Prospect Heights/Crown Heights
Back in Brooklyn. Right down the street in Prospect Heights and its eastern neighbor Crown Heights. Although there are several neighborhoods that could claim ownership of the illustrious Prospect Park, to me, it belongs to Prospect Heights - and that’s reason enough to love this hood. Crown Heights is historic and sprawling, with so much to explore and discover. Let’s have a day.
Busboy x Mr. Flood’s - August 2024
“We’re starting things off right. Villager is a cafe that is firing on all cylinders. Perfect coffee, excellent pastries, well-designed space, great outdoor hangs. They curate a tasteful selection of specialty beans from around the world. Cold brew is what I usually go for - straight jet fuel. The espresso tonic is also phenomenal - effervescent, refreshing, slightly sweet - perfect afternoon beverage. There honestly isn’t a cafe in brooklyn I love more.
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“After getting juiced on cold brew I often find myself in the mood for a comforting, european-leaning brunch. Thankfully, Agi’s Counter is around the corner. Agi’s feels like your fashionable grandma’s ski chalet in eastern europe. Crisp and bright wallpaper, funky objects, pops of color. The tuna melt is an obligatory order. Buttery, creamy, tangy. On crisp potato bread with a melty sharp cheddar. Served with an assortment of pickled cabbage and peppers, and a deep mustardy dijon.”
“I am no beer aficionado. But I do enjoy a cheeky pint here and there: a perfect guinness, the local light beer in any city I visit, a corona on a scorching day. Add to the cheeky pint list ANY beer that Gold Star Beer Counter is serving. The top left corner of the menu always has a pilsner that goes down real smooth. I’ve even enjoyed IPAs and sours here - daring, I know. You can also order a couple beers for the road (which will soon come in handy, stay with me)!”
“Let’s pop in Prospect Butcher for a quick (but important) pitstop. As you can tell by the name, it’s a butcher shop. BUT they also make very tasty, well-constructed sandwiches behind the deli counter that put high-quality ingredients to use. Housemade ham is my favorite. Smoked turkey and bacon jam does the trick as well.”
“Now that we’re properly equipped with a plentiful bounty of beer and sandwiches, let’s hit Prospect Park, AKA “Brooklyn’s Backyard”. I love this park. I love running around the perimeter. I love sitting in the middle of it. It’s got a way of mentally whisking you right out of the big city. I try to spend as much time as possible here in the summer months. It’s good for me. It’s good for you.”
“After wrapping a park hang, Persian food may or may not be calling your name. Right up Flatbush is Sofreh, a first-of-its-kind, upscale persian restaurant. It’s in an incredibly charming brownstone. Sofreh’s braised lamb shank is phenomenal. Fork-tender, served over brothy, tangy butter beans. If there’s a dish to come for, it’s this one. The service is sharp, polished, and efficient. Their lighter fare - namely veg dishes - are also fantastic.
“If you want to turn down dial on dinner formality just a touch, LaLou balances upscale | casual beautifully. A place where you can walk in, sit at the bar, have a burger, drink an excellent glass of wine. But also a place where a badass red snapper crudo in a yellow tomato vinaigrette is served. Their large format dishes are where they really throw down, steak au poivre, black bass, roast chicken. A truly underrated dinner option.”
“My favorite bar on bustling franklin ave is Rialto Grande. It’s an eclectic space, wood paneling and that funky 80’s-style lighting. Decidedly casual and neighborhoody. Perfect for a post-dinner round or two. Their covered backyard is well-utilized, always vibing - it feels like a very cool crown heights apartment party.”
“We’re finishing our night at the lovely Doris, which technically belongs to Bed-Stuy - we’re borrowing it. A great bar has utility, it can be whatever you want or need it to be. Doris has utility. Doris is a great bar. It’s a place for a casual lone star (or two). For a well-made, gingery, tequila-based cocktail. For an intimate date with the smell of incense setting a particular mood. For a somewhat-rowdy day drinking session in a classically cool brooklyn backyard. Or for a late night session, dancing the night away as rare-vinyl spins. Doris has it all, without doing too much.”