Any New Yorker knows that the best things to do in Park Slope make for a quintessential Brooklyn experience.
The vibrant, brownstone-clad neighborhood is home to a plethora of mom and pop shops, great eateries, and of course, close proximity to the beloved Prospect Park. Should you be venturing to the 11215 and/or 11217, we’ll help you make the most out of your pitstop.
Ready to get started? We can’t wait to show you around!
Shop
1. Annie’s Blue Ribbon
For the past 15+ years, Annie’s Blue Ribbon has been a life-saver for Park Slope residents in need of a gift. Whether shoppers are on the hunt for home accents, games, jewelry, or New York-centric finds, this welcoming space offers just about everything you could imagine. We’d be remiss not to recommend snagging something for yourself, too. Go ahead: we’re giving you permission to get that scented candle.
📍 232 5th Ave., Brooklyn
2. Brooklyn Super Hero Supply Company
Ideal for comic lovers and curious minds of all ages, Brooklyn Super Hero Supply Company gives vigilantes plenty to peruse with its array of merch: science kits, costumes, and most notably, its paint cans of superpowers, ranging from gratitude and love to muscle and inspiration. But the concept behind the quirky gift shop is about more than capes and superhuman abilities: it houses 826NYC, a nonprofit that helps students with their writing skills.
📍 372 5th Ave., Brooklyn
3. The Ripped Bodice
Romance has been the genre of choice as of late, and The Ripped Bodice is completely devoted to stories of meet cutes and happily ever afters — plus the brick and mortar is decked out in a pink, floral paradise. This L.A. transplant has made its way into the neighborhood a few years ago and judging from the warm reception, it’s found the perfect NYC home. Stop by to pick up something new for your TBR, attend a signing, or enjoy one of the store’s three book clubs. If you’re a literary lover, be sure to also check out our other favorite bookstores in NYC.
📍 218 5th Ave., Brooklyn
Eat
4. Fonda
For contemporary Mexican fare, Fonda delivers — and the regularly-packed eatery is proof that customers are eager to take a bite. Start off guacamole for the table (naturally), have your pick between enchiladas, carnitas, and taquitos, and wash it all down with Rosalita, the house signature frozen hibiscus margarita. You’ll see rather quickly why it’s considered one of the best Mexican restaurants in NYC.
📍434 7th Ave., Brooklyn
5. Koss Kaffe
This glorified coffee shop takes its offerings up a notch with breakfast dishes like pancakes, porridge, and frittatas, as well as sandwiches and salads for lunch. The staff at Koss sources top-quality green beans and roasts them in-house to put a fresh, local spin on your morning cup of Joe.
📍 251 5th Ave., Brooklyn
6. Pasta Louise
The Italian newcomer is beloved for its homemade pasta and soft serve, and with a rotating pasta shape each day, diners can customize their plates with sauce and sides. Don’t forget a glass of vino! Keep in mind Pasta Louise also has a nearby café on 8th Street for take-out, delivery, retail, and counter service. Plus, not only does the food taste good, but it does good: the restaurant focuses on initiatives like the Pasta Rose Scholarship, which helps high school students in Brooklyn who have lost a parent to cancer prepare for college.
📍 1114 8th Ave., Brooklyn
7. Park Slope Food Coop
While not necessarily a restaurant, the member-owned and operated food store has been in the neighborhood for 50 years and is essentially synonymous with Park Slope. You can learn more about Park Slope Food Coop memberships online.
📍 782 Union St., Brooklyn
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8. Union Hall
Park Slope’s 5,000 square foot bar, restaurant, and live music and comedy venue doesn’t miss a beat. Union Hall has an extensive calendar and killer happy hour offerings from Monday through Friday $6 drinks from 4-7pm.
📍 702 Union St., Brooklyn
9. Old Stone House
The Old Stone House & Washington Park feel like a time capsule that brings us back to the late 17th century. A reconstruction of the 1699 Vechte-Cortelyou House, this historic spot is where the original Dutch farmstead stood and the site of the 1776 Battle of Brooklyn. Though much has changed around the attraction, it safeguards a part of the borough’s history and offers history and cultural programs, as well as a local meetup for families courtesy of JJ Byrne Playground.
📍336 3rd St., Brooklyn
10. Barbes
Though technically a South Slope staple, we’d never forgive ourselves if we didn’t mention Barbes, a bar and performance space that has held over 18,000 events since its 2002 debut. Whether it’s an acoustic blues performance or a belly dance workshop, this spot always has something engaging and unique on tap.
📍376 9th St., Brooklyn
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11. Kick Axe Throwing
Axe throwing gets a virtual twist thanks to this attraction’s advanced projection technology. Yes, you’re still using wooden axes — after a brief how-to from the pros — but you’re aiming for digitally projected targets that will make you feel like you’re in a video game. Once you’ve enjoyed some friendly competition, grab a bite and something to drink — Kick Axe’s menu includes pulled pork sliders, pepperoni flatbreads, après ski desserts, and craft beer.
📍 622 Degraw St., Brooklyn
12. The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club
This shuffleboard club and dining go-to has been a Park Slope highlight for years. It’s a great place to spend a Saturday night or host a birthday get-together. Should you take your shuffleboarding seriously, there are leagues waiting for participants!
📍 514 Union St., Brooklyn
So, what spots are you hitting first?