Brooklyn-based comedian Sophie Zucker shares her insider guide to Brooklyn – one of the coolest neighbourhoods in New York – including the best places to eat, shop and explore.
Sophie will be making her debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year where she will perform her one-woman musical about love and death, an autobiographical show which is mostly comedic with a touch of heartfelt sentiment.
But Brooklyn is the area she knows best. Here, Sophie spills all her insider tips; read on to discover where to find best tacos, smoothies and pizzas, as well as secret comedy clubs and vintage stores.
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When is the best time to visit Brooklyn?
10PM. Nothing interesting happens before nine o’clock.
Our first pitstop should be…
Duckduck in Williamsburg for some Cava. When you’ve just arrived and need a drink, it’s ideal.
Your favourite hotel to check-in at is…
Normally when I’m in Brooklyn, I’m staying at my apartment. But, I’ve had sex in the Wythe Hotel bathroom. It’s very clean.
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For an early morning workout head to…
Llamaste Family Yoga Center in Carroll Gardens, if you don’t sleep through their 7AM class (which I always do).
Where should we go for breakfast?
For a quick bite, Café de Colombia by Pueblo Querido Coffee Roasters in Greenpoint for their empanadas (a great hangover cure – and gluten free).
Where can we find the best coffee?
I’m not a coffee drinker but I like Sweetleaf coffee roasters in Greenpoint for the vibe. It’s a big spot so you can stay all day, and tell your friends to come meet you.
How about for a long, lazy lunch?
Bar Bruno in Carroll Gardens. It’s open all day, there’s always a free table, and they make a strong Bloody Mary.
And for dinner with friends?
Win Son in Williamsburg. A Taiwanese-American joint usually playing the Top 40, which is coincidentally the only music I listen to.
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Your favourite restaurant in town?
Hibino in Cobble Hill – a lowkey spot with amazing sushi and a solid selection of wine. I took my fiancé’s boss to dinner there, like a 1950’s housewife.
The drink to order at the bar…
I’ve been really into a Salty Dog lately – seltzer, grapefruit juice, vodka, salted rim. It makes me feel like I’m hydrating which, of course, I am not.
The best place for people watching…
I always see at least one famous person at Colonie in Boerum Hill.
The culture spot to rave about…
Brooklyn Comedy Collective, for underground alternative comedy performed in a space that looks like a cross between a rave and a dungeon. This is my favourite place to catch comedy shows.
Where can we go shopping?
I really love Rue Saint Paul in Cobble Hill. They have new and used pieces that you can buy or even rent… Like a DVD!
For the best views head to…
LoHi, a Bushwick rooftop bar above a skatepark.
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One place only locals know about…
Blinky’s is unassuming bar in Bushwick that always turns into a dance party and has a huge backyard. The bar takes forever to order at when it’s crowded, so order a double.
A book to read before we go (or while there)?
Polysecure by Jessica Fern, so you can learn to be non-monogamous like most couples in Brooklyn.
For a change of pace try…
BKLYN Blend in Bed-Stuy for the great smoothies and salads.
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Souvenir to take home?
A tote bag from Court Street Grocers. You’ll look like you really know your shit about sandwiches.
In one word, Brooklyn is…
Massive. You couldn’t hit all of these recommendations in a day even if you tried. Sorry!
A must-try spot for date night?
Saraghina Pizzeria in Bed-Stuy. My fiancé and I used to come here all the time and discuss whether or not we should be in a relationship. Also, they have gluten free crust.
The best place to treat yourself is…
Oxomoco in Greenpoint: a fancy taco place with a Michelin Star.
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Your favourite neighbourhood…
I’m biased because I live here, but Carroll Gardens (and Cobble Hill/Boerum Hill) has great food and shopping. Like a prettier, less overwhelming Manhattan, where I’ve also lived.
Great day trips include…
If I have a free day in Brooklyn I’m usually sleeping, but McCarren Park is nice in the summer.
How should we spend the final day of our trip?
Walk around the Brooklyn Cannery in Gowanus, they usually have cool art exhibitions and other pop ups: my friend runs an experimental theatre called Lifeworld in one of their studios. Grab a bite at Gowanus Gardens then go dancing at Public Records.
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What’s your Brooklyn secret?
You can rent out the side room of Goldie’s in Greenpoint for karaoke.
Brookyln Essentials:
La Roche Posay sunscreen to protect your face, the Citymapper app as it’s the most accurate app to get around the subway. The Kara camera bag because it can go with any outfit; day or night, winter or summer. And cold hard cash – some of the best bars are cash only. And some of the best bars are cashless. You never know, so bring cash.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?