33 Glorious Things To Do In Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Greenpoint, Brooklyn’s northernmost neighborhood, is one of our favs for many reasons. For starters: it’s full of great food, and everyone knows the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach! But beyond that it’s also a super creative neighborhood home to eclectic shops and tons of unique places to hang.
And the good news is, we’re not gatekeepers. We created a guide to Greenpoint so that the next time you’re there you know exactly where to go, what to do, how to enjoy all the neighborhood has to offer. Here are the best things to do in Greenpoint, Brooklyn:
Table Of Contents
Coffee Shops/Cafés in Greenpoint
The key to happiness is caffeine, and if you’re in Greenpoint looking for that perfect cup of joe we know exactly where to head. Check out some of our favorite spots below:
1. Homecoming
Homecoming is a cute little shop that sells plants, flowers, home goods and more. But what most people don’t realize is that they also serve coffee from Heart Roasters! For all your fav caffeinated beverages–from cappuccinos and Americanos to macchiato and even golden turmeric lattes, you can guarantee leaving satisfied.
116 Franklin St.
2. Cafe Alula
This Lebanese-inspired all-day cafe is the perfect place to go to for some delicious Mediterranean fare and a dang good coffee. Think: Lebanese sausages, a coconut curry bowl, a mezze plate, or smoked salmon–regardless you’ll leave feeling deliciously satisfied and perfectly caffeinated.
252 Franklin St.
3. Sweet Leaf
Boastings tons of space, natural light, and charm with a rustic vibe this shop has quickly become a neighborhood fixture. But one thing we must stress is that you have to try their Rocket Fuel. Once you have that in hand you can check out how they roast, test, cup, and package all of their coffee through the sliding barn doors in the back.
159 Freeman St.
Best Brunch/Breakfast in Greenpoint
Breakfast. It’s the most important meal of the day, it can also be the most delicious! From larger-than-life breakfast sandwiches to sweet treats, here’s how we start out our day in Greenpoint:
4. Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop
One word: donuts. And yes, contrary to what your parents tell you, we consider donuts a healthy and nutritious breakfast and a great way to start your day! Honestly we don’t think this legendary donut shop even needs an introduction–whether you want cake donuts, yeast donuts, donut holes, or even a pastry this is the spot (and they’re super affordable). Plus their bagels are pretty solid too!
727 Manhattan Ave.
5. Frankel’s
You have a big appetite? You want a pastrami breakfast sandwich that’s bigger than your head? Then you must head to Frankel’s. This Jewish deli specializes in bagels with smoked fish, classic sandwiches, and brisket. But what we really have our eye on is the pastrami, egg, and cheese served on their signature challah roll. We’re drooling at the thought.
631 Manhattan Ave.
6. Littleneck Outpost
This charming nook and New England seafood cafe offers breakfast, lunch, and a full coffee program in a cute and cozy space filled with rustic accents. Breakfast is served all day here, and the menu features items like kimchi breakfast bowls, smoked trout toast, a chorizo scramble, and a ham, egg, and cheese.
28 Franklin St.
Best Restaurants in Greenpoint
So we all know Greenpoint is really Polish, but that’s not all you’ll find to dine on here! From American comfort food and Mexican to Korean and French cuisine–and yes, Polish too!–this is our tried and true Greenpoint food tour:
7. Bernie’s
Bernie’s is a popular restaurant with a cozy casual vibe serving hearty American comfort food and unfussy drinks on red-checkered tablecloths. Since opening in the Spring of 2018 they’ve been serving a familiar menu consisting of dishes like mozzarella sticks, crispy chicken piccata, and baby back ribs, alongside wine, beer, and, our fav, martinis.
332 Driggs Ave.
8. Oxomoco
This airy Mexican eatery serves wood-fired dishes plus an ample amount of tequila and mezcal cocktails on one of our absolute favorite outdoor patios in NYC. Whether you want tacos, tostadas, guac, or more, we suggest you take a trip here–especially if the weather is warm!
128 Greenpoint Ave.
9. Di an Di
Di an Di seamlessly brings together delicious contemporary Vietnamese cuisine, a hip, minimalist space, and endless greenery, and we’re here for it. Their open kitchen just adds to how great the experience is overall, and the perfect mixture of traditional dishes and original creations–along with classics with a twist–will keep you coming back for more.
68 Greenpoint Ave.
10. Little Dokebi
For delicious Korean food made from locally-sourced ingredients, definitely pay Little Dokebi a visit. Whether you’re looking for traditional Korean rice cakes, fried, handmade Korean dumplings, Korean fried chicken, or more, you’ll find it here.
85 Driggs Ave.
11. Karczma
Now of course you can’t spend a day in Greenpoint without having a meal at a Polish restaurant, and we suggest Karczma. Karczma has been serving authentic polish cuisine for the past 15 years in a rustic farmhouse feeling space. Whether you want to sit by the bar, listen to polish music, demolish a plate of pierogis, or check out the waitresses traditional dresses, Karczma is the place to go and makes all its guests feel like one big family.
136 Greenpoint Ave.
12. Rule of Thirds
If you’ve never been to Rule of Thirds you’re missing out. Beyond being absolutely stunning (it’s housed in a stunning industrial-style space), this Japanese restaurant serves traditional and contemporary recipes for both dinner and brunch. Our advice: order some sake–it’s not unusual for someone to get up on the bar and ask everyone to toast while saying “Kanpai.”
171 Banker St.
Bonus: find more must-visit NYC Japanese restaurants here
13. Le Gamin
This super cute Parisian-style French café serves bistro fare and made-to-order crêpes that are to die for. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with their very popular weekend brunch, so you have many chances to check them out.
108 Franklin St.
Bonus: find more of our favorite French restaurants here
Best Bars in Greenpoint
Fancy a cocktail? Well, you’re in luck because so do we and we know exactly where to go! If you’re looking to clink glasses in a funky vibrant atmosphere or work your way through over 20 perfectly curated drafts (just not all in one day, please!) we suggest heading to one–or all– of the following:
14. Lise & Vito
For natural wine, playful bar snacks, and a quirky and vibrant atmosphere, Greenpoint’s new natural wine bar, Lise & Vito, is definitely a must-visit. The space, opened by Roberta’s alums, allows guests to sit at the baby pink terrazzo bar while sipping on a dozen wines by the glass and snacking on selection of bar snacks. Read more about this fun new spot here.
126A Nassau Ave.
15. Goldie’s
If you’re looking to spend time at a funky off the beaten path bar with a backyard and cool interiors, allow us to introduce you to Goldie’s. Here bartenders sling creative cocktails and full bar offerings served while guests enjoy the sleek space that has a Vegas throwback feel.
195 Nassau Ave.
16. Eavesdrop
Eavesdrop is one of our favorite places to head to if we’re in the mood to listen to live music without having to actually go to a concert. Sip on some craft cocktails or natural wines while digging into some delicious small plates while you bop along to great music in an atmosphere whose aesthetic is out of this world.
674 Manhattan Ave.
Bonus: more bars and restaurants with live music can be found here
17. Torst
This neighborhood bar is best known for their carefully curated beer program, boasting 21 draft lines and over 200 bottles on their menu–though they also recently added an eclectic wine, spirits, and cocktail menu to their repertoire. But beyond the drinks they also serve seasonally-rotating, elevated bar food with items such as a shrimp tostada and mushroom melt.
615 Manhattan Ave.
18. The Richardson
Situated at the intersection of Greenpoint and Williamsburg, this beloved destination for creative craft cocktails has been slinging tasty drinks since 2008, and they’re not planning on stopping anytime soon! They offer indoor and outdoor seating, a billiards parlor, and a daily $10 martini and spritz happy hour ’til 6 p.m.!
451 Graham Ave.
19. Coast and Valley
Coast and Valley is a gorgeous California wine bar with 65+ curated wines including Pet Nat, orange wines, and natural wines. Their space features an airy, open floor plan where, in addition to their wine, they offer a menu of shareable plates inspired by California’s innovative chefs and restaurants. The best part–they’re Asian American-owned and 100% of their selections feature women, POC, and/or LGBTQIA+ winemakers and owners!
587 Manhattan Ave.
20. Twins Lounge
Twins Lounge is a two-floor spot that combines pool playing with disco vibes. The bottom floor has several big booths, making it the perfect group hangout spot, and upstairs is home to another bar, floor-to-ceiling windows, and, most importantly, a disco ball. If it’s nice out they also have a small outdoor terrace.
732 Manhattan Ave.
21. Getaway
If you’re looking to have some tasty cocktails minus the booze, Getaway is the place to go. Though they’re a coffee shop at heart, they also serve tasty bite, host pop ups, throw events, and, of course, serve booze-free concoctions! Whether you’re looking to go on a romantic candlelit date nights, would like to mingle with strangers, or anything in between, you can’t go wrong here!
158 Green St.
Bonus: more of our go-to booze-free bars can be found here
Best Clubs & Places to Dance in Greenpoint
Whether you want to shimmy the night away under a glittering disco ball or get a bit more rowdy headbanging in a mosh pit at a metal concert, Greenpoint has literally got you covered. These are the best clubs and places to dance your butt off in Greenpoint:
22. Ponyboy
Brooklyn nightlife is at full force at Ponyboy, whose dance floor gets packed on a Saturday night. They offer trendy cocktails with even cuter names and live music that will have you on your feet all night long. But the best part may be their glittering disco ball, which keeps the party going all night long.
632 Manhattan Ave.
Bonus: here are more of our favorite places to dance under a glittering disco ball
23. Warsaw
Warsaw is a music venue that has deep Polish roots and sports an Elk’s Club feel. Pretty much, if you’re looking for pierogis and punk, look no further! The popular venue always keeps a packed schedule on deck, and has hosted artists along the likes of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Tigers Jaw, Patti Smith, Jack White, and more.
261 Driggs Ave.
24. Good Room
Good Room combines the Greenpoint scene with a clubbing experience, making it the perfect go-to for those wanting to dance the night away to techno and D&B music. Their lineups are always diverse in EDM type, and it’s a great place to lose yourself in the music until the deep hours of the night.
98 Meserole Ave.
Bonus: find more of our go-to NYC nightclubs here
25. St. Vitus
If you’re looking to dabble in the NYC underground music scene, St. Vitus is your spot. Since opening in 2011, this sleek, dark, club has been hosting a slate of shows ranging from metal, punk, and hardcore to goth, post punk, and industrial, booking artists including but not limited to Deafheaven, Pallbearer, Mutoid Man, Nirvana, The Descendants, Megadeth, Anthrax, and more. Get this–they even host heavy metal yoga!
1120 Manhattan Ave.
Where To Go Shopping in Greenpoint
Before we get into this category let us warn you–you’re going to want to blow your entire savings at these spots. Okay, now that we got that out of the way let’s get into it. From home goods to stationary to plants these spots have it all, so for some cool shopping in Greenpoint check out the following:
26. Big Night
Hosting dinner parties is all the trend on TikTok these days, and Big Night makes hosting your own dinner party even better! They opened in Greenpoint in August 2021, and have since become the ultimate go-to destination for those looking to host an aesthetically pleasing dinner party. Plus, they recently opened a West Village location as well, which you can read about here.
154 Franklin St.
27. FENG SWAY
FENG SWAY is a gorgeous and airy vintage store that also is home to an exotic plant showroom. Whether you’re looking for some new vintage pieces to add to your wardrobe, off-beat home decor, crystals, oils…or every single thing we just mentioned, this shop is a must-visit.
41 Norman Ave.
28. Yoseka Stationery
For beautifully-curated Japanese stationary you’re going to want to head to Yoseka Stationery. From notebooks and fountain pens to cards and stamps they have it all. And don’t fret if you get a little overwhelmed, their staff is extremely helpful.
63 West St.
29. 50 Norman
Opened in September of last year, 50 Norman has brought authentic Japanese food and culture straight to Greenpoint. The 3,500-square-foot space is home to three retail and dining spaces–House Brooklyn, Okume, and Cibone–and invokes the true essence and timelessness of Japan. Read more about 50 Norman here.
50 Norman Ave.
Unique Experiences in Greenpoint
The best part about exploring different neighborhoods around the city is finding out what makes them so unique–and from a drive-in movie theater to some of the best bowling in NYC, Greenpoint definitely ticks off that box! Here’s some fun things to do in Greenpoint that you wouldn’t necessarily find somewhere else:
30. NYC Glamping
NYC Glamping has up-cycled rustic, industrial shipping containers info comfortable rooms with A/C, WiFi, a shower, and bathrooms in each–and each one comes complete with stunning views of the East River and skyline (including the Empire State Building and Chrysler Building)! Plus, it’s right next to Greenpoint’s drive-in and walk-up outdoor movie venue the Skyline Drive-In (more on that next) and your stay comes with completely free admission! Read more about NYC Glamping here.
1 Oak St.
31. Skyline Drive-In NYC
Opened in the summer of 2021, Skyline Drive-In provides New Yorkers with a unique place to watch a movie while also soaking in stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. The location is also a popular photo and filming location for commercials and TV shows–so you know it’s gorgeous–and also offers a concessions stand full of treats. Learn more here.
1 Oak St.
32. Greenpoint Film Festival
Started in 2011, the Greenpoint Film Festival aims to give a voice to the voiceless in the filmmaking industry while also expanding the local film network in North Brooklyn. They had to shift their screenings to a drive-in model during the pandemic, but they’ve since locked in a venue to provide drive-in, bike-in, and walk-in screenings! Read more about the film festival here.
211 Meserole Ave.
33. Brooklyn Bowl
Arguably one of NYC’s most popular bowling alleys is Brooklyn Bowl, and the best part is they double as a live music venue! And it gets better–they also serve a great food menu from critically-acclaimed Blue Ribbon as well as drinks from their fully stocked top shelf bar.
61 Wythe Ave.
Bonus: more of our favorite bowling alleys can be found here
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