My favorite weekend activity is to get on my Citibike and explore a new neighborhood. In fact, when we moved from Manhattan to Brooklyn a few years ago, we made a job out of exploring a new Brooklyn neighborhood every weekend. Greenpoint was one of the first places we went to and over the past few years we keep coming back for more.
Where is Greenpoint?
Greenpoint is a small industrial neighborhood located north of Williamsburg and directly across the river from Manhattan in the east 20’s. The gateway to Greenpoint begins just north of McCarren Park. It is both the heart of New York’s polish community and the setting for the HBO series Girls. Also, it is littered with trendy cafes, hip restaurants and mom and pop shops. Due to its limited train access, population is controlled, favoring the Brooklynites who don’t commute to Manhattan every day. This creates a laid back atmosphere with an artist community feel. It is lovingly referred to as the “suburbs” of Williamsburg.
Our Greenpoint Favorites
Skyline Drive In
Greenpoint’s newest addition came just in time for social distancing! Sky Line Drive In, located along the waterfront on Oak Street, has helped this movie loving family get our fix at a time when theaters remain closed. The drive in sits on the edge of the East River with the Manhattan skyline in the background. Doors open at 8pm and the movie begins at 9pm. In addition, there is concession on site which sells popcorn, candy, hot dogs, wings and general movie going food. The cost is $55 per car, which is a little steep given they are all old movies. However, you can bring as many people as fit in your car and we thought the experience was well worth it.
The Brooklyn Barge
The Brooklyn Barge is one of those special little known places that you would be pleased as punch to stumble upon. That is exactly what we did one June afternoon and we have been spending lazy afternoons here ever since. While the food is average pub food, you can’t beat the location just south of Transmitter Park along the East River. In addition to a bar and restaurant, the barge partners with educational organizations in the city like the Billion Oyster Project for experiential learning and study in the East River. Note: The Barge is closed for Summer 2020 due to Covid restrictions.
Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory
My teen and I love riding the bike path down Kent Ave through Williamsburg and into Greenpoint on Franklin St. At the end of Franklin Street on the tip of the peninsula is a beautiful new building complex called One Blue Slip that we fantasized about living in. Loads of walking and bike paths are being developed right along the waterfront every day in this part of Greenpoint. It is quickly becoming a paradise!
Around the corner on Commercial St takes you to a little pier overlooking Long Island City and Hunters Point. Don’t miss a stop at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory at the corner of Commercial and Manhattan. Enjoy your treat while you walk along the newly developed parks in this area.
Other Favorites in Greenpoint
- Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop – 727 Manhattan Ave – an old school donut counter with yummy cream donuts and pastries. Don’t miss the Red Velvet donut.
- To experience a bit of Greenpoint history, try a traditional Polish restaurant in a medieval themed setting. Complete with knights in shining armor dine at Krolewskie Jadlo just a block from Peter Pan Donut. My polish friend Katie says don’t miss the dill pickle soup!
- On a cold winter night, nothing beats Achilles Heel’s wood burning stove and cozy atmosphere.
- For the treasure hunter and vinyl lover, The Thing, is a must see. Stacks and stacks of mystery records could keep you busy all day long.
- We can never pass up a good independent bookstore, and WORD at 126 Franklin St. fit the bill.
- My teens love all the vintage shops in Greenpoint including Fox and Fawn and Awoke Vintage on Manhattan Ave.
- Beer drinkers should check out my self guided Greenpoint Brewery Tour!.
Want to explore more of BK? Check out our review of these fun neighborhoods – DUMBO, Bushwick, Williamsburg and Fort Greene.
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Yay Katie for the tips. I love Greenpoint!! We will have to do this ride with you all soon!!
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