The large, diverse Brooklyn enclave of Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy, to locals) has drastically changed since Spike Lee set his groundbreaking film "Do the Right Thing" here more than 25 years ago.
The fair-trade coffee shops and draft-beer bars that you might expect to find in a rapidly gentrifying area have arrived in spades, but the leafy sidewalks, stunning brownstone architecture and neighborhoody feel remain, making this an ideal place to take a walk on a crisp fall day.
Where to Shop
If you’re drawn to simple, nature-inspired design, peace & RIOT is a must-see home goods and gift shop selling African baskets and faux-fur pillows. Fashionistas looking for one-of-a-kind wardrobe upgrades need look no further than Miss Master’s Closet, a meticulously curated vintage shop featuring high-quality, lovingly restored clothes and accessories. Stylish, contemporary dressers will love Sincerely, Tommy, a café/retail shop with cutting-edge clothing by indie designers.
Where to Drink
You can close out your day in Bed-Stuy with a drink or two at one of the many hipster-friendly hot spots popping up all over the ‘hood. Relative newcomer Beast of Bourbon has over 40 beers on draft, whiskey cocktails, live music and a chill atmosphere. Beer nerds will also love Glorietta Baldy. And if you want to dance your face off to 1990s hip-hop and more recent tunes, One Last Shag is one of the best places in the city to do so.
Where to Eat
If you venture out to Bed-Stuy and have a sweet tooth, you’d be remiss to skip a trip to Dough, a coffee shop and bakery serving doughnuts in flavors like hibiscus and café au lait that will completely blow your mind. And if you take a short walk to Bedford Ave. and Quincy St., you’ll happen upon a mural bearing the likeness of hometown hero, rapper Notorious B.I.G.
The character of Bed-Stuy is heavily influenced by its Caribbean-American population, and you can find exceptional representative cuisine at Ali’s Trinidad Roti Shop (1267 Fulton St., 718.783.0316) and A&A Bake and Doubles Shop (481 Nostrand Ave., 917.892.9562).
Relative newcomer Saraghina serves up wood-fired pizzas in a cozy setting; and diners seeking rustic, seasonal fare will be impressed with the exquisite, inventive dishes at L'Antagoniste.