Favorite Brooklyn Heights and Cobble Hill Neighborhood Spots

November 21, 2017

Meghan Donovan of wit & whimsy shared Brooklyn Favorites

As I have settled into my new borough over the past six months, I’ve slowly started to curate a list of go-to favorites that I frequent. I have loved living in Brooklyn Heights and find it a nice respite just outside of the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Today, I wanted to share my neighborhood favorites primarily in both Brooklyn Heights and Cobble Hill! If you live in the New York area these are definitely worth the trek and if you’re coming to New York City I can’t recommend a visit to this part of Brooklyn enough. (And p.s. read through to see my picks from the major Shopbop sale that launched this morning!)

Favorite Neighborhood Spots in Brooklyn Heights & Cobble Hill

Meghan Donovan of wit & whimsy shared Brooklyn Favorites

Bar Tabac

Close your eyes and you may feel like you’ve been transported to France eating at Bar Tabac. I love their classic French omelette here that’s made the right way (with butter!) and recommend coming after noon on the weekends when they have a little jazz trio playing. It is such a special spot!

Bien Cuit

I truly can’t believe it took me until 2017 to make it to this spot given my affinity for all things French but I have finally found a reliable spot for to-go French fare.

One Girl Cookies

One of my favorite places to work from because there are always tables, the space is light and airy and because I can generally convince myself to leave with a cookie as I head out the door :). This is for true both for the Cobble Hill and DUMBO locations.

Meghan Donovan of wit & whimsy shared Brooklyn Favorites

Rucola

Equally as good for breakfast as it is dinner this spot is a total gem in Boerum Hill. Their yogurt on the breakfast menu is to die for as is the toast and the dinner menu changes regularly to spotlight in-season fare.  Pop by for breakfast and you may just see Ethan Hawke at the table next door like I did while shooting these photos!

L’Appartement 4f

My absolute favorite bakery doesn’t have a storefront but this couple serves the most unreal croissants, bread and other treats.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

 I’ve talked about the promenade numerous occasions but it really has come to be my favorite place in the neighborhood. On weekend days where I don’t have any morning plans I love to pick up a coffee and muffin on Montague Street and head over to one of the promenade benches and settle in for people watching, peeping the beautiful lower Manhattan skyline and catching up on my podcasts.

Meghan Donovan of wit & whimsy shared Brooklyn Favorites

Lassen & Hennigs

I love this old school deli’s homemade desserts (get the sprinkle cookies or a slice of red velvet cake) but they also make delicious muffins and sandwiches that I truly can’t get enough of. Don’t miss their inexpensive cold brew or the yummy pre-made grab & go salads. They also make a great bagel.

Shelsky’s

I am obsessed with the bialys here. Part bagel, part roll, 100% delicious. They are famous for their smoked fish offerings but I love it for the bagels, bialys and cream cheese. All homemade and so, so addictive.

Sahadi’s

This Middle Eastern grocery store is a foodie’s paradise. It’s been open since 1948 on Atlantic Avenue and is world famous for good reason. Come here for their prepared food offerings and any interesting grocery item your imagination can dream up.

Meghan Donovan of wit & whimsy shared Brooklyn Favorites

Clover Club

This is one of my favorite spots for happy hour and dinner. The happy hour is made up of really well priced cocktails + snacks and dinner has loads of comfort foods.

Joe Coffee

My favorite neighborhood coffee spot is the Joe Coffee on Hicks Street. Perfectly situated on a residential neighborhood block, it is cozy and comforting and has great coffee.

Pilot

The perfect spot for summer cocktails and lobster rolls atop a boat floating in the East River with sweeping city views and always featuring a warm breeze. Reservations recommended.

Meghan Donovan of wit & whimsy shared Brooklyn Favorites

Elsa

Another favorite spot for drinks is Elsa. In the summer cool off with their salted watermelon frose in the back garden and in the winter you can cozy up in one of their booths with a perfectly made old fashioned or good glass of wine. I’ve never had trouble getting a spot to sit here, the staff is perfectly attentive without being annoying and I love the aesthetics of this spot. Perfect for a date night, too.

Henry Public

This is another favorite watering hole that has a great vibe and good cocktails and usually a spot waiting for you at the bar.

Long Island Bar

This institution is my go-to for burgers and martinis in the neighborhood. It’s a classic and neighborhood favorite for good reason.

Colonie

This is a brunch favorite! So much so that I brought my family here before I even lived in the neighborhood. You cannot miss the burger!

Espresso Me

Another great coffee spot in the neighborhood. The space is warm, they have a loyalty card and there is plenty of seating if I feel like I need a change of scenery for work certain days.

Xtend Barre

I wanted to include this on the list for my local readers as I have never loved a barre studio as much as I love Xtend Barre. The classes are so challenging every time which keeps me engaged and interested, I sweat a ton, I love the teachers and it is one of the few studios I go to where I feel like the instructors really care and pay attention to your form. In addition to their barre classes they also offer mat pilates and circuit classes which are also great.

Heatwise Yoga

My beloved neighborhood hot yoga studio. I love this place and always leave feeling better.

Meghan Donovan of wit & whimsy shared Brooklyn Favorites

There you have it! I hope you can check out some of these spots soon!

Kate Spade Coat (on sale!) & Shoes (c/o) // Sail to Sable Top (c/o) // Jeans // Bag

p.s. my full New York City guidemy Holiday Bucket list & more cute coats.

[Bekka Palmer Photography]

comments +

  1. Merritt Beck says:

    Loving that red coat! Such a great color for this season…

    xx, Merritt
    The Style Scribe

  2. Shannon says:

    That coat!

  3. Christina says:

    River Deli is another great brunch and dinner spot! Next get together is there 🙂

  4. Theodora says:

    Also LOVE Long Island Bar on Atlantic: cheese curds + vodka gimlets = heaven!

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