What to do and eat in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn

Brooklyn Commune, a quaint corner cafe at 601 Greenwood Ave., serves up breakfast with menu options charmingly written out on a large chalkboard wall. Hop in before noon on weekdays (or 2 p.m. on weekends) and choose from an array of fresh pastries and breads. For those who opt for a saltier start to the day, there are egg dishes and even a tempeh hash (for vegans in the mix). Pictured: cheese grits with a fried egg and jerk pork. ” data-id=”113104427″ data-link=”https://www.amny.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/13098_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.13104427″/>
Photo Credit: Christa Lopez

Yes, even horses have their day in New York. Let your inner cowboy or cowgirl out at Kensington Stables, 51 Caton Pl., which is open daily to the public. Riding lessons are offered for beginners and non-beginners alike, and those looking for a little relaxation can take a scenic horseback trail ride through nearby Prospect Park.

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Photo Credit: Christa Lopez

The ethos behind Batata Pita Bar, 3021 Fort Hamilton Pkwy., is simple: Israeli comfort food with a Brooklynite boost. Falafel is the name of the game and adventurous palates should bite into the signature sweet potato rendition of the fritter (pictured) — complete with pickled cabbage and feta, wrapped up in a pita. Wash it down with a flavorful smoothie.

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Photo Credit: Christa Lopez

Though it may sound dark, taking a stroll through Green-Wood Cemetery (multiple entrances) offers a deep look into Brooklyn’s cultural history. Founded in 1838, Green-Wood is both a national and New York City landmark that boasts a number of architectural styles and picturesque landscape designs. Famous gravesites include those of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, Teddy Roosevelt’s first wife, Alice, and even the inventor of the safety pin, Walter Hunt.

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Photo Credit: Polly Higgins

Dub Pies, at 211 Prospect Park West, is the neighborhood’s one-stop spot for everything pie. But there is a twist: The pies are made New Zealand-style, where savory meat pies are a big deal. (Don’t worry, there are sweet pies here, too). Made from local ingredients in imported pie tins, Dub Pies provides a little taste from Down Under. As far as the coffee goes, try a flat white — New Zealand’s answer to a latte.

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Photo Credit: Christa Lopez

Bookworms will delight at independent bookstore Terrace Books, at 242 Prospect Park West, an extension of Park Slope’s Community Bookstore. In operation since 2013, Terrace Books prides itself on a selection of used and rare books, most of which are in exceptional condition. Tuck yourself into the narrow shelf-lined shop, and perhaps find something you were unaware you were looking for.

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Photo Credit: Christa Lopez

Windsor Place Antiques, 1624 10th Ave., is a humble shop packed full of both the familiar and the obscure. For those who love antiquing, it’s a no-brainer to drop inside and have a look through everything old and good. The wide assortment of posters and maps is sure to keep you hooked. Windsor Place Antiques can also be regularly found at Brooklyn Flea.

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Photo Credit: Christa Lopez

Italian-inspired home cooking is the focus at Della, 1238 Prospect Ave., where neighborhood figure Jeremiah Fox and James Beard vet Jane Miller Rennert feed hungry mouths. Start off with any of the crostini of crudo daily specials, before delving into pastas (like the baby octopus fregola) and main courses (like roast chicken with farro). (Pictured: branzino)

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Photo Credit: Christa Lopez

Traditional cocktails and house-invented libations are the focus at The Adirondack (1241 Prospect Ave.), a bar that easily transports you to one of New York State’s more rural regions: the Adirondacks, of course. The cozy watering hole is somewhat of a Windsor Terrace fixture that plans a calendar of music events each month. Unwind in one of the many wooden chairs.

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Photo Credit: Christa Lopez

Dive bars will be dive bars. And if you’re in search of a nightcap after a day spent exploring, The Double Windsor, at 210 Prospect Park West, has you covered. Pilsners, IPAs and microbrews from far and wide will keep all beer lovers happy (whether you like things hoppy or not). Crawl into the airy space and know that should you get hungry (again), there’s a sandwich menu made up of locally sourced breads and meats.

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Photo Credit: Christa Lopez

Stuck somewhere between Park Slope and Ditmas Park, then sandwiched under Prospect Park and above Green-Wood Cemetery, is a little community with not-so-little adventures to offer. Windsor Terrace, once a sleepy, blue-collar neighborhood, has experienced a kind of revival over the years, but has still managed to maintain many of its humble qualities from years past.

Easily accessible on the F and G subway lines, Windsor Terrace, though small, provides ample opportunity to stroll along quiet streets and through parks and gardens. In terms of food, the neighborhood has everything from rustic Italian fare (at spots like Della) to modern-minded Middle Eastern grub (at hideaways like Batata Pita Bar). Shops proffer finds from antiques to books and late-night outposts (like The Double Windsor) put a spotlight on local and international beers.

Here’s our guide to exploring Windsor Terrace from morning into night.