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This Black History Month, we’ve given you itineraries on how to plan a day around Black-owned Bed Stuy, and last week, the best things to do in Black-owned Harlem. But of course, for our last tour around the city, we thought of no better place to spend the day than in Flatbush. It was our coolest neighborhood in the city last year, after all.
Even when the neighborhood isn’t dancing down Eastern Parkway for the West Indian Day Parade, Flatbush is the epicenter of culture and community in Brooklyn. Bordered by Little Haiti and Prospect Park, Flatbush is home to various Caribbean-American-Latinx communities, teeming with fresh fruit markets and roti with a soundtrack of soca and reggae music. It's safe to say the area has well-earned its nickname of Little Caribbean.
Looking to plan your visit? Here's how to spend a day in Black-owned Flatbush
If health is wealth, get your day started at Hibiscus Brew
You’ll know you’ve reached your destination when you come across Hibiscus Brew’s iconic pink exterior. Owner Allison Dunn brings her Jamaican heritage to her smoothie and coffee shop, blending drinks and smoothie bowls with the likes of hibiscus and soursop. Don’t forget to grab a bottle of homemade sorrel before you head out.
Get a currant roll (and more) at Allan’s Bakery
Allan’s Bakery has been a fixture of Flatbush for over 60 years. And for good reason. The Caribbean counter has drawn crowds for patties, doubles and coconut rolls. While third-generation owner Christian Smith has formally taken the reins, you can easily catch 91-year-old Allan Smith behind the counter, rolling up hardo bread with the rest of them. Note, if you visit during the weekend, prepare for a line.
Get some fresh fruit at Labay Market
Labay Market serves as a portal to the islands. Owner McDonald Romain or Big Mac personally supplies the store with fruit fresh from his 60-acre farm in Grenada. Inside, you’ll find soursop, star apple, tamarind and coconut water straight from the fruit itself. Before you go, make sure you try the fried breadfruit and seasoned kingfish, one of Righteous Eats star Jaeki Cho’s favorite bites of 2024.
Get some work done at Lips Cafe
While yes, you can easily get a cup of caffeine on the go, Lips Cafe has plenty going on to make you stay. With the tagline of “We don't just serve coffee, we serve community,” the shop has a common workspace to focus up, while the evening hours are often filled with networking events and conversations with the community. Check its events on its Instagram.
Shop, shop, shop
Discover some new tunes at African Record Center, find some new threads at vintage shop Granru Market (psst … every Monday they do buy-one, get-one-free on clothes) and shop books, clothes and trinkets from I Am Caribbeing.
Get some of that jerk chicken from Peppa’s Jerk Chicken
It’s a well-known fact that Peppa’s Jerk Chicken is one of the best in the game. Gavin Hussey’s jerk empire includes four locations around the city, including Flatbush, where jerk chicken, oxtail and escovitch snapper reign supreme. To note: the Flatbush location only saves room for the ordering counter and not much else, so be prepared to eat on the go.
Visit the Kings Theatre
Originally opened in 1929, the storied Kings Theatre maintains much of its opulence. Undergoing a massive restoration and reopening in 2015, the theater retains its baroque ceiling, sparkling chandeliers and plush velvet chairs that can seat over 3,000 people. The theatre has since hosted dance performances and musical acts from the likes of Diana Ross to The Shins. For a bit of history, the theatre provides regular tours of its concert halls and private speakeasies.
Finish the night with a scoop of sorrel Ice cream at Mr. P’s
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Trinidadian ice cream scoops? Yes. Please. Immediately. The father-and-son ice cream shop has been doling out scoops of dairy and vegan ice cream since 2022. At Mr. P's, you’ll find soursop, beets and ginger, sorrel ginger and guava in the cone or cup plus cakes at the counter that most often includes the rum cake. Next time you visit, you may just follow their advice and “Skip dinner and get straight to the pint!”