTISAN ICE CREAM (Best for… Ice Cream + Coffee)
Classic, incredibly delicious ice cream is their thing. And this chic, cozy location serves it well. Location serves a full menu of their vegan and classic ice creams, sundaes and milkshakes along with coffee by Toby’s Estate, Organic teas by Rishi and fresh pastries daily from Balthazaar and Ovenly. I recommend their Mint Chip or the affogato.

UNIQUE LOCAL ACTIVITIES

SUNSHINE LAUNDROMAT & PINBALL (Best for… Pinball + Beer + Pizza)
There is a Pinball Bar Hidden Inside Greenpoint’s Sunshine Laundromat, and it is fantastic and fun. You have to walk through a washer/dryer to get to the arcade! I recommended doing all that with a beer.

BROOKLYN BAZAAR (Best for… Games + Shopping + Music + Making a Night of it)
Flea-market scene with live bands, food stands, beer & wine, art galore & Ping-Pong. It is free to enter, and the music is ticketed. I recommend playing mini-golf with a cold one and then checking on the live music. The Ping-Pong is also super fun.

WNYC TRANSMITTER PARK (Best for… the View)
Once the working home of the WNYC radio transmission towers, the park is now a stunning green space, with both natural areas and also recreation. The park includes an overlook to the south, seating, and a waterfront esplanade.