Your Exclusive Guide to Bed-Stuy!
What to see and do in one of the biggest neighborhoods in Brooklyn!
“Bed-Stuy” the shortened nickname for Bedford-Stuyvesant, is one of the largest locations in Brooklyn, geographically speaking. It initially took shape as a hub for people re-locating in search of a place to establish themselves and their families. Along with neighborhoods like Harlem, Bed-Stuy attracted a large community of African Americans moving to the city in the 20’s and 30’s. More recently, they have been joined by a community of Caribbean-Americans as well. This history, along with a recent trend of young professionals, artists, and transplants relocating to this unique borough, has made Bed-Stuy a unique hub for diverse culture, restaurant options, cafes, and more.
All that being said, we’re here to take you on a journey through Bed-Stuy and show you the neighborhood like you’ve never seen it before! So let’s get started!
How to get around:
The A and C trains along Fulton Street serve the southern part of Bed-Stuy, while the J, M and Z trains make up the north and east parts along Broadway. There’s also the G train which loops through northern and western Bed-Stuy, and the Franklin Street shuttle stop near Fulton provides access to Prospect Park. You can get to Midtown Manhattan in 25 to 35 minutes by Subway. In other words — you certainly will not be stranded.
Where to get caffeinated:
Whether you’re in a hurry, or want to spend time catching up with a friend, you’ll no doubt want to stop by the Daily Press. With two locations on Franklin and Somers streets, both conveniently located next to subway stops, it’s the perfect place to swing by on your way to work, or serve as a meet-up spot. Plus, their entire goal when founded was to “celebrate the heritage of the neighborhood while providing a space where the community could come together and enjoy world class coffee and good.” How sweet is that.
Where to try the local grub:
A&A Bake and Doubles Shop will not disappoint. This authentic Trinidadian restaurant serves bakes, pies, and their famous doubles! What is doubles you ask? It’s a common street food in Trinidad and Tobago, made with two baras (flat fried bread) and filled with curry channa (curried chickpeas). Can you say delicious? Oh and did we mention, two doubles are only $3? You’re welcome.
Where to de-stress from the work week:
Ya gotta hit up Peaches — one of the staple restaurants part of the B+C Restaurant Chain.* With brunch, lunch, and dinner options such as shrimp and grits, jumbo lump crab cakes, and blackened catfish, it’s the perfect way to wind down from your stressful week. You haven’t tried good southern comfort food in New York until you’ve experienced Peaches!
*Ben Grossman and Craig Samuel started B+C Restaurants in 2006 with the iconic real New York Barbecue Restaurant The Smoke Joint following up with Peaches, a contemporary Classic American Southern resturant in 2008. Over the next few years they opened Peaches Hot House and Peaches Shrimp and Crab.
Where to indulge in some retail therapy:
Harold and Maude — Vintage Store. This fun vintage spot began as a pop up made up of the owners’ own unique collections, and turned into a permanent store front selling very selective material catering to everyone from babies to adults. All pieces are handpicked in the US and Japan. Be sure to check out their Instagram to get inspired for the spring season! This place will quickly fulfill all your vintage New York fashion dreams.
Where to spend a classy Friday night:
One of the oldest, and most renown joints in Bed-Stuy, Chez Oskar opened in 1998 to a “culinary bohemia” exploding on the back streets of Brooklyn. Fine French cuisine meets Brooklyn cultural diversity with this Harlem Renaissance inspired eatery. They are proud of their wildly diverse staff from all over the world, and call themselves “Le Funky French Bistro de Brooklyn.” Stop by and wind down with a thoughtfully selected delicious French wine, and immerse yourself in culture.
Where the locals spend the weekend:
Do or Dive. Your quintessential dive bar…and more. This eccentric bar serves frozen coffee, cold beer, and cocktails every. day. They’re also known for their many events and tiki parties!
Where to get outside:
Bliss out at Herbert Von King Park, one of Brooklyn’s very first parks! It has everything you could need from fitness equipment, a baseball field, recreation center, and even an indoor dance studio. PLUS an outdoor amphitheater provides the neighborhood with free concerts and artistic performances — perfect for summer!
Where to hang:
C’mon Everybody, let’s hang! But seriously, C’mon Everybody is the perfect space for the creative soul. Described as a bar, lounge, gallery, and live arts space, you can often find up-and-coming musicians playing sets, burlesque shows, comedy, and more! Just make sure to try their signature cocktail, “The Nile.”
Where to get your Sunday brunch on:
Saraghina. Bakery, pizzeria, tapas bar? What’s not to like?! This spot has a cute, homey vibe, as it was founded by two Italians whose mission is to re-create the meals their mom used to make them in Italy, and to “serve good food made with love.” This is a spot everyone in your crew is sure to love!
Where to get a sweet treat:
Dough — No, not the cookie dough wonder in Manhattan that filled all your Instagram feeds. We’re talking doughnuts. From classic popular flavors, to seasonal concoctions — you’ll want to try them all. Founded by chef, Fany Gerson, her Mexican heritage inspired her to create a unique version of the classic doughnut. Another example of diverse culture and tradition seeping into this city through it’s food!
Where to be productive:
Stone-fruit Espresso —the perfect blend of delicious food, good coffee, and a great atmosphere, giving you all the necessities to meet your deadline. They use all organic, seasonal produce so you can feel good about working the day away. With a huge selection of teas, craft lattes (try the lavender vanilla with oat milk), and delicious menu items like smashed avocado toast, masala chai oats, and grain bowls — you can’t go wrong. Not to mention the fact that the atmosphere is totally Insta-worthy.
And that’s just the beginning! There is so much more to see and do in Bed-Stuy. Tag us in your go-to neighborhood spots on Instagram at @roomrs.living.
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