New York has no shortage of diverse and interesting neighborhoods to explore. From Little Paris to Little Itlay, you can travel the world without even leaving the city.
Today we’re digging into Greenpoint, located at the very north of Brooklyn, bordering Williamsburg. It’s home to many Polish immigrants who settled in this area during the 1800s to pursue work in shipbuilding.
Centuries later, this neighborhood, nicknamed “Little Poland,” remains a strong Polish community. In fact, it’s the second largest Polish community in the United States (following Chicago). It’s cool, eccentric, and packed with lots of culture. Whether you’re a New Yorker or planning to visit the city soon, Greenpoint is definitely a neighborhood that belongs on your list!
Here’s our list of what to do in Greenpoint.
1. Get a Sandwich at Frankel’s
This Jewish deli is a must-try in Greenpoint! It’s cute and trendy but not flashy like other modern delis. You’ll have a hard time narrowing down from an exceptional menu, but some classics are the pastrami, egg, and cheese on a butter soft challah roll, the #1 sandwich (pastrami salmon, dill cucumber salad, and scallion cream cheese), or a whitefish bagel. Don’t forget the latkes! If you’re lucky, snag a window seat or head to McCarren Park nearby. Trust us, going to Frankel’s is an all-around happy experience.
P.S. Watch this Bon Appetit video from the days of Alex Delaney and Molly Baz as they try everything on the menu at Frankel’s!
POSTS YOU MAY LIKE: 9 Best Bagels In New York City
2. Relax at the Park
Speaking of parks, Greenpoint has some excellent parks to stroll through, have a picnic at, or play some pick-up sports at.
McCarren Park is right on the border of Greenpoint and Williamsburg. Spanning 35 acres, it has basketball and tennis courts, baseball fields, a public swimming pool, playgrounds, and of course, lots of grassy areas to lounge. The park is also home to summer movie nights and a farmer’s market!
WNYC Transmitter Park is a smaller, quieter park with great waterfront views. The park is right on the East River, looking over the Manhattan skyline. For a long time, it was home to antennas for WNYC public radio, hence the name, although the antennas have now been moved to New Jersey.
3. Browse Through a Bookstore
Who can say no to a great bookstore?
WORD is an Indie bookshop and a great place to discover new releases and go to artist talks/signings.
Check out Polonia Bookstore for Polish books and magazines as well as souvenirs, games, puzzles, and children’s books.
Archestratus is a cookbook bookstore. Here you’ll find cookbooks from all over the world and a fun mix of new and vintage. Even if you’re not into cooking, it’s a fun experience. And if all of the cookbooks stir up your appetite, check out the cafe in the back for drinks and treats.
New on the scene is a bodega bookstore, a collaboration between owners to fuel more business for both sides. The bodega is called Green Discount Corp, and tucked in the back is Burnt Books which sells vintage books. You won’t find it on Google Maps, and the only indicator is “Burnt Books” graffitied onto the sidewalk. You can enter this address to get there: 1014 Manhattan Avenue by Green Street.
POSTS YOU MAY LIKE: 7 Independent Bookstores In New York City You Have To Visit
4. Hit the Shops
Shopping in Greenpoint is anything but mainstream. Here are some fun shops to explore:
- Greenery Unlimited: for plant lovers
- Academy Record Annex: to browse through all sorts of records, CDs, and cassettes
- Awoke Vintage: for unique vintage finds
- Brooklyn Craft Company: the most darling craft store
- Big Night: a store selling dinner and party essentials
- Yoseka Stationery: a Taiwanese stationery store with great quality notebooks, pens, and pencils
5. Eat Polish Pierogi
When in Greenpoint, you must try some Polish food! You can still find pierogi, a traditional dumpling with a sweet or savory filling, at many restaurants.
For an authentic experience in not only food but also atmosphere, try Karczma, Pierozek, or Polka Dot, which was opened by the son of Polish immigrants.
6. Watch a Movie
Film Noir Cinema is a treasure in Greenpoint! This indie movie theater is like taking a step back in time. The owner, Will Malitek, goes to great lengths to give it a classic, vintage feel. And it’s the last movie rental place in New York City.
7. Enjoy a Good Cup of Coffee
If you’re looking for a coffee or a mid-day pick-me-up, check out these spots:
- Sweet Leaf Coffee: famous for Rocket Fuel drink
- Fresh My Day: for coffee, juices, and smoothies
- Bakeri: a woman-owned bakery, great place to sit and people watch
- Cafe Alula: a Lebanese coffee shop
- Espresso Paloma: for great coffee and pastries
- Homecoming: part coffee shop, part plant store
8. Go to an Arcade
Perhaps one of the quirkiest Greenpoint attractions is the famous Sunshine Laundromat. It’s not famous for doing laundry but for the bar and arcade hidden behind a door that looks like stacked washers. Enjoy a drink, play some pinball, and make an unexpected memory.
9. Visit a Gallery
You don’t want to miss Greenpoint’s art scene!
Visit Faurschou Foundation and browse through leading art collector Jens Faurschou’s collection. In the repurposed industrial warehouse, this Danish curator invites visitors to experience art from all around the world.
Greenpoint Terminal Gallery is an artist-run gallery where you can discover art from both established and up-and-coming artists.
POSTS YOU MAY LIKE: 5 Best Art Museums in New York
That concludes our list of what to do in Greenpoint. Have you been? Let us know!
One comment