Stuyvesant Heights makes up half of the Bedford-Stuyvesant (colloquially coined as Bed-Stuy) neighborhood in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The neighborhood is the largest in Brooklyn and borders Williamsburg, Bushwick, Fort Greene and Crown Heights. Follow the main streets — Bedford, Nostrand,and Stuyvesant Avenues — to find a mix of restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s old school meets new school charm boasts both the largest collection of intact and largely untouched Victorian architecture in the country as well as iconic street art and building-wide murals in this multicultural community. Here are some of our favorite spots to meet your neighbors.
L’Antagoniste | 38 Malcolm X Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11221
The cozy French restaurant is known for its farm-to-table offering of “approachable and authentic” cuisine. The walls are lined with black and white pictures of French antagonists and the menu includes classic French classics including Salad Nicoise and Veal Cordon Bleu. We recommend the Zhe French Hamburger. We’re not being cute. That’s what they call it on the menu.
Saraghina | 350 Lewis Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11233
Dine in or delivery, this must-try Neapolitan-style pizzeria is the creation of two Italian natives. A staple since 2009, this pizza joint has the usuals as well as gluten free options, but has expanded to include an adjacent bar and bakery where you can pick up sweet treats, bread, and everything you need to make your own Italian meal at home including fresh pasta and pizza dough. Thrillist even named it one of the best Italian restaurants in New York City. While you stand in line, check out Shantell Martin’s mural painted on the building’s black walls.
Bed-Vyne Brew | 370 Tompkins Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216
A revolving selection of beer on draft keeps locals coming back. Go for the beer and its selection of namesake wine and stay for its weekly lineup of DJs. If you’re looking for a mixologist, go to Bed-Vyne Cocktail, a dark bar a few blocks away and enjoy the sunshine on its back patio. You can also get some bottles to go across the street by Bed-Vyne Brew at Bed-Vyne Wine & Spirits.
Barb’s | 380 A Marcus Garvey Blvd. Brooklyn, NY 11221
Adult slushies, anyone? This coffeehouse turned bar serves up killer frozen drinks and is well-versed on the classics. What’s more, its veteran bartenders can stir up something new if you want something more interesting than a vodka and soda.
Peaches HotHouse | 393 Lewis Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11233
If you are looking for southern comfort food for lunch, a picnic, or a cold-day, give Peaches HotHouse a try. It serves up Nashville-style hot chicken as well as other southern fare like fried green tomatoes, collard greens, and grits. The small, unpretentious restaurant doesn’t take reservations so come prepared for a wait. Is it worth it? Yes. New York magazine named it the best fried chicken in New York.
