Updated May 16, 2025
Here’s my tried-and-true guide to the best things to do in Greenpoint Brooklyn!
Greenpoint has been gentrifying even faster post-covid. Young professionals live in high rises with views of the Manhattan skyline, ready to enjoy the good vibes of the many independent shops, trendy restaurants and bars.
But the rich Polish heritage at this Little Poland (largest Polish population in New York City!) is still very much alive.
You’ll hear it being spoken among Polish immigrants, see it in the traditional crafts at quaint little shops, and devour delicious Polish food (pierogis, anyone?!).
Hop on the G train with me to Brooklyn’s northernmost neighborhood.
Here’s all the best things to do in Greenpoint Brooklyn this weekend!
Greenpoint is by far one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC. You can find delicious Polish food in this traditionally Polish immigrant neighborhood, shop at eclectic vintage and gift shops at once industrial buildings, get an expansive view of Manhattan from the piers and drink with a whole range of vibes.
Best Things To Do in Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Best Shopping in Greenpoint Brooklyn
1. FENG SWAY: Funky vintage & gift shop
Feng Sway has a ton of plants and eclectic knick knacks and gifts. It’s got vibes and it’s a super fun stroll!
Address: 41 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
2. Dobbin Street Vintage Co-Op: Vintage furniture shop
Look no further for vintage Brooklyn furniture. They have vintage clothes too.
Address: 39 Norman Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
3. Marmalade: High quality & trendy vintage
Marmalade has a lot of “vintage” from older brands, many with the tags still on. You can find items in the latest throwback fashion trends here.
Address: 82 Dobbin St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
4. Tula House: Cool plant shop
This magical plant shop is a must-see.
Address: 59 Meserole Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
5. Dream Fishing Tackle: Funky Vintage Furniture + Record Shop
Funky vintage furniture and home goods with amazing music playing at all times.
There’s a record shop in the back.
Address: 673 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
6. Beacon’s Closet: Best Thrift Shop in NYC
This is my favorite thift shop in all of NYC! There are so many pretty pieces to fit brunch, to vacation and the hip Brooklyn warehouse.
While NYC vintage shops can often charge hefty prices, this is one of the few truly thrifty stores out there.
The store is vast and well organized by color. There are pretty discounted prices from contemporary brands like & Other Stories.
Address: 74 Guernsey St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
7. Archestratus Books + Foods: Foodie Haven Bookstore
Your inner foodie just found it’s happy place.
In this tin-ceilinged bookstore, flip through dessert and adaptogen drink cookbooks. Attend a food and convo-filled event. Pick up some cheese and sardines before you leave.
Address: 164 Huron Streets, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Best Parks in Greenpoint Brooklyn
8. WNYC Transmitter Park: Park with mural & panoramic views
Take a stroll at the Transmitter Park, where you’ll get greeted by a wall mural. Walk out onto the piers for fantastic waterfront views of Manhattan.
Address: Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
9. McGolrick Park: Year-Round Sunday Market
The vibes are wholesome and restorative at this hidden gem of a neighborhood park.
Kids run around. Dog parents pull up for a walk. Plus, there’s a cute year-round Sunday market from 9am-2pm.
Experience the best of charming day-to-day Greenpoint life at McGolrick Park.
Address: Russell Street &, Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
10. McCarren Park: Peak BK Scene with Track & Pool
Manhattan has Central Park. Brooklyn has McCarren!
If you’re a Brooklyn runner, chances are, you’ve been hitting the McCarren track.
Hot & bothered? Earmark an afternoon at the McCarren pool.
Beyond kicking back & soaking in the BK vibes, there’s tons of courts to expel your competitive energy.
From tennis, to handball and softball courts, McCarren is what you make of it.
Address: 776 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Best Restaurants in Greenpoint Brooklyn
11. Karczma: Amazing Polish food
All 3 types of the pierogis are delicious — ask to get them fried.
The white borscht in the bread bowl is a fantastic pick.
The restaurant is wooden and dreamy, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be serenaded with live traditional music and singing.
Address: 136 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
12. Frankel’s Delicatessen: Pastrami, Egg & Cheese on Challah Roll
The pastrami, egg & cheese on a challah roll was as soft as a baby’s butt.
The challah was plush and melted in my mouth. The pastrami was so tender.
Ask for mustard on the side; the tang was very complementary.
Other delicious tries at this Jewish deli include the heirloom tomato open-faced sandwich.
Address: 631 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222
13. Rule of Thirds: Japanese Breakfast
Spend a morning of culinary exploration at this trendy Japanese restaurant.
The Japanese breakfast set reminded me of the simple and clean dishes that gave me life at the Hokkaido onsens.
The chicken katsu sando is fire. The hottokeki souffle pancake is massive.
All of the dishes are beautifully plated. This is a great brunch date spot with friends and lovers.
Address: 171 Banker St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
14. Paulie Gee’s: Incredible Pizzas in a Charming Setup
Namesake owner Paulie Giannone left his IT career to open this OG location in 2010.
This rustic, charming restaurant serves up Neapolitan pizzas with names like Bubba Guy (picked pinabpples & bacon) and the Greenpointer (arugula & lemon juice).
But don’t leave without trying the Hellboy, with soppressata picante and hot honey.
Paulie Gee has since expanded to 3 other cities and have opened up quick pit-stop slice shops too (Greenpoint, Gowanus and Madison Square Garden).
Address: 60 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222
15. Di An Di: Vietnamese in Light-Filled Venue
This Michelin guide Vietnamese spot gets tons of light and the fare is delicious.
Indulge in the rice cake omelette and cha gio crispy spring rolls for a tastefully presented, vibey brunch.
Address: 68 Greenpoint Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222
16. Little Dokebi: Casual Korean Soul Food
After shopping the Sunday greenmarket at McGolrick Park, kick back at this casual Korean restaurant for a quick but satisfying meal.
The Korean fried chicken is served hot and fresh. The bibimbap soothes my soul.
Address: 85 Driggs Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11222 (Cash Only)
Best Coffee & Bakeries in Greenpoint, Brooklyn
17. Peter Pan Donut & Pastry: Worth The Hype
I can’t stop thinking about the toasted coconut donut. It was pillowy soft, and the donut tasted pleasantly yeasty.
As an old-fashioned donut lover, my friend swears by the blueberry buttermilk, which had the most satisfying texture. It crumbled neatly, but wasn’t dry.
Try to come early because the lines get long, the donuts sell out & they aren’t as fresh later in the day.
This Polish bakery has been a Greenpoint mainstay since 1950s (for good reason!).
Address: 727 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222 (Cash Only)
Best Bars in Brooklyn, Greenpoint
18. Twins Lounge: Best trendy and cozy bar
Walk up to the second floor, and you’ll get a super airy, bright skylit space.
Address: 732 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
19. The Gutter: Bowling alley and bar
This brick-walled, laid back bar has a bowling alley on the side that you can see from the bar.
Address: 200 N 14th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
20. Diamond Lil: Moody + Intimate
This moody and intimate cocktail bar is perfect for cozying up with your date or catching up with friends.
The green-themed space is complete with stained glass, tin ceilings and wooden furnishings.
The cocktails are great and well-priced.
Oysters are $2 during happy hour (Wed-Fri 5-7pm).
The outdoor space is a vibe in good weather.
Address: 179 Nassau Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
21. Achilles Heel: No Weak Spots For Me
The candle-lit vibes are on point, the limited rotating menu full of tasty sharable dishes, and the cocktails hit at Achilles Heel.
Looking for that all-around spot for your next date or intimate friend catchup? Look no further.
Address: 180 West St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
22. Milk & Roses: Best For Romantic Summer Dates
Talk about a dreamy outdoor space.
The drinks weren’t the best and it’s cash only — but the indoor decor is storybook-like and the outdoor spot is a go-to date and catchup spot.
Address: 35 Box St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Best Things To Do in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (Conclusion)
In this guide, we covered all the best things to do in Greenpoint Brooklyn.
From great food to the vibrant waterfront parks and coffee shops, the tree-lined streets of Greenpoint make such a fun weekend day trip.
- FENG SWAY: Funky vintage & gift shop
- Dobbin Street Vintage: Vintage furniture shop
- Marmalade: High quality & trendy vintage
- Tula House: Cool plant shop
- Dream Fishing Tackle: Antiques and records
- Archestratus Books + Foods: Foodie Haven Bookstore
- WNYC Transmitter Park: Park with mural & panoramic views
- McGolrick Park: Year-Round Sunday Market
- McCarren Park: Peak BK Scene with Track & Pool
- Karczma: Amazing Polish food
- Frankel’s Delicatessen: Pastrami, Egg & Cheese
- Rule of Thirds: Japanese Breakfast
- Paulie Gee’s: Incredible Pizzas in a Charming Setup
- Di An Di: Vietnamese in Light-Filled Venue
- Little Dokebi: Casual Korean Soul Food
- Odd Fox Coffee: Great cafe for working from home
- Peter Pan Donut & Pastry: Old-School Donuts Since 1950s
- Twins Lounge: Best trendy and cozy bar
- The Gutter: Bowling alley and bar
- Diamond Lil: Moody + Intimate
- Achilles Heel: No Weak Spots For Me
- Milk & Roses: Best bar and restaurant for dates
Thanks for checking out my guide to all the best things to do in Greenpoint Brooklyn!
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