Brooklyn's Best

With over 25 different neighborhoods, it's hard to quote just a few "bests." Besides museums, historic houses and the Dodgers, there are restaurants, lounges, boutiques and let's not forget Prospect Park. The list goes on and on- it all depends on what you're looking for. We've got Italian, Russian, Chinese, Jewish, Irish, Arabic, Puerto Rican and African. No need to go to Disney World. We've got a small world right here in our own backyards.

Quick Tips:

Choose two or three neighborhoods to focus on. I've chosen five to highlight but there are many more, depending basically on what nationality or historic facts you're most interested in.

Best Way To Get Around:

To get between neighborhoods, I'd recommend the subway or bus. It's easy, cheap and quick- .50 will get you anywhere you want to go. Ask for a map at any subway station. Once you've reached your destination, walking is the best way to take everything in. Visiting during the day is best- all shops and restaurants will be open, plus it's safer if you don't know your way around.

Scrumptous Italian food, wine and desserts in a classy and modern atmosphere. Pink lights and frescoes decorate the walls, specials are written on large plates brought to your table, along with delicious breads and flavored butter or the essential virgin olive oil to snack on before you choose your entree. Always packed, with well-dressed regulars from Bensonhurst and Bay Ridge- especially in the summer when Areo's opens its front walls to offer outdoor seating. This is definitely the place to be seen. Valet parking is available for all the Mercedes and Vipers.

The best Polish restaurant is just a few steps away from the Brooklyn Promenade. Blintzes, perogies and lasanka are just a few of their specialities. It is simply decorated- with a bit of a country feel to it. Outdoor seating is available in the summer. They also serve wonderful breakfasts, diner-style. Arrive with an empty stomach!

The best thin-crust pizza in New York; Frank Sinatra used to eat here. Spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge are right down the block. Inside, you'll find photos of the rich and famous who have eaten here lining the walls. Frankie Blue Eyes songs and the red and white checked tableclothes add a real brick oven pizzeria feel.

I recommend the calzone with ricotta and sausage and the pizza with eggplant.

After, take a stroll by the River Cafe and Barge Music with view of Manhattan skyline and sound of the Hudson lapping against the pier.

A must for any real New Yorker.

Take it from an Italian. If you want a taste of what it's like on the other side, tuck a napkin into your shirt collar and mangia! In in the 1930’s, 40’s, and 50’s, Coney Island's heyday, Gargiulo's was THE place for ballroom dances, weddings and family dinners. There was a huge octopus on the ceiling, indicative of the wonderful seafood- clams, mussels and crab- served. Even today, this is a great venue for special occasions- there are two party rooms for weddings or other large gatherings. Italians come from all over Brooklyn to enjoy Gargiulo's mozzarella in carozza, baked clams, swordfish, pennette pasta and for dessert, tartufo, spumoni or coconut sorbet served in a coconut shell!

The Brooklyn Museum has a strong collection of both contemporary and older art with a lot to learn about Brooklyn itself. There are often special exhibits- remember Sensation?- and programs with local schools.

In late August, 18th Avenue closes down for the Feast of Santa Rosalia. Every Italian American in the neighborhhood comes together to enjoy sausage and peppers, pizza, marzipan fruits, vegetables and seafood, baked clams, linguine with muscles, panelles (fried chick pea pattie with ricotta and parmesan cheese on a toasted bun), zeppoles (fried dough sprinkled with powdered sugar), cannoli's.

Numerous trattorias and an Italian band. Red bull horns, house music, chinese massages, colored mirror key chains, t-shirts that say im proud to be italian. men walking around with snake around their neck, young teenagers and families. kiddie rides, dunk man with baseball, hit weight game,

KTU, a NY-based dance radio station, usually stops by on the weekends to get the party started.

This fair lasts one day only- usually a Sunday in mid-September. Third Avenue hosts it's own feast with no one ethnic theme but rather a little taste of everything- Italian, Greek, and Middle Eastern especially. The food is great, there are at least three different bands plus tons of shops bring sale items out on the streets. It's not to be missed.

Nellie Bly is a small amusement park right by Caesar's Bay, an outdoor shopping mall. It's no Coney Island, but the rides, animal farm, haunted and fun houses and miniature golf course make it a great alternative. Best for younger kids.

You can't mention Brooklyn without saying something about Prospect Park. It's big, beautiful and full of hidden treasures. There's a lake, an ice-skating rink, concerts and plenty of lavish space to picnic or play frisbee with your dog.

1. Bay Ridge- The Verrazano Bridge, which connects Brooklyn to Staten Island, is sometimes forgotten when tourists think of New York's bridges. But this bridge is not to be overlooked. This was once the longest bridge in the world and is now the backbone of a thriving community called Bay Ridge. Bay Ridge was settled by the Dutch in the 1600's- today, it is home to many Greek, Arab, Italian and Irish people. With sprawling houses and tree-lined streets, Bay Ridge has a very suburban feel to it. Along Third Avenue, there are wonderful restaurants, lounges and boutiques. You can also take a stroll along Shore Road, which offers a view of Staten Island, New Jersey, the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan.

2. Coney Island- Ever had a Nathan's hot dog? Rode the Cyclone? If not, come down to Coney Island- a beach, boardwalk and amusement park all in one. Have your palm read, see a freak show, play some games or just enjoy the surf and sand. Brooklyn's very own baseball stadium is in the works here so this area is sure to be hot soon!

3. Chinatown- Yes, in Brooklyn. On Eighth Avenue between 50th and 65th streets to be exact. Immerse yourself in this culture's food, people, sounds and smells. Dim Sum and chinese take-out are the best around (expect to wait an hour on Sundays). Fresh fish and vegetable markets are abundant as are Chinese video-stores and tea houses.

4. Bensonhurst- Saturday Night Fever. The 18th Avenue Feast in late August. Italy is alive in this vibrant and authentic neighborhood. Mouth-watering pasta and cannoli, Italian music stores, churches and Italian fashion are just some of the surprises this area has to offer. How YOU doin?!

5. Brooklyn Heights- Brooklyn Heights is one of the richest, oldest, most beautiful neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Located right across the river from Manhattan,it offers excellant views along the Promenade, historic brownstones to make your mouth drop and a host of trendy restaurants and shops.