[title]
Back in 2020, Time Out named Bedford-Stuyvesant as the fourth coolest neighborhood in the world. Surveyed by our readers at large, Bed-Stuy received the designation for its up-and-coming eateries, neighborhood bars and its roots in community and activism. Beyond notable figures who claim Bed-Stuy as a home, including Shirley Chisholm, Jay-Z and Chris Rock, the neighborhood has a longstanding history for Black Americans, including its status as one of the earliest free Black communities in the U.S. Today, the neighborhood remains a hub for the culture with stores, restaurants and bars to explore.
Looking to plan your visit? Here's how to spend a day in Black-owned Brooklyn:
RECOMMENDED: The best black-owned restaurants in NYC right now
Grab a coffee or a smoothie at BKLYN Blend
While I am more of a coffee drinker in the AM, a morning smoothie has never done me wrong. With the tagline “Serving Our Communities Nutrition with Kindness,” the Brooklyn shop has a full menu of shakes and smoothies to set you right, all with familiar names like the “Prospect Park Power” and the banana and oat-forward “Church Ave Special.” The Navy Yard Tuna Steak Sandwich with a turmeric-tinged bun is a nice meal for a sit down lunch or, if you are on the go, they always have a few patties near the register.
Take a lap at Herbert Von King Park
A five minute walk away from BKLYN Blend is Herbert Von King Park. The park draws its name from community organizer Herbert Von King, once known as “Mayor of Bedford-Stuyvesant.” During the summer months, benches provide plenty of space to soak up the sun, the free summer music festival, SummerStage, sets up shop here and there is even a dog park to bring your pup, big or small. And even when it's cold, it is always good to get outside and do a few laps.
Get biscuits for breakfast at Brown Butter Craft Bar + Kitchen
View this post on Instagram
Worked up an appetite? Wander Tompkins Avenue for all things flaky and good. At Brown Butter Craft Bar + Kitchen you can find chili fried chicken or crab cakes sandwiched in between two biscuit halves and mimosas and bellinis for only $10. And if you need a little something sweet on the way out, the Dump Cake or the Bang! Bang! Pie is always an option.
Spend a little coin at Black-owned shops
Up and down Tompkins Avenue, there are plenty of Black-owned businesses to leisurely pop into. Find an eclectic mix of books, kitchenware and art at peace & RIOT, fashionable women’s wear and coffee while you shop at Sincerely, Tommy and thrifted vintage and boutique goods at Byas & Leon. And if you are thinking ahead to what's on for your nightcap, find your new favorite wine, beer or spirit at Bed Vyne Wine & Spirits.
Grab a snack at A&A Bake and Double and Roti Shop
A taste of the diaspora begins at A&A Bake and Double and Roti Shop. Receiving a James Beard America's Classic award in 2019, this Trinidadian shop has been a favorite of the neighborhood since 2022. You only need to be armed with a few bucks to get its doubles, priced at $1.50, drizzled in tamarind spices and chutneys. But they have plenty of other options too, like Goat Roti and Shrimp Bakes.
Get a little work done at Ginjan Café
Need to get some work done? Find some quiet time at Ginjan Café. In between Zoom calls, refuel at this West African cafe over organic juices, including flavors like Ginger and Bissap, or snack on chicken yassa and plantain wraps and jolloff bowls.
Snap a few shots of The Notorious B.I.G mural
On the corner of Bedford Avenue and Quincy Street, you’ll find a mural to one of Brooklyn’s finest: The Notorious B.I.G. Naoufal “Rocko” Alaoui and Scott “Zimer” Zimmerman created the 38-foot-tall mural in 2015 and it’s been a notable sight to visitors and locals.
Spoon up pepper soup at Radio Kwara
View this post on Instagram
If you are a fan of Ayo Balogun’s Dept. of Culture, then you’ll have to check out its Nigerian cousin just a few blocks away. Reminiscent of a laid-back Nigerian drinking hall with stellar food to match, the hits at Radio Kwara include Bread Ati Obe and the Goat Meat Pepper Soup with a twirl of noodles, set to warm any soul.
End the night at Dick & Jane’s Bar Room
Dick & Jane’s Bar Room is the spot for a late night hang. Happy hour lasts well into the evening and DJ sets and live music are a constant here. And if you are still a bit peckish by the end of the night, the bar’s Jerk burger is sure enough to satisfy you.