A Food & Wine Tour Of Bedford-Stuyvesant
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<p>From Stuyvesant Heights to the Clinton Hill border, we're going to walk you through the best of Bedford-Stuyvesantâhere's our hand-picked guide on where to wine and dine out in the neighborhood. You'll also find wine shop recommendations, and shout outs to other food-driven businesses that are based out of the neighborhood. Sadly, however, Big George's Soulfood Plus no longer serves food... and may be a social club.</p>
Photo by Sam Horine/Gothamist<p><a href="http://www.saraghinabrooklyn.com/"><strong>SARAGHINA</strong></a></p><p>You know who loves this place? The Walkmen's Hamilton Leithauser, who has (<a href="http://www.immaculateinfatuation.com/friday-fives/hamilton-leithauser-of-the-walkmen">on numerous occasions</a>) called it out as one of his favorite spots in New York City. We've already declared our love for this place <a href="http://gothamist.com/2011/05/01/still_got_it_saraghina.php">before</a>, and here we go again. The restaurant serves up pizza, entrees, desserts, and liters of house wine for about 20 bucks. The atmosphere is cozy, more so on weekends when it's often crowdedâespecially now that the back yard is closed for the winter. They don't take reservations, but they'll let you order wine while you waitâand it's worth the wait. <a href="http://www.saraghinabrooklyn.com/menus.php">Here's their basic menu</a>, but you'll find more on the specials list once you arrive.</p><p>Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/SaraghinaBK">SaraghinaBK</a> on Twitter.</p><p><em>Saraghina is located at 435 Halsey (though the entrance is on Lewis Avenue) and their hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays. Noon to 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.</em></p><p></p><form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="679531" style="display: inline;"> <img alt="saraghina1211.jpg" class="image-none" height="427" src="http://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jen/saraghina1211.jpg" width="640"/> </form><form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="679515" style="display: inline;"> <img alt="2saraghina1211.jpg" class="image-none" height="427" src="http://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jen/2saraghina1211.jpg" width="640"/> </form><form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="679521" style="display: inline;"> <img alt="3saraghina1211.jpg" class="image-none" height="427" src="http://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jen/3saraghina1211.jpg" width="640"/> </form>
Photos by Sam Horine/Gothamist<p><strong><a href="http://peachesbrooklyn.com/">PEACHES</a></strong></p><p>Peaches on Lewis Avenue (there is another one on Franklin, which we'll get to) is particularly enjoyable when the outdoor space, filled with twinkling lights, is open during the warmer months, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't head there to warm up during the chilly season. The restaurant always has a crowd, so get there early if you don't want to wait for brunch (tip: if you get there <em>too</em> early, take a little walk down MacDonough Street for a look at <a href="http://www.akwaaba.com/brooklyn/">Akwaaba Mansion</a>).</p><p>On the menu you'll find plenty of Southern classics, and with some great vegetarian options. Wild mushroom, cream, and truffle oil grits, anyone?</p><p>Follow <a href="http://ja.twitter.com/#!/peachesbrooklyn">PeachesBrooklyn</a> on Twitter.</p><p><em>Peaches is located at 393 Lewis Avenue, and their hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (closing at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.</em></p><form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="679519" style="display: inline;"> <img alt="3peaches1211.jpg" class="image-none" height="427" src="http://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jen/3peaches1211.jpg" width="640"/> </form>
Photos by Sam Horine/Gothamist<p><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/therapy-wine-bar-brooklyn"><strong>THERAPY WINE BAR</strong></a></p><p>Therapy Wine Bar has an amazing, always smiling staff, a gorgeous and sprawling outdoor space, great food (including a weekend brunch), and of course wine. But not <em>just</em> wine, they also serve up interesting wine cocktailsâlike a summer favorite: the Concrete Rosé (basically a wine Slushee). Bonus: They have a nice happy hour, from Tuesday through Friday, 5 to 7 p.m., with $4 beers, $5 glasses of wine, and $7 martinis. And if you're into sports, there's one television usually airing a gameâbut if you <em>aren't</em> into sports, fear not, the volume is never turned on.</p><p>Here's some video to help you get acquainted with the place, and some more photos below:</p><p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/29975351?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=aeb3b5" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></p><p>Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/therapywinebar">TherapyWineBar</a> on Twitter.</p><p><em>Therapy Wine Bar is located at 364 Lewis Avenue, and their hours are Monday through Friday 5 p.m. to 11 pm, Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 a.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.</em></p><p></p><form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="679516" style="display: inline;"> <img alt="2therapy1211.jpg" class="image-none" height="427" src="http://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jen/2therapy1211.jpg" width="640"/> </form><form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="679533" style="display: inline;"> <img alt="therapy1211.jpg" class="image-none" height="427" src="http://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jen/therapy1211.jpg" width="640"/> </form>
Photos by Sam Horine/Gothamist<p><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/olivino-brooklyn-2"><strong>OLIVINO</strong></a></p><p>Bed-Stuy isn't short on wine shops these days, with more popping up all the time. Olivino wines is a cute boutique wine store on the corner of Macon Street and Marcus Garvey Boulevard, with a helpful staff and nice selection. There's another one in Clinton Hill, which usually houses the resident mascot: a pug named Olive.</p><p>And if you're closer to Nostrand Avenue, check out <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/breukelen-cellars-brooklyn">Breukelen Cellars</a>, which is also a little art gallery that hosts events.</p><p><em>Olivino is located at 426-D Marcus Garvey Blvd, and their hours are noon to 9 p.m. (closing at 7 p.m. on Sundays).</em> </p>
Photo by Sam Horine/Gothamist<p><a href="http://www.commongroundsny.com/"><strong>COMMON GROUNDS</strong></a></p><p>A coffee shop with a great outdoor space, croissants with Nutella, and specials like $1 cupcakes and $1 ice cream cones? Yes, please. Other highlights include WiFi, wine tastings, and plenty of other eventsâwhich you can keep up with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Common-Grounds-A-Neighborhood-Coffee-House/14333049836?ref=share">on their Facebook</a>.</p><p>Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/commongroundsny">CommonGroundsNY</a> on Twitter.</p><p><em>Common Grounds is located at 376 Tompkins Avenue, and their hours are Monday 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.</em></p><p></p><form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="679528" style="display: inline;"> <img alt="commongrounds1211.jpg" class="image-none" height="427" src="http://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jen/commongrounds1211.jpg" width="640"/> </form>
Photos by Sam Horine/Gothamist<p><strong><a href="http://peacheshothouse.com/">PEACHES HOTHOUSE</a></strong> </p><p>About six blocks from the Peaches on Lewis Avenue, is Peaches Hothouse, which is always bustling during the brunch hours, serving up baked grits, pulled pork egg scrambles, and so much more (<a href="http://web.mac.com/supilami/hothouse/menu_files/HotHouse%20Fall%20Brunch%202011.pdf">PDF</a>). Their dinner menu (<a href="http://web.mac.com/supilami/hothouse/menu_files/HotHouse%20Fall%202011.pdf">PDF</a>), which features very reasonable prices, includes their Crispy Fried HotHouse Chicken, 12 Hour Hickory Smoked Beef Short Rib, and on the lighter side, a Black Eyed Pea and Duck Salad for just 7 bucks. Both of the Peaches restaurants are amongst the most welcoming establishments we've ever been to, so we highly recommend them!</p><p><em>Peaches HotHouse is located at 415 Tompkins Avenue, and their hours are 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and also 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.</em></p><p></p><form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="679514" style="display: inline;"> <img alt="2peacheshothouse1211.jpg" class="image-none" height="427" src="http://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jen/2peacheshothouse1211.jpg" width="640"/> </form>
Photos by Sam Horine/Gothamist<p><strong><a href="http://www.bed-vyne.com">BED-VYNE WINE</a></strong></p><p>This wine shop just opened, and it's already getting a lot of attention (even <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=1093052&l=89a0a82c80&id=289788764382888&media_url=http%3A%2F%2Fa4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-ak-ash4%2F304126_289830017712096_289788764382888_1093052_207607767_n.jpg">Marty Markowitz came to their opening</a>). The small space is laid out well, with custom wood designs created just for the store. The staff and owners are incredibly helpful and friendly, and the signage in the store is also perfect if you don't quite know what you want. The signs let you know what's $10 and under, what has a crisp taste, what has a fruity taste, etc. Plus, they have frequent tasting events, so drop by and add your name to their book to get on the list for those.</p><p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/31752680?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></p><p>Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/bedvynewine">BedVyneWine</a> on Twitter.</p><p><em>Bed-Vyne Wine is located at 370 Tompkins Avenue, and their hours are Monday through Friday 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday noon to 7 p.m.</em> </p><p></p><form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="679527" style="display: inline;"> <img alt="bedvyne1211.jpg" class="image-none" height="427" src="http://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jen/bedvyne1211.jpg" width="640"/> </form><form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="679517" style="display: inline;"> <img alt="3bedvyne1211.jpg" class="image-none" height="427" src="http://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jen/3bedvyne1211.jpg" width="640"/> </form>
Photos by Sam Horine/Gothamist<p><a href="http://bedfordhillbrooklyn.com"><strong>BEDFORD HILL</strong></a></p><p>This is a favorite amongst locals. Your typical cafe, serving up WiFi, coffee, tea, pastries, and bagels (<a href="http://bedfordhillbrooklyn.com/BEDFORDHILL_MENU.pdf">menu</a>)âthey even have a huge basket full of fresh tomatoes if you're a tomato and cream cheese type bagel orderer. The shop opened last winter, with hopes of also being able to serve beer and wine in the future, though this hasn't happened yet. This is one of the many places that, if these fake neighborhoods actually existed, would be in <a href="http://bed-stuy.patch.com/articles/you-say-you-live-where-in-clinton-stuy">Clinton-Stuy</a> or Bedford-Hill (while it's in Bed-Stuy, it's very close to the Clinton Hill border).</p><p>Bedford Hill is located at 343 Franklin Avenue, and their hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.</p><p></p><form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="679496" style="display: inline;"> <img alt="2bedfordhill1211.jpg" class="image-none" height="427" src="http://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jen/2bedfordhill1211.jpg" width="640"/> </form>
Photos by Sam Horine/Gothamist<p><a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/dough-brooklyn"><strong>DOUGH</strong></a></p><p>Dough is a cute little doughnut shop on the corner of Franklin and Lafayette, right near Bedford Hill coffee shop... though Dough will serve you coffee, too. The focus, however, is doughnuts, and they do them right. Their flavors are always changing, from blood orange to pumpkin to hibiscus, to name a few. If you don't live nearby, it's worth a trip on the G train just to indulge here. Just <a href="http://gothamist.com/2011/06/06/ticketed_for_eating_a_doughnut_in_a.php">don't go across the street</a> to the playground to eat your treats.</p><p>Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/doughbrooklyn">DOUGH Brooklyn</a> on Twitter.</p><p><em>DOUGH is located at 305 Franklin Avenue, and their hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.</em></p><p></p><form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="679499" style="display: inline;"> <img alt="2dough1211.jpg" class="image-none" height="427" src="http://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jen/2dough1211.jpg" width="640"/> </form><form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="679529" style="display: inline;"> <img alt="dough1211.jpg" class="image-none" height="427" src="http://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jen/dough1211.jpg" width="640"/> </form>
Photos by Sam Horine/Gothamist<p><a href="http://www.nicepizza-brooklyn.com/"><strong>NICE PIZZA</strong></a></p><p>Nice Pizza is honestly... <em>okay</em>. The reviews <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/nice-pizza-brooklyn">are mixed</a>, and we've had one great, and one not-so-great experience thereâso we haven't given up on these guys yet! It may come down to personal taste, and if you like really thin crust pizza, you may really enjoy it here. We can personally tell you that their brunch pizza (who doesn't love a pizza with an egg on it?) is pretty great, and affordable, and their sandwiches are even better. Just be sure to dine in, as they don't excel at delivery.</p><p><em>Nice PIzza is located at 340 Franklin Avenue</em></p>
Photo by Sam Horine/Gothamist<p><strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DOorDINE?sk=info">DO OR DINE</a></strong></p><p>What's left to say about Do Or Dine that we <a href="http://gothamist.com/tags/doordine">haven't already said</a>? These guys aren't afraid to be adventurous in the kitchenâremember the <a href="http://gothamist.com/2011/09/09/a_faux_vs_foie_gras_doughnut_taste-.php">fois gras doughnut</a>?âand last Saturday we learned that their bartender Obie follows their lead. After ordering a Rosé (only $5 a glass!), he insisted on making us a delicious gin and fresh concord grape drink. And then, following Herman Cain's <a href="http://gothamist.com/2011/12/03/thanks_a_lot_lamestream_media_herma.php">bizarre speech</a> on Saturday, he even created a special Herman Cain drink (<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/rcwellington/status/143120077062025216">really</a>). So basically: welcoming vibe, fun staff, great drinks, adventurous food, and did we mention the sweet backyard?</p><p>Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/Do_or_Dine">Do Or Dine</a> on Twitter. </p><p><em>Do Or Dine is located at 1108 Bedford Avenue, and their hours are</em></p><p></p><form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="679518" style="display: inline;"> <img alt="3doordine1211.jpg" class="image-none" height="427" src="http://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jen/3doordine1211.jpg" width="640"/> </form><form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="679523" style="display: inline;"> <img alt="4doordin1211.jpg" class="image-none" height="427" src="http://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jen/4doordin1211.jpg" width="640"/> </form><form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="679524" style="display: inline;"> <img alt="5doordine1211.jpg" class="image-none" height="427" src="http://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jen/5doordine1211.jpg" width="640"/> </form><form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="679525" style="display: inline;"> <img alt="6doordine1211.jpg" class="image-none" height="427" src="http://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jen/6doordine1211.jpg" width="640"/> </form><form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="679526" style="display: inline;"> <img alt="10doordin1211.jpg" class="image-none" height="427" src="http://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jen/10doordin1211.jpg" width="640"/> </form>
Photos by Sam Horine/Gothamist<p><a href="http://www.sudnyc.com"><strong>SUD</strong></a> </p><p>Do Or Dine's neighbor, SUD, is a great little Italian joint with a nice dimly lit atmosphere (great for dates), and the best gnocchi we've ever had (so light and fluffy!). It's worth pointing out the gnocchi is the most expensive dish on their menu, coming in at just $14! The owner tells us the bruschetta ($6) is the customer favorite, however, which is echoed <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/sud-vino-and-cucina-brooklyn">in their Yelp reviews</a>. </p><p>Huge bonus: They have some great deals throughout the week. On Tuesdays: 1/2 priced bottles of wine; Wednesdays: $4 house wine by the glass; Thursdays: $1 B.Y.O.B. corking fee (reg. $20).</p><p><em>SUD is located at 1102 Bedford Avenue, and their hours are 5:30 to 11 p.m.</em></p><p></p><form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="679522" style="display: inline;"> <img alt="3sud1211.jpg" class="image-none" height="427" src="http://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jen/3sud1211.jpg" width="640"/> </form><form class="mt-enclosure mt-enclosure-image" mt:asset-id="679532" style="display: inline;"> <img alt="sud1211.jpg" class="image-none" height="427" src="http://gothamist.com/attachments/arts_jen/sud1211.jpg" width="640"/> </form>
Photos by Sam Horine/Gothamist<p><strong><a href="http://www.scratchbread.com/">SCRATCHbread</a></strong></p><p>While you can find SCRATCHbread products all over the city, proprietor Matthew Tilden also offers up a STOOPbrunch every Sunday, out of his Bed-Stuy storefront. Sometimes Tilden will give a peek at these goods on Twitter, which is enough to get you out of bed. As one Yelper puts it, "Sunday Brunch-in-a-Cup: my sole reason to get up before 11 a.m. during the weekend (they sell out). You go up to the retail window and you choose between 2-3 things. This week was bacon+egg, Mexican corn, or the Hot Sticky Mess."</p><p>Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/scratchbread">SCRATCHbread</a> on Twitter.</p><p><em>ScratchBread is located at 1069 Bedford Avenue</em></p><p><strong><a href="http://www.brownbutterbk.com/">BROWN BUTTER BROOKLYN</a></strong></p><p>Here's another one that doesn't have a proper storefront (yet?), but does operate out of Bed-Stuy. You can find owner Grace Cho's goods <a href="http://www.brownbutterbk.com/locations.html">all over Brooklyn</a>, or you can <a href="http://www.brownbutterbk.com/products.html">place an order</a>. The menu (<a href="http://www.brownbutterbk.com/uploads/8/2/5/3/8253499/bbb_fall_menu.pdf">PDF</a>) currently offers up Brown Butter Caramel Apple pies, Butternut squash & brown butter béchame tarts, Organic carrot cake with dried cherries, goat cheesecake, and so much more mouth-watering goodness.</p><p>Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/BrownButterBk">Brown Butter BK</a> on Twitter.</p><p><strong><a href="http://www.tincityny.com/">TIN CITY</a></strong></p><p>Tin City is an amazing addition to the neighborhood, and we hope they stick around (when we dropped by over the weekend they weren't opened, which was a little worrisome). The store offers Wifi and comfortable seating, plenty of organic products you can't find at your local bodega, soups, sandwiches, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream (scoops, floats, shakes, and more). </p><p>Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/tincitybedstuy">TinCityBedStuy</a> on Twitter.</p><p><em>Tin City is located at 366 Lewis Avenue, and they typically open at 11 a.m.</em></p><p><a href="http://www.lonestartaconyc.com"><strong>LONESTAR TACO</strong></a></p><p>These tacos don't have a home yet, but owners Wayne Surber and Tracie Lee live in Bed-Stuy, and Lee tells us they are "focused on finding a space" in their neighborhood. Until then, Lee says, "people can find us <a href="http://www.lonestartaconyc.com">online</a>âwe'll post any events that we may be participating in on our website and Twitter. We're selling tamales for the holidays too, starting next week. $15 for a half dozen, in chicken, chorizo or beef picadillo flavors, they come frozen in a sealed bag so you can reheat whenever you want." Check their site for an order form for those, that should be up shortly.</p><p>It's also worth noting that Lonestar works with local farmers and purveyors "to source all of their ingredients locally and sustainably when possible."</p><p>Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/LonestarTacoNYC">LonestarTacoNYC</a> on Twitter.</p>