One of Brooklyn’s most vibrant neighborhoods is along the avenues of Flatbush, Church, and Nostrand, dubbed “Little Caribbean.” It’s home to the largest Caribbean-American-LatinX community outside of the West Indies.
The neighborhood got its official name back in 2017 thanks to Shelley Worrell, from caribBEING, a cultural organization amplifying the community and honoring the Caribbean Diaspora in NYC, leading the movement.
From mouthwatering bakeries to unforgettable restaurants, there’s so many hidden gems throughout Brookyln’s Little Caribbean neighborhood to explore. And with the help of recommendations @littlecaribbeannyc, we’ve listed them below.
Table Of Contents
Cafes/Bakeries
1. Allan’s Caribbean Bakery
This third-generation owned bakery has been feeding Brooklyn for over half a century. It was founded by couple, Allan and Gloria, after outgrowing their vehicle-turned-bakery, where they sold bread and loaves. The bakery still uses old-school methods and techniques, making sure to carry on Allan’s legacy. With an extensive menu, visitors can order everything from Heavy Coconut Sweet Bread to Caribbean Sponge Cake.
1109 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn
2. Lips Cafe
Lips Cafe celebrates creativity, coffee, and Caribbean culture. Beloved for their open mic events, fashion shows and specials happenings, Lips Cafe is “a place in the community where people can come to progress in whatever way they can,” said Owner Jamane Weekes.
1412 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn
3. Hibiscus Brew
Hibiscus Brew defied odds when they opened up in the summer of 2020. Yet, through tough times, Hibiscus Brew had been there to serve the community, and nearly three years later it remains a neighborhood favorite for smoothies, coffee and more.
546 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn
4. Errol’s Caribbean Bakery
From hard dough breads, rolls, and fruit cakes to curried goat, oxtail, jerk chicken and chicken foot soup, Errol’s is a one stop shop for the best flavors of the Caribbean. The bakery has been serving the neighborhood for more that 20 years now.
661 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn
5. Veggies Juice Bar
Stop by for the perfect post work out/early morning/midday pick me up!
1209 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn
Restaurants
6. Zanmi
The only spot in NYC serving Soup Joumou everyday, ZANMI is one of the best Haitian restaurants in the city. The spot hosts a variety of nightly events like Movie Mondays, Karaoke Tuesdays, Wednesday Ladies Night AND live music on the weekends.
1206 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn
7. The Taco Mami’s
Fill up on all of the appetizers, tacos, and nachos you can stomach at The Taco Mami’s. Our mouths are watering at the thought of their curry goat tacos, street corn and dirty nachos. And don’t forget to order a cocktail to wash it all down!
706 Rogers Ave, Brooklyn
8. De Hot Pot
Nothing is as comforting as the Caribbean classics served at De Hot Pot, from their doubles to their roti stuffed with potatoes, channa (chickpeas) and your choice of protein.
1127 Washington Ave, Brooklyn
9. Peppas
Sink your teeth into delicious jerk chicken at Peppas! The restaurant has been around since 1995 and continues to serve some of the best Jamaican cuisine in the borough 25+ years later.
738 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn
10. Island Express
Island Express is a noteworthy Caribbean bakery and grill across the five boroughs. It was inspired by the story of Sybil Bernard, a Guyanese mother of nine, who sold bread and pastries out of her home when she moved to NYC to ensure her children had a better future. Try any of their curries, pastries or cakes—you won’t regret it!
998 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn
Shopping
11. Labay Market
A neighborhood staple, get all your grocery needs at this market off of Nostrand Ave.
1127 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn
12. African Record Center
Established around 1969, African Record Center has been importing, selling, promoting, and distributing African music in NYC for around half a century. Aiming to bring African sounds to the United States, African Record Center prides itself on carrying one of the largest inventories of African music that highlights all areas of the continent of Africa.
1194 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn
Bars
13. Rogers Garden
Rogers Garden is an energetic cocktail bar, focusing on Rum-based drinks. Hosting DJs, parties and pop-ups, it’s always a good time when you stop in.
708 Rogers Ave, Brooklyn
Stay up to date on the latest neighborhood news and happenings at the official neighborhood Instagram: @LittleCaribbeanNYC