Neighborhood Guide: Downtown Brooklyn
Welcome home, residents of the new Downton Brooklyn House! And for all other members of Outpost, welcome to another chapter of our neighborhood guide series!
We’ve spent the past few weeks scouring the neighborhood for the best spots in gorgeous Boerum Hill to grab a coffee, do your shopping, or just hang out, and we’ve compiled it all in an easy to use guide. So, drop off your luggage and throw on some comfortable shoes, cause we’ve got some places for you to check out.
SUBWAYS
These are the closest spots with the widest range of trains to take you into the city or throughout Brooklyn.
Bergen Street Station
Trains: G
Distance - walk: 6 min; bike 2 min
Distance - walk: 12 min; bike 4 min
Atlantic Avenue Barclays Center Station
Trains: 2, 4, 5, D, Q, R
Distance - walk: 16 min; bike 5 min
GROCERIES
You gotta eat, and we've picked out the best options for your grocery runs.
239 Bond St., 11217
Hours: 8 AM - 8 PM
This is your closest spot for groceries in the area! They offer quality produce, organic products, and cover almost all your needs for beauty products and cleaning supplies.
Distance - walk: 2 min; bike: 1 min
288 Court St., 11231
Hours: 7 AM - 10 PM
A little bit farther from the house, this lovely spot has a bigger focus on organic products, and offers a wider selection of produce, meats, fish, and baked goods. There's also a pretty big section of prepared meals for those nights you don't feel like cooking.
Distance - walk: 8 min; bike: 3 min
130 Court St., 11201
Hours: 8 AM - 10 PM
Sometimes you just can't beat TJ's... Come by here for all your favorite signature items, organic produce, beer, and wine.
Distance - walk: 14 min; bike: 6 min
214 3rd St., 11215
Hours: 8 AM - 11 PM
Grab your Bingo Bronsons, Broad City fans, because this very special Whole Foods store is where Abbi's hilarious manuka honey scene was shot! A bit pricier than the other grocery stores on the list (unless you have that Amazon Prime discount...) Whole Foods is still a great option for organic products, prepared foods, local beers, and luxurious beauty products.
Distance - walk: 14 min; bike: 4 min
Photocredit: Whole Foods
GYMS
Whether you're trying to get in the best shape of your life or maintain your form, we get it. We checked out a couple of the local gyms and found the best, most affordable, and diverse options.
296 Court St., 11231
SLT stands for "strengthen, lean, and tone" and you will definitely accomplish all three with any class at this gym. They offer classes for people at all fitness levels, and a few high-intensity courses for experienced athletes.
Distance - walk: 8 min; bike 3 min
252 Atlantic Ave., 11201
Blink offers incredibly affordable memberships (as low as $15 a month) which include access to high-quality equipment. For an additional cost you also have access to one-on-one training with a professional, and there's also a free trial option!
Distance - walk: 13 min; bike 4 min
597 Degraw St., 11217
For those who are into crossfit, this location may just be your best bet. Beyond traditional routines, Crossfit South Brooklyn offers a variety of group classes and personal training options, including pilates, yoga, and jiu-jitsu, not to mention open gym!
Distance - walk: 11 min; bike 6 min
Photocredit: Crossfit South Brooklyn
COFFEE SHOPS
Looking to get your caffeine fix? Maybe just need a chill spot to get productive, or even just have a chat with a friend? Whatever your situation, here are our recommendations for the best coffee shops in town.
461 Court St., 11231
Coffe shop, record store, taxidermy shop, antiques - where else other than Brooklyn can you find a spot like this? Although Black Gold doesn't offer many places to sit and enjoy your brew, it's well worth a visit for a browse through their record collection while sipping on some coffee or tea.
Distance - walk: 15 min; bike 6 min
333 Douglass St., 11217
If you're looking for a cozy spot for a cup of joe this is the spot for you! Ninth Street keeps things easy with a simplified menu that focuses on the coffee, not the wild syrups and flavors. They also sell their cold brew in growlers, so you can take some back to the house to share!
Distance - walk: 11 min; bike 3 min
327 Atlantic Ave., 11201
Come here if you want to get a taste of what the neighborhood is like. This is arguably one of the most local coffee shops in the area, and it offers a long list of coffees, teas, and delicious (and huge) sweet and savory pastries you can't say no to.
Distance - walk: 10 min; bike 4 min
212b Pacific St., 11201
Listed as a favorite spot for many coffee lovers, stop by this location for a delicious brew, and a break in their gorgeous location. In addition to their cold brew, espresso bar, and drip coffees, you can enjoy Big Easy Bucha kombucha, pastries from Roberta's and hot and cold food options prepared by Lalito.
Distance - walk: 10 min; bike 4 min
Photocredit: Stumptown Coffee Roasters
FOOD
For those times you don't feel like cooking, or when you want to step out for a bite with some friends from the house. We've tried it all (believe us) and these are the number one spots in the area.
473 Bergen St.,11217
It's a bit of a trek, but it's an absolute must. Bergen Bagels is a Brooklyn institution, serving up the best bagels every morning for years. Plan a weekend trip to grab a coffee and a pastry, or check out what else they're serving in the deli. You won't regret it.
Distance - walk: 21 min; bike 7 min
480 Union St.,11231
We're definitely not in the south, but you can't taste the difference here. Pig Beach aims to bring a brand new BBQ experience to NYC with locally and sustainably sourced food and drink, and it's a great spot for late night bites or a filling comfort meal with your non-vegetarian friends.
Distance - walk: 9 min; bike 2 min 
Photocredit: Pig Beach
134 Nevins St., 11217
If you want to splurge on some delicious and healthy food Taiki is the way to go. Here you'll get incredible sushi and fish, and it's a great spot for a lovely evening out with close friends.
Distance - walk: 9 min; bike 3 min
221Smith St., 11201
This is a perfect after dinner spot to grab a cocktail and a bite to eat on your way back home. Leyenda serves up amazing Latin American comfort food. Not only is their food superb, they proudly offer unique cocktails that showcase Latin spirits. Don't forget to stop by for brunch on the weekend at noon!
Distance - walk: 4 min; bike 2 min
NIGHTLIFE
Want to kick off the weekend the right way? Try these spots for the best taste of nightlife in the neighborhood.
273 Smith St., 11231
Looking to revive your night with a touch of tiki? Look no further! Zombie Hut is the best spot for exotic cocktails in a kitschy and fun environment, complete with tiki glasses and great music.
Distance - walk: 5 min; bike 2 min
335 Smith St., 11231
If you want a cool New York scene, try this Italian social club turned speakeasy style bar. It's cash only here, so come prepared with bills and a taste for good cocktails.
Distance - walk: 8 min; bike 4 min
148 Hoyt St., 11217
For a more down to earth style, check out the Brooklyn Inn. It's an incredibly old school location, with a true to 19th-century styling wooden bar. This cash-only spot comes complete with a jukebox and a pool table, so come grab a beer and play a game.
Distance - walk: 5 min; bike 2 min
Photocredit: Brownstoner
321 5th Ave., 11215
If you're more in the mood for outdoor seating and relaxed conversation with a beer in hand, check out The Gate. This rustic tavern is known for serving up the most unique beers, so it's a one-of-a-kind spot for beer lovers.
Distance - walk: 22 min; bike 7 min
PARKS
If you ever just need a moment of peace, or a space to play a game of basketball, try out one of these locations.
225 Nevins St., 11217
Break out the grills, friends - you're free to barbecue at this park, not to mention swim in the large community pools! There are also plenty of handball and basketball courts, and spaces to hang out underneath beautiful trees.
Distance - walk: 7 min; bike 2 min
364 Warren St., 11201
A good pick for a game of basketball, or just a spot to unwind and chat with friends under the branches of some gorgeous trees.
Distance - walk: 5 min; bike 2 min
Washington Park St., 11205
Sick of the brownstones and skyscrapers and want some green? Come check out Fort Greene Park. Not only is it a gorgeous, rolling green landscape, there are tennis courts, playgrounds, weekly markets, and the interesting historic site of Fort Greene itself.
Distance - train: 20 min; walk: 27 min; bike 14 min
POST OFFICE
539 Atlantic Ave., 11217
Need to ship something off, or want to open up a PO Box? This would be the spot to do it!
Distance - walk: 16 min; bike 5 min
FedEx Office Print and Ship Center
293 Atlantic Ave. #301, 11201
Not only can you take care of your mailing needs here, you have a full-service printing and office center! This is a great and affordable option for printing out those fancy copies of your resume!
Distance - walk: 11 min; bike 4 min
That's just a taste of your new neighborhood. We're certain you'll love your home and these incredible places, and we're positive you'll find more amazing places. If you have a suggestion for a new spot to add to our list or tips for any of the places already listed then let us know!
Comment on our facebook page and we'll check it out ourselves!
