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Best Restaurants in Brooklyn

As the borough is home to a rich and progressive culinary scene, the list of the best restaurants in Brooklyn could run on for quite some time.  Borrowing influences from all over the globe and hosting some of the best chefs in the world, the borough has constructed a truly special relationship with food. Here are some of our favorite local neighborhood places.

NU Hotel’s Brooklyn Restaurant Recommendations:

Sottocasa Pizza

Carrying on Brooklyn’s proud tradition of world-class pizza, Sottocasa utilizes classic recipes and fresh ingredients to make excellent brick oven pies. Located within walking distance of NU Hotel, Sottocasa is a great place to start your Brooklyn pizza tour.

French Louie

Just down the road from NU Hotel, French Louie is one of the many delicious French-inspired restaurants near Downtown Brooklyn.  Boasting a modern-Parisian menu this lively bistro serves lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.  Check out the Monday prix fixe menu for a three-course dinner featuring smoked mussels and steak frites.

Henry’s End

The neighborhood go-to for seasonal new American cuisine, Henry’s End has been delighting diners for over 40 years with its extensive wine list and classic dinner fare.  For the adventurous meat eaters, Henry’s End offers a wild game small plates and entrees throughout the year on its daily specials.  For some real wild dining, make sure to check out Henry’s wild game festival every fall.

Queen

For those seeking traditional Italian food served in a classic New York restaurant, look no further than Queen Marie Italian Restaurant.  Opened almost 60 years ago by the Vitiello brothers, the brothers continue to charm guests with their grasp of the regional Italian culinary landscape today.  A daily specials menu offers the best in seasonal Italian cuisine.

Clover Club

One of Brooklyn’s premier cocktail bars, Clover Club makes a mean drink that’s not to be missed while in the neighborhood.  The bar and lounge is Inspired by the original Clover Club founded by Philadelphia journalists back in 1882 who met once a month to drink, eat and talk.  The relaxed and cozy bar comes alive with occasional live jazz and weekday happy hour.

Influenced — but not overshadowed — by the world-famous New York City retail scene, shopping in Brooklyn features an incredible variety of upscale establishments and original boutiques. Offering the best in local artisanship, designer brands and franchise retail, Brooklyn offers great buys for every shopper.

Destinations for Shopping in Brooklyn:

Exit 9 Gift Emporium

With an eccentric variety of toys and knick knacks, Exit 9 Gift Emporium exemplifies the unique trends that elevate shopping in Brooklyn. From a ‘Very Hungry Caterpillar’ onesie for babies to a remote control paper airplane kit, this shop holds a variety of fun gifts. Great for families and adults, Exit 9 is a must-visit while in Brooklyn.

Modern Anthology

Located only a few blocks from NU Hotel, Modern Anthology is a boutique that embodies the Brooklyn spirit.  Explore the well curated selection of new and vintage items ranging from furniture and personal accessories to home goods and men’s clothing.  With an emphasis on finding well-designed, well-crafted goods and brands, this masculine boutique is not to be missed while in the neighborhood.

Brooklyn Industries

With deep and continuing roots in the borough, Brooklyn Industries produces truly Brooklyn clothing and accessories.   Stop in the store on Smith Street to browse the collection of t-shirts, bags, hats and more, designed and produced in Brooklyn for men, women and kids.  Fueled by the motto ‘Live, Work, Create’, Brooklyn Industries captures the essence of the artists that are drawn to the neighborhood to do just that – live, work and create.

Steven Alan

Steven Alan is known for its simple, understated high-end designs applied to clothing and home goods. As one of a few select shops in New York City and Southern California, the Brooklyn location offers an excellent opportunity for local shoppers to enjoy this renowned clothing line.

Must-See Brooklyn Art and Culture Destinations:

Combining a storied tradition with an array of young, progressive minds, Brooklyn art and culture provides plenty to see, do and explore. Art centers, movie theatres, music venues and museums are all great starting points to exploring this vast scene. To offer a little jumpstart, here are some of our favorite art and culture destinations near Nu Hotel.

St. Ann’s Warehouse

Located in the historic Tobacco Warehouse in Brooklyn Bridge Park, St. Ann’s Warehouse is one of Brooklyn’s premier avant-garde theaters. The warehouse’s vast open layout creates the opportunity for unique performances, as the 25,000-square-foot event space can be modified as needed to best support individual performances. Renowned international musicians, critically-acclaimed innovative theater and large-scale festivals have all been hosted here.

The Invisible Dog

The Invisible Dog Art Center is one of Brooklyn’s most well-rounded and prolific proprietors of creativity. With new art continuously cycling in and out, the Invisible Dog is always stocked with fresh creations and new happenings. Head over and peruse the space’s various exhibitions, pop-up shops and events during your stay at Nu Hotel.

Nitehawk Cinema

Don’t forget to include Nitehawk Cinema on your Brooklyn art and culture itinerary. Unlike most movie theaters, while watching a film at Nitehawk you can order from a full menu of delicious entrees, unique craft beers, and wines. Head over to Nitehawk to enjoy Hollywood’s latest cinematic achievements while indulging in one of the theater’s latest food specials.

Brooklyn Museum

With an extensive permanent collection comprised of works from around the globe and rolling exhibitions of contemporary works with local ties, Brooklyn Museum is a classic art destination. For a fun-filled day at a great museum, stop by during your stay at Nu Hotel.

Brooklyn Bowl

One of the best local bars, music venues and bowling alleys all rolled into one, Brooklyn Bowl is an incomparably fun establishment. The brilliant minds behind this spot consistently bring in big-name performers to decorate this spacious establishment with great sounds. No matter if  you’re there to dance, bowl, or drink, you’re guaranteed an awesome time.

ISSUE Project Room

Looking for cutting edge, experimental and creative? Check out ISSUE Project Room.  Spanning genres of music, dance, film and literature, the Brooklyn-based performance non-profit ISSUE Project room supports the growing artistic community around NU Hotel.   As a partner organization, NU guests receive discounts on select performances.  For more information speak with the front desk.

Theatre for a New Audience

If you are in the mood for a night at the theatre but looking to avoid Broadway, check out Theatre for a New Audience within walking distance of NU Hotel.  Theatre for a New Audience specializes in revitalizing and developing the performance and study of Shakespeare and other classic drama.   The productions are Broadway-worthy and award-wining.  Yes – that’s correct, Shakespeare in Brooklyn!

Art Galleries & Studios

It’s difficult to keep up with all of the galleries and studios in Brooklyn.  To truly optimize the Brooklyn art and culture experience, check out Wagmag for listings of all the hottest exhibitions and most cutting-edge openings around town.

There’s something special about iconic New York City locations, — including many must-visit destinations near Nu Hotel. Boasting a dynamic history where each decade seems to contrast and complement the last, these pillars have withstood the test of time and continue to enrich the borough. Read on for our favorite quintessentially Brooklyn spots, old and new alike.

Brooklyn Landmarks:

Brooklyn Botanical Garden

The Brooklyn Botanical Garden offers the most relaxing and natural experience of all Brooklyn’s great landmarks. Vast floral collections and gardens fill this space with a freshness that feels miles removed the city, despite its central location. Head over to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden for an afternoon of relaxing in the grass or wandering and find out why this place is so beloved by Brooklynites and visitors alike.

Prospect Park

A gorgeous open-space complete with athletic facilities, music and wedding venues, as well asnd a zoo, Prospect Park is one of the most illustrious Brooklyn landmarks. Whether you catch a summer concert, take a walk, or just lounge on the lush grass of Long Meadow, we encourage guests to stop by and enjoy the wonderful beauty of this storied destination.

Barclays Center

Home to the Brooklyn Nets and soon-to-be Brooklyn Islanders, the Barclays Center is among the best sports arenas in the country. The venue’s impressive schedule of concerts and events — in addition to its pro and college sports — makes it one of Brooklyn’s favorite places. Relatively new and located in the heart of Brownstone Brooklyn, Barclays is a must-visit during your stay at Nu Hotel.

New York Transit Museum

With a subway system more than 100 years old, New York City has a pretty fascinating urban history. Check out this Brooklyn landmark to see how the city’s citizens traversed the boroughs over the past century-plus.

Coney Island

A classic addition to your Brooklyn neighborhood guide and travel itinerary, Coney Island is the epitome of American amusement and fun. Head to the far end of Brooklyn during your stay at Nu Hotel to check out this iconic location, taking in the boardwalk, beach and roller coaster.