The best things to do in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

The shared stomping ground between Greenpoint and Williamsburg is not just a massive playing field for competitive North Brooklyn dwellers to mingle with their kickball leagues. The outdoor communal hub has way more to offer. During the warmer-months, cool off at McCarren Park’s massive swimming pool, watch classic ‘90s flicks under the stars during outdoor movie nights and hit up an awesome farmer’s market chock-full of seasonal meats, produce and baked goods.

This quaint bibliophiles' hub is one of the best spots to catch a book talk led by up-and-coming authors and illustrators. When the spot is not hosting an abundance of local talents, you can shop for classic novels and more up-to-date titles.

Spend the afternoon at vintage treasure trove, Dobbin St. Vintage Co-op, to fill your home with stunning (and affordable) home goods from the ’60s and ’70s. For more convincing, scan their eye-candy Instagram page.

Chefs-in-training flock to Archestratus for its wide selection of culinary texts from across the globe. Foodie biographies, vintage cookbooks and local works line the shelves, but in case these yummy reads are making your tummy grumble, there’s a cafe in the back that’s stocked with a nice selection of beer, wine, teas, coffee, house-made cookies and savory snacks (we hear the pistachio lace cookie is the bomb). Fun fact: On Thursday nights they host a traditional Sicilian dinner from 7-9pm (first come first served.)

This massive beer hall—owned by Robert Shamlian (Spitzer's Corner, Fat Baby)—carries over one hundred craft brews, including an assorted cocktail and wine list. (FYI: We recommend ordering the spiked cider during the colder months). Inside the 6,000-square-foot gastropub, there are plenty of wooden tables to accommodate large parties (there are more intimate tables near the marble bar, if you’re out with your crush). Hopped up drinkers can line their bellies with salty snacks, like sausages and pretzels and French fries, from a German-focused menu.

Hardcore metal fans can give into their vice at this booze den. This Greenpoint drinkery—adorned with all-black walls and dead roses hanging above the bar—stays true to traditional rock & roll dives, but adds a New Brooklyn twist. Rockers make the pilgrimage to satisfy a yearning for Marshall amps and screaming guitar riffs, but when there’s no show in the back room, the front bar serves as a sleek clubhouse for drinkers who prefer Black Sabbath to Lady Gaga as a boozing soundtrack.

Normally, you’d expect to sit at Ponyboy’s handsome front bar while sampling its delightful array of cocktails, before heading to the back for a late-night goodie. Sadly, there’ll be no shape-throwing (for now), but you can still taste the lovely cocktails thanks to Ponyboy’s outdoor seating with live music (through the window.