About Kate:
Kate Hooker is a lawyer and writer who fled the East Village for Brooklyn a few years ago in search of outdoor space.
About Boerum Hill:
Wedged between its better-known siblings Cobble Hill and Park Slope, the quiet neighborhood of Boerum Hill is characterized by wide, tree-lined blocks with brownstones that date back to the mid 1800s. There is a slower pace and a European charm here, which is undoubtedly part of the reason that a smattering of celebrities and members of the literati call it home.
Where to Dine
Excellent restaurants abound in Boerum Hill, and one of my favorite spots in all of Brooklyn is Rucola, a laid-back Northern Italian joint with a picturesque dining room and memorable veggies and homemade pasta. Mile End Deli, a Montreal-inspired Jewish deli that is way more popular than its tiny square footage would suggest, serves incredible brisket and poutine—but you have to wrangle a seat first! Newcomer Boomwich is a reliable lunch stop, with an eclectic menu of both old-school and updated hero sandwiches to choose from.
For visitors looking to drop some serious coin, Boerum Hill is also home to Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare, which serves a 15-plus course dinner and is Brooklyn’s only restaurant with three Michelin stars.
Where to Shop
Boerum Hill is full of places to scratch your retail therapy itch. Erica Weiner sells a curated selection of antique lockets and cameos alongside modern, house-designed pieces. Scent aficionados will be blown away by Twisted Lily Fragrance Boutique & Apothecary, which has a plethora of hard-to-find perfumes from all over the world. If it’s a new outfit you’re after, Kaight sells eco-friendly women’s clothing and accessories with a boho aesthetic.
Atlantic Avenue is known for its antique and home décor purveyors, and it’s always fun to poke through the warehouses of beautiful mid-century modern furniture. You’re most likely to find a souvenir that you can actually bring home with you at Collier West or Sterling Place.
A Little Decadence
A little decadence never hurt anyone: At the end of your trip, give in to a vice or two at Nunu Chocolates, which famously makes moonshine-flavored ganache, and St. Gambrinus Beer Shoppe, which has a rotating list of rare indie brews on tap and over 250 hard-to-find bottles.