Brooklyn Heights: NYC or Suburb

Hard Truths:

Lackluster Food and Drink scene with dated bars and restaurants
Promenade really just a viewing ledge over a highway
Brooklyn Bridge promenade deck = tough to bike over & very crowded almost all of the time
Cobblestone streets/uneven sidewalks make driving, biking and even walking a challenge

Can’t Miss:

Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Historic Brownstones

Brooklyn Heights is where I call home. When I moved back to NY after living abroad for 10 years, this neighborhood was calling me. I was after a down-to-earth vibe that wasn’t too far from the city and took in a buzz of its own. With its breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline from the peaceful span of Brooklyn Bridge Park, it was the perfect location. Sadly, it doesn’t have the buzz I was after but it’s slowly moving toward it.

Brooklyn Heights runs from Atlantic Avenue to Old Fulton Street, and Court Street/Cadman Plaza West to the East River. It was deemed America’s first suburb back in the 1830s when ferry service from Manhattan began but now is a vibrant bustling New York City neighborhood.

For a good history, check out the Bowery Boys podcast.

The iconic Brooklyn Bridge signifies the neighborhood’s start. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1883. On the bridge, you can find a promenade deck that flows through the middle above the car lanes which is open to pedestrians and cyclists. It’s a great place to go for a walk, run or bike ride. The views are spectacular which means it is pretty much crowded all day every day. Cyclists, be warned, the decking is pretty tough to ride on especially with a heavy Citi bike and it’s a fairly steep uphill ride going from Brooklyn to Manhattan. Be that as it may, I’d still highly recommend going over the bridge for some breathtaking views!

The bridge is also the start of Brooklyn Bridge Park which runs the entire length of this hood along the East River. This park can’t be missed. It has tons of green space (for city standards!) for you to sit back and admire the stunning views of the east river including downtown Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. The park also has lots of options to keep busy including playgrounds, sports fields, art installations, and the list goes on. All the info is on their website. There’s even a live music venue at Barge Music and movie screenings at dusk in the summer.

Art Installation

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Movie Time!

Although Brooklyn Bridge Park is new, the rest of the neighborhood is a historic district. It’s one of the few neighborhoods where its age is still marked by original 19th-century cobblestones such as those found on Joralemon Street. It’s such a picturesque neighborhood, you could spend hours wandering around. If you look close enough, you can see plaques adorning the walls of some of the buildings highlighting their historic significance. History buffs can also check out the Brooklyn Historical Society for more in-depth info.

Amongst the brownstones that line the streets, old carriage houses can be found bringing the nostalgia of the 1800s to life. College Place, Grace Court Alley and Hunt’s Lane are just a few places you can find some which have now been converted into modern homes.

Built in the late 1940s, the famed Promenade is a site that was once a must-see, but it is now overshadowed by Brooklyn Bridge Park. It’s really more of a viewing platform and, don’t get me wrong, it has some great views, but it’s above the highway which takes away from its charm. Now you get the same views in a far more serene and scenic setting with Brooklyn Bridge Park.

While this neighborhood is rich in sites and history, it’s lacking in great food and drink spots that the bordering neighborhoods of DUMBO and Cobble Hill can boast. A number of the restaurants and bars in the historic district seem to have been there from the outset with dated menus and décor. However, some of them, have an authentic old school charm with classic dishes that shouldn’t be reinvented. There are a few standout old time spots like the River Cafe, nestled beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, which opened over 40 years ago. But such a desirable and vibrant neighborhood, with glam stars to match (I took a Soul Cycle class with Mary Louise Parker, walked by Matthew Rhys and my friend saw Emily Blunt in the local bagel shop!), should have higher quality restaurants and bars. With the posh and trendy 1 Hotel opened higher caliber spots have followed so there is still hope…