A Neighborhood Guide to GOWANUS, Brooklyn
I love telling New Yorkers I live in Gowanus. Their reactions can be plotted across a spectrum starting with envy and ending at disgust. “Near that amazing outdoor barbecue place?” I reply with an enthusiastic, "Yes!". “That toxic wasteland? Ick,” receives a slightly less enthusiastic "yes".
It's no surprise the Gowanus Canal polluted. The topography of the area is why I liken it to being a storm drain between Carroll Gardens and Park Slope. In year's past, Gowanus was an industrial hub. Warehouses expelled their waste into the tidal inlet. Over time, black mayonnaise developed. Now, the neighborhood's namesake canal is so polluted, the Environmental Protection Agency has declared it a superfund site. I love Gowanus, even though it's in the midst of a multi-year, $100 million dollar toxic waste clean-up project.
The juxtaposition of trendiness and grittiness is exactly what makes Gowanus a neighborhood unlike any other destination in Brooklyn. With most blocks featuring two- and three-story aging warehouses, it's kind of place where you can walk around on a clear day and really enjoy a wide-open sky; an experience that is typically reserved for public parks in New York City. It's only a matter of time before the high-rises start going up.
Beyond Gowanus' fetid canal, you’ll find a neighborhood full of heart. Full of creativity. Full of unlikely adventure. There's no better time to experience Gowanus than now.
Welcome to Venice, Jerko.
SHOP
Image by Marie Frei
Gowanus SouVEnIr Shop
A gift shop with art, tees, and other funky collectibles themed around (you guessed it) Gowanus.
image via @ltrainvintage
L Train Vintage
Large warehouse converted to a thrift store. Go here for Levis, cowboy boots, and Liz Claiborne dresses.
Image via @Knotandbow
Knot & Bow
A trendy gift shop selling stationary and other small accessories. The kids section is small but cute. This is the best place to buy a card for someone.
Image by Marie Frei
Make workshop
A workshop that will help make your Pinterest dreams come true. Check the schedule on their website for more info on classes. There is a small retail section at the front, so don't be afraid to pop-in and browse.
EAT
Image via @claro.bk
Claro
Everyone who eats here raves about their food. See Claro's NYT restaurant review and Michelin star. It’s pricey: the dishes are small and you'll want to order everything on the menu.
Image Via @Runnerandstone
Runner & Stone
The go-to for brunch (starting at 11:00am). Delicious bread and pastries baked in house. Best baguette in Brooklyn.
Image by Marie Frei
Root Hill Cafe
Excellent coffee and cafe food. A few small tables work from. Get the bacon, egg and cheese.
Image by Marie Frei
Four & Twenty Blackbirds
Great pies available to purchase whole or by the slice. A cafe with enough space to work from.
Image Via @Dinosaur_BBQ
Dinosaur BBQ
Where to go if you want a platter of BBQ with side dishes. Big bar area and weeknight happy hours. Family friendly.
Image by Marie Frei
Ample Hills
The best ice cream in New York City. After getting your scoops, head to the open-air rooftop. Room for birthdays and private events.
Image by Marie Frei
Pig Beach
The best BBQ. Jam packed on summer weekends. Weeknights feature the occasional bus load of Wall Street bros in button downs and fleece vests. Order the pulled pork sandwich or a rack of ribs to share.
image via @insabrooklyn
Insa
Korean BBQ. Private karaoke rooms. Hip tiki bar. Popular for birthday parties and large groups. Pricey.
Image by Marie Frei
LavendEr Lake
Cozy bar and restaurant. Large outdoor patio. Get the burger.
Image via @Babaspierogies
Babas Pierogies
The best comfort food. Build-your-own pierogi menu.
image via @mmoona30
Kanan Indian Restaurant
Not glamorous from the outside, but inside, you'll find the best Indian food. Get the tikka masala to go.
Image by Marie Frei
My Cuban Spot
Grab a cup of Bustelo and the best sandwich and empanadas in the neighborhood. Seats are on the sidewalk so you really get to experience the neighborhood and its characters.
Drink
image via @giversandtakersbrooklyn
Givers And Takers
Our local bar. Great for beer. Small outdoor patio area with tables with umbrellas.
Image by Marie Frei
Mirror Tea house
The best place to sit and chat over a cup of tea. Occasional live performers. The only cafe besides Bagel Pub that makes my favorite iced banana latte.
Image via @dirtyprecious
Dirty Precious
The best cocktail bar. Perfect for a date. With friends, order the "Ti for Two" and pretend you're at the Mad Hatter's Unbirthday party.
Image by Marie Frei
Threes Brewing
There's a lot going on here. Threes Brewing and bar (excellent craft beer), 9th Street Espresso coffee shop (good for working remote), and restaurant (The Meat Hook).
Image by Marie Frei
Park Life
Bar with an outdoor courtyard with a handful of picnic tables. The taco vendor inside leaves a lot to be desired it is convenient. Good for groups.
Image by Marie Frei
Strong Rope Brewery
Small craft brewery with a bar. Crowlers (large can of beer filled and sealed to order) make really great gifts.
Image via @blkmtnbk
Black Mountain Wine House
Cozy little wine bar with small dishes to nibble on. My favorite bar in winter because you can enjoy sitting by the wood burning fire.
Image by Marie Frei
Abbotsford Road
Coffee roasters and coffee brewers. This cavernous coffee shop has free WiFi and large tables, making it a great place to work remotely from.
DO
Image via @gowanusprintlab
Gowanus Print Lab
Learn how to make a custom t-shirt with their screenprinting class.
image via Gotham Archery
Gotham Archery
Unleash your inner Robin Hood at this archery club.
Image by Marie Frei
Brooklyn Boulders
Hybrid rock climbing and other workouts in old Daily News garage. Popular with all ages.
Image by Marie Frei
Brooklyn Glass
Glassblowing studio. Check their calendar for info on classes and events.
Image By Marie Frei
The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club
If Wes Anderson designed a shuffleboard club, it would look like this. A 5 hour wait is typical on the weekend if you don't have a reservation.
Image via Malcolm Pinckney / @NYCParks
"Double D" Public Pool
Adult and kiddie outdoor swimming pools open from the end of July through the start of September. Lounge chairs and free sunscreen. Check the rules on their website before going.
Image by Marie Frei
CityWell Brooklyn
The neighborhood’s best kept secret - a backyard spa featuring a sauna and hot tub. Massages available.
Image by Marie Frei
Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club
Explore one of the most polluted waterways in America with a life vest and canoe at your own risk.
Image by Marie Frei
Kick Axe Throwing
Axe throwing and drinking in an indoor venue that makes you feel like you’re in a ski lodge. Great for groups
Image By Marie Frei
Arts Gowanus Open Studio Weekend
One weekend each October, hundreds of artists in and around Gowanus open their studios to the general public. Read more about this special event here.
STAY
Courtesy Fairfield Inn & Suites
Fairfield Inn & Suites
One of the best hotels in Gowanus because quality is consistent. Good for large groups. Rooftop picnic area. Complimentary hot breakfast.
Courtesy Gowanus Inn & Yards
Gowanus inn & Yards
Basic rooms, so booking an upgrade are desirable. An (often empty) below ground common area with mid-century modern design.
Courtesy Union Hotel
Union Hotel
Best boutique hotel in Gowanus. Simple, small rooms. Complimentary continental breakfast.
Note: the Super 8 Motel & Red Lion Inn are used as homeless shelters
