The Badass Guide To Brooklyn

She's big. She's beautiful. She's Brooklyn. Manhattan's neighbor to the east has become a veritable mecca of wholesome food, great vintage, and enough craft beer (and ginger-beer-based cocktails) to fill the East River. Not to mention a plethora of date-worthy guys and gals — ever walk through McCarren Park on a sunny weekend afternoon? No? Try it. But, we digress, because there's so much more to Brooklyn than well-dressed hipsters and organic juices.

If you're a neophyte (or even a BK local), it can be more than a little intimidating to navigate the most populated of the five boroughs — there are a boatload of neighborhoods offering so many different experiences, after all. So, we've broken it down for you, with the ultimate (and — we're just going to say it — most badass) guide to the best that Brooklyn has to offer. From the Polish village of Greenpoint to the gentrified shops of Park Slope, our list has everything to make you want to stay across the river for good.

Made most famous in pop culture by the likes of director Spike Lee (most of his films are set in the neighborhood), Chris Rock (same with his semi-biographical Everybody Hates Chris), and rapper Notorious B.I.G., Bed Stuy is the hub of all things Soul Food, stoop hang outs and outdoor basketball. Slowly the gentrification train is strolling through, with restaurants like Do or Dine and Habana Outpost bringing a bit of that "new Brooklyn" to the area. The area is a picture of quintessential Brooklyn, with rows of beautiful brownstones and a great community vibe.

Best Croissant And Café Au Lait: Beny's Delice, 903 Fulton Street (between Clinton and Vanderbilt avenues); 718-622-1400.

Best Fried Chicken: Peaches, 393 Lewis Avenue (at MacDonough Street); 718-942-4162.

Best Art Venue: Brooklynite Gallery, 334 Malcom X Boulevard (between Bainbridge and Decatur streets); 347-405-5976.

Best Backyard in Bed Stuy: Project Parlor, 742 Myrtle Avenue (Between Sanford Street and Norstrand Avenue); 347-497-0550.

Best Baked Goods: Scratchbread, 1069 Bedford Avenue (between Lexington and Greene avenues); 718-744-8231.

Best Spot to Cut a Rug: One Last Shag, 348 Franklin Avenue (between Lexington and Greene avenues); 718-398-2472.

Best "Brooklyn" Cuisine: Do or Dine, 1108 Bedford Avenue (between Lexington Avenue and Quincy Street); 718-684-2290.

Best Doughnuts: Dough, 305 Franklin Avenue (at Lafayette Avenue); 347-533-7544.

Best Way to Spend Your Weekend: Brooklyn Flea Market, 1 Hanson Place (between Ashland Place and St. Felix Street); 718-935-1052.

Other Best Way to Spend Your Weekend: BAM Rose Cinemas, 30 Lafayette Avenue (between St. Felix Street and Ashland Place); 718-636-4100.

Best Bookstore: Greenlight Bookstore, 686 Fulton Street (between Portland Avenue and Elliot Place); 718-246-0200.

Best Brunch: The General Greene, 229 Dekalb Avenue (at Clermont Avenue); 718-222-1510.

Best Locally Sourced Italian: Roman's, 243 Dekalb Avenue (at Vanderbilt Avenue); 718-622-5300.

Best BBQ: The Smoke Joint, 87 South Elliot Place (between Fulton Street and Lafayette Avenue); 718-797-1011.

Best Ethiopian: Bati, 747 Fulton Street (between Elliot Place and Portland Avenue); 718-797-9696.

Best Dive Bar: Rope Inc, 415 Myrtle Avenue (between Clinton and Vanderbilt avenues); 718-522-2899.

Best Night Cap: Fulton Grand Bar, 1011 Fulton Street (at Grand Avenue); 718-399-2240.

See a map of these picks here.

When looking for an apartment on Craigslist, hoping for a second floor walk-up on Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg, you'll probably find yourself checking out a lot of "East Williamsburg" apartments. Yeah…that's not "east” Williamsburg. That’s not Billyburg at all. That's Bushwick. It's a whole different beast, filled with warehouse parties (you watch Girls, right?), warehouse restaurants, and warehouse lofts. Did we mention there are a lot of warehouses? Aside from that, Bushwick is actually brimming with dimly lit bars filled with attractive and thirsty customers, jam-packed vintage stores, and great venues. Just try not to get caught in a "crack-cident"…(again, Girls?).

Best Pizza (Ever): Roberta's Pizza, 261 Moore Street (between White and Bogart streets); 718-417-1118.

Best Tacos: Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos, 271 Starr Street (between Wyckoff and St. Nicholas avenues); 718-456-3422.

Best Iced Americano: Wyckoff-Star Coffee Shop, 30 Wyckoff Avenue (at Starr Street); 718-484-9766.

Best Community Venue: The Bushwick Starr, 207 Starr Street (between Irving and Wyckoff avenues); 718-306-2370.

Best Cocktail: The Narrows, 1037 Flushing Avenue (betwee Morgan and Wilson avenues); 281-827-1800.

Best Scavenger Hunt: Mary Meyer, 56 Bogart Street (at Siegel Street); 718-386-6279.

Best Newcomer: The Tradesman Bar, 222 Bushwick Avenue (between Meserole Street and Montrose Avenue); no phone.

Best Dance-Off: Tandem, 236 Troutman Street (between Wilson and Knickerbocker avenues); 718-386-2369.

Here at R29, we like to call this little slice of heaven BoCoCA — and some of us even call it home. Between the oh-so-Parisian charm of Smith Street and the shopper's paradise of Boerum Hill, this neighborhood (or, rather, group of 'hoods) has almost everything you're looking for when it comes to stuffing your face and emptying your wallet.

Best Foccacia: Rucola, 190 Dean Street (at Bond Street); 718-576-3209.

Best Pizza: Lucali, 575 Henry Street (between Carroll Street and 1st Place); 718-858-4086.

Best Croissant: Bien Cuit, 120 Smith Street (between Dean and Pacific streets); 718-852-0200.

Best Japanese: Ki Sushi, 122 Smith Street (between Dean and Pacific streets); 718-935-0575.

Best Rotisserie Chicken: Union Market, 288 Court Street (between Degraw and Douglass streets); 718-709-5100.

Best Bookstore: BookCourt, 163 Court Street (between Dean and Pacific streets); 718-875-3677.

Best Vegan: Wild Ginger, 112 Smith Street (between Dean and Pacific streets); 718-858-3880.

Best Coffee Shop: Cafe Pedlar, 210 Court Street (at Warren Street); 718-855-7129.

Best Italian Sandwich: G Esposito & Sons, 357 Court Street (between Union and President streets); 718-875-6863.

Best Pulled Pork Sandwich: Van Horn, 231 Court Street (between Warren and Baltic streets); 718-596-9707.

Best Tex-Mexican: Calexico, 122 Union Street (between Hicks and Columbia streets); 718-488-8226.

Best Thai: Pok Pok, 127 Columbia Street (between Kane and Degraw streets); 718-923-9322.

Best Late Night Hook-up Bar: The Boat, 175 Smith Street (between Warren and Wyckoff streets); 718-254-0607.

Best New Bar: Lavender Lake, 383 Carroll Street (at Bond Street); 347-799-2154.

Best Classic Bar: Brooklyn Inn, 148 Hoyt Street (at Bergen Street); 718-522-2525.

Best Cocktail Bar: Bourgeois Pig, 387 Court Street (between 1st and 2nd Place); 718-858-5483.

Best Negroni: Brooklyn Social, 385 Smith Street (between President and Carroll streets); 718-858-7758.

Best Gin Martini: Clover Club, 210 Smith Street (between Baltic and Butler streets); 718-855-7939.

Best Vintage Furniture Store: Bright Lyons, 383 Atlantic Avenue (between Bond and Hoyt streets); 718-855-5463.

Best Vintage Clothing Shop: Mafalda, 360 Atlantic Avenue (between Bond and Hoyt streets); 347-987-3470.

Best Specialty Food Store: Sahadi's, 187 Atlantic Avenue (between Court and Clinton streets); 718-624-4550.

Best Butcher: Staubitz Market, 222 Court Street (at Warren Street); 718-624-0014.

Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass (yep, that's what it stands for) lies the burgeoning neighborhood of Dumbo. With impressive restaurants, amazing views (the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges are at your door step), and a serious candy store, it's quickly becoming a go-to spot for the condo-dwelling Brooklynite. Esquire Magazine purchased a penthouse apartment in The Clock Tower residence, where they now host parties and exclusive fundraisers. You might even catch Anne Hathaway and her new pixie hairdo walking her black lab through Brooklyn Bridge park.

Best Ever-Changing Menu: Superfine Restaurant, 126 Front Street (between Pearl and Jay streets); 718-243-9005.

Best Place To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: Dewey's Candy, 141 Front Street (between Pearl and Jay streets); 718-422-1333.

Best Source Of Entertainment: reRun Theater, 147 Front Street (between Pearl and Bridge streets); 718-766-9110.

Best Fish Tacos: Gran Electrica, 5 Front Street (at Old Fulton Street); 718-852-2789.

Best New Hotspot: Governor, 15 Main Street (between Plymouth and Water streets); 718-858-4756.

Once overshadowed by the glitz and glam (alright, grunge and all-too-cool grime) of nearby Williamsburg, the little Polish village of Greenpoint is now chock full of great bars, restaurants, and trendy, independent stores. Though the neighborhood is still populated by a heavily Polish, family-oriented community, the slow influx of 20-something urbanites has definitely given a boost to the "scene."

Best Backyard: The Bar Without a Name, 597 Manhattan Avenue (between Driggs and Nassau avenues); no phone.

Best Friday Night Dancing: Enid's, 560 Manhattan Avenue (between Driggs and Nassau avenues); 718-349-3859.

Best Ambiance: Manhattan Inn, 632 Manhattan Avenue (at Nassau Avenue); 718-383-0885.

Best Way To Stay Cool: McCarren Pool, Lorimer Street (between Bayard Street and Driggs Avenue); 718-965-6580.

Best Place To Play Buckhunter While Eating Free Pizza: LuLu's ,113 Franklin Street (between Greenpoint Avenue and Milton Street); 718-383-6000.

Best Brunch: Brooklyn Label, 180 Franklin Street (between India and Java streets); 718-389-2806.

Best Iced Americano: Grumpy Café, 193 Meserole Avenue (at Diamond Street); 718-349-7623.

Best People Watching: Five Leaves, 18 Bedford Avenue (between Nassau and Norman avenues); 718-383-5345.

Best Slightly Over-Priced Drinks: Nights and Weekends, 1 Bedford Avenue (between Nassau and Norman avenues); 718-383-5349.

Best Authentic Polish Cuisine: Krolewskie Jadlo, 694 Manhattan Avenue (between Nassau and Norman avenues); 718-383-8993.

Best Women's Clothing: Alter, 109 Franklin Street (between Greenpoint Avenue and Milton Street); 718-784-8818.

Best Curated Shopping Destination: Raised by Wolves, 174 Franklin Street (between Java and Huron streets); 917-291-5256.

Best Brain Food: Word, 126 Franklin Street (between Green and Huron streets); 718-383-0096.

Best Date Spot: Black Rabbit, 91 Greenpoint Avenue (between Manhattan and Franklin Avenues); 718-349-1595.

Though, yes, it may be the mecca of all things adorably (and nauseatingly) domestic — think strollers, leashes and yuppies — you don't need to be a "breeder" to enjoy the perks of this burgeoning neighborhood. With great (great) restaurants, a growing bar scene, and enough hot dads to keep your eyes occupied for hours on end, Park Slope is slowly becoming the #nextbigthing. Plus, with Prospect Park as your backyard, the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, various farmers markets, and great scenery are just a part of your day-to-day. Rumor has it SJP is even making her way Slope Side with Matthew and the kids. Seems Brooklyn really is the "new Manhattan."

Best Way To Spend Your Weekend: Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway (at Washington Avenue); 718-638-5000.

Best Scavenger Hunt: The Community Bookstore 212 Court Street (at Warren Street); 718-834-9494.

Best Vintage Treasures: Odd Twin, 164 Fifth Avenue (at Degraw Street); 718-633-8946.

Best Venue: The Rock Shop, 249 Fourth Avenue (between President and Carroll streets); 718-230-5740.

Best Burger: Bonnie's Grill, 278 Fifth Avenue (between Garfield Place and 1st Street); 718-369-9527.

Best Eggplant Parm: Zito's, 300 Seventh Avenue (between 7th and 8th streets); 718-499-2800.

Best Beer Pairings: Beer Table, 427 Seventh Avenue (between 14th and 15th streets); 718-965-1196.

Best Beer Shop That’s So Much More: Bierkraft, 191 Fifth Avenue (between Berkeley Place and Union Street); 718-230-7600.

Best Authentic Mexican: Fonda, 434 Seventh Avenue (between 14th and 15th streets); 718-369-3144.

Best Place To Drink Al Fresco (With Your Dog): Mission Dolores, 249 Fourth Avenue (between President and Carroll streets); 347-457-5606.

Best Place To Play Bocce Ball: Union Hall, 702 Union Street (between Fifth and Sixth avenues); 718-638-4400.

Best Crepes: Crespella, 321 Seventh Avenue (between 8th and 9th streets); 718-788-2980.

Best Margaritas: Chavela's, 736 Franklin Avenue (between Sterling and Park place); 718-622-3100.

Best Jamaican Food: Islands, 803 Washington Avenue (between Lincoln Place and Eastern Parkway); 718-398-3575.

Best Fresh Fish: Gen, 659 Washington Avenue (at St Marks Avenue); 718-398-3550.

Best Pizza: Franny's, 295 Flatbush Avenue (at Prospect Place); 718-230-0221.

Best Cocktail Bar: Weather Up, 589 Vanderbilt Avenue (between Dean and Bergen streets); no phone.

The epicenter of "new Brooklyn", Williamsburg has quickly become the go-to stomping ground for those looking for an escape from the all-too crowded streets of Manhattan. Though, we assure you, walking down Bedford Avenue on a Friday is anything but quaint or calm. For amazing food, great bars, and the best people watching, Williamsburg is your match.

Best CHEAP Italian: Fiore, 284 Grand Street (between Roebling Street & Havemeyer Street); 718-782-8222.

Best Bloody Mary Special: The Lodge, 318 Grand Street (between Havemeyer Street and Marcy Avenue); 718-486-9400.

Best Specialized Vintage: Amarcord Vintage, 223 Bedford Avenue (between North 4th and North 5th streets); 718-963-4001.

Best Jewelry: Catbird, 219 Bedford Avenue (between North 4th and North 5th streets); 718-599-3457.

Best Venue: Music Hall of Williamsburg, 66 North 6th Street (between Wythe and Kent avenues); 718-486-5400.

Best BBQ: Fette Sau, 354 Metropolitan Avenue (between 4th and Havemeyer streets); 718-963-3404.

Best Classic Burger: DuMont Burger, 314 Bedford Avenue (between North 2nd and North 1st streets); 718-384-6127.

Best Fried Chicken: Pies 'n' Thighs, 166 South 4th Street (between Bedford and Driggs avenues); 347-529-6090.

Best Reason To Start Cooking: Brooklyn Kitchen, 100 Frost Street (between Meeker and Manhattan avenues); 718-389-2982.

Best All Around Food: Marlow & Sons, 81 Broadway (between Berry Street and Dunham Place); 718-384-1441.

Best Manhattan Export: Cafe de la Esquina, 225 Wythe Avenue (at North 1st Street); 718-393-5500.

Best "Hook-Up" Spot: Union Pool, 484 Union Avenue (between Skillman Avenue and Conselyea Street); 718-609-0484.

Best Plant Store: Sprout Home Brooklyn, 44 Grand Street (between Kent and Wythe avenues); 718-388-4440.

Best Inexpensive Shoes: Shoe Market, 160 North 6th Street (between Berry Street and Bedford Avenue); 718-388-8495.

Best Place To Impress A Date: Wythe Hotel, 80 Wythe Avenue (between North 11th and North 12th streets); 718-460-8000.

Best Coffee: Blue Bottle Coffee, 160 Berry Street (between North 4th and North 5th Streets); 718-534-5488.

Best Dinner & A Movie: Nighthawk Cinema, 136 Metropolitan Avenue (between Wythe Avenue and Berry Street); 718-384-3980.

Best Mexican: La Superior, 295 Berry Street (between South 2nd and South 3rd streets); 718-388-5988.

Best Slushie: Nights And Weekends, 1 Bedford Avenue (at Nassau Avenue); 718-383-534.

Best Williamsburg Boutique: Jumelle, 148 Bedford Avenue (between North 8th and North 9th streets); 718-388-9525.

Best Taste of Brooklyn: Smorgasburg, East River (between North 6th and North 7th streets); no phone.