Discover Willowbrook's Hidden Cocktail Gems! 🍸
New York City Dreamland
Love a good Brooklyn spot Saraghina Caffè to tell my friends about! 💃🏻🍷🏙️ (even though the majority of people already know and love these spots, they were new to me)! Espresso Martini: pre-dinner, post-dinner, brunch only or anytime? Where do you belong?
Time Out New York
New York City Poetry Festival! The annual New York City Poetry Festival takes over Colonel's Row on the picturesque Governors Island on July 13 and 14. With more than 100 literary organizations participating, the free festival is much more of an epic than a haiku. Along with readings from many poets, the festival includes visual art, an open mic, clowns, local vendors hawking literary-themed goods and a plethora of delicious food and drink. This year's headiners include Kazim Ali, Katie Farris, Safia Elhillo and Ilya Kaminsky. Whether you're a poetry superfan or new to the genre, this all-ages festival promises to be accessible for all. It's free to attend, be sure to register.
ResX
Serving one of our favorite burgers in NYC, Lord’s Restaurant is an English Bistro in Greenwich Village known for its delicious English comfort food. Their Welsh Rarebit Burger on a pretzel bun is a must-try, but they only serve 12 a night. Make sure to arrive early to snag one!
New York City Dreamland
Little Ruby’s Cafe NYC is stunning, delicious, and all around a 10/10 experience. Definitely one to revisit!💕
New York City Dreamland
REYNA NYC is one of those restaurants that provides the best is the food!! There is absolutely no shortage in options of places to have a delicious meal, a refreshing cocktail, or an overall great experience in a beautiful space to enjoy the day/night.✨ Its Mediterranean brunch menu offers everything from Baklava French Toast to Short Rib Grilled Cheese. And don’t skip on the cocktail menu! REYNA has curated some very creative and intriguing brunch cocktails inspired by the vibrant cuisine across the Mediterranean to include on their list.🥘🥂 Step inside this new hot spot for a fun brunch outing with your friends, a solo drink at the bar, or a date night for a romantic dinner. You’ll leave with the urge of wanting to go back for more!🏙️💫
Time Out New York
Brooklyn Night Market Runs on the last Monday of the month Dine around with an extensive selection of cuisines from around the world, as well as live music and other activities. The event strives to celebrate the diverse food and vibrant culture in New York City. In the market’s third season, expect more than 65 vendors producing dishes and libations from all corners of the world. The market "stands as a testament to the borough's culinary prowess, creating a space where residents and visitors alike can savor the essence of Brooklyn's dynamic and ever-evolving gastronomic scene," event organizers say. Find it at Industry City, 36th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue.
Infatuation
The Best Sandwich Shop in NYC! Faicco's Italian Specialities A West Village staple with an army of employees pacing behind an L-shaped counter, Faicco’s has been on Bleecker Street since the 1940s. Originally, it was just a pork store, but now the little shop sells Italian pantry items, prepared foods, and oversized sandwiches that could sink a small sailboat if thrown correctly. Head to the back, and you’ll see a few whiteboards with signature offerings, like a meatball parm and a sandwich with sausage and broccoli rabe. If you’re feeling like a pioneer, you can customize your order with anything from sundried tomatoes to fistfuls of bacon. The Order: The sandwich that comes with a stack of chicken cutlets, stretchy melted mozz, and housemade pesto that leaks out the sides.
See also
Dining in Willowbrook: Explore Local Dining Experiences & Foodie Favorites Near NYC
Infatuation
Defonte’s NYC is the old school Italian sandwich shop blueprint. They serve big fat sandwiches with names like Italian Stallion and The Zio Vito, there's someone who drove in from Jersey standing in line next to you, and the person behind the counter might be a little peeved that you’re trying to order at 3:15pm, even though they close at 4pm. A visit to this cash-only spot in Red Hook is the best Saturday adventure, and if it’s nice out you can head down to Louis Valentino Jr. pier and eat there. The Order: Absolutely anything that has a layer of fried eggplant on it—which is most sandwiches here. But we like the Italian Stallion, with fried eggplant, fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and a half inch thick layer of prosciutto. And yes, the macaroni salad is good.
Natasha Husein
The prettiest sea-inspired décor at Ma-Dé in Nolita 🐚🪸🌊 New summer menus are now also available! Come and enjoy the fresh seasonal flavors at Ma•dé! 🍅🌱🌤️
Natasha Husein
Escape to the italian countryside without leaving Manhattan. The most beautiful spring brunch is at Olio e Più | Trattoria & Enoteca this weekend. Pasta, pizza, and aperol spritz! The best way to start off the season. 🍝
ResX
This Williamsburg Chinese restaurant is a favorite. Antidote Chinese Restaurant menu draws influence from Sichuan and Shanghai. It’s a great spot for a group dinner! Feast your eyes on this magnificent spread, where every dish tells a story of flavor, freshness, and culinary craftsmanship.
New York City Dreamland
Discover the charm of BITTERSWEET Brooklyn! This cozy spot is your go-to for delightful treats and delicious drinks in the heart of Brooklyn. Swing by and indulge in some sweet moments while soaking up the unique Brooklyn vibes. Perfect for a casual hangout or a quiet afternoon treat.
New York City Dreamland
Prima Brooklyn Wine Bar: coffee and wine in Clinton Hill And the people who make Prima! Our weird and wonderful little café wine bar first date solo date group date chess knit natural dye poetry reading chef pop up Caribbean lively leaky wholesome wild whirlwind of a place.
Time Out New York
Vinyasa on a Vessel! The 60-minute practice is open to those of all skill levels between ages 12 and up. Each session is sprinkled with enlightening information about the vessel itself as well as thoughtful playlists "developed to reflect the serenity of the water and lively seasonal themes." (For example, July will feature a summery water-themed playlist.) Make sure to register in advance and bring your own yoga mat! Upcoming dates are July 14, August 11, September 8, and October 13.
See alsoDiscover the Vibrant Local Community in Willowbrook Near NYC - Engage in Trending Discussions & Anonymous Posts
Time Out New York
Boardy Barn pop-up in NYC A rite of passage for any beer-loving New Yorker, a trip out to Boardy Barn was one of the best, sloppiest things to do in the Hamptons each summer. For more than five decades, that red-and-white-striped circus tent saw roll after roll of smiley-face stickers, cup after cup of sudsy brews and as many summer break-ups as summer hook-ups. The Long Island institution may have shuttered in 2021, but those legendary Sunday afternoon parties are continuing this summer with a Boardy Barn pop-up at Houston Hall. Kicking off on Sunday, July 14, and happening every Sunday from 2pm to 8pm through Labor Day, Boardy Barn is partnering with the West Village beer hall to bring the spirit of the original to NYC, smiley stickers and all.
katya ann
Maman: MUST TRY spot for MATCHA in nyc 🍵 💚 Multiple locations around the city with the most gorgeous interior. Perfect spot for cozy indoor seating with a pastry or quiche! French bakery, café & event space. To make the day even better, for one day only, the café will offer the limited-edition “Le Croissant des Familles,” a 14-inch long croissant.
katya ann
Butler: one location in the city & multiple in Brooklyn! The matcha quality is 10/10 & can even get with pistachio milk. Perfect for a grab & go from the window in Dumbo and take a stroll along the water. Also have seating/food as an option.
Infatuation
If you like excellent NY slices, you’ll love LUCIA ALIMENTARI! Their tiny new sit-down alimentari located directly behind their Soho slice shop. You can enjoy all of your favorite slices in personal pizza form, without too much of a wait—for now.
GetYourGuide
New York City: Manhattan Helicopter Tour Enjoy a bird's eye perspective of NYC on a narrated helicopter tour as you cruise over Manhattan's iconic skyscrapers, come face to face with the Statue of Liberty, and head uptown past Central Park. Manhattan brings to mind grand skyscrapers, taxi cabs, and a world-class attitude all of its own. See all this and more as an expert pilot flies you over NYC on a 15 or 20-minute helicopter tour. Soar over the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, Madison Square Garden, among other landmarks
GetYourGuide
NYC: The Original Cupcake Tour of Greenwich Village Discover why trendy cupcake shops have opened up all over New York City on a 2-hour tasting tour of some of the best bake shops. Sample a diversity of heavenly cupcakes, and build your own customized cupcake! Discover the cupcake craze sweeping New York City Visit some of the most popular bake shops of Greenwich Village Learn the history of the perfectly formed cupcake Build your own customized cupcake at Molly's Cupcakes Enjoy 22 flavors of gelato in just one bite
Eater
Summer is a great time to hit up bookstores, and Brooklyn has a new one to check out, with the opening of Liz’s Book Bar. The new spot comes from author Maura Cheeks, who published Acts of Forgiveness with Penguin Random House earlier this year. Consider a book subscription, which offers discounted books and a free drink when you swing by to pick up your selection.
See alsoLocal Networking Events & Trending Gatherings in Willowbrook Near NYC
newyorkcity.explore
Italian pizzas, but with an American twist! 🤤 Nuovo York Pizza Pizza place New York style Coming from New York’s streets.. Indulge your taste buds with our wide range of handcrafted pizzas, each made with love and attention to detail. Whether you're craving a classic Margherita, a sizzling Pepperoni, or a gourmet combination of flavors, our menu has something to satisfy every palate.
New York City Dreamland
Saraghina Caffè NYC! Milanese-born Brooklyn restaurateur, Edoardo Mantelli, has long admired the Viennese-style cafes of fin-de-siècle Milan and the cultural influence they had on his native city. In Saraghina Caffè, he’s lovingly recreated the sense of grace and grandeur found in these beloved institutions, where heated exchanges about the origins of the Negroni were cooled by a refreshing Spritz (Campari, per favore, not Aperol). More than places to stop for a drink, these caffè were cultural hearts of their neighborhoods, where poets and artists would find their next inspiration while nibbling on well-aged prosciutto di Parma.
New York City Dreamland
Rucola NYC: Rustic Italian-inspired restaurant in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. Inspired by the slow food movement in Piedmont, we seek to provide a farm to table experience by selecting the highest quality ingredients available in and around New York. Their food, wine, and cocktail menus change seasonally. They are a carbon neutral establishment.
Time Out New York
Chinatown Night Market is returning to NYC! For the second time this summer, the Chinatown Night Market will return with beloved vendors serving up banh mi, tea, sugarcane juice, and lots more. It’s back on Friday, July 26 from 8-11:45pm at the gateway of Manhattan Bridge at Forsyth Plaza and Forsyth Street. Food vendors include an array of Chinatown favorites, including Bánh Mì Cô Út, Grand Tea & Imports, Sugarcane Daddy, Kabisera, Mrs. Jiang’s Sweet Soups, Whistle & Fizz and Pho Master.
NYC Tourism
Artists & Fleas is a must-visit for everything from handcrafted jewelry and records to hand-poured candles, throw blankets and prints and posters. The marketplace also has a store — Regeneration in Williamsburg, Brooklyn — dedicated to vintage, thrift and preloved fashion. If you find yourself at the Manhattan location, check out the abundance of shops and eateries inside Chelsea Market (daily, 11am–7pm). You can also walk along the High Line, an elevated railway turned into an urban park.
NYC Tourism
Dubbed “one of the greatest urban experiences in New York” by The New York Times, the Brooklyn Flea has a little bit of everything. Good for: Furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles, antiques and one-of-a-kind artwork. Locals and tourists alike flock to the outdoor market, located under the picturesque and historic Manhattan Bridge, for its eclectic assortment of vintage furniture, handmade jewelry, plants and other knickknacks. When you’ve finished shopping, walk over to the Time Out Market New York, situated in a former warehouse on the waterfront, with more than 20 of the City’s best eateries under one roof. April through December, Saturday and Sunday, 10am–5pm
Time Out New York
Hop aboard NYC's vintage buses at free festival in Brooklyn! The Bus Festival includes photo ops, a chance to meet some of the bus drivers who keep our city running smoothly, and a scavenger hunt activity sheet that'll help you learn about these cool vehicles. Stop by the pop-up shop to buy a souvenir to take with you; the shop includes toys and transit merch, including model buses of course. You'll be allowed to board the buses and take photos, but keep an eye out for off-limits areas (including the driver's seat!). Also remember not to eat or drink on these classic vehicles. It all comes with a view of the Manhattan skyline from the Emily Roebling Plaza underneath the Brooklyn Bridge. This September 8, the New York Transit Museum’s treasured Bus Festival returns, providing New Yorkers with the opportunity to board beloved vintage buses in Brooklyn at a free outdoor event.
See alsoDiscover the Best Brunch in Willowbrook Near NYC: Local Brunch Spots & Foodie Favorites
Time Out New York
Step Into Hopper activation NYC! Some paintings have the power to make art come alive, but a new activation this week will truly make brushstrokes jump off the canvas. In honor of the late American painter Edward Hopper's birthday (he would be 142 years old!), the Meatpacking District is hosting a series of 3-D interactive painting installations that you can become a part of. The free event, titled "Step Into Hopper" pays homage to three of the artist's renowned works from July 19 through July 22 in Gansevoort Plaza. In this first-of-its-kind event, see life-size re-creations of “Nighthawks,” “Soir Bleu,” and “Early Sunday Morning.” You’ll be able to pose with these recognizable works and create your own interpretations of the art with the help of live performers. Activities begin at 1pm on Friday, July 19, then run all day Saturday-Monday, before wrapping up at 5pm on Tuesday, July 23.
Secret NYC
Take advantage of free museum days in NYC! It’s no secret that NYC is home to many museums–and some specifically just for kids–and they’re a great place to spend hours or even a whole day exploring with the little ones. Many of them even offer free admission days, allowing visitors of all ages complimentary access to exhibits across the city. Check out some of our favorite free museum days we recommend taking your kids to: Children’s Museum of the Arts: Free admission on Thursdays from 4 – 6 pm Brooklyn Children’s Museum: Free admission on Thursdays from 2 – 5 pm American Museum of Natural History: Suggested donation for entry at all times New York Hall of Science: Free admission on Fridays from 2 – 5 pm Museum of the Moving Image: Free admission on Thursdays from 2 – 6 pm
Discovering the Best Local Cocktail Bars in Willowbrook near NYC
When it comes to uncovering the hidden gems of Willowbrook's cocktail scene, you don't have to look further than the vibrant selections available just a stone's throw away from NYC. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, exploring the rich tapestry of flavors and atmospheres this area offers will undoubtedly add an exciting twist to your nightlife experiences. From intimate speakeasies to lively local bars, Willowbrook's blend of classic and contemporary influences makes it a noteworthy destination for cocktail enthusiasts.
Trending Rooftop Bars with Stunning Views
If you're looking to elevate your cocktail experience—quite literally—it's worth checking out the trending rooftop bars in Willowbrook. These elevated spots offer beautifully curated drinks with a side of breathtaking views. Known to host a mix of locals and curious travelers, these bars provide an upscale yet relaxed vibe. The combination of innovative mixology, ambient lighting, and sprawling vistas of the Manhattan skyline make them an irresistible choice for those keen on experiencing the flair of NYC's nightlife without the typical hustle and bustle.
One local secret among residents is the rooftop bar atop the chic, newly-renovated Midtown Hotel. It's famous for its signature "Willowbrook Martini," a cocktail that perfectly balances premium gin with artisanal vermouth and just a hint of locally sourced honey—giving a nod to the area's natural surroundings. Reservations are often recommended due to its growing popularity.
Local Insights: The Heart of Willowbrook's Cocktail Scene
Willowbrook isn't just about rooftop glamour; delve into the heart of the community, and you'll find cocktail bars that reverberate with charm and local flavor. Each establishment offers something unique, often stemming from personal passions and years of crafting the perfect drink. Many locations pride themselves on the stories behind their creations and the connections they foster with patrons.
A local favorite located just off the bustling Main Street epitomizes this personal touch. The quaint establishment known as "The Whispering Willow" prides itself on using locally foraged herbs and spices to create its tantalizing array of cocktails. Its "Forest Sour," a delightful concoction utilizing handpicked juniper berries and local bitters, has become a signature highlight, an ode to Willowbrook's lush greenery. Regulars often laud the warmth and attention to detail evident in every glass.
Exploring Willowbrook's Nightlife Beyond Cocktails
For those seeking to broaden their nightlife experience, Willowbrook offers more than just cocktails. Many cocktail bars double up as venues for live music or host themed events that invite in a diverse crowd. This multi-faceted approach is perfect for soaking up the area's culture while enjoying a finely crafted drink.
Take "The Windsor Taproom," for example—by day, a traditional gastropub, and by night, a vibrant hub of jazz harmony and innovative mixology. Their curated events have won them notoriety—even among NYC circles—for offering impeccable acoustics alongside a standout drink list that includes their "Smoked Earl Grey Negroni.” Such locations solidify Willowbrook’s reputation as a place where culture and cocktails converge seamlessly.
Local Secrets for the Adventurous Palate
Beyond well-known and popular spots, the appeal of Willowbrook lies in its array of lesser-known bars cherished by locals for their exclusive offerings. Utilizing the Kikihub platform, patrons can tap into a network of local secrets and firsthand recommendations to guide their adventure.
Insiders speak highly of "Secret Cellar," a speakeasy hidden behind an unassuming bookstore facade. Only those in-the-know can access its dimly lit allure. Once inside, you'll discover a world where cocktail artistry meets historic recipes, with bartending improvisation that delights the adventurous palate. It's a nostalgic nod to the Prohibition era with a modern twist, with drinks set to warm your spirits and fuel your stories.
Unveil the Soul of Willowbrook Through Its Cocktail Culture
Whether you're drawn to the buzzing energy of a trending hotspot or the intimate setting of a beloved local bar, Willowbrook's cocktail scene has something for everyone. It's a microcosm of creativity and hospitality that thrives on community spirit. Engaging with this local culture, whether through a daring new cocktail or a spontaneous chat with the knowledgeable bartenders, opens up a window into the soul of the area.
Leveraging platforms like Kikihub can enrich this journey, providing access to unfiltered opinions, personal stories, and recommendations that go beyond typical reviews. So next time you're searching for a new nightlife adventure just outside NYC, let Willowbrook's cocktail secrets guide you to unexpected delights and memorable experiences.
