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First things first: coffee. Bed-Stuy’s bustling streets, from Nostrand Avenue to Broadway, seem to be filled to the brim with plenty of options to get some java.
For a cozy choice, visit Crocus Juice Bar & Café, at 328 Tompkins Ave. Featuring local artwork on the walls and a community table for seating, Crocus is a great place to grab a warm drink or juice, as well as breakfast and small plates, which you can take out back to the small patio.
Not enough seats? George-Andre Vintage Café, 558 Halsey St., or Daily Press Coffee, 505 Franklin Ave., offer plenty of seating and solid options for your morning caffeine fix.
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Photo Credit: Dana Reszutek -
Bed-Stuy is among the Brooklyn neighborhoods known for its rows of brownstone buildings — some dating back to the late 19th century. Streets in Bed-Stuy, especially Nostrand Avenue and Halsey Street, are lined with the stunning, traditional residences, making the perfect backdrop for a walk in any weather.
Grab that coffee to go, and spend the morning admiring the local buildings — all of which you’ll most likely never be able to afford.
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At first glance, The Meat Market, 380 Tompkins Ave., looks like your typical butcher shop — the marquee still lists offerings of beef, pork, poultry and more. But step inside to see what the space now holds, and you’ll get a nice surprise.
The buy-sell-trade vintage shop, open since 2011, pays homage to its former butcher shop iteration while offering Bed-Stuy residents a place to shop affordable, unique finds. Besides the variety of clothes, accessories and shoes that a typical thrift shop offers, The Meat Market also displays eco-friendly and locally made items — vegan beauty products or handmade, copper jewelry and more — from the community.
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Photo Credit: Dana Reszutek -
Walking into Sincerely, Tommy, located at 343 Tompkins Ave., it may feel like you’ve been transported to Manhattan’s SoHo.
The sparsely arranged garments and jewelry are definitely not for those on a budget — items are in the triple digits — though the store does offer sales, with clothing and other items up to 50 percent off. If you’re looking for a unique gift at a high-end boutique, this Bed-Stuy spot is a definite must-visit.
To make sure you’re fully energized for your shopping spree, the boutique has its own coffee shop in the front of the store, selling a variety of espresso beverages.
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Photo Credit: Dana Reszutek -
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Looking for something sweet? Try Brooklyn Baby Cakes, 506 Nostrand Ave., which makes everything from scratch and offers both mini- and regular-sized cupcakes.
Choose from flavors including salted caramel chocolate, dulce de leche and double chocolate, in addition to rotating seasonal flavors.
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Photo Credit: Dana Reszutek -
This no-frills haunt, at 1108 Bedford Ave., opened shop in the summer of 2016 in place of the former eatery Do or Dine. From the minds behind Lucky Dog, the bar is also a dog-friendly spot, so be on the lookout for a friendly Fido or two during an evening out.
If you’re looking for drinks — including cocktails — under $10, a great selection of beers on tap and a neighborhood atmosphere, this should be on your must-visit list in Bed-Stuy.
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Photo Credit: Yeong-Ung Yang
Nestled between Clinton Hill, Crown Heights and Bushwick, Bedford-Stuyvesant — aka Bed-Stuy — is one of the larger sections of Brooklyn, which means there are plenty of eateries, shops and bars to check out.
Local restaurants serve up eats from a variety of cuisines, from Haitian to Trinidadian, while high-end retailers and bars are popping up as the neighborhood grows. A walk through Bed-Stuy — alone or with friends — will surely lead to new discoveries.
Hop on the A, C, J or G trains to start your adventure, and be sure to hit up these top picks for the neighborhood.
